Caves and Islands

Dau Go Grotto is found on Driftwood Island, formerly known as Canh Doc Island. The name Driftwood Grotto comes from the popular story of the resistance war against the Nguyen Mong aggressors. In a decisive battle, Tran Hung Dao was given an order to prepare many ironwood stakes to be planted on the riverbed of the Bach Dang River. The remaining wooden pieces were found in the grotto and, as a result, the grotto was given its present name. The entrance is reached via 90 steps up to the island. The grotto is divided into three main parts. In the first chamber, rock of various majestic forms can be seen, depending on the imagination of the observer. In the middle of the chamber, on the top of the pillar, there appears to be a monk draped in a long, dark cloak, with his right hand clasping a cane. Moving into the second chamber, visitors pass through a narrow "door", naturally formed by erosion. The light here is mysterious, and new images appear in the stone. The grotto ends with a well of clear water surrounded by four ancient walls.
In this grotto, there remains an engraved stone stele singing the praises of Ha Long Bay ordered by Emperor Khai Dinh when he came to visit the grotto in 1917. Dau Go is 40 minutes from Bai Chay. Admissions are 15,000 VND per person, 5,000 VND for children under 15 years of age, and free for children under 6.

Trinh Nu Grotto (Virgin Grotto)

The Virgin Grotto is situated in the island range of Bo Ho comprising of the Surprise Grotto, Dong Tien Lake, and Luon Grotto. The grotto is 15 km south of Bai Chay Beach. For some fishermen, the Virgin Grotto is home, while for young lovers it is a popular romantic rendezvous site.
According to legend, there once was a beautiful fisherman's daughter, whose family was so poor that they were in service of the rich administrator of the fishing zone, who forced the family to give him their daughter as a concubine. However, the fisherman's daughter already had a lover and refused to marry the administrator. The administrator got angry and exiled her to a wild island where she suffered from hunger and exhaustion. One frightful night she turned into stone. On this same night, her lover, knowing of her danger, rowed his boat in search of her. However, a tempest destroyed his boat, and he floated to a nearby island. In a flash of lightening, he saw his lover in the distance, but his calls were driven away by the wind. In his final exhaustion, he also turned into stone(today's Male Grotto).
When visiting the Virgin Grotto, you can still see the petrified girl with her long hair hanging down and eyes looking towards the mainland. Opposite the Virgin Grotto, the Male Grotto is still home to the lover whose his face is turned towards his mate. At times, his passionate calls and blows against the walls of the grotto can still be heard.

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

Situated in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, the Sung Sot or Surprise Grotto is on Bo Hon Island, and is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay. Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone blocks. Inside, the cave is partitioned into two chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall and home to lots of stalactites with numerous possible forms and shapes hanging from the high ceiling. A narrow passage leads to the second room, where visitors will be lured by a flow of light. The chamber is so immense it could contain thousands of people at one time. At the deepest point of the grotto, a "royal garden" appears with a clear pond and a seemingly fascinating landscape of mountains. This room is the habitat of many birds and plants (benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees). Monkeys may come to the chamber in search of food on some nice days.

Thien Cung Grotto

The grotto is located on the south-west side of the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Ha Long City and at 25m above the sea level. The way to Thien Cung is a perilous one, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto's 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in we are more astonished in front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of tales. Going out of the Thien Cung Grotto, we have a sensation of just watching a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum of nature that is beyond the imagination, ability and intelligence of human being.
This recently discovered grotto is one of the most beautiful grottoes in Ha Long Bay. Legend has it that a beautiful young lady named May (cloud) caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed, and their wedding lasted seven days and seven nights in the very centre of the grotto. In honour of the wedding, small dragons flew about through the stalactites and stalagmites, elephants danced together happily, snakes twined themselves around trees and two stone lions danced with their manes flowing in the wind. A large elephant, smartly dressed, waited for the bride and the groom. The genies of the south and north stars came to attend the banquet and the atmosphere were definitely animated and lively. All these scenes have been seemingly fossilized in the grotto.
In the centre are four large pillars supporting the "roof of heaven." From the base to the top, many strange images seem to live in the stone: birds, fish, flowers and even scenes of human life. On the north wall of the grotto a group of fairies seem to dance and sing in honour of the wedding. Under the immeasurably high roof, stalactites make a natural stone curtain. Somewhere there is the sound of a drum beating, but it is actually just the noise made by the wind blowing through stone.
Arriving at the last partition of the grotto, a natural gushing stream of water babbles is observed throughout the year. Here are three small ponds of clear water. Legend has it, that this was where May bathed her 100 children, bringing them up wisely and happily into adolescence. One path meanders out of the grotto; it was the way May, together with 50 of her children, took to harvest new lands. The 50 remaining children, together with their father, were left to build the native land. Left behind by the mother was the natural stream described above.

Titov Island

Situated about 7-8 km south-east of Bai Chay lies the small Ti Top Island. It displays a beach shaped like a crescent moon, and sand that has been washed to a snowy white by the tide. On 22 November 1962, this tiny island had the honour of receiving a visit from astronaut Ghermann Titov, a hero of the former Soviet Union, accompanied by Ho Chi Minh. To perpetuate the remembrance of their visit, Uncle Ho named the place Ti Top Island. It has now become an attractive beach for tourists and has various tourist services.
On the map of Ha Long Bay drawn by the French in late 19 century, this beautiful small island was called Cat Nang and lay against Cua Luc gulf with the Surprise Grotto in the front and Dam Nam on the right hand side.

Am Islet

Am Rock or Kettle Islet is situated in Bai Tu Long Bay on the way to Quan Lan and Ngoc Vung island. The name of this islet is associated with a legend which says that one day the Jade Emperor accidentally dropped his teapot into Ha Long Bay, and consequently, its handle was broken.

Con Coc Islet

Con Coc or Toad Islet is one of the most exquisite works nature has presented Ha Long. Just imagine, a 9-meter-tall toad sitting to wait for rain amidst the immenseness of the sea. The Toad Islet lies in the southeast of Ha Long Bay, 12 km away from the tourist boat wharf. The Toad is an ugly but useful animal. In the drought season, farmers usually listen to its sound to hope for rain, which is very helpful for their crop. The Vietnamese have a folk tale about the hard trek of thirsty animals to Heaven to plead for rain. A tiny courageous toad led this struggle. Eventually, the Jade Emperor adopted the Toad as his Uncle and willingly creates rain whenever it grinds its teeth.

Dinh Huong Islet

In the itinerary of Thien Cung - Dau Go - Ti Top, you can see the Dinh Huong Islet or Lu Huong (Incense Burner Islet) to the southwest of Dau Go Island. Passing the Cho Da (Stone Dog) Islet and the Con Meo (Cat) Islet, you will see an imposing stone slab resting on two other small stones stands blocked the way. The stone slab resembles a huge incense burner, which lies in the middle of the sea as a holy object to worship the Sky and Earth.

Trong Mai Islet

Trong Mai is situated on the south-west side of Ha Long Bay, 5 km from the tourist wharf near to Dinh Huong Islet. In a somewhat large expanse of open sea, the island seems to grow up from the bottom of the deep emerald waters. At sunset, the island with the height of over 10 m is bright red and in a somewhat tottery position. Their tiny legs support heavy bodies, and it appears that one strong wave could throw the two stone blocks into the sea. However, hundreds of millions of years have passed, and the Trong Mai is still there. The image of the island is the logo of Ha Long Bay and Vietnam Tourism.

Oan Islet

Situated 300 m away from Bai Tho Mountain and 5 km from the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, this 22-meter islet stands out in Bai Tu Long Bay. It has the shape of truncated sticky rice, which serves as an offering to Buddha.

Dau Nguoi (Human head) Islet

From afar, you can see a 25-meter islet, which reminds us of a huge Egyptian head with a big nose. Its chin lies close to the sea surface. Many people associate it with the image of the Egyptian Sphinx. The Dau Nguoi Islet in Ha Long Bay, a masterpiece of nature, has its own poetic beauty as it lies amidst seawaters. The islet lies near Luon Cave, 13 km away from the tourist wharf.

Thien Nga (Swan) Islet

In the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, a stone islet is bobbing like an alluring and graceful swan (Thien Nga) - a swan losing its herd. This stone swan has taken up countless time and rolls of film of tourist near and far.

Yen Ngua (Saddle) Islet

The Yen Ngua or Saddle Islet lies in Ha Long Bay, in the centre of the World Heritage Area. Nature has creatively shaped two pieces of stone, one high and one lower, which are linked together to form an imposing rock, looking like a saddle. Boats can go through underneath. The whole rock resembles a sewing machine. How wonderful to have such a magnificent but elegant "saddle", jutting some 10 m above the sea surface.

Ngon Tay (Finger) Islet

On the way to Ti Top Island, visitors see a stone rock resembling a thump jutting out of the sea. Nature has put the Ngon Tay (Finger) Islet here as a reminder of many interesting extras in the discovery of Ha Long.

Mat Qui (Monster Head) Islet

Boating past the Am Islet some 20 minutes, we see Mat Qui Islet or Monster Head Islet, which protrudes about 30-35 m from the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Nature has carved the rock in the shape of a monster head, with a rough big nose standing out from a distorted face. From whatever angle, one still find it horrible.

Su Tu (Sea Lion) Islet

On the canoe route to Thien Cung - Dau Go Grottoes, one should visit Su Tu Bien or Sea Lion Islet, which is 10 minutes away from the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Amidst the vast seawaters of Ha Long, you recognize a high rock jutting from the sea, resembling a lion stretching. It attracts many French tourists because it was chosen as the background for the film L'Indochine produced by Paradis Film Company in 1992, with the famous French actress Catherine Deneuve playing a leading role. The movie focuses on a love story between a beautiful French noble woman, her adopted daughter and anti-war French lieutenant during the first Indochinese War. The main character, a young Vietnamese girl, sacrifices her love and even leaves her adopted mother behind to join the harsh resistance war and fight for national independence. In the island, some settings are still preserved including the stone-paved road to the beach (often called the Slave Pier), the prisons, etc.

Cho Da Islet

In the itinerary of Thien Cung - Dau Go - Ti Tov, after visiting Thien Cung and Dau Go, one needs 10 minutes boating to the Cho Da Islet or Stone Dog Islet. Some 8 m up the islet one can figure out a piece of stone in the shape of a dog sitting with its back to the sea, standing guard for the safety of seagoing boats for millions of years.

Quan Lan Island

Located in the area of Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Island is part of an island range at the outermost of the Tonkin gulf. With an area of 11 sq. km, the island is home to eight populated hamlets. Stretching towards East - West direction from the foot of Van Don Range to the Got Mount with many high mountains to the east barring waves and winds, the island is situated on an important navigation route that connects China, Japan, Thailand and Philippines to Vietnam. Along the two sides of the island are tens of kilometers of sand beaches. This is an endless resource for glass making which man is given by the sea and it is also the extremely interesting tourism destination.
Since the 11th century, Quan Lan has been one of the centers of the ancient, animated and prosperous commercial port of Van Don. Today, there are still many vestiges linked to this commercial port. This also explains why the island, lying deep in the sea, has the large pagodas and archaeological sites seen today. On the island there locates the Quan Lan Communal House dating back to the 18th century; exceedingly beautiful and almost entirely preserved. Next to it is Quan Lan Pagoda (literally called Linh Quang Tu), which is dedicated to Buddha and the God of Liêu Hanh. The pagoda also worships the statue of old Hau, a local person who made lots of contributions to the construction of the pagoda. The statue features a gentle and cheerful old woman, which adds an original character to the pagoda. Beside Quan Lan Pagoda lies Duc Ong (Monsignor) Shrine, which is dedicated to Pham Cong Chinh, a local man who participated in the historical Van Don battle against the Yuan invaders and posthumously honored as a God.
Quan Lan Island is not only a perfect convergence of elements of a magnificent natural site, but also an impeccable collection of well-preserved long lasting historical and traditional values. Your trip will never be complete without setting a foot on the pristine coastal area with unspoiled islands of fadeless beauty, basking eclectically and relaxing in complete comfort on azure-blue sea sides. Once the sun goes down, it will be incomparable moments of watching the moonlight from neat little flats on the sea side or simply wandering along the windy beach of the seemingly endless line of casuarinas, or joining in the passionate singing voice of the animated fishermen. Above all, a visit to the island of Quan Lan also gives you a unique chance to enrich your knowledge of local history with priceless materials on local cultures, to admire Van Don commercial port - the first commercial port of Vietnam.

Ngoc Vung Island

Ngoc Vung Island and beach is located 34km from the tourist boat wharf in Van Don District of the northeastern province of Quang Ninh. Stretching over an area of 12 km2, the island is home to many beautiful beaches, the 182 m high Van Xuan Mountain and the relics of Ha Long ancient culture with an area of 45,000 m2.

From above, Ngoc Vung looks like a beautiful velvet handkerchief with exquisite white edgings; it seems to float on the water surface. On the east side of the island there is a kilometers-beach with purely white sand. At the centre is a luxuriant benjamin fig tree; it was under this tree that Ho Chi Minh stood and conversed with the population in 1962 during a visit. Formerly, under the feudal dynasties, this island zone contained a great quantity of rare and precious species of mother-of-pearls. At night, fluorescent pearls would light up the whole region. So there are several islands having name "Ngoc" such as Ngoc Vung (dazzling pearl), Minh Châu (Ngoc Châu)...

During the war against the US, the island belonged to a front of outward islands that served as protection for the eastern waterways. It is also on the beach that many stone artifacts were discovered in 1937, opening a string of excavations and archaeological research aiming at providing some explanations of the mysteries of the ancient Ha Long culture.

• Natural features
• History
• Natural, geological, cultural and historical and biological significance
• Caves and Islands
• Fishing villages