Looking for the most spectacular caves in Ha Long Bay?. We explored five outstanding caves with magnificent scale and beauty. Now, our journey continues deeper into lesser-known destinations that are no less captivating.
From timeless love legends to ancient fishing villages. These sites are perfect for those who want to discover a more authentic and profound side of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights: This pair of caves is closely associated with a poignant local legend of eternal love. Inside Virgin Cave, a striking stalactite formation resembles a young maiden lying gracefully, gazing sorrowfully toward the sea.
Location: Situated on the Bo Hon Island range, the two caves stand opposite each other in the central area of Ha Long Bay.
Area: While Virgin Cave is famous for its unique stalactite formations, Drum Cave echoes with a rhythmic sound when waves strike its walls—like the beating of a distant drum. Additionally, a carefully designed lighting system enhances the romantic atmosphere, bringing the timeless love story to life.
Highlights: Tien Ong Cave is associated with legends about gods, boasting a solid structure with vibrant stalactites. Moreover, according to archaeological research, this cave was once a shelter for ancient Vietnamese people thousands of years ago.
Location: Located on Tien Ong Island, it is a prominent stop in many premium cruise itineraries.
Area: The cave is quite spacious with a cool atmosphere year-round. Inside, the stalactites create unique works of art with vivid images such as an old man with a long white beard and the three deities of fortune. Consequently, the brightly colored formations create a feeling of stepping into a fairy world.
Highlights: Ba Hang is unique because it is both a cave area and the site of an ancient fishing village. It attracts tourists with its perfect blend of nature and local maritime culture.
Location: Located about 3km south of Tuan Chau International Cruise Port.
Area: For hundreds of years, this area was home to a small fishing community. Currently, visitors can rent kayaks to explore the deep caves and the surrounding emerald waters.
Note: Kayak rentals are approximately 50,000 VND per person (subject to seasonal change).
Highlights: Thien Long Cave is one of the most untouched caves in Ha Long Bay’s neighboring Bai Tu Long region. It is relatively unaffected by mass tourism, preserving its raw natural beauty.
Location: Located in the northeast of the bay, within the Van Don district.
Area: The cave features unique rock arches and a diverse system of stalactite formations. Furthermore, because it sees fewer visitors than central caves, it is an ideal destination for those who love tranquility and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Highlights: Hang Bo Nau is a masterpiece of nature, famous for its unique “frog-mouth” shape and the legendary stone formation of three immortals playing chess at the entrance. Spanning approximately 200 square meters, this cave is a sanctuary of soft, ethereal light and intricate stalactites.
Location: Situated about 2-3 km southeast of the iconic Fighting Cock Islet (Hon Trong Mai), in the heart of the World Heritage site.
Description: What makes Bo Nau stand out among other caves in Ha Long Bay is its wide, flat floor and the unique cracks in its ceiling that allow natural sunlight to filter through. Specifically, because an island stands directly in front of the entrance, the light inside remains gentle and never harsh, creating a perfect atmosphere for photography.
The final five caves on this list complete the overall picture of the Ha Long – Bai Tu Long cave system. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, each destination possesses its own unique geological and cultural value.
Exploring these caves in Ha Long Bay is not only a journey of sightseeing but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history of this heritage site.
For travelers seeking a calmer and more authentic cave experience, Viet Sails Boutique Cruise offers refined journeys through Bai Tu Long Bay, where nature, silence, and hidden caves remain beautifully untouched.
