Surprise Cave, also known as Sung Sot Cave, is one of Halong Bay’s most beautiful and largest caves. This natural wonder is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam. In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this stunning cave, from its history to how to plan your visit.
Get to know about Surprise Cave Halong Bay
Surprise Cave sits at the heart of Halong Bay on Bo Hon Island. This island is one of the largest in the area and is close to other famous spots like Titov Island, Bo Nau Grotto, Me Cung Cave, and Luon Cave. The cave’s central location makes it easy to visit as part of a Halong Bay tour.
Bo Hon Island is not just home to Surprise Cave. It also houses Trinh Nu Cave, which has its own interesting story. Local legends say Trinh Nu Cave was where two ill-fated lovers met a tragic end. This story shows how rich Halong Bay is in folklore and history.
Surprise Cave lives up to its name with its huge size. When you enter, you’ll be amazed by how big it is inside. The cave has three main sections, each with its own special features. As you walk through, you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Halong Bay.
The cave’s entrance is reached by climbing about 50 stone steps. Once inside, visitors walk along well-lit paths that show off the cave’s natural beauty. The cave is about 10,000 square meters in size, with ceilings as high as 30 meters in some places.
What can you expect in Surprise Cave?
- Huge chambers with high ceilings
- Interesting rock formations that look like animals or objects
- A “royal garden” with a stone statue resembling a general
- Beautiful lighting that highlights the cave’s features
- Panoramic views of Halong Bay from the cave’s exit
The history of Sung Sot Cave
The history
Surprise Cave was first discovered by the French in 1901. They were amazed by its size and beauty, giving it the name “Grotte des Surprises,” which means “Cave of Surprises.” The cave has been open to tourists since the 1990s and has become one of the most popular attractions in Halong Bay.
Over millions of years, water eroded the limestone, creating the caverns and formations we see today. The cave holds signs of early human habitation, and archaeologists have found stone tools and other artifacts inside.
Folklore
Surprise Cave has a rich history that goes beyond its natural formation. Local people have created stories about the shapes they see in the rock formations. This tradition of finding familiar shapes in the rocks is common in Halong Bay caves.
As you explore Surprise Cave, your guide might point out rock formations that look like animals or objects. Some people say they can see a horse and a sword in one of the stalactites. This shape is linked to a Vietnamese folk hero named Thanh Giong. The story says Thanh Giong left these items to protect Halong Bay from evil spirits.
Why you shouldn’t miss Surprise Cave Halong Bay?
Surprise Cave is a must-visit spot in Halong Bay for many reasons. Its impressive size and unique features make it stand out among the bay’s many attractions.
The cave is split into three main chambers, each with its own character. To reach the cave, you climb 50 stone steps through a forest, then go down 10 steps to the entrance. This journey builds excitement for what’s inside.
In the first chamber, which is the smallest, you’ll find a small freshwater lake. Look up, and you’ll see what looks like a “velvet carpet” on the ceiling, made up of shiny stalactites. This room feels like a welcoming area, preparing you for the wonders ahead.
The second chamber is much bigger. Here, you’ll see huge stalactites and stalagmites in all sorts of shapes. Some people say they can see a Buddha, a bird, or even a monkey climbing on a rock column. Let your imagination run wild as you explore this space.
The last chamber is the biggest and most impressive. It’s so large that thousands of people could fit inside. This chamber has several interesting features:
- A “royal garden” with a lake and many types of plants and birds
- Small ponds that local legends say are the footprints of Giong, a mythical hero
- A stone that looks like a horse and sword, is also linked to the Giong legend
The cave’s rock formations are its main attraction. Over millions of years, water has shaped the limestone into incredible forms. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like natural chandeliers, while stalagmites rise from the floor in various shapes. The lighting in the cave highlights these formations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Visiting Surprise Cave gives you a chance to see nature’s artwork up close. It’s a unique experience that combines natural beauty, local legends, and the thrill of exploration.
How do you get there?
To visit Surprise Cave, you’ll first need to get to Halong Bay. Most visitors start their journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. From Hanoi, you can take a bus or private car to Halong Bay, which takes about 4 hours.
Once you’re in Halong Bay, you’ll need to take a boat to reach Surprise Cave. Most visitors do this as part of a cruise or day tour. If you’re not on a cruise, you can hire a small boat at Tuan Chau Wharf or Bai Chay Tourist Wharf to take you to the cave.
If you don’t want to start in Hanoi, you can join tours that explore Northern Vietnam and include Halong Bay as one of the destinations. This way, you can see Surprise Cave as part of a larger trip.
Maybe you want to find out more about our Northern Vietnam tours:
- Northern Charm Discovery 8 days
- Northeast Vietnam Adventure 6 Days
- Best of the Northern Delta Discovery 5 Days
How to visit Sung Sot Cave?
There are two main ways to visit Surprise Cave:
Option 1: Rent a canoe
You can rent a high-speed canoe if you’re short on time and only want to see Surprise Cave. These canoes are usually found at Tuan Chau and Hon Gai Pier. It costs about $50 per hour for a canoe that seats 4 to 8 people.
Option 2: Take a day boat
A more budget-friendly option is to take a 6-hour day boat tour. These boats follow a set route that includes Surprise Cave and other attractions like Soi Sim Island, Titop Island, and several other caves. You’ll get to explore caves, swim, and try activities like kayaking.
Ticket prices for the day boat tour are as follows:
- Adults: 290,000 VND
- Boat rental fee: 200,000 VND
- Optional lunch: 150,000 – 250,000 VND
The total cost is about 640,000–740,000 VND per person (roughly 28–32 USD).
Note:
- Children under 1.2m or 7 years old can enter for free
- Children from 7 to 16 years old get a 20% discount
- People over 60 years old get a 50% discount
Take a cruise – the best way to discover Surprise Cave Halong Bay
Taking a cruise is an excellent way to visit Surprise Cave and explore Halong Bay. Most cruises include a stop at the cave as part of their itinerary. This allows you to see the cave and enjoy other activities like kayaking, swimming, and visiting floating villages.
Cruises range from day trips to overnight stays on traditional junk boats. Here’s a table with some recommended cruises:
| Cruise | Duration | Features | Itinerary |
| Indochine Premium Halong Bay Cruise | 2 days 1 night, 3 days, 2 nights | Luxury cruise, European & Asian features, 37 luxury and fully-furnished cabins, sundeck 1&2, kid club, pool, golf course, wine cellar | Halong Bay – Titop Island – Sung Sot Cave |
| Ambassador Cruise | 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights | Luxury cruise, modern and new interior, decor, and all services and facilities, 46 cabins, twin 360-degree Sundecks, piano lounge, stylish glass bridge | Halong Bay – Tung Sau Pearl Farm – Titov Island – Luon Cave – Ho Dong Tien Cave – Trong Cave – Cua Van Village – Sung Sot Cave |
| Indochina Sails Cruise | 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights | Deluxe cruise, largest luxury wooden boat on Halong Bay, Indochine future Indochine aromatic wooden cruise, 23 cabins | Ha Long Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave – Titop Island – Cua Van Fishing Village |
These are just a few options. Please get in touch with us if you want to find more cruises or get detailed information. We can help you choose the best cruise for your needs and budget.
>>> Maybe you want to read more: Halong Bay Cruise – A complete 2 days 1 night itinerary & Insider tips
When should I visit Surprise Cave Halong Bay?
The weather in Halong Bay changes throughout the year:
- March to May: Spring brings mild temperatures and occasional light rain, best time to visit
- June to August: Summer is hot and humid with some heavy rains.
- September to November: Fall has cooler temperatures and less rain, perfect time to visit
- December to February: Winter is cool and dry with occasional mists.
Summer (May to September) can be hot and humid, with occasional rain and storms. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so the cave might be more crowded.
If possible, try to visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.
What do I need to note before going?
Before you visit Surprise Cave, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Safety Precautions
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes
- Stay on the marked paths
- Don’t touch the cave formations
- Follow the guide’s instructions
- Be careful on wet or slippery surfaces
- Check the weather forecast before your trip
What to pack
- Wear light, breathable clothing
- Bring a light jacket or sweater as the cave can be cool
- Wear a hat and sunscreen for outdoor activities
- Bring plenty of water
- Pack some light snacks
- Avoid littering in the cave or on the boat
Respect for the Environment
- Don’t remove anything from the cave
- Avoid making loud noises
- Use trash bins for any waste
Useful Information
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery
- Carry some cash for souvenirs or extra expenses
- Inform your tour guide of any health issues or concerns
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases
- Bring a translation app if you don’t speak Vietnamese
Surprise Cave is a natural wonder that lives up to its name. Its vast chambers, stunning formations, and the views it offers of Halong Bay make it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, Surprise Cave will leave you in awe. Plan your visit carefully, respect the environment, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into one of Vietnam’s most beautiful caves.
Mo Nguyen – from Vietnam Travels Online
