Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Guide
Vietnam Travel Guide

Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Grotto) in Halong Bay

Sung Sot Grotto in Halong Bay
Sung Sot Grotto in Halong Bay
Situated in the centre of the UNESCO declared World Heritage area, the Surprise Grotto is on Bo Hon Island, and is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha long Bay.

Sung Sot Grotto of Halong Bay

Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone blocks. From the wharf tourists climb up some 50 stone steps to the mouth of the grotto, which lies 25m above the sea level, then go down some 10 stone steps to reach the mouth. Upon entering the cave, one can see a legendary world open before tourists' eyes. The grotto covers some 10,000m2; thousands of stalactites form exquisitely carved columns like those in ancient castles. The lively images of human beings, animals, and old trees make us surprise and mesmerize at the stunning beauty of nature.
Sung Sot Grotto in Halong
Inside the grotto there is a paved road span over half a kilometer from the entrance to the exit of the cave. Light posts line the passage and serve as signposts and ornaments. The lighting system with elegant styles adds more charm to the beauty of the grotto. Sung Sot has two main chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many stalactites hang from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.

A narrow passage leads to the second rooms, where a flow of light meets visitors. The chamber is so immense it could contain more than 1,000 people at one time. At the side of the entrance, the rock seems to form the shape of a horse with a long sword. Legend has it, that after having defeated the An aggressors, Thanh Dong (Dong the Saint) helped the population to chase away evil spirits and demons. After this feat, Dong flew to heaven, leaving a stone horse and sword to continue to keep the demons away. At the deepest point of the grotto, a "royal garden" appears with a clear pond and a seemingly fascinating landscape of mountains. Many birds and plants (Benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees) live here. On nice days groups of monkeys might arrive in search of fruit. Sung Sot is one of the largest and most magnificent caves in Ha long Bay. That's why the French called it Grotto of Surprise.