Sung Sot Cave: History, Entrance Fee, Best Time & Things To Do

Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, is one of Ha Long Bay's most iconic limestone formations. Located on Bo Hon Island, in the heart of Ha Long Bay, this natural wonder offers insight into the region's impressive landscape and ancient geology. The cave’s spacious interior and intricate stalactite formations make it a must-see for those exploring the beauty of Quang Ninh Province. With over 12,000 square meters of space, this expansive cave promises a captivating experience for travelers eager to uncover Vietnam's natural marvels.

This article provides information about Sung Sot Cave’s unique history, covering topics such as its geological significance and cultural importance. It includes details on practical aspects, like the cave’s entrance fee, the best time to visit, and suggested activities. For those planning a trip, it covers tips on navigating the cave’s stairways and viewing platforms.

GTrip’s guide to Sung Sot Cave describes experiences in this majestic cavern, helping travelers prepare for an unforgettable visit. The article highlights tourist attractions nearby, outlines key activities, and shares insights into everyone's experiences.

History of Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Cave, was discovered in 1901 by French explorers who ventured into Vietnam during the period of French Indochina. Upon witnessing its immense size and stunning formations, they named it “Grotte des Surprises”, or the “Cave of Surprises”. This discovery introduced the cave to the Western world, marking it as a place of both natural and cultural significance. Since then, the cave has become a symbol of Ha Long Bay’s ancient beauty, attracting travelers and researchers.

The cave’s formation dates back millions of years, with its intricate structures shaped by a long geological process involving water, limestone, and natural erosion. Sung Sot’s stalactites and stalagmites are known for their impressive shapes, resembling animals, mythical figures, and landscapes. These formations have been shaped by gradual mineral deposition over millennia. They reflect the natural history of Ha Long Bay and provide insight into the bay’s prehistoric environment. The cave’s multi-layered chambers add to its allure, showcasing different stages of geological evolution and a variety of rock formations.

The Sung Sot Cave’s formation was shaped by gradual mineral deposition over millennia

Beyond its natural beauty, Sung Sot holds cultural importance as it reflects the deep-rooted heritage of the area. Over the decades, the cave has played a key role in Ha Long Bay’s tourism history, becoming a renowned destination for locals and international travelers alike. Its historical significance is evident in how it stands as a testament to the natural forces that shaped Vietnam's landscape. It also serves as a reminder of the cultural exchange that has defined the region for centuries.

Opening hours and entrance fee

Here is some information about opening hours and entrance fee when visiting this cave.

Opening hours

Sung Sot opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM daily, offering an ideal schedule for exploring this magnificent limestone cave and its surroundings. With these opening hours, you can comfortably plan their day to enjoy the beauty of the cave while exploring other highlights of Ha Long Bay. The operating schedule remains the same year-round, providing consistent access to one of the region's most treasured attractions.

Entrance fee

The entrance fee for Sung Sot has an admission fee of 100,000 to 150,000 VND per person, depending on the season and specific days such as national holidays. We recommend you check the entrance fee in advance, especially during peak tourist periods in order to avoid incurring costs.

Additionally, Sung Sot is part of Ha Long Bay's tour route number 2, which charges according to a full package rate that includes other major attractions. Route 2's ticket options offer different pricing based on trip length. The day trip is priced at 290,000 VND per person. A 2-day, 1-night experience is 590,000 VND per person. The 3-day, 2-night tour is priced at 790,000 VND per person. These options include popular activities like kayaking, swimming, and sightseeing within Ha Long Bay.

Travelers are visiting Sung Sot Cave in the opening hours

How to buy ticket

To purchase tickets, travelers can go to two major cruise ports in Ha Long: Tuan Chau International Passenger Port or Ha Long International Passenger Port. Tuan Chau Port is located on Tuan Chau Island, about 12 kilometers from the city center, where you can find the ticket counter easily near the main entrance. The Ha Long International Passenger Port, a newer facility established in 2019, is centrally located within Ha Long City. It offers another convenient location to buy tickets and plan the day’s adventure in Ha Long Bay.

If you are interested in Ha Long Bay in general and this cave in particular, visit our Ha Long Bay tours.

How to get to Sung Sot Cave

The cave can be reached by several transportation options from Hanoi, each offering a unique travel experience and accessibility. The route to the cave is straightforward once arriving in Ha Long Bay. People have multiple choices depending on their preferred mode of travel, budget, and time constraints.

By bus

The most affordable option for getting from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is by bus. The bus route provides a convenient and frequent schedule that takes you by road directly from Hanoi to the bay. Bus services run multiple times a day, with some offering direct drop-offs near Tuan Chau International Harbor, a common access point for Sung Sot. Travel by bus typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, and serves as an affordable option for solo travelers or groups.

By car

For those who prefer flexibility, the cave is reachable via car, allowing self-driving options from Hanoi. Taking the Hanoi-Ha Long Expressway, you can enjoy a direct and scenic car route that reduces travel time to around 2 hours. Car rental services are widely available in Hanoi for those without a personal vehicle. Many agencies offer GPS systems or mobile apps that provide directions for the journey. This travel method allows travelers to make stops along the way, making it a flexible option for everyone.

Tourists can go to Ha Long by cars

By boat

Once in Ha Long Bay, the cave is accessible via boat, as it requires a short boat ride to reach the cave on Bo Hon Island. Tourist boats, often included in guided tours, provide scenic water access and offer views of nearby islands and rock formations. A typical water route may include stops at other famous spots, such as Titop Island and Bo Nau Cave, offering a full experience of Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty. Boat access to Sung Sot also provides scenic views along the bay, making it an enjoyable travel method.

Going by boats is another option for tourists

By seaplane

For a truly unique approach, Sung Sot is accessible by seaplane, offering breathtaking aerial views of Ha Long Bay. Hai Au Aviation offers seaplane flights from Hanoi, cutting travel time to just 45 minutes. These flights, scheduled three times daily, provide a scenic flight route over the bay. This gives travelers a rare perspective on its expansive limestone formations. After landing at Tuan Chau Harbor, travelers can continue to Sung Sot by boat. Seaplane access combines air travel with scenic water routes, perfect for those seeking a premium travel experience.

By cruise

The cave can also be reached on a cruise, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a luxury travel option. Cruises in Ha Long Bay often include scenic routes to Sung Sot, along with other highlights such as Luon Cave and Titop Island. Travelers can choose from different cruise services, ranging from half-day trips to overnight stays. Popular cruise options include:

1. Deluxe & Small Group Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruise

2. La Casta Daily Luxury Halong Bay Cruise – 8 Hours Cruising

3. Cozy Bay Cruise – 3 Star Cruise in Halong Bay

4. Royal Palace Cruise – A traditional wooden 3 Star Cruise

5. Hermes Cruise – 5 Star Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay

View of Halong Bay Cruise ship parking at Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave structure and features

Sung Sot Cave, famed for its remarkable natural architecture, spans around 10,000 square meters and is situated approximately 25 meters above sea level. This place is likened to an Opera House in the middle of the sea. It features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that have developed over thousands of years. These formations have unique shapes that cannot be found anywhere else. These intricate formations, shaped by water erosion, hang from the ceiling and rise from the floor, showcasing nature’s artistry. Soft lighting along the stone pathway highlights the cave’s beauty, adding a mysterious and enchanting ambiance.

One of the special features of Sung Sot Cave is its contrasting beauty. The cave consists of two main chambers, linked by a narrow passage, that have a contrasting attractiveness. The first chamber, smaller and more intimate, has a low ceiling adorned with various limestone formations. Stalactites hang like chandeliers, while rock shapes on the ground resemble animals, flowers, and mythical figures. On the left, a small spring known as Fairy Spring offers fresh, clear water, enhancing the mystical feel of this chamber. The first chamber is considered a waiting room for tourists before reaching the second chamber.

The first main chamber of Sung Sot Cave

Moving through the narrow passage, filled with many lampposts, leads to the second chamber, often referred to as the “heaven” of the cave. This grand space has a soaring 30-meter-high ceiling, giving it the aura of a natural cathedral. The ceiling’s texture resembles delicate foam, evoking the impression of a majestic theater that can hold thousands of people.

This second chamber also holds a special place in local folklore. Near the exit, a prominent limestone formation shaped like a horse and sword is said to represent the legendary Saint Giong. Legend tells that after helping the locals drive out invaders, Saint Giong left his horse and sword here to protect the area. Further inside, small lakes believed to be Giong’s horse’s “hoof prints” add a mythical touch.

The second chamber of Sung Sot Cave

Reaching the cave’s highest point reveals a “royal garden”, a tranquil area featuring a crystal-clear lake, lush vegetation, and vibrant bird life. This area offers a serene retreat, and occasionally, groups of monkeys come down in search of fruit. The blend of natural beauty and local legend makes this cave one of Ha Long Bay’s most captivating attractions.

5 things to do in Sung Sot Cave

Here are five enjoyable things to do, each offering unique experiences that highlight its natural beauty and cultural significance.

Hiking to the cave entrance

Upon arriving on Bo Hon Island, you’ll climb 50 steep stone steps, followed by 10 more down to reach the entrance of Sung Sot Cave. The path to the cave winds through lush forest foliage, formed by rugged stone steps.

To enter the cave, you’ll pass through a narrow rock crevice, which opens up to a space nearly 12,200 square meters in size and about 30 meters high. Following the 800-meter stone pathway, the mystical and enchanting beauty of Sung Sot Cave gradually unfolds before your eyes, captivating every tourist.

Tourists are climbing to reach the entrance of the cave

Enjoy the scenic overlook of Ha Long Bay

At the top of the hike, Sung Sot Cave provides a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. From this elevated viewpoint, you’ll see a breathtaking landscape of turquoise waters dotted with iconic limestone islands, creating a picture-perfect vista. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially beautiful times to admire this view, as the shifting sunlight enhances the bay’s vibrant colors. This entrance view is known for its stunning perspective, making it an unforgettable sightseeing spot.

The beautiful scenic view of Ha Long Bay

Take lots of beauty photos

The cave is a popular spot for photography, thanks to its unique interior lighting and intricate rock formations. This cave provides great photo opportunities in both chambers, where the natural and artificial light brings out the formations' details and colors. You should capture wide-angle shots of the cave’s vast chambers, close-ups of dramatic stalactites, and the stunning view of Ha Long Bay from the entrance. The scenic scenes and picturesque backgrounds make it easy to fill your camera roll with beautiful memories.

Beautiful view of gold sunlight shining through Sung Sot Cave

Explore the cave chambers

The first chamber captivates with a ceiling draped in a glistening “velvet” covering that sparkles under the glow of soft lighting. Here, clusters of stalactites descend from above, resembling chandeliers made of stone, each uniquely shaped and intricately detailed. The lights cast a warm hue on the formations, giving them a mesmerizing glow. The scene feels like stepping into a grand, natural palace.

The second chamber of Sung Sot Cave is filled with magnificent stalactites that cascade from the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing canopy of natural formations. Soft lighting highlights the intricate textures and shapes of the stalactites, giving them a sparkling effect. Some formations resemble mythical creatures or ancient symbols, inviting travelers to imagine stories hidden in each curve and angle. The chamber’s vastness allows large clusters of stalactites to hang freely. These formations create pillars that stretch down to meet the stalagmites rising from the ground.

Beautiful lights in the chambers

Learn the local legends

The cave provides opportunities to learn about the local legends tied to Ha Long Bay’s folklore. Sung Sot is connected to fascinating myths, with rock formations linked to Vietnamese hero Saint Giong. As the story goes, Saint Giong left his horse and sword here after helping locals defend against invaders. A guide from GTrip can share more stories during the tour, detailing myths and folklore that add a mystical layer to the cave’s charm. This makes the exploration not only visually enriching but also culturally intriguing.

Speleothems in the cave symbolizing local legends

Best time to visit Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot is best visited during the months of May to July. This period offers ideal conditions in terms of weather and scenery, making it one of the best times to visit Ha Long Bay. During this ideal season, the climate is warm, and rainfall is minimal, creating a temperate atmosphere that is perfect for exploring the cave.

May to July is also the peak tourist season for domestic travelers in Vietnam, as this period aligns with holidays such as Children’s Day and school breaks. While the cave may be busier during these months, the vibrant energy and favorable weather conditions add to the overall experience. This season provides optimal weather conditions for taking in the cave’s stunning features and enjoying other activities around Ha Long Bay.

May to July is the best time to visit this cave

The cave offers ideal conditions in the early morning, between 8 and 9 a.m., and later in the day, from 4 to 5 p.m. These hours provide the best lighting and a cooler, more comfortable environment, especially during peak months. Early in the morning, Sung Sot is bathed in soft natural light, creating an atmosphere that highlights the cave’s unique limestone formations. These are also great hours for photography, as the sunlight illuminates the cave chambers beautifully.

In the late afternoon, the cave is again popular among tourists as the sun starts to set over Ha Long Bay, casting a warm glow on the water and creating a stunning view. These off-peak hours ensure a more relaxed experience, allowing people to explore the cave at a slower pace and fully appreciate its natural features.

Reviews and experiences of visitors when visiting Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot consistently features positive feedback from travelers, with many captivated by its stunning beauty and scale. GTrip tourists especially appreciate the scenic approach, noting the hike through lush greenery as a wonderful prelude to the main attraction.

Tourists are often amazed by the unique formations in the cave’s two chambers. Reviews highlight the glistening stalactites in the first chamber and the vast, colorful second chamber. Many GTrip travelers enjoy spotting shapes in the rock formations, from mythical creatures to animals, adding a fun element to their exploration.

The cave experience includes stories of local legends shared by guides, adding depth to the visit. GTrip tourists frequently praise their guides for sharing these tales, making the experience feel both magical and meaningful.

Tourists are amazed by the unique formations in the cave’s two chambers

A favorite part of the experience is the panoramic view from the cave entrance, where tourists can gaze over Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters. This view often leaves a lasting impression, with many reviews recommending it as the perfect photo spot.

Overall, Sung Sot gathers enthusiastic feedback for its breathtaking formations, cultural stories, and scenic views. GTrip tourists often describe it as a highlight of their Ha Long Bay tour, making it a must-see for nature and culture lovers alike.

Conclusion about Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave is an iconic destination that captures the essence of Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty and cultural significance. With its spacious chambers, remarkable limestone formations, and scenic overlook of Ha Long Bay, it provides unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers.

The journey to the cave offers a blend of adventure and discovery, from hiking to the entrance to exploring its legendary rock formations. The local legends associated with the cave add a layer of mystique, creating a memorable, immersive visit.

In summary, Sung Sot Cave is highly recommended for those seeking to experience the best of Ha Long Bay. Its impressive natural architecture and scenic vistas make it an essential destination on any Ha Long Bay itinerary.