Sung Sot Cave: Explore Halong Bay’s Most Impressive Cave

Overview Sung Sot Cave: Origins of Its Name, Legend, and History

The Origin of the Name

The name “Sung Sot” (meaning "Surprise") comes from the cave’s unique structure. Its entrance is small and narrow, but once inside, visitors are amazed by the sudden expansion into a vast, magnificent chamber. This unexpected contrast led to its fitting name - the Cave of Surprises.

Legend of Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave, like many other caves in Halong Bay, is tied to an interesting legend. It is said to be the place where Thanh Giong, a legendary Vietnamese hero, flew to the sky after defeating the Chinese invaders.

Inside the cave, visitors can see stalactites that resemble the horse and sword left behind by Thanh Giong to protect the land from evil spirits. The cave also has small ponds, believed to be the hoofprints of his horse.

Sung Sot Cave is one of the largest and most famous caves in Halong Bay.

The History of Sung Sot Cave Discovery

Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. They were amazed by its vast chambers and unique rock formations, naming it "Grotte des Surprises" (Surprise Cave).

Despite this early discovery, the cave remained relatively unknown for decades. It wasn’t until 1993 that Sung Sot Cave at Halong Bay welcomed its first tourists, quickly becoming one of the most popular attractions in Halong Bay.

Location and How to get to Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave is located in the heart of Ha Long Bay, on Bo Hon Island, along with Luon Cave and Trinh Nu Cave. It is about 14 km from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf in Ha Long City.

Sung Sot Cave is located on Bo Hon Island, easily found on Halong Bay tourist maps.

To reach Sung Sot Cave from Ha Long City center, take Hai Quan Road for about 4 km to Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. From there, you can choose between a canoe or a boat to get to the cave.

- By Canoe: A canoe is a great option for those with limited time who still want to visit Sung Sot Cave, Vietnam. A 4-8 seat canoe costs at least 1,200,000 VND ($47) per hour in Ha Long Bay.

- By Boat: For a more budget-friendly option, taking a boat is recommended. Visitors can purchase a ticket at the wharf for around 200,000 VND ($8) to explore Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay.

Things to Know Before Visiting Sung Sot Cave

Before visiting Sung Sot Cave, check the opening hours, fees, and transport options. Here’s what you need to know:

Sung Sot Cave Opening Hour and Entrance Fee

Sung Sot Cave welcomes visitors daily from 8 AM to 6 PM around the year.

The entrance fee to Sung Sot Cave is 300,000 VND per person (approximately $12.50). Tickets can be purchased at two major ports in Ha Long: the Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and the Ha Long International Passenger Port.

As a key attraction within Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot Cave is often included in the itineraries for bay tours. The entrance fee to Ha Long Bay already covers the cost of visiting Surprise Cave.

There are five main tour routes available, and Route 2 is the most popular. It includes visits to Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Beach, Me Cung Cave, Dong Tien Lake (or Trống Cave), and Trinh Nu Cave (or Luon Cave).

Sung Sot Cave Boat Ticket

After purchasing a Ha Long Bay Tour Route 2 ticket, visitors must arrange a boat or cruise to reach Sung Sot Cave.

Boat rental options

The boat rental fee to Sung Sot Cave is typically 200,000 VND per person (about $8.50), as set by the Ha Long Bay Management Board. You can rent a boat through:

• The Ha Long Bay Management Board’s boat coordinators
• A travel agency or tour operator
• Directly from a boat owner

Visiting Sung Sot Cave by cruise

Alternatively, you can explore Surprise Cave on a Halong Bay cruise. Popular options include Grand Pioneers Cruise, Paradise Elegance Cruise, and Apricot Cruise.

Many overnight cruises include Sung Sot Cave in their itinerary, along with activities like kayaking, swimming, and squid fishing for a complete Ha Long Bay experience.

Most Halong Bay cruises include a stop at Sung Sot Cave for exploration and sightseeing.

Inside the Wonders of Sung Sot Cave: What to Expect

Sung Sot Cave offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its stunning rock formations and awe-inspiring chambers. Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss:

A Grand Entrance with a Scenic Trek

The entrance to Surprise Cave Halong Bay sits 25 meters above sea level, halfway up a limestone mountain. To reach the cave, visitors must climb 50 steps up from the pier and descend 10 steps to the entrance.

The path winds through dense forest foliage and rugged stone steps, offering a short but adventurous trek before reaching the breathtaking cave interior.

Inside Sung Sot Cave, a paved 800-meter path guides visitors through its breathtaking chambers. Covering 10,000 square meters, the cave features two main sections.

Inside the cave, colorful lights illuminate the magnificent limestone formations and high ceilings.

The Enchanting First Chamber: The Waiting Room

The first chamber, often called the "waiting room," impresses visitors with massive stalactites hanging like chandeliers from the 30-meter-high ceiling.

A narrow passage leads to the second chamber, which features a large freshwater lake that never dries up. In the past, locals would collect water here for daily use. Stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations make this section truly awe-inspiring.

Dubbed the "Opera House of Ha Long Bay," Sung Sot Cave was once voted one of the top 10 most beautiful caves in the world. Unlike many caves, its ceiling is smooth, curved like a theater dome, and does not have water dripping down. This unique structure prevents echoes, creating clear, crisp acoustics, adding to its scientific and geological significance.

Sung Sot Cave consists of two vast chambers filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites.

The Majestic Second Chamber: Nature's Masterpiece

The second chamber of Surprise Cave Halong Bay is vast, capable of holding thousands of people at once. Stalactites and stalagmites extend from the ceiling to the floor, some even touching to form stunning natural pillars.

As visitors follow the winding pathway through the chamber, they can admire the cave from multiple angles. Natural light combined with strategically placed spotlights enhances the magical and otherworldly atmosphere.

Among the striking formations, visitors can spot stalactites resembling Thanh Giong, a legendary Vietnamese hero. Other formations take the shape of swords, horses, dinosaurs, banyan trees, and sea bears, showcasing nature’s artistry.

At the far end of the cave, fallen stalactites have accumulated over time, creating layers upon which new, purer formations continue to grow.

Tourists often describe Sung Sot Cave as a magical underground world full of wonders.

Essential Visitor Tips for a Smooth Sung Sot Cave Experience

- Best Time to Visit Sung Sot Cave:

The best time to visit Sung Sot Cave is from May to July or December to February, ideally between 8-9 AM or 4-5 PM to avoid crowds. Weekdays are preferable to weekends for a more peaceful experience.

- What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes – for navigating the stone steps and cave pathways
• Light clothing – it can get humid inside the cave
• A flashlight – to explore darker corners and appreciate rock formations better
• A camera – to capture the stunning scenery
• Water and snacks – to stay hydrated, especially in warmer months

- Where to Stay Near Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay:

• Halong Fancy Hostel ($) – Budget-friendly with basic amenities
• Halios Hotel Halong ($$) – Comfortable mid-range option in Bai Chay
• Royal Lotus Hotel Halong ($$) – Good facilities with bay views
• Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long ($$$) – Luxury beachfront resort with top-notch services
• The Yacht Hotel by DC ($$$$) – A high-end stay with modern amenities and stunning views

- Attractions Near Sung Sot Cave:

Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay is close to many famous Ha Long Bay sites, making it easy to explore multiple spots in one day. Must-visit places include Bo Nau Cave, Me Cung Cave, Dau Nguoi Island, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and other stunning landmarks in the bay.

If you're planning a trip to Halong Bay, make sure Sung Sot Cave is on your itinerary. Its breathtaking formations, rich legends, and unique acoustics make it a must-visit destination. Whether you visit in the morning for soft lighting or in the evening for a quieter experience, this cave will impress you at any time of day.