Me Cung Cave
Halong, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam Halong, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
2 reviews
#2 of 30 tourist attractions in Halong Bay
- PHOTOS
Overview
Me Cung Cave is located in the center of the World Heritage Site Halong Bay. The cave is hidden on Lom Bo Island, about 2 km in the Southwest of Ti Top Island. Lying about 25 meters above sea level, Me Cung Cave is always mentioned with its fascinating beauty, and well known as one of the most famous landscapes in Halong Bay.
ABOUT MECUNG CAVE (ALSO KNOWN AS MAZE CAVE)
Me Cung Cave structure
Standing at the cave entrance, there is a small door splitting into two corners. And to get inside, tourists have to go through a narrow passage. Then, the cave is divided into many sections and chambers with extremely sophisticated stalagmites and stalactites. The cave walls and ceiling are decorated with countless strangely-shaped stone statues, beautiful patterns beaming down in sparkling colors. Going further into the cave, visitors will be surprised by glittering rocky curtains and fancy-looking stones in various shapes of animals, flowers, and plants. With sunlight from the outside penetrating through the vents and doors, you will have a feeling of adventuring in a mysterious paradise.
Geological and archaeological values
According to archaeologists, Me Cung Cave is one of the vestiges of the pre-Halong new Stone Age culture; they found Melania snail shells densely distributed here, the only species of snail that lived in streams. There is a thick layer of Melania shells in the cave entrance, this layer is 1.2 m and is semi-fossilized on the outside. Fossilized animal remains have recently been discovered in the cave, which proved the pre-Halong culture that existed between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Significant biological value
Lom Bo Island and Me Cung Cave is home to thousands of birds and mammals such as monkeys, langurs, chamois. Evergreen indigenous plants and precious woods cover the whole island. Thanks to the special and careful conservation, the ecosystem in the cave and surrounding area is growing. Corals and sea cucumbers have been recovered, creating favorable habitats for many endemic species to thrive.
THINGS TO DO IN ME CUNG CAVE
Me Cung Cave has a complex structure with many compartments and niches. There is a large stone roof of more than 100 meters, which was the ideal shelter for prehistoric residents. The cave is full of iridescent stone stalactites hanging down from the ceiling. After venturing inside the underground villa, travelers will climb to the top of the mountain to have an exotic view of the bay.
A small lagoon nearby the cave creates a harmonious biological and geological area attracting many visitors as well as researchers. In the lagoon, coral reefs, black sea cucumbers, and many endemic species are prospering. Tourists are surprised when they see and take beautiful pictures of the coral bushes flourishing like the giant banian-tree beneath the blue water. Me Cung Cave is an indispensable tourist attraction in Halong discovering journey. Visiting Lom Bo Island and Me Cung Cave, you will immerse in beautiful nature and also learn about the unique culture and history of Halong Bay.
