[New Update Aug 2023] Overview Surprise Cave( Sửng Sốt Cave)
Unveiling the Enchanting Sửng Sốt Cave: A Fascinating Wonder in Halong Bay. Step into the mesmerizing world of Sửng Sốt Cave, a captivating gem nestled within the stunning Halong Bay. Marvel at the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formations that adorn the cave’s interior, creating an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. Embark on a journey of wonder and mystery as you explore the magical allure of Sửng Sốt Cave, leaving you spellbound by its natural beauty and grandeur.
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Location Surprise Cave( Sửng Sốt Cave)
This famous cave is located in the core area of Ha Long Bay, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Situated on Bo Hon Island along with Luon Cave and Virgin Cave, Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt) and Thien Cung Cave (Động Thiên Cung) attract thousands of tourists to visit each year. From Bai Chay pier, you can easily reach this cave by taking a boat and heading about 14 km southwards.
Best time to visit Surprise Cave( Sửng Sốt Cave)
While the best for locals to visit Halong Bay is from April to October, winter from October to December attracts the biggest number of foreigners to the wonder. During this season, the humidity level is low and the weather is dry.
Why is it called Surprise Cave?
This cave was discovered by the French in 1901. They named it “La Grotte des Surprises,” meaning “The Cave of Surprises” due to its breathtaking and magnificent beauty that leaves people in awe.
The uniqueness of this cave lies in its contrast. The entrance of the cave is small, but once you pass through a narrow rock cleft, you will discover an expansive and mesmerizing paradise that leaves a strong and unforgettable impression. Besides its natural beauty, the cave named Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt) also attracts visitors with its mystical legends and intriguing stories.
The legend of Surprise Cave
The legend of the Surprising Cave is incredibly heroic and mysterious. According to ancient tales, after defeating the An invaders and fulfilling his noble mission, Saint Giong mounted a cloud and ascended to the heavens. He left behind his sacred sword and noble horse to protect and bring peace to the village, driving away evil spirits and demons.
The Surprising Cave is said to be the place where the traces of that epic battle were preserved. It also holds the imprint of Saint Giong’s horse’s hooves, shaped like small ponds and surrounded by large rocks near the cave.
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Discover the beauty inside Surprise Cave( Sửng Sốt Cave)
Move up to the cave door
Once you set foot on Bồ Hòn Island, you will have to climb 50 steep stone steps and then descend 10 more steps to reach the entrance of the Surprising Cave. The path leading to the cave involves traversing through forest canopies and climbing rocky steps. Afterward, you have to squeeze through a narrow crevice to enter the cave.
Along the 800m long rocky path, the interior of the cave spans a vast area of 12,200m2, and it all exudes a mesmerizing and enchanting beauty. The captivating journey, though relatively long, will not disappoint you as you experience the wonders awaiting at the end of the trail.
Discover inside the cave
The first part
Walking over the narrow entrance of Surprise Cave, you will reach the first part of this cave. The floor of this cave is 5 meter lower than the doorstep at the entrance. Of all the three parts of Surprise Cave, this part is the smallest one: the area of this surprise cave is nearly 300 square meters. The first impression tourists will have when setting foot on this part is a small and shallow lake, which has been formed by the rain water flowing into the interior through the limestone cracks on the cave ceiling. So clear is the cave that you can even see the lake bottom hovering in the light and dark of the cave.
The first part of Surprise Cave is considered as an opera house of the ocean. The cave ceiling is like a huge velvet carpet, which is decorated with a lot of splendid stalactites in the shape of chandeliers. The limestone stalagmites on the floor of the first part are such a masterpiece of nature: no one looks like the others; you can imagine the statues of humans, plants, and animals. The combination of light and stones in this part draws a lively picture that can break the empty and cold feeling of the cave.
The second part
The more you get inside the cave, the more amazed you will be. The second part of Surprise Cave is twice larger than the first part, with the area up to 600 square meters. The ceiling of this second part is strongly karstified, and the result of this process is thousands of holes on the ceiling. The second part of Surprise Cave has more air vents than the first part, so the atmosphere there is more clear and ventilated than the first one.
It can be said that the second part is a world of mysterious stories. The stalagmites and stalactites of Sung Sot Cave will remind you about the legend of Thanh Giong. Right at the exit of this cave is a large rock in the shape of a horse, along with a sword-shaped stalagmite. On the floor of the cave, there are some huge puddles that look like the footprints of the horse at the battle that year. All the stones in this part are telling their own tales, the tales that have existed for thousands of years.
The third part
The third part of Sung Sot Cave is the area which makes you the most surprised. Entering this part, you cannot help but be astonished by the splendid and marvellous appearance of this cave. Along with the brilliant light from all the corners of the cave, a royal garden will appear in front of your eyes. This garden is full of sunlight, fresh air, fragrance of flowers and colors of life. This garden will make you feel as if you were entering a fairy tale in a wonderland, where mysterious and amazing things are waiting for you to explore.
Even the most finicky tourists will be convinced by the magnificent beauty of Surprise Cave. The interesting thing always appears at the last part, and that is so true in the case of Surprise Cave. The royal garden with the crystal lake, lush bushes and stunning cave is such an ink-wash painting of nature, where you can enjoy the breath-taking picture and listen to the sounds of birds and monkeys every morning. The beauty of the cave will give you the exact answer why it is called “Surprising Cave”.
Notes when visiting cave
To make your trip smoother, please take note of the following tips:
Prepare a light backpack with minimal belongings as you will need to climb up high stone steps to reach the cave. Travel light for easy exploration.
Bring some mosquito repellent and insect repellent creams to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects during your trip to Halong Bay.
Wear comfortable sports shoes that are suitable for various terrains to make it easier for you to climb and explore the cave.
Although the cave is illuminated with electric lights, it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight just in case it’s needed in certain situations.
The entrance fee to visit Halong Bay is 290,000 VND per person.
There is a boat rental fee of 200,000 VND per person.
The cost of meals on the boat is around 150,000 VND – 250,000 VND per person.
By keeping these tips in mind and being well-prepared, you can fully enjoy your trip to the enchanting Halong Bay and the Surprising Cave without any hassles.
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