Although our itinerary supposed to be Thien Cung (Celestial Place) and Dau Go Grotto (Cave of the Wooden Stakes), we were brought to Hang Sung Sot Grotto (Cave of the Surprises) instead. It’s one of the 3 most popular caves in Halong Bay, and requires separate ticket from the first 2 caves. It’s discovered by French on 1901, and is on the same Bo Hon island with Trinh Nu Grotto (Virgin Cave), but our guide never brought us there.


View of Halong Bay from Hang Sung Sot was spectacular. Sung Sot cave lives 25 m above sea level, but to get to it, we needed to climb a series of steep stairs which covered by shady trees and foliage.

The lighting system with elegant styles adds more charm to the beauty of the grotto. Here it was right after the entrace to the cave.

There are several water pools in the Sung Sot grotto. This pool is close to the entrance, so when light reflected from the moving water, the formations inside the first chamber seemingly came alive. The first chamber is square or similar to wide theatre hall and is oftern referred to as the waiting room. Many stalactites hang from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.

The narrow passage that leads to the second chamber of Hang Sung Sot grotto.

The second chamber also know as serene castle, is big and immense. The cave’s ceiling is approximately 30m high.

Penis look-alike rock formation

The was a 500-meters paved passage inside the Sung Sot cave to guide the visitors on this immense cave, with a lot of stalagmites and unique ceiling along the way.

To the innermost deep end of the Sung Sot Grotto. Our guide did the only guidance and explanation of the entire Halong Bay trip in Hang Sung Sot, although we didn’t hear much as too much took photography.

We were dropped at another wharf and exited via another cave opening. This bridge leaded us to return to our junk.