I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
For those seeking a respite from the crowds of Halong Bay while still basking in the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, Cat Ba Island caves stand as an inviting alternative.
Cat Ba Island, part of the Cat Ba Archipelago within the coastal city of Hai Phong, stretches over 100 square miles, encompassing 367 islands. Home to a vibrant community of over 13,000 inhabitants and 4,000 locals residing in floating fishing villages, Cat Ba Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm with numerous caves. Explore the wonders of this hidden gem, where stunning caves await in the embrace of a World Biosphere Reserve.
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1. Trung Trang Cave
Trung Trang Cave is located in the Trung Trang Valley, approximately 1km from the center of Cat Ba National Park. With thousands of years of history, Trung Trang Cave is a masterpiece bestowed by nature on Cat Ba tourism. The cave is about 300m long, passing through the mountain, and can accommodate hundreds of tourists at once, a feature that few other caves possess.
The cave is located inside a majestic limestone mountain with its entrance perching precariously on a rocky cliff. It requires a sum of effort to climb all the stairs to reach the cave, especially for the elderly and children. However, the majestic scenery of Cat Ba National Forest at the sightseeing point, along with the cool breezes, will dispel all initial fatigue.
Stepping into Trung Trang Cave, visitors cannot help but marvel at the myriad of natural stalactites with unique shapes sparkling like precious gems. The cave also features a series of standing stones arranged in parallel, and when tapped with hands, produces a distant echoing sound. Besides the beauty of the rock formations, Trung Trang Cave is surrounded by Kim Giao forest which also contributes to the stunning natural beauty.
2. Quan Y Cave (Hospital Cave)
Located 9 km from Cat Ba town, Quan Y Cave is situated along the island's main road in the Hai Son commune, Hai Hai district, Hai Phong city. Quan Y cave was formed through natural processes and human intervention. During the war, the cave was transformed into a hospital, hence its name "Quan Y" (Military Hospital in Vietnamese).
Quan Y Cave stands out as one of the most unique caves in the larger and smaller cave system of the Cat Ba Archipelago. It not only showcases the distinctive structure of the coastal limestone mountain system but also reflects the extraordinary creativity and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war with the United States. The cave was securely built with three floors and 17 rooms. When it was opened for tourism, local authorities reconstructed a roughly 30-meter-long wooden ladder leading to the cave entrance (a flexible ladder that could be destroyed in case of enemy attacks). To enter the cave's interior, visitors must pass through a sturdy iron door designed to withstand bullets and bombs. In general, a visit to Quan Y Cave not only allows you to admire its beauty but also provides a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history.
3. Hoa Cuong Cave
Hoa Cuong Cave is situated in the northeastern mountain range where the community of Gia Luan commune resides, north of Cat Ba Island, adjacent to Ha Long Bay, and serves as a ferry terminal connecting to Tuan Chau in Quang Ninh Province.
The cave is located at an elevation of approximately 15-20m above the residential area and 50m above sea level. The cave's height is around 10m, and its widest point spans 25m with a length of about 100m. Upon entering the cave and looking upward, visitors cannot help but be impressed by the beautifully shaped and colorful stalactite blocks. This enchanting scene is further accentuated by small scattered water ponds beneath the cave's floor.
Hoa Cuong Cave is not only renowned for its mythical landscapes but also holds archaeological significance. It is the site where a fossilized tooth of an ancient gibbon, dating back thousands of years, provides evidence of the existence of ancient gibbons in Vietnam.
4. Phu Long Cave (Thien Long Cave)
Phu Long Cave, located in Phu Long commune, Cat Hai district, is a captivating tourist spot with many mystical elements. The cave is divided into three relatively distinct sections, featuring layers of sedimentary rocks formed millions of years ago. The first section has a structure resembling a stone roof rising from the ground, with a massive column reaching a height of 1.51 meters as if pushing the vault skyward. Visitors exploring the cave can envision the geological processes, witnessing the traces of tectonic movements from extreme to dual polarity that occurred here over millions of years.
The second section showcases vivid images of artificially created animal species sculpted by the stone formations. Within the heart of this section, large tree roots hang down like fairy-tale staircases, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The vault of Phu Long cave is lofty and sparkling like silver, resembling a celestial sky. Above, golden mountains and silver streams cascade down whenever illuminated by light, creating a magical and surreal ambiance.
Beyond the second section, there is an entrance leading to the third section. To enter this part, visitors must climb over the back of a large turtle sculpted from white sedimentary rock. The third section is divided into two areas: on the left is the celestial palace, and on the right is a Buddhist temple adorned with golden statues, dragon thrones, divine figures, celestial maidens, and mythical creatures perched on stone pillars. All of these formations are the result of both natural rock formations and the imaginative creativity of humans.
Trung Trang Cave, Quan Y Cave, Hoa Cuong Cave, and Phu Long Cave are the four most prominent caves in Cat Ba Island, attracting a vast number of visitors each year. Perhaps it is the untouched natural beauty, free from human influence, that has kept these caves charming with a simple yet distinctive allure.
Whether you're a traveler seeking to explore and enhance your understanding of historical landmarks or simply want to experience the scenic beauty of Vietnam, all your desires can easily be fulfilled by full-service package of IZITOUR.com. Thank you and if you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us via email: sm@izitour.com or Whatsapp: +84 382 536 266 for instant assistance and free consultation.
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