Sung Sot Cave

A Glimpse of Sung Sot Cave

Let's find out what this tourist destination has that can wake up all the senses of travelers to visit and have to say surprised!

• The largest cave in Halong Bay, with an area of up to 10.000 m2. You have to climb more than 100 steps of stone to get inside the cave
• This cave was detected by a French in 1901 and on Top 10 the Most Beautiful Caves in the World by the Association of Czech Travel Agents and Offices in 2012
• The name Surprise (which means Sung Sot in Vietnamese) is the feeling when travelers visit this incredible masterpiece 
• Although the cave is massive, you’ll find that your voice doesn’t echo when you enter
• This Surprise Cave Halong Bay is also attached to Thanh Giong - A famous Vietnamese legend hero, reflecting the values and aspirations of the Vietnamese people throughout the ages.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Sung Sot Cave

What To Know About Sung Sot Cave Vietnam (Surprise Cave Vietnam)

Location

Sung Sot Cave is the biggest and most well-known limestone cave in Halong Bay. Located in the heart of the bay on Bo Hon Island, the cavern is approximately 14 km from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. It shares the island with other notable attractions, including Luon Cave and Trinh Nu Cave, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the area.

The legend and history

Legend of Sung Sot Cave - The Tale of Thanh Giong

Legend has it that Sung Sot Cave is intertwined with the tale of Thanh Giong (Saint Giong), a famous hero in Vietnamese folklore known for his bravery and strength. Inside the cavern, visitors can find unique stalactites that resemble a horse and a sword, said to have been left behind by Saint Giong after his epic battles. This enchanting connection adds a layer of cultural significance to the cave, making it more than just a natural wonder.

History

Historically, the grotto was first discovered by French explorers in 1901, who were captivated by its stunning formations and vast chambers. Recognizing its extraordinary beauty, they named it "Grotte Des Surprises" (Surprise Cave) in 1938, a name that reflects the awe it inspires in all who enter. Today, Sung Sot Cave remains a highlight of Halong Bay, drawing tourists from around the world eager to explore its remarkable features and rich history.

Sung Sot Cave's history dates back hundreds of years

What to do in Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay

There are two must-see attractions when you embark on a tour of Sung Sot Cave. Read on to discover what they are!

Climbing 100 Steps up to Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay

As shown in several Sung Sot Cave photos, the path to Sung Sot is steep, with 100 steps up to and lined with shady trees. Besides exploring the cave, your journey will be more exciting and a little bit adventurous by hiking and climbing. Walking ascending to the grotto, your love for nature is satisfied with a path full of trees and foliage, surrounded by great paved stone blocks.

Climb up 100 steps to get to Sung Sot Cave

Admire an illuminated view inside Sung Sot Cave

Coming inside the cave, you‘ll have a chance to witness the magnitude of one of the most beautiful caves in the World with 2 chambers, called the outer and the inner. The outer chamber is wide enough for an Opera theatre metaphor. It is considered as the waiting room for travelers before getting inside. According to many Sung Sot Cave reviews, many stalagmites look like beautiful chandeliers thanks to the high ceiling.

After the first chamber, a narrow road leads to the second one, opening a whole different scene with a wide space enough for thousands of people. Exploring the second chamber at the deepest point, a “royal” garden appears with a clear pond and a fascinating landscape of mountains.

Stunning rock formations Inside Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay

Take note of some should not miss limestones

• The "royal garden" at the top of the cave
• The 30m roof looks like patterns of a theatre’s ceiling created purely by Mother Nature
• The limestone attached to Thanh Giong - A famous hero in Vietnamese legend
• Nature works with various shapes, such as swords, horses, dinosaurs, banyan trees, and sea bears,...

Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay

Tickets Price

To visit Sung Sot Cave, you can purchase tickets at two major ports in Halong City, namely Tuan Chau International Port and Halong International Cruise Port.

Sung Sot Cave is part of the Halong Bay tour Route 2, which includes other famous destinations such as Bai Tu Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island, Bo Nau Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Me Cung Cave.

The ticket prices for Route 2 are as follows:

• One-day ticket: VND 290,000 /person (US $11.77)
• 2d1n ticket: VND 590,000 /person (US $23.95)
• 3d2n ticket: VND 790,000 /person (US $32.07)

How to get to Sung Sot Cave

To reach Sung Sot Cave, you will first need to go to Halong. Check our guides out on Ninh Binh to Halong Bay or Hanoi to Halong Bay for detailed information on how to plan your journey.

The ticket for visiting Sung Sot Cave will typically be included in the cruise tour. However, if you want to plan your trip to Sung Sot Cave by yourself, you have to purchase a ticket for Route 2 as mentioned earlier, then rent a boat to move to the spot.             

Rent a boat to move around the bay

You can book a boat to navigate the bay, the boat fee is set by the Halong Bay Management Board and is usually around VND 200,000 per person (US $8.11). There are three main ways to make a boat reservation:

• Contact the boat coordinator of the Halong Bay Management Board  
• Reach out to a travel agency or tour organizer  
• Contact the boat owner directly

Enjoy a cruise tour

Besides, you also can look for Halong Bay Cruise as a preferred option. Many overnight cruise tours in Halong have included a visit to Sung Sot Cave in their itinerary. Not only discover this magnificent cave, but you can also experience many exciting activities, such as kayaking, swimming, squid fishing,...

There are some Halong Bay overnight cruises that visit Sung Sot Cave, check it out to choose your true experience:

Note: All the prices above can be changed in each season.

Extra Travel Suggestions

Below are some other travel tips to visit Sung Sot Cave that would be helpful for you to know

• Do not forget to take pictures of Halong Bay at the mouth of the cave
• Stay close to your guide (if any), and pay attention when they switch shifts with other guides
• Avoid visiting the cave in the rainy and stormy season of Halong (August and September)
• You can leave your stuff on the boat while you visit the cave
• Wear sensible shoes and bring your water as water sold at the cave entrance might be more expensive
• It is very convenient to visit Bo Nau Cave, Me Cung Cave, Dau Nguoi Island, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and other famous tourist spots all in one day since Sung Sot Cave is very close by.
• Sung Sot Cave is open year-round, but the best times to avoid crowds are mid-May to July and December to February, around 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM, while avoiding weekends.

The vast chamber inside Sung Sot Cave filled with dramatic rock formations

CONCLUSION

Do not miss the chance to explore Sung Sot Cave and experience the mysterious beauty of nature. This is a fantastic opportunity to admire the vast space and the strange stalactites inside the cave. Get on a trip to Sung Sot Cave with BestPrice Travel to create great memories that you will never forget.