Halong Bay Grottoes

 

Tam Cung Grotto
The Tam Cung Grotto or Three-palace Grotto is situated in the centre of Ha Long Bay, 5 km from Sung Sot Grotto to the northeast. The grotto itself is divided into three parts; after threading the stone cracks, you find the first chamber. Many beautiful forms can be garnered from the rocky shapes.

 

Situated on the south-west side of Halong Bay, Ba Ham Lake is found on Dau Be Island (Calf Head Island) in Lan Ha Bay. This island is part of the range of islands at the farthest end of Halong Bay, bordering the immense zone Long Chau Sea. Ba Ham Lake is situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs.

 

Situated on Bồ Hòn Island, 14 km south of Bai Chay Beach is the Luon Grotto. In front of the grotto is Con Rùa Islet, and the Sky Gate is on the right. Here the cliffs stretch vertically out of the pure blue and smooth water. At the water-level, an arched entrance leads to the grotto, just at the base of the island.

 

Me Cung Grotto
Two kilometers south-west of Ti Top Beach is the Me Cung Grotto or Bewitching Grotto. It formed on Lom Bo Island, and seen from afar, the entrance is like the roof of a house denting the island’s side.

 

Dau Go Grotto
Dau Go (Wood head) Grotto is found on Driftwood Island, formerly known as Canh Doc Island. The name Drift wood Grotto comes from the popular story of the resistance war against the Nguyen Mong aggressors. In a decisive battle, Tran Hung Dao was given an order to prepare many ironwood stakes to be planted on the riverbed of the Bach Dang River.

 

This recently discovered grotto is one of the most beautiful in Ha Long Bay. Thien Cung is situated on the southwest side of the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Ha Long City. It is located in a small range of islands that resemble a throne embracing two superb grottoes at its core. The way to Thien Cung is perilous, covered on both sides by thick forest.

 

The Trinh Nu (Virgin) Grotto is situated in the island range of B6 Him, in the system comprised of the Surprise Grotto, Dong Tien Lake, and Luon Grotto. The grotto is 15 km south of Bai Chay Beach. For some fishermen, the Virgin Grotto is home, while for young lovers it is a popular romantic rendezvous site. According to legend, there once was a beautiful fisherman's daughter, whose family was so poor that they were in service of the rich administrator of the fishing zone, who forced the family to give him their daughter as a concubine.

 

This spot is located by the Bai Tu Long Bay in the Cam Pha Town at the foot of Ban Co Mountain, 45 km to the north-east of Ha Long City. This is a unique tourist site of high historic, religious significance. It is composed of five imposing caves: Thien Ðang - Long Van - Ngo Ngang - Kim Quy - Doi that can be accessed by a car cable system.

 

Some 2-3 km southeast of Trong Mai Islet lies Bo Nau Grotto or Pelican Grotto. This vaulted grotto covers 200 m2. The floor of the grotto is wide and flat, but not deep, and its wall features lots of stalactites and stalagmites.