Sung Sot Cave

In the limestone islets of Halong Bay's, there are many caves, but you can't visit them all, even the ones you want. The Vietnamese government and army have everything very organized. Hang Sung Sot cave is one of the largest, with three huge chambers that can only be accessed by a small boat. The big boats are anchored in the small bay right in front, and personally, I thought that they were the best part of the visit. The entrance to the cave is at a certain point. There are a few steps to climb, and with the heat and humidity, it's a bit of a challenge. At the top, there is a wonderful aerial view over the islets and boats.

The Hang Sung Sot cave is definitely beautiful. It has 3 main rooms, the second one being the largest. In the second room, there is a rock shaped like a penis, a symbol of fertility in Vietnam. This cave was discovered by the Chinese during one of the wars with Vietnam. The panoramic view that you get before leaving the cave is best to appreciate its beauty. The view from the cave's entrance are the best in Hang Sung Sot.

This cave is about 30 meters above sea level which means that you must climb a considerable number of stairs to arrive. It was discovered by the French in 1901 and they gave it the name of “Surprise Grotto.” Travelers have been able to visit the cave since 1993 and it was declared a World Heritage Site only one year after.

The ceilings are high so it’s not at all claustrophobic and you won’t need a guide. I’d suggest getting there first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds of visitors and have the best experience.