Sung Sot Cave Reviews – All things you need to know 2025
Sung Sot Cave is the region’s largest and most mesmerizing limestone cavern. Its allure lies in the glistening stalactites, intricate rock formations, and ethereal ambiance that have captivated countless travelers, both local and international. Join Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours as we embark on a journey to unravel the natural splendor and timeless beauty of this masterpiece tucked away in Halong Bay.
1. Sung Sot Cave – A masterpiece of Halong Bay
Known as “Surprise Cave,” Sung Sot Cave is one of Halong Bay’s most striking and extensive grottoes, situated on Bo Hon Island in the core of the UNESCO World Heritage area.
This vast cave, covering around 10,000 square meters and over 200 meters in length, earned its place among the top ten most beautiful caves globally as recognized by the Czech Association of Travel Agents and Brokers. It’s the most popular cave in Halong Bay, drawing visitors with its diverse rocky islets.
The adventure to Sung Sot Cave begins with a captivating walk through the forest, giving you the thrill of ascending steps before entering its remarkable chambers.
Sung Sot Cave is masterpiece of Halong Bay
2. When to visit Sung Sot Cave?
For an optimal visit to Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay, consider traveling during two key periods:
- April to June; or
- December to February.
If you prefer warm, clear days, April to June is ideal, offering bright skies and comfortable temperatures (around 20-22°C) for exploring.
For those who don’t mind a cooler, drier climate, December to February provides excellent conditions with minimal rainfall and slightly chilly temperatures (around 18-20°C), perfect for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. This latter period also welcomes the largest number of international tourists, signaling pleasant conditions.
When to visit Sung Sot Cave?
3. Sung Sot Cave History
While the cave existed for eons, its “discovery” by Western explorers is attributed to French travelers in 1901. They were so taken aback by the sheer size and breathtaking beauty of its interior that they aptly named it “Grotte des Surprises,” meaning “Cave of Surprises.” This name was later translated into Vietnamese as “Sung Sot,” which also conveys a sense of astonishment or surprise.
Despite this early recognition, the cave remained relatively unknown and largely inaccessible for decades. It wasn’t until 1993 that Sung Sot Cave officially opened its doors to tourists, quickly becoming one of Halong Bay’s most popular and iconic attractions, just a year before Halong Bay received its initial UNESCO World Heritage status.
Sung Sot Cave is also steeped in local Vietnamese folklore, most notably associated with the legend of Saint Giong (Thanh Giong). According to the legend, after defeating Chinese invaders, the mythical hero Thanh Giong flew to heaven, leaving behind his horse and sword inside the cave to protect the land from evil spirits. Visitors can still see rock formations within the cave that are said to resemble Giong’s horse and sword, and even small ponds believed to be his horse’s hoofprints, adding a mystical layer to the cave’s allure.
The Sung Sot Surprise Cave history
4. How to get to Sung Sot Cave?
Sung Sot Cave is a key highlight of Tour Route 2 in Ha Long Bay. To visit this impressive cave, you’ll need to buy a ticket for Route 2, which also includes other fantastic spots like Soi Sim Island, Titop Island, Bo Nau Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave.
While Halong Bay offers six different tour routes, Route 2 is unique because it’s the only one that includes swimming and offers a complete mix of experiences – from exploring caves and enjoying boat trips (or kayaking) to swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing. This is typically a half-day tour, running from noon until evening.
You can easily buy tickets for these routes at two main ports in Ha Long:
- Tuan Chau Wharf: This is a major port located on Tuan Chau Island, about 12 kilometers from Ha Long city center. Look for the ticket booth on the right side of the entrance.
- Ha Long International Cruise Port: Opened in 2019, this wharf is closer to the city center, making it more convenient to access. However, it handles fewer ships compared to Tuan Chau Wharf.
Tuan Chau Wharf
5. Entrance ticket to Sung Sot Cave
To visit Sung Sot Cave Vietnam, travelers must first purchase entrance tickets to the harbor and then boat tickets. Specifically:
Entrance tickets for route 2:
- Day trip ticket: VND 290,000 (USD $12.1) per person
- Ticket for 2 days 1 night: VND 590,000 (USD $24.6) per person
- Ticket for 3 days 2 nights: VND 790,000 (USD $33) per person
Boat tickets:
The boat fare for a passenger for route 2 (including Sung Sot cave) is regulated by Halong Bay Management Board as VND 200,000 (USD $8.4) or VND 250,000 (USD $10.5)/pax + entrance ticket (not included) including food, drink and 50,000 VND (USD $2.1)/pax ticket for bamboo boat/kayaking and tour guides).
- The tour lasts about 4 – 6 hours.
- The departure times of the boats are 6:30 am; 8:00 am; 12:00 pm; 01:00 pm.
Entrance Sung Sot Cave
6. Highlights of Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Cave, is a magnificent limestone cavern. Your adventure begins with a walk through forest greenery, ascending 50 stone steps before descending 10 more to a small, hidden entrance. Once inside, the cave’s grandeur progressively reveals itself along an 800-meter stone walkway.
The cave features 3 distinct chambers. The first is a smaller space with a freshwater lake and a “velvet carpet” ceiling from which stalactite chandeliers gleam, alongside formations resembling elephants and flowers. This leads to the vast second chamber, filled with enormous, uniquely shaped stalactites and stalagmites that invite imaginative interpretations – look for formations like a buddha or a monkey climbing a rock.
The final and largest chamber can accommodate thousands. Here, you’ll find formations linked to the legend of Thanh Giong, including a stone block resembling his horse and sword, and small ponds shaped like his footprints. At the cave’s apex lies a “royal garden” boasting a lake, various plants, and bird species.
Sung Sot Cave photos of chambers
Reviews from visitors who have visited this site:
Mrs. Layla: “The Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave truly lives up to its name! I find it quite long, filled with amazing stalagmites and stalactites, making it a definite must-see on almost every Halong Bay cruise. As you can imagine, this means it gets pretty crowded, but that’s typical for any popular spot. Just a heads-up for anyone with mobility issues or the elderly: the terrain inside is quite uneven, with narrow passages and a fair amount of stairs (both up and down), so it might be a challenging visit.”
John Dove family: “Sung Sot Cave in Halong Bay is absolutely stunning! The cave itself is amazingly vast, easily able to hold thousands of people. This is truly a sight no one visiting Halong Bay should miss.”
7. Useful tips for visiting Sung Sot Cave
Visiting Sung Sot Cave is a highlight of many Halong Bay tours, and to make your experience the best it can be, here are some useful tips:
- Stay hydrated: Carry water, especially on warmer days, as the climbing can be a bit of a workout.
- Protect from sun and insects: Even on milder days, the sun can be strong when you’re outside the cave. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. It’s also wise to carry insect repellent, as caves can sometimes harbor insects due to humidity.
- Consider a guided tour: Sung Sot Cave is typically visited as part of a cruise itinerary (specifically Tour Route 2). Your cruise guide will provide valuable insights into the cave’s geology, history, and associated legends (like Saint Giong), enhancing your understanding and appreciation.
- Respect the environment: Do not touch or damage the stalagmites and stalactites. Dispose of your litter properly to help preserve the cave’s natural beauty.
- Pack lightly: You’ll be doing some walking and climbing, so avoid bringing excessive luggage into the cave. A small backpack to bring essential items is ideal.
- Use insect repellents: Before visiting Bo Hon Island to explore the cave, you should use insect repellents.
Useful tips for visiting Sung Sot Cave
8. What to do near Sung Sot Cave?
Here’s what you can typically do near Sung Sot Cave:
8.1. Visit Titop Island
This is very close to Hang Sung Sot Cave and is almost always part of the same itinerary. You can relax on its crescent-shaped sandy beach, swim in the clear waters, or climb the hundreds of steps to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay.
8.2. Kayaking or Sampan Boat Riding at Luon Cave
Also on Route 2, Luon Cave is a fascinating water tunnel that leads to a secluded, tranquil lagoon. You’ll switch from your main cruise boat to either a kayak (paddling yourself) or a sampan boat (rowed by a local guide) to pass through the archway and explore the hidden lagoon.
8.3. Explore Other Nearby Caves
Depending on your specific cruise itinerary, you might visit other caves that are part of Route 2, such as Bo Nau Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, or Trinh Nu Cave. These are generally smaller but offer unique geological formations and sometimes associated legends.
8.4. Enjoy Onboard Cruise Activities
Since you’ll likely be visiting Sung Sot Cave as part of a cruise tour, you can also enjoy the amenities and activities on your boat. This often includes:
- Lunch: A delicious lunch buffet, often featuring fresh seafood and signature Vietnamese food.
- Sunbathing: Relaxing on the sundeck and enjoying a sunset party with fruits, junk food and cocktails.
- Photography: Capturing the stunning limestone scenery from various angles with your beloved ones to keep the memories forever.
- Relaxation: Simply soak up the atmosphere in the serene beauty of the bay.
Suggested cruise tours in Halong Bay visiting Sung Sot Cave:
8.5. Swimming
Many cruises on Route 2 will offer opportunities for swimming in the calm, emerald waters of the bay, often near TiTop Island. For swimming lovers, this is absolutely an interesting activity to immerse in the crystal clear water of Halong Bay.
In essence, activities near Sung Sot Cave are usually integrated into a half-day or full-day cruise itinerary that showcases the best of Halong Bay’s central area.
Swimming in the emerald waters near TiTop Island
In conclusion, the above blog post has given you some information about the geographical location and highlights of Hang Sung Sot Cave. Hopefully you will have a meaningful trip and discover the history of the formation of this beautiful limestone cave.
9. FAQ
What is Sung Sot Cave?
Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, is one of the largest, most famous, and most beautiful limestone caves in Halong Bay, Vietnam. It's renowned for its immense size and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. The location of the cave is approximately 14 kilometers away from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf of Halong City.
Why is it named "Surprise Cave"?
French explorers in 1901 named it "Grotte des Surprises" due to their astonishment at its unexpected grandeur and vastness after entering through a relatively small opening. The Vietnamese name "Sung Sot" carries the same meaning of surprise or astonishment.
What will I see inside the cave?
You'll see incredible stalactites and stalagmites in various unique shapes, some illuminated with colorful lights. The cave also features a freshwater lake, and formations said to be linked to the legend of Saint Giong (like a horse, sword, and footprints). The highest point even features a "royal garden."
Is it difficult to walk inside the cave?
The walkways are paved, but they can be uneven and sometimes damp. It's a generally manageable walk for most, but those with mobility issues should be aware of the steps and varying terrain.
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