Sung Sot Cave adorns itself with the majestic beauty bestowed by nature, making it one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. It is regarded as a masterpiece crafted by the very hands of creation, etching exquisite lines and contours that leave anyone who sets foot here astonished and amazed.
1. Overview of Sung Sot Cave
Surprise Cave or Sung Sot Cave is situated in the center of Halong Bay. In 1901, a French scientist visited and named the cave “Grotte de la surprise,” meaning the cave of surprises due to its natural beauty, a gift from nature to this place.
It wasn’t until 40 years later that Sung Sot Cave became known to many, and in 1993, the cave welcomed its first tourists for exploration. It is one of the most beautiful and spacious caves in Halong Bay.
Legend has it that after defeating the invaders, Saint Giong flew to the sky, leaving behind a precious sword and horse to protect the village, driving away demons and evil spirits. Surprise Cave is where traces of the ancient battle are preserved, with small ponds believed to be footprints left by ancient horses.
2. Where is Sung Sot Cave?
Sung Sot Cave is located on Bo Hon Island, along with Luon Cave and Trinh Nu Cave, making it one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. With its majestic and unique beauty, this famous cave has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. It is considered one of the most attractive destinations for tourists due to the stunning scenery inside the cave.
From Bai Chay pier, tourists only need to take a boat about 14 kilometers south to reach Sung Sot Cave. After setting foot on Bo Hon Island, climbing 50 high stone steps through dense forests will lead you to the cave entrance.
Along the 800-meter-long stone path, visitors will admire a completely different world inside the 12,200-square-meter cave. The scene is both surreal and mesmerizing, with countless fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. It is as beautiful as a piece of art carved by the hands of nature. Surely, it will not disappoint you after overcoming quite a distance to reach it.
3. Getting to the Sung Sot Cave
From the city center of Halong, head straight along Hai Quan Road for about 4.1km to the Bai Chay ferry terminal. From Bai Chay ferry terminal, the primary mode of transportation is by boat or canoe, heading south for about 14km to Bo Hon Island, where Sung Sot Cave is located.
Surprise Cave is part of Route 2 in Halong Bay. You can either rent a boat to the island or purchase tickets for a Halong Bay cruise to experience overnight stays on the boat.
4. The Best Time to Visit Sung Sot Cave
Surprise Cave is a year-round tourist destination. The first peak tourist season of the year is around June and July, with the majority of visitors being Vietnamese and Asians. The second peak season is from December to February, attracting many tourists from Europe, America, and other temperate countries.
There are two off-peak seasons: April to May and August to October. Prices during the second peak season are usually higher than during the off-peak season, and availability may be limited. Therefore, if you intend to visit during this time, it’s advisable to book early to avoid room shortages and get the best rates.
5. What Makes Sung Sot Cave So Surprising?
Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave is the most beautiful and expansive cave in the bay. With a total area of over 10,000 square meters, it is likened to an opera house amidst the sea, adorned with thousands of spectacularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites that are unmatched anywhere else.
One of the distinctive features of Sung Sot Cave is its contrasting beauty. Just stepping through the narrow cave entrance leads you into a vast chamber adorned with glittering stalactites and stalagmites. This contrast leaves many tourists in awe, surpassing human imagination. Passing through the narrow crevice feels like entering a mysterious and breathtakingly beautiful world.
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Situated about 25 meters above sea level, the cave consists of two main chambers, each boasting its own magnificent and captivating beauty. The first chamber, about 30 meters high, serves as an antechamber before entering the second chamber. Visitors are guided along a narrow stone path illuminated by low pathway lights, which not only act as directional guides but also serve as decorative elements, providing illumination.
The Sung Sot Cave is divided into two chambers, creating spacious auditoriums. Both sides of the pathway are adorned with illuminated columns, enhancing the magical beauty of this landscape. The second chamber opens up to a completely different scene. The expansive cave interior can accommodate thousands of people at once.
As visitors venture deeper, unique rock formations such as Saint Giong, swords, stone elephant sculptures, seals, and more gradually appear along the pathway, adding to the fascination. Not only does Sung Sot Cave possess natural beauty, but it also captivates tourists with its mysterious legends and stories that blur the lines between dreams and reality.
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Legend has it that after defeating the invaders, Saint Giong completed his noble mission and ascended to the sky, leaving behind his precious sword and horse to protect the village, driving away evil spirits and demons. This cave also preserves traces of ancient battles, with numerous small ponds surrounding the cave resembling horse footprints.
Continuing along the inner pathway towards the exit, visitors are further amazed as they stumble upon the “Upper Garden” area, which resembles a beautiful painting. From serene small ponds to picturesque limestone formations and lush greenery, this place exudes vitality. Occasionally, the sound of monkeys can be heard as they descend here to search for fruits, adding to the liveliness of the vast space.
The magnificent scenery of Surprise Cave is one of the reasons why the people of Halong Bay can confidently affirm that this region is not only beautiful due to its majestic natural landscapes but also because it possesses mysterious and fantastical caves bestowed by nature’s favor. Surely, this place is a must-visit destination if you happen to journey to Halong Bay.
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6. Tips for Visiting Sung Sot Cave
Don’t forget some useful travel tips to make your trip smoother:
- To visit Sung Sot Cave, you’ll need to climb steep and rugged stone steps, which can be quite exhausting. Therefore, consider packing light, and the lighter your backpack, the better, to have the energy to explore the cave.
- Bring mosquito repellent or insect repellent and use it before heading to the island for sightseeing. Since the area is a riverine region, mosquitoes can be quite abundant. They may cause itching or affect your health and mood throughout the journey.
- The path is quite rugged, with many slippery sections, so you’ll need to prepare a pair of shoes that can handle various terrains. Prioritize comfortable shoes that allow easy movement without constricting your feet.
- Bring a backup flashlight to use in special situations, even though the interior of the cave is illuminated by lights.
- The ideal time to visit is from April to June, when the weather is warm and Halong Bay is not crowded with tourists.
Sung Sot Cave in Halong Bay is currently the most beautiful and popular cave, attracting tourists for sightseeing. When you visit Sung Sot Cave, you’ll be immersed in a mystical space filled with colorful hues, admiring the rock formations and stalactites formed over millions of years. Exploring the cave from every angle, the magnificent scenery here will surely amaze you and leave you astonished.
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