Sung Sot Cave

Hang Sửng Sốt

The largest and most spectacular cave in Ha Long Bay. Its two enormous chambers each cover more than 10,000 square meters. Lit stalactites and the view over the bay from the cave exit are must-sees on overnight cruises.

Sung Sot Cave, also called Surprise Cave, is on Bo Hon Island in the central part of Ha Long Bay. It was discovered by the French in 1901 and named “Grotte des Surprises.” It is the largest and most fully developed cave in Ha Long Bay and a stop on nearly all overnight cruises and some day cruises. From the boat landing, about 100 steps lead up to the cave entrance, about 25 meters above sea level. The cave has two chambers. The first has a low ceiling covered with small, stalactite-like rock formations. The second chamber covers about 10,000 square meters and is about 30 meters high, big enough for thousands of people. Giant pillars, stalagmites, and cave walls, lit with colored lights, take on shapes locals call “The General,” “Sea Turtle,” and “Guanyin.” The most famous formation is a phallus-shaped stalagmite known as the “Lucky Stone,” which guides always mention. A loop path of about 500 meters leads to the cave's other exit, where you can look down on the bay full of tour boats and surrounding islands. It is one of the best high-angle viewpoints in Ha Long Bay. Entry is included in the cruise ticket and is not sold separately. The cave is open roughly 08:00–18:00, and a visit takes about 45–60 minutes. Most cruise companies schedule Sung Sot Cave and nearby Ti Top Island in the same morning or afternoon. Note: the steps inside the cave are slippery and some passages are narrow, so wear non-slip shoes. Midday on day-trip routes (10:00–12:00) is extremely crowded, so overnight cruises are usually a better choice. Touching the stalactites and smoking are prohibited inside the cave.

Sung Sot Cave

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Places to eat nearby