Inbound@winway.vn | +84 903 396 676
winway.vn
Sung Sot Cave

Having two large chambers with a plethora of stalactites of several shapes, Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave Vietnam) has won the hearts of numerous domestic and international visitors and become one of Halong Bay’s most majestic caves. Coming to the Bay, you should not miss out on the opportunity to admire the beauty of this well-preserved limestone cave.

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave impresses tourists with its majestic beauty

Location of Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave is one of the three most well-known caves of Halong, situated on Bo Hon Island, which is approximately 14 kilometers away from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Standing 25 meters above sea level, the natural grounds around Surprise Cave have been carefully protected as a significant piece of the world heritage.

Sung Sot Cave

A twinkle Sung Sot Cave

Legend of Sung Sot Cave

The cave was first discovered in western culture in 1901 by French travelers when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. The travelers were so astounded by the sheer size of the cavern that they named it “Grotte des Surprises” or the “Cave of Surprises”.

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave Vietnam attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists

Similar to other Vietnam Halong Bay caves, Sung Sot Cave also has its own interesting legend. The cave is believed to be the place where Thanh Giong, an extremely famous hero in Vietnamese folklore, flew away after defeating Chinese invaders. Visiting Sung Sot Cave, tourists can easily find stalactites, which greatly resemble the massive horse and sword that Thanh Giong left behind to drive away evil spirits. Inside the cave, there are several small ponds, which are regarded as the footprints of Thanh Giong’s horse.

Meaning of the name

When Vietnam was part of French Indochina, French travelers made the first discovery of the cave in 1901. The cave was so enormous and magnificent that the discoverers gave it the name “Grotte des Surprises” or the “Cave of Surprises”, since they were so amazed by it.

Sung Sot Cave

"Sung Sot" means “amazing feeling” or “thunderstruck”

It was then given the name “Sung Sot” in Vietnamese, as sung sot means “extremely surprised”. According to the locals, the limestone rock formations inside the cave appear to be extremely stunning, especially when light from the outside is reflected into the cave by the rushing water. They will surely leave visitors in a state of dumbfounded wonder.

The best time to visit Sung Sot Cave

Visitors can visit Sung Sot cave all year round. However, the peak tourist season of Sung Sot cave usually falls into two phases:

  • In summer: from May to July. This is the time when a lot of Vietnamese tourists come to visit Ha Long in general and Sung Sot cave in particular.
  • In winter: from December to February. This time period is often chosen by foreign tourists to explore Sung Sot cave.

Visitors can visit Sung Sot cave all year round

Tickets for sightseeing

To visit Sung Sot Cave, visitors need to buy tickets for the sightseeing route 2, which includes some well-known attractions such as Thien Cung Cave – Soi Sim Island – Ti Top Island – Trinh Nu Cave – Sung Sot Cave. Tickets are sold at two major ports in Ha Long, which are Tuan Chau international passenger port and Ha Long international passenger port.

  • Ticket price for 1 day: 290,000 VND/person
  • Ticket price for 2 days and 1 night: 590,000 VND/person
  • Ticket price for 3 days and 2 nights: 790,000 VND/person

Sung Sot Cave

Tourists taking pictures with Ha Long Bay Surprise Cave

Structures of Sung Sot Cave in Ha Long Bay

The craggy path leading to the cave

The path leading to Surprise Cave is lined with luxuriant trees, as if the plants are attempting to conceal a secret for people to discover. From the tourist wharf, travelers have to climb about 100 steep stone steps, then go down the stairs to the cave entrance. Along the two sides of the stone path in the cave are street lamp posts. Their soft light further enhances the beauty of this Halong’s largest cave.

Sung Sot Cave

The vegetation-covered path leading to the entrance of Sung Sot Cave

The first chamber

Inside the cavse is divided into two main compartments. The outer compartment is often compared to a giant Opera house with curved dome and lots of stalactites that sparkle like lights. From the cave floor to the ceiling of the cave, about 30 meters high. The ceiling is full of small indentations looking very smooth, giving the feeling of the cave being elaborately and subtly carved.

There are two main compartments inside the cave

The second area

In the middle of the cave there are large stalactites connecting from the arch of the cave to the cave floor. It making the scene even more beautiful. The roof of the cave has no cracks, so there is no dripping water. The interesting thing is that the cave is so large, but when entering the cave, the voice of the person is not echoed but still is clear.

The last chamber

The next compartment was equally magnificent, with the cave suddenly expanding to accommodate thousands of people. In this compartment there are many stalactites created by the magical hands of nature into many shapes such as sword, horse, dinosaur shape, banyan tree, sea bear … Some ponds and lakes look very small. Cassava makes the scene in the cave even more cool. Stalactites and stalagmites fill the top of the cave and inside the cave, creating a spectacular scene.

The last chamber

Sung Sot Cave, possessing a splendid beauty bestowed by nature, is a haven for travelers who want to explore the amazing natural world. Hopefully, this article will help you plan a wonderful getaway with your friends and family to the stunning Halong Bay.

Winway Travel