Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous travel destinations, known for its emerald waters, limestone islands, and peaceful seascapes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws visitors from around the world with its natural beauty. While most people come to see the cliffs and islands from the deck of a cruise boat, there’s just as much to discover inside the bay’s hidden world of caves. These caves tell the story of how Halong Bay was formed over millions of years. Some are wide and bright with colorful formations. Others are quiet and mysterious, only accessible by boat or kayak. In this article, we’ll take you through the Top 10 most beautiful caves in Halong Bay, with honest insights and helpful details to guide your trip.

How many caves are there in Halong Bay?

Caves in Halong Bay come in all shapes and sizes. Some have wide chambers and high ceilings, while others are narrow passages that lead to hidden lakes. You’ll find caves with paths lit by soft lights, others that require you to climb steps or paddle through low tunnels. Some are very popular with tour groups, while a few stay quiet even in the busy season. Together, they tell the story of how the bay was formed, both through nature and through the lives of the people who lived here long ago.

There are nearly 60 caves discovered so far in Halong Bay and its surrounding areas, including Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Not all are open to the public, but many can be visited on day cruises, overnight boat tours, or kayaking trips.

These caves have formed over millions of years, shaped by nature and time. They are not only beautiful to look at but also hold stories of the past and local legends. If you are planning a trip to Halong Bay, the caves we’ve about to present to you are absolute must-visits.

Top 10 most beautiful caves in Halong Bay

1. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

• Location: 15 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 2

Sung Sot Cave is one of the most famous and largest caves in Halong Bay. It is also the largest grotto in the area, stretching over 10,000 square meters. When you arrive at Bo Hon Island, where the cave is located, you need to climb about 100 stone steps to reach the entrance. The effort is worth it. Once inside, the cave opens up into two main chambers. The first one looks like a grand theater, while the second is much larger and filled with interesting rock formations. Some of these formations look like animals, people, or even everyday objects. Colored lights help highlight their shapes, although some visitors feel this makes the cave feel less natural. Still, the sheer size and beauty of Sung Sot Cave make it a must-see. Many people say this is the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay, and it’s easy to see why. If you only have time to visit one cave, this is the one we would suggest.

2. Dau Go Cave

• Location: 6 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 1

Next is Dau Go Cave, which is also located on Dau Go Island, not far from Sung Sot. This cave has a quiet and somewhat mysterious feel to it. It is not as crowded as some of the others, which makes it a good choice if you want a more peaceful visit. Dau Go means “Wooden Stakes,” and the name comes from a story linked to Vietnam’s Battle with the Mongols in the 13th century. According to local tales, wooden stakes used in the battle were hidden here. The cave itself has large chambers and high ceilings, with stalactites and stalagmites shaped by water over 2 million years. The cave’s access to natural lighting offers a wide variety of fauna and flora inside, especially mosses and ferns. You can take your time walking through and imagining the history hidden in its walls. It might not be as flashy as other caves, but it has character and charm that make it stand out in a quiet way.

3. Thien Cung Cave

• Location: 4 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 1

Thien Cung Cave, also known as the Heavenly Palace Cave, lies near Dau Go and has a very different vibe. It is smaller than Sung Sot and Dau Go, but it surprises many visitors with its dramatic shapes and bright lights. This cave is famous for its legend about a Dragon Prince and a beautiful young girl named May. As you walk through the cave, you will see rock formations that look like scenes from a royal wedding. Some say you can even see shapes of dragons, elephants, and dancing figures if you look closely. The path through the cave is a bit narrow and uneven in some places, but the views inside are worth it. Thien Cung feels magical, and although the colored lighting can feel a little artificial, it adds to the fairy-tale mood. If you enjoy stories and a touch of fantasy, this cave will leave a strong impression.
 

4. Luon Cave

• Location: 13 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 2

Luon Cave is not like the typical cave where you walk inside and explore chambers. Instead, it’s a tunnel-like cave that leads you to a hidden lake surrounded by high limestone cliffs. You can only access it by kayak or small boat because the cave sits low and touches the water’s surface. During high tide, you need to duck your head to pass through. The cave is only 60 meters long, but once you come out the other side, it feels like you’ve entered a secret world. The water is calm, and the cliffs rise steeply around you, making the place feel cut off from the outside. You might spot monkeys climbing the rocks or birds flying above. The cave itself is simple, but the journey through it and the peaceful area it leads to are what make it beautiful.

5. Tien Ong Cave

• Location: 18 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 3

Tien Ong is a cave with more history than most people expect. It lies on Cai Tai Island, in the western part of Halong Bay. The cave’s entrance, about 50 meter wide and 14 meter high, opens to an interior space of about 1,000 square meters. This cave holds signs of early human life. Archaeologists found tools and bones suggesting that people lived in the cave, from as early as 10,000 BC to 8,000 BC. The cave itself has natural skylights, so sunlight streams in and lights up the space in a very peaceful way. There aren’t many fancy rock shapes or lighting tricks, but that’s part of its charm. It feels quiet and calm, and knowing that people once called this place home makes the visit more meaningful.

6. Me Cung Cave

• Location: 14 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 2

Me Cung Cave, or Maze Cave, is a place that truly lives up to its name. It’s located on Lom Bo Island and is known for its complex layout. Unlike other caves that open into wide halls, this one has narrow paths, multiple levels, and turns that make you feel like you’re walking through a maze. It’s not always easy to move through the tight spaces, so wear good shoes and take your time. The cave leads outside to a small saltwater lake surrounded by limestone mountains, home to a rich underwater ecosystem. This cave also has signs of prehistoric life, with fossilized snail shells and animal bones dating back 7,000 - 10,000 thousand years. If you enjoy a bit of a challenge and like places with a sense of mystery, Động Mê Cung is worth your time.

7. Thien Canh Son Cave (Co Cave)

• Location: 20 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 4

Thien Canh Son Cave is one of the most popular caves in Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter part of Halong Bay. The cave sits on Hon Co Island, and to reach the entrance, you need to climb about 100 stone steps. Once inside, you’ll find a calm space with soft lighting and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The cave isn’t very large, but it feels peaceful and well-preserved. You won’t see colored lights or loud crowds here. Instead, it’s more about the natural shapes and the quiet atmosphere. The view from the cave entrance is also a highlight. From there, you can see the calm waters of Bai Tu Long and the green islands in the distance. It’s a good choice for people who prefer a slower pace and want to avoid the more crowded spots in Halong Bay.

8. Trong Cave and Virgin Cave

• Location: 16 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 2

Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are located on Bo Hon Island and are often visited together. These two caves are connected by one of the most famous love stories in Halong Bay. Trinh Nu Cave, also called Virgin Cave, holds a stone formation that looks like a girl lying down. Trong Cave, or Drum Cave, sits opposite and contains a rock that looks like a man facing her. The story says they died waiting to be with each other. It’s a sad tale, but it gives the caves a romantic and emotional feel. Inside both caves, you’ll find large chambers and natural rock formations, but the story is what makes them memorable. You don’t need to believe the story to enjoy the visit, but it does add something special to the experience.

9. Kim Quy Cave

• Location: 12 km from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal
• Part of: Route 2

Kim Quy Cave is located on Dam Nam Island and is also known as the Golden Turtle Cave. Its origin story is related to that of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, about a golden turtle that helped King Le Loi defeat invaders and later returned to the sea and rested in this cave. You’ll find a rock formation inside that is said to resemble the turtle. The cave itself is around 100 meters long and has a winding path through high, narrow spaces. There is a painting recreating the battle against the Mongols on the Bach Dang River on the walls of the cave’s innermost compartment. While it may not be as large or showy as Sung Sot or Thien Cung, Kim Quy is a peaceful stop if you like quieter places with myth and nature combined.
 

10. Dark and Bright Cave (Lan Ha Bay)

• Location: between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

Dark and Bright Cave sits on the edge of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, near Cat Ba Island. Like Luon Cave, it’s not a dry cave where you walk inside. Instead, you enter the cave by kayak or bamboo boat. There are two parts to the cave: one is long, dark, and hard to enter due to water levels, and the other is shorter and easier to access, known as the Bright Cave. Most tours only take you through the Bright Cave, especially during high tide when the darker tunnel can become too risky. Once inside the hidden lagoon, the water is calm and still. You can hear birds, maybe see monkeys, and enjoy the natural peace around you.

What is the difference between Dark and Bright Cave and Luon Cave? Both are water caves that lead to peaceful lagoons, but Luon Cave tends to be busier because it’s closer to Halong Bay’s main route. Dark and Bright Cave usually feels more secluded. If you’re staying on Cat Ba Island or doing a Lan Ha Bay cruise, it’s easier to include this cave in your route. Between the two, we’d say Luon Cave is more accessible and good for first-time visitors, while Dark and Bright Cave gives you a deeper sense of peace and nature.

How to visit caves in Halong Bay

The best way to explore the caves is by joining a cruise or tour. Most day cruises and overnight trips include at least one cave visit as part of the itinerary. If you want more control, you can book a private boat or a kayaking tour that lets you explore caves at your own pace.

If you're staying in Cat Ba Island, many cruises around Lan Ha Bay will include cave visits there as well. Just make sure to check which caves are included when you book.

Best time to visit caves in Halong Bay

The best time to visit caves in Halong Bay is from October to April. During this season, the weather is cooler and drier, and the sea is calmer. You can enjoy walking inside caves or kayaking without too much heat or humidity. Summer months (May to September) are hotter and come with more rain, but the bay is still beautiful. Just be aware that heavy rain can make some cave visits harder, especially water caves like Luon or Dark and Bright Cave, which depend on tides.

Tips for visiting caves in Halong Bay

Wear comfortable shoes for walking inside dry caves, especially those with stairs like Sung Sot or Thien Canh Son. Bring water and sunscreen, even for cave visits, since many require outdoor walking or kayaking. If you’re visiting a water cave, consider wearing quick-dry clothes or sandals. Be careful with your steps, as cave floors can be slippery, especially after rain.

Try to go early in the day if you want to avoid crowds. Some of the larger caves can get busy by mid-morning, especially in peak travel seasons. And don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to explore less-developed caves with limited lighting.

Conclusion

From glowing chambers to hidden lagoons, each of the Top 10 most beautiful caves in Halong Bay gives you a different view of this special place. Some caves are grand and well-lit, while others are quiet and simple, waiting for you to explore by kayak or foot. They all add something unique to your journey through the bay. If you're planning a visit to northern Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to go beyond the surface and discover these caves for yourself. Book a tour that includes a cave visit (or several) and experience the beauty of Halong Bay from the inside out.

>>> How to travel to Halong Bay from Hanoi?