Surprise Cave
Halong, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam Halong, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
2 reviews
#2 of 30 tourist attractions in Halong Bay
- PHOTOS
Overview
Surprise Cave is located in the heart of the World Natural Heritage, on Bo Hon Island, and it is considered one of the most magnificent caves in Halong Bay. Surprise Cave is a typical karst cave, which holds significant geological and scientific values, it becomes a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.
The French discovered Surprise Cave in 1901 and were completely surprised by the geological structure, fanciful stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave, so they named the cave Grotte Des Surprises, which means "cave of surprise".
ABOUT SURPRISE CAVE
How to get there
First, you set foot on the pier in Bo Hon Island, from the pier, you walk about 50 ascending stone steps then go down dozens of steps to the cave entrance. Surprise Cave is about 25 meters above sea level, hidden behind the thick green foliage. From the gate, you can have a beautiful view of a calm peaceful ocean and lush forest on the island. Stepping into the cave, everyone is overwhelmed by the magnificence of the stalactites and stalagmites inside.
The unique structure and outstanding beauty of Surprise Cave
Surprise Cave has a total area of over 10,000 m². The cave is divided into two main chambers, with various stalagmites and stalactites in colorful and imaginative shapes such as elephant, seals, birds, old trees... The first chamber looks like an immense theater. The ceiling is covered with layers of glittering stalactites and stone statues. The second chamber can be accessed through a small narrow path. At the end of the path, the chamber widely opens a completely different scenery, expands a vast area that can accommodate thousands of people. Reaching the highest point of the cave, a luxuriant garden exposes before tourists' eyes. There are clear water lakes with aquatic animals, plants and many birds live in the garden. Monkeys sometimes come here to play and find fruit.
GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS
To go inside the cave, there is a system of paving stones stretching about 500 m from the cave entrance to the exit. There are decorative and illuminating lamp posts along two sides of the aisle. The lighting system with elegant patterns enables tourists to see the stone architecture and the stalactites inside.
Lying next to the cave entrance, there is a block of stalactite shaped like a human riding horse with a long sword. According to legend, after defeating the foreign enemy, Thanh Giong (a mythical folk hero of Vietnam's history and one of The Four Immortals in Vietnamese culture) flew to heaven, leaving the sword and his precious horse here to safeguard the people and drive the monsters away.
It is adventurous for tourists go deep into the cave and to encounter very strange stalactites forming magnificent beauty and miraculous world that they haven't seen before. Surprise Cave ranks among top destinations in Halong Bay and attracts more and more visitors every year.
