Top 10 Caves You Must Explore When Visiting Ha Long Bay

Dau Go Cave is located on Dau Go Island. The cave's entrance is a stunning blue, shaped like a jellyfish, with a 25-meter high ceiling and hundreds of enormous stalactites hanging down like a magnificent waterfall. Dau Go Cave, the first stop on Ha Long tours, consists of three main chambers. The outer chamber has an arched shape, bathed in natural light. The cave ceiling is a gigantic 'oil painting' depicting an untouched natural landscape with stalagmites and stalactites forming strange shapes that depend on one's imagination: herds of elephants, confused deer, sleepy lions... Below, a turtle is swimming in a vast pool of water. Standing beneath the arch of Dau Go Cave feels like standing in an ancient castle with grand and majestic architecture.

Passing through the first chamber and through a narrow opening, you enter the second chamber. Here, the light is dim, and mysterious, glittering images appear. Stone flower clusters flicker in and out of sight, creating an atmosphere of both fear and curiosity. The third chamber of Dau Go Cave suddenly opens up. At the far end of the cave is a magical spring, always filled with clear, fresh water. Looking up in the dim light, you can make out the image of an ancient fortress under siege, with elephants and horses charging, people and horses crowding together, swords and spears everywhere, all frozen in stone.

The cave is called Dau Go, based on an old legend. During the Mongol invasion, General Tran Hung Dao is said to have hidden sharp wooden stakes here to use in the historic Battle of Bach Dang River. Over time, many stakes were left behind, and thus the cave was named Dau Go. It is also known as Giau Go Cave, which refers to the hiding of these stakes.

While Thien Cung Cave is grand and refined, Dau Go Cave is solemn, majestic, and immense. The French tourism guidebook 'Merveille de Monde' (Wonders of the World) published in 1938 called it Grotte des Merveilles (Cave of Wonders), a name that fits perfectly. Dau Go Cave brings together an ancient architectural landscape with pristine, tranquil beauty, featuring numerous stone columns, pillars, and towering stalagmites that seem to reach for the sky.

Kim Quy Cave is located on Dam Nam Island, with its peak reaching 187 meters. To the front is Dam Bac Island, and behind it lies Soi Sim Island. The cave stretches for 100 meters, varying in width from 5 to 10 meters, running from north to south. A small path leads to the higher areas, where water flows year-round, and delicate, soft white stalactites form from the ceiling, gradually hanging down.

In the innermost chamber, remnants of the historic Battle of Bach Dang appear. More than 30 wooden stakes, said to have been used by General Tran Hung Dao in the battle, are embedded here. These wooden stakes, although cracked and grey, are surprisingly sturdy. They resemble stalagmites, neatly arranged, smooth, and about 30-40 cm high, resembling real wooden stakes.

The cave is tied to an ancient legend about the Golden Turtle. After helping King Le Loi defeat the invaders, the Golden Turtle retrieved the sword and swam back to the Eastern Sea. It is said that the turtle, upon reaching the home of the Sea King, offered to rid the area of water monsters. But due to the overwhelming number of these creatures, the Golden Turtle, after exhausting itself, turned to stone here in the cave, resting in peace ever since. Visitors to the cave can still see a rock formation resembling the turtle, peacefully resting with visible battle scars.

When visiting Kim Quy Cave, guests can enjoy both the exploration of the cave and the surrounding pristine forest on the island. Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam's most famous tourist destinations, will undoubtedly leave visitors with a deeper love for the country's beautiful landscapes.

Luon Cave in Ha Long Bay is located on Bo Hon Island, approximately 14 km south of Bai Chay. In front of the cave is Con Rua Island, and to the right is the Heaven's Gate. Situated at the northeastern tip of Bo Hon Island, Luon Cave is about 1 km from Sung Sot Cave, within the Ha Long Bay region in Quang Ninh Province.

The cave connects the sea to a circular, closed lake surrounded by mountains. The cave’s height ranges from 2.5 meters to 4 meters, depending on the tide. To enter, small boats are required. This circular mountain arch forms a tunnel-like passageway leading to a tranquil, green lake, with the sea connected through a water-filled cave. The cave stretches nearly 60 meters, with its ceiling varying from 2.5 meters to 4 meters depending on the tide.

The cave’s arch is adorned with many hanging stalactites, and the interior lake resembles a stadium, with steep cliffs rising in a circular formation. Ferns, palm trees, and orchids grow on the rock faces. Large tourist boats cannot enter the cave but anchor nearby. Visitors wishing to explore inside must use small wooden boats, which hold around 10 to 15 people. The round-trip journey takes about 20 minutes. Life jackets are advised. Access to the cave is included in the tour ticket, with no additional charge. A project is underway to build floating houses for visitors to stay overnight.

Maze Cave is located 25 meters above sea level on Lom Bo Island, about 2 km southwest of Ti Top Island. From a distance, the entrance to the cave resembles a roof embedded into the side of the island. Archaeologists have dated the cave to the early Ha Long culture, dating back 10,000 to 7,000 years. The most abundant remains found near the cave entrance are Melania shells, a species that thrives in freshwater streams. Maze Cave is situated within a strictly protected area of the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. The cave's structure is complex, consisting of multiple levels, chambers, and passages, spreading under a rocky ceiling with a corridor extending more than 100 meters. It gradually rises towards the west, offering a view of a small lake, which the cave is named after – Maze Lake. Overall, Maze Lake is surrounded by towering stone walls, appearing almost isolated from the open sea. Scientists consider the lake a geologically significant ecological area, making it an intriguing site for research. It also serves as a captivating natural landscape for visitors.

In addition to the freshwater shells, the cave also contains clusters of freshwater mussels, clams, oysters, and snails. Interestingly, during the cave's renovation, the Ha Long Bay Management Center managed to preserve a collection of fossilized or partially fossilized animal bones. In the future, further study of these bones may provide valuable insights into the environment, wildlife exploitation, eating habits, and even spiritual beliefs of ancient Ha Long people. The bones were discovered in a deep, secluded part of Maze Cave, which contains layers of Pleistocean yellow sediment. This discovery may help clarify the dating of archaeological sites from the same period as the Hoa Binh and Bac Son cultures of Ha Long Bay.

As one of the stops on Ha Long Bay's Route No. 2 (which includes Sung Sot, Maze, Luon, Ti Top, and Soi Sim), Maze Cave has become a popular destination for tourists to explore and learn about the area's history and culture. Entering the cave feels like stepping into the royal palaces of ancient kings. Beyond the historical deposits inside, Lom Bo Island also boasts ancient trees casting shadows over Maze Lake's tranquil waters. The island is home to various species of birds and animals, such as monkeys and lizards. Thanks to the efforts of the Ha Long Bay Conservation Center, the ecosystem of Maze Lake is steadily improving. Coral and sea cucumber populations are recovering, creating an environment for the continued growth of endemic species in Ha Long. Maze Cave is expected to become a major ecotourism attraction in the near future.

Tam Cung Cave is located at the heart of Ha Long Bay, approximately 5 km northeast of Sung Sot Cave. The cave is divided into three sections, winding through narrow rock passages. Inside, you'll find many stunning stalactites. In each chamber, these formations take on natural, vivid shapes, such as an old man with a long white beard, three statues of immortals, a pure white night-blooming cereus flower, as well as figures resembling lions, seals, and a sea god statue. Tam Cung Cave is situated on May Den Island, an almost isolated island with towering cliffs and lush forests.

Upon entering the first chamber, visitors may pause to listen to the soft echoes of sounds resembling the T’rung (a traditional instrument) or the sweet tones of stone bells. Continuing deeper, they might suddenly encounter a “wise man” with a long white beard climbing the rocks. Also, three statues of the “Three Immortals” stand serenely on the cave walls, watching the world outside.

On the ceiling of the cave, a stalactite that closely resembles a delicate white flower emerges from a sea of other beautiful stone formations. Moving from the first chamber to the second, you pass through a narrow gap, the uneven terrain giving the feeling of walking through a living natural museum with stone lions, seals, and water gods. In the center of the second chamber, a stream of fresh water flows year-round, flanked by stone curtains gracefully draping down from the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing, almost magical atmosphere.

At the innermost part of the cave, visitors can see a grand relief carving, depicting intricate and unusual figures, skillfully crafted in layers, harmoniously blending together. Among the detailed designs, there are flowers, bamboo sticks, natural stone curtains, and peaceful elephants resting quietly.

Virgin Cave is located on two sides of a small mountain arch in the eastern part of the Bo Hon Island chain in Ha Long Bay, about 3 km southeast of Sung Sot Cave. Like many caves in Ha Long Bay, Virgin Cave is associated with a touching love story. Although the tale ends tragically, it also offers an explanation for the mysterious natural phenomena that give rise to the caves in the bay.

According to local legend, long ago, there was a beautiful young girl from a fishing village in Ha Long Bay. Her family, poor and working for a local landlord, was forced to marry her off to the man as his concubine. However, she was in love with a poor fisherman who was preparing for their wedding. Unable to force her, the landlord exiled her to a remote island. Weak and starving, she turned to stone one stormy night. The place where she turned into stone is Virgin Cave. In the heart of the cave, a stone statue of the girl lies with her long hair spread out, her eyes gazing out to sea, waiting endlessly for her lover’s return.

Upon hearing of her fate, the young fisherman paddled tirelessly through the storm to find her. That night, the tempest struck, shattering his boat and casting him onto a desolate island. In a flash of lightning, he saw his love calling out to him, but the winds swept away his words. The fisherman used a stone to strike the cliffside to let her know he had arrived. He continued until his hands bled, and, exhausted, he too turned to stone. This stone form is now found in the nearby Tro Cave (also known as the Male Cave), about 700-800 meters from Virgin Cave. At the entrance of Tro Cave, you can still see the statue of the young man, facing Virgin Cave, his back turned to the world. The traces of that violent storm still linger — scattered rocks inside the cave, the howling winds through the cliffs, and the foamy waves crashing against the shore.

When the French mapped the islands during their occupation, they followed the fishermen’s legend and named the cave “La Vierge” (meaning “The Virgin Cave”). This heartbreaking love story has drawn many curious visitors to come and visit Virgin Cave, Tro Cave, or at least catch a glimpse of the cave as they pass by on boats. Besides its love story, Virgin Cave is also an important archaeological site in Ha Long Bay. In 2000, archaeologists discovered evidence of prehistoric inhabitants belonging to the Ha Long culture (about 4,000 years ago), including traces of ash, animal bones, pottery fragments, and stone tools. In 2010, they also found evidence of an ancient ceramic dock near the entrance to Virgin Cave, with broken pottery, clay vessels, and jars from various periods. These findings suggest that Virgin Cave was part of the ancient Van Don trading port system, albeit a small and less frequently used dock. Today, Virgin Cave and Tro Cave are part of the second tourism route in Ha Long Bay, which includes Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Maze Cave, and other landmarks. Despite knowing that the love story is a legend, many tourists still want to hear it when visiting these caves.

Located 9 km west of Cam Pha town and 20 km from Bai Chay, Hanh Cave is the longest and most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay, stretching over 1300 meters through the Quang Hanh mountain range and reaching the sea.

The small boat guides visitors through winding rock crevices, with the flickering light of torches illuminating clusters of stalactites in dazzling hues. The tranquil waters flow gently, and the quiet is broken only by the rhythmic sound of paddles dipping into the water, creating a mystical atmosphere. As you venture deeper into the cave, the beauty intensifies, with the cave retaining its pristine charm. Brilliant clusters of rock flowers, diamond-like stalagmites, towering stalactites, peonies, and orchids seem to move and shimmer in the light. Occasionally, the sound of a distant drum echoes, which is actually the gentle splash of waves against the cave walls, creating a beautiful, surreal experience.

The French named the cave Le Tunnel (The Tunnel). The entrance is very low, so visitors can only enter by small boat. To explore the cave, you can rent a canoe from Doan pier in the Hòn Gai area of Ha Long city or drive to Cam Pha town. From the Cam Pha boat dock, you can rent a boat or canoe to visit the cave. Near the entrance, small boats are available for hire, but you must go during low tide for the entrance to be fully visible. Before entering, visitors should bring torches or flashlights. A typical boat trip into and out of the cave takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Hanh Cave is particularly suited for adventurers and those who are familiar with tidal waters, as failing to plan for the rising tide may result in being trapped in the depths of the cave.

Right at the cave's entrance, on a rocky outcrop like a tower, stands a small shrine called the Ba Co Temple. Legend has it that long ago, three girls were out at sea when a heavy rainstorm forced them to seek shelter in the cave. They became so enchanted by the beauty inside that they lost track of time. As the tide rose, they became trapped and eventually perished inside the cave, their spirits transforming into water gods. To this day, local fishermen visit the shrine to pray for the protection of the three spirits.

Heavenly Palace Cave is located on the northern side of Dau Go Island, 4 km south of the tourist pier. It is one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. The cave is vast, with multiple levels and chambers filled with countless stalactites and stalagmites, many of which have strange and unique shapes.

The cave is located near Dau Go Cave, with its entrance situated 25 meters above sea level. This is one of the most stunning caves in Ha Long Bay that humans have discovered. It spans nearly 10,000 square meters and has a very complex structure, consisting of many levels and chambers, with high ceilings and wide walls. Inside the cave, one can see a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites in various unusual forms. This has led to the creation of a local legend about the love and separation of the Father and Mother Dragon, which is said to have unfolded on the cave's walls, or the cave's structures are imagined to resemble the labyrinths of a Persian emperor in the tales of One Thousand and One Nights.

In a deeper part of the cave, there is a small opening that leads out to a small bay surrounded by a crescent-shaped mountain range. Inside the cave, visitors can also see a carving on the wall with the year '1901,' possibly left by the first explorer to discover the cave. Today, a beautifully crafted system of stairways and walkways has been built both inside and outside the cave, complete with lighting systems, making it easier for tourists to explore. On May 1st, 1998, Heavenly Palace Cave officially opened its doors to visitors and has since become a major tourist attraction in Ha Long Bay. It was the first cave in Ha Long Bay to be developed on such a large scale, and future plans include further restoration efforts to preserve its natural beauty.

Located at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Surprising Cave is situated on Bo Island and is one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay. The cave entrance rises hundreds of stone steps. The cave splits into two grand arches; the first resembles a large theater with many stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. A narrow path leads to the second chamber, where natural light filters through a large opening, casting an ethereal glow and creating a natural exit. The vast arches inside the cave are so spacious they could accommodate thousands of visitors. At the deepest part of the cave lies a 'royal garden' featuring an enchanting pond and a scenic view of a small mountain range. Various species of flora and fauna can also be observed here.

The cave spans approximately 10,000 square meters. Thousands of stalactites and stalagmites line the 500-meter path inside the cave. The lighting inside is carefully arranged to enhance the natural beauty without overwhelming it, creating a breathtaking landscape. The cave's main arch is 300 meters high, and the walls, marked with countless indentations, stand as evidence of millions of years of geological formation. Near the entrance, a rock formation resembling an elephant stretches from the cave floor to the ceiling.

As with many natural wonders, this cave is steeped in legend. One such tale involves a stone shaped like a horse and a long sword. According to legend, Saint Giong helped the locals drive away evil spirits and invaders. After the battle, Saint Giong flew to the heavens atop his horse, leaving behind the horse and sword to ensure that the invaders would never return.

Bo Nau Cave has a frog-shaped structure, measuring around 200 square meters. The floor of the cave is wide and flat, though not deep, with many stalactites decorating the walls. Located 2-3 km southeast of the famous Trong Mai Islet, Bo Nau Cave is one of the stunning caves in Ha Long Bay.

The cave is shaped like a frog's mouth, and its floor is wide and level but shallow. The walls are adorned with numerous stalactites, and a crack in the ceiling allows light to filter into the cave. The entrance is framed by three large stones that resemble three immortals huddled together, two playing chess while one acts as the referee. Bo Nau Cave is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, inspiring countless photographers with its captivating beauty.

The cave’s ceiling, standing 30 meters high, is marked by small, even indentations that create a smooth, foam-like texture, resembling the ceiling of a grand theater. Near the entrance, huge stone blocks rise from the floor, almost reaching the cave’s roof. This cave is a prime example of karst formations and is of significant scientific value. Just beside the entrance, a formation resembling a horse and a sword can be seen.