Your base for exploring this destination is the city of Hanoi. For travel information about Hanoi, go to Hanoi Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation in Hanoi? Use our Budget Accommodation Guide!
Sung Sot Cave, which means Cave of Surprises, is the biggest and finest cave in Halong Bay. It actually got its name from the French, who called it grotte des surprises, or grotto of surprises. It is located on Bo Hon Island, near the centre of Halong Bay, within the vicinity of other sights such as Titov Island, Bo Nau Grotto, Me Cung Cave and Luun Grotto. There is a small pier where boats dock to allow visitors down. From the pier, a flight of 50 stone steps takes one to the entrance of the cave. The inside of Sung Sot Cave is simply cavernous. At many places the ceiling is low, and takes on a wavy appearance. A profusion of stalactites and stalagmites cover the walls.
To ensure the safety of visitors, a path is built to zigzag through Sung Sot Cave. Guide ropes help to keep visitors on the path Multi-coloured lights are also installed to beautify the cave and bring out its grandeur. Coming out of the cave, visitors get a panoramic view of Bo Hon Bay below. It is one of those iconic view of Halong Bay that has appeared in many postcards.
Junks carrying tourists anchored off Sung Sot Cave.
How to go to Sung Sot Cave
The easiest way to reach Sung Sot Cave is to book a tour of Halong Bay. There is plenty to choose from in Hanoi, but if you wish to use the tour that I used, you can contact Mrs Moon of Golden Sun Hotel, 23 Hang Hahn Street, phone: +84-4-8286316, email: goldensun_hotel@yahoo.com. Tell her that Tim of AsiaExplorers sent you, and perhaps you'd get a discount. No, I am not getting any commission from Mrs Moon, but I would recommend any establishments that satisfied me, so that, should I return to Golden Sun Hotel, I can expect VIP treatment!
Bo Hon Photo Gallery
Let us show you the beauty of Halong Bay in pictures. Click to enter.
Halong Bay Travel Guide
Useful information to help you prepare for your trip to Halong Bay.
Halong Bay Photo Gallery
Photo Album of the panoramic sights in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay at Night
View Halong Bay when darkness falls and the lights come on.
Bo Hon Island
Click enter to see scenic views of beautiful Bo Hon Island.
Cat Ba National Park
We went kayaking at this national park to explore its beautiful caves and passages.
Fighting Cock Island
This is a pair of rocky outcrops in Halong Bay.
Me Cung Cave
This is a cave in Halong Bay.
Sung Sot Cave
This is the biggest and grandest grotto in Halong Bay.
Titov Island
This is the island with a scenic viewpoint pavillion at its highest point.
Places of Interest in Vietnam
Vietnam is a land of cultural and natural beauty. Click enter to view many of the sights in Vietnam.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
