One of the biggest caves in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Cat Ba archipelago, Trung Trang has drawn thousands of visitors each year to witness its enchanted beauty of natural stalactites in various shapes. This cave is also a popular spot on many Halong Bay cruises’ itineraries. Let’s find out more details of Trung Trang Cave in this post.
Introduction & Legends
Trung Trang is a 300-meter-long natural cave that is carved out of a mountain. Inside the cavern is a masterpiece of nature, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites in unique shapes that have developed over millions of years.
Apart from its breathtaking natural beauty, Trung Trang Cave is well-known for its intriguing mythology related to the Cat Ba archipelago. It used to be a stunning archipelago and a strategic point of the country. When foreign invaders attacked the area, Lady Trung Trang called on the young men to battle the enemy in the sea and protect their land. After defeating the invaders, Lady Trung Trang went back to the cave to live and defend the island. The locals then gave the cave the name Trung Trang as a token of appreciation for Lady Trung Trang's kindness.
Geological Features
Following a long, winding path, visitors will immediately see statues of a woman nestled on a cliff and a giant python in the cave entrance, which represents the Lady Trung Trang's mascot as though to guard the peace of the cave inside.
Deep into the cave, there is a high dome filled with stalactite blocks that are still whole and gleam like crystal. When paired with the dazzling blue, red, and yellow lights, it gives us the impression that we are in a treasure trove of gold, silver, and diamonds belonging to ancient gods.
Historical Significance
Trung Trang Cave was formerly known as Bat Cave by locals since it was once a cave of many types of bats. During the wartime, the cave was chosen as a military base; hence, it is also called the Navy Cave. When you visit the location now, you can see various traces remaining that depict the country’s heroic history in the cause of establishing and protecting their motherland.
Best Time to Visit
Cat Ba's weather pattern is typical for a tropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons each with its own set of features. Each season bestows the island's characteristic landscapes and seascapes, making it a worthwhile destination all year.
For those planning a visit to Trung Trang Cave, the best time to come is from October to November or February to April. During these months, the weather is often pleasant, with less humidity, mild temperatures, and low rainfall. However, get ready for unpredictable changes, as weather can change quickly in the sea.
Essential Tips
To have a smooth trip to Trung Trang Cave, you can consider some tips:
- Plan your vacation to Cat Ba in advance for the best deals on flights, hotels, and tours.
- Maintain general hygiene, do not litter, and promote environmental awareness.
- Do not touch the natural stalactites or do anything that would damage natural resources.
- Bring a camera or phone to capture stunning photos.
- Bring water and essential items such as sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
The limestone beauty of Trung Trang Cave is one of the attractions that captivates people to Cat Ba Island. Besides multi-day trips to the island, travelers can also embark on an overnight Halong Bay Cruise or Lan Ha Bay Cruise that includes an excursion to Cat Ba to visit Trung Trang Cave.
For instance, you can consider Orchid Classic Cruise, Orchid Trendy Cruise, Nostalgia Cruise, Peony Cruise, Mon Cheri Cruise, La Regina Legend Cruise, La Regina Grand Cruise, Aqua of the Seas, etc. However, the schedule of each cruise can be changed due to the season, the bay management board’s requests, or any reason without prior notice. Therefore, feel free to contact our Halong Bay Cruise experts for details and updates.
