Hanh Grotto in Halong Bay

Hanh Grotto in Halong Bay

Hanh Grotto is one of the longest grottoes in Ha long Bay, lying 9km west of Cam Pha Town. Hanh Grotto seems suitable for adventures. The mouth of the grotto is very low with 1,300m long.

Hanh Grotto of Halong Bay

The entrance of the grotto is at the foot of the stone mountain of Quang Hanh. That's why the French named it "Le Tunnel" or Tunnel Grotto.

One should visit the grotto at low tide and has to go by small boat to pass through, as this is the time the mouth of the grotto appears, and then must know the time when the tide rises up to get out of the grotto. In front of the present-day mouth stands Ba Co (Three Girls) shrine to dedicated three girls who according to the legend often went to the sea together. One day, they caught a pouring rain and took shelter in a grotto. They found the scenery so captivating that they forgot the time of rising tide. Locked up in the grotto, they passed away and became Water God.

Hanh Grotto is extremely beautiful. The small boat will take you through the stone passageway by lamp-light, casting magical colors on the hanging stalactites. To get there, tourists can hire canoes in Doan Wharf (Hon Gai, Ha long City) or take a coach to Cam Pha Town. At the Cam Pha Wharf, one can also hire boats or canoes to go to the grotto. The time for visiting the grotto is from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Vietnam Travel Guide 
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