VIE: Sung Sot Cave

Ha Long Bay, Ha Long, Vietnam
Daily: 8.00am - 6.00pm

Sung Sot Cave (lit. Surprise Cave) is the most famous limestone cave at Ha Long Bay where many cruise passengers drop by year in, year out. It was discovered by the French in 1901, but it was only 92 years later when it was first opened to the public. 

From the Golden Lotus Cruise ship, we took a motor boat to reach the island that houses the cave. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND (~S$3.00) per person, but it's included in the cruise price.

I've only been to two of them: Ha Long Bay and Jeju Island

Well-placed illumination enhances the natural beauty of the grotto, which covers an area of more than 10,000 square metres. The ceiling is approximately 30 m high.

There's always a queue of people waiting to take a picture of or with this particular structure.

Up above are numerous concave indentations.

Blinding sunlight penetrates through the small hole.

I love the soft colours of the lighting~

What does that structure look to you?

Here's a picture of the infamous rock formation that resembles the shape of a male genitalia. What's more entertaining is the fact that it's pointing towards a relatively huge indentation on the ceiling. I won't elaborate further.

The view is pretty breathtaking. I really miss the ambience inside the cave.

It felt as if I was on another planet.

The paved trail is about 500 m long.

There's a rock formation that looks somewhat like a turtle. That's where some people put money behind the 'neck' in hope for longevity and good luck.

Hello, George Washington! :P

It was one of those rare moments when the crowd didn't affect the enjoyment of exploration. I suppose I was pretty much absorbed by the atmosphere.

I wonder what geological action caused the formation of that wriggly stuff up there?

Such a majestic creation of Mother Earth~ :3

There's some plant growth among the rocks.

After about 45 minutes of wonderment, we finally reached the exit

They look like someone's legs, no?

The refreshment kiosk sells fresh coconut water, among other drinks.

Indeed, as the official website says, "Walking through the cave [lets one's imagination] run wild conjuring up all kinds of fantastic creatures and fanciful creations."