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Sung Sot Cave
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Sung Sot Cave

Ha Long, Viet Nam
Explore Sung Sot Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt) – the most spectacular cave in Halong Bay, where nature’s artistry creates a mesmerizing underground world of light, color, and limestone wonder.

Located on Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot Cave — also known as the “Surprise Cave” — is one of the most famous and largest caves in Halong Bay. Discovered by French explorers in 1901, its name “Sung Sot” means “astonishment,” perfectly describing the reaction of every visitor who steps inside. The cave boasts grand chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites in fascinating shapes that spark the imagination, from dragons and elephants to soldiers standing guard. Visiting this cave is one of the absolute highlights of any Halong Bay cruise.

Where is Sung Sot Cave?

  • Location: Bo Hon Island, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
  • Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
  • Ticket fee: Included in most Halong Bay cruise packages (or about 290,000 VND for day tours)

The cave lies in the heart of Halong Bay, about 15 kilometers from Tuan Chau Port. It is one of the main stops on the standard cruise routes. Visitors must climb approximately 100 stone steps to reach the cave entrance, which opens into an enormous chamber illuminated by natural and artificial light, revealing breathtaking rock formations.

How to get there?

Sung Sot Cave is accessible only by boat as part of a Halong Bay cruise. You can choose from a variety of tours departing from Tuan Chau or Hon Gai port — including 4-hour, 6-hour, or overnight cruises. Once your boat anchors near Bo Hon Island, you’ll transfer to a smaller tender boat and climb up to the cave entrance.
*Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The walk involves stairs, but the panoramic view from the entrance overlooking Halong Bay is absolutely worth the effort.

The Structure of Sung Sot Cave

The cave covers an area of over 10,000 square meters and is divided into two main chambers:

  • The First Chamber: Known as the “Waiting Room,” this area features soft, shimmering lights and smooth rock surfaces, welcoming visitors into a mystical world of stone.
  • The Second Chamber: Much larger, with a cathedral-like ceiling filled with stalactites and rock formations that resemble mythical creatures and everyday scenes. At the top, sunlight filters through crevices, creating an ethereal glow.

Inside the cave, you’ll find rock shapes that locals say resemble animals, fairies, and soldiers. Each corner tells a story, blending geology and imagination in an extraordinary natural setting.

History and Discovery

French explorers discovered Sung Sot Cave in 1901 and named it “Grotte des Surprises” (The Cave of Surprises). Since then, it has become one of Halong Bay’s must-visit attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage highlight. The cave’s age and scale reveal millions of years of natural formation through water erosion and limestone sedimentation.

Highlights of Sung Sot Cave

  • Impressive Size: The largest cave in Halong Bay, covering 10,000 m² with ceilings up to 30 meters high.
  • Unique Formations: Stalactites and stalagmites shaped like animals, trees, and mythical figures.
  • Lighting System: Modern, colorful lights enhance the cave’s natural beauty without damaging the rock.
  • Panoramic Views: The entrance offers one of the most spectacular views over Halong Bay’s limestone islands.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or a curious traveler, Sung Sot Cave promises a journey full of awe and discovery. It’s not just a cave — it’s a masterpiece of time, water, and nature’s creativity.