Sung Sot Cave is the largest, arguably the most famous, and certainly the most visited of all Halong Bay's cave systems. It is included in the majority of Halong Bay cruise itineraries and draws both local and international tourists. So, why is Sung Sot Cave at the top of the must-see list in Halong Bay, drawing a large number of visitors? This article will answer you.
1. General information
Location: Bo Hon Island, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Classification: Karst Cave
Discovery: 1901 by a French scientist
Size: Two main chambers spreading over 10,000 square meters
Features: Stalactites and stalagmites
Light: Colored Light
Photography: Allowed
2. Where is Sung Sot Cave?
Sung Sot Cave, often regarded as the core of the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, is located on Bo Hon Island, adjacent to numerous other well-known sights such as Titov Island, Luon Cave, Bo Nau Cave, and Me Cung Cave.
Bo Hon Island is also home to Trinh Nu Cave, another example of Halong Bay's mythology about a tragic love story.
3. History and folklore of Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot was given its name by a French scientist who found it in 1901. It seems he was surprised to see such a large cave of unique rock formations on such a small island, so he named it Grotte des Surprises (Cave of Surprises or Sung Sot in Vietnamese), and you may hear some call it Surprise Cave.
Appointing recognizable creatures and patterns to cave rock formations has become a popular custom in Vietnam, and Sung Sot Cave is no exception. A rich imagination is required, but it's all fun of the expedition, and having a knowledgeable tour guide will make all the difference.
During your visit to Sung Sot Cave, you will surely be told that one of the stalactites looks like a horse with a long sword, which is from the legend of Thanh Giong (Thanh may be rendered as Saint in English), a well-known character in Vietnamese folklore who left them here to guard the country from bad spirits.
Other recognizable formations in Sung Sot Cave include flowers, elephants, seals, mammoths, and even a general with his troops.
4. What to see at Sung Sot Cave
There is a small pier at the bottom of Bo Hon Island where you will disembark your boat and begin the journey up 100 or so stairs to the entrance of Sung Sot Cave. The cave is over 30 meters high, spanning an incredible 10,000 square meters with an 800-meter-long passage. It is quite well developed, with stone trails, fences, and electric, colorful lighting.
The inside is divided into two caverns, the first of which is a tiny amphitheater-style room connected by a narrow walkway to the bigger cavern next door, which can accommodate 1,000 people or more. Stalactites and stalagmites cover the whole cave, providing limitless material for the area's folklore and legends.
5. How to get to Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot Cave is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Halong Bay, and it can be visited on practically any boat voyage. Here are several ways to explore it:
By canoe
This is the fastest way to travel to Bo Hon Island and discover Sung Sot Cave. You may hire canoes at the Tuan Chau and Hon Gai piers. The rental price will range from 50-140 USD/boat/hour depending on the number of seats on the canoe (excluding the entrance fees and meals).
By sightseeing day boat
You can buy tickets to visit Halong Bay at Tuan Chau Marina or the Halong International Cruise Port. To visit Sung Sot Cave, tourists need to purchase a Route 2 ticket (a 6-hour tour) that also includes visits to Titov Island and Luon Cave. The trip will pass by Bo Nau Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Soi Sim Island, and Me Cung Cave as well. Travelers can engage in a variety of exciting activities such as swimming, kayaking, cave exploration, and so on. The tickets start at $12 per person (excluding boat transfer and meals).
By overnight cruise
Embarking on an overnight Halong Bay cruise is an excellent way to make your vacation spectacular. Not only can you visit and admire the awe-inspiring seascape, but you can also enjoy a variety of modern facilities on board, such as high-end restaurants, spas, outdoor sunbathing, elegant cabins, and more. If you are seeking luxurious and prestigious cruises, Paradise Elegance Cruise, Hermes Cruise, Ambassador Cruise, Athena Cruise, and Alisa Cruise are great choices. A package cruise trip will cover almost all fees, such as transfer, accommodation, entrance fees, meals, and outdoor activities.
6. Tips for an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot Cave is a well-known tourist site that attracts a large number of visitors each year. To make the journey more comfortable and seamless, you follow these tips:
- Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for easily climbing
- Wear light, breathable clothes following the weather conditions
- Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before the excursion
- Bring a flashlight for in-case
- Go in groups to avoid getting lost
Sung Sot Cave is a unique example of a natural masterpiece that contributes to making Halong Bay a famous World Heritage Site. If you’re planning a visit to this spot, feel free to contact our Cruise Halong travel experts, who are willing to provide detailed information and suitable cruise tours in Halong Bay at any time.
