Must-visit caves in Cat Ba island 2024

Located in the middle of majestic Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island is a mysterious gem of Vietnam, famous not only for the charming beauty of the sea and rocky mountains, but also for its mysterious caves that create a unique picture. wonderful nature paintings. Let's explore together the stalactite niches and mysterious entrances of 4 beautiful and mysterious caves in Cat Ba island, where nature blends into a colorful and magical fairy tale.

Opening Hours: Daily
Ticket Price: 40,000 VND (~1.72 USD)
Location: Central area of Cat Ba National Park, 13 km from Cat Ba town

Hang Bệnh Viện, also known as the Military Hospital Cave, is a unique site nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Constructed over two years, starting in 1963 and completed in 1965 during the Vietnam War, this cave served not only as a natural cavern but also as a refuge for war veterans, locals, and local Communist Party leaders. With the capacity to accommodate over 100 patients and, in emergencies, host more than 2000 people simultaneously, it stands as a testament to the resilience of those who sought shelter within its walls.
 

From the first floor to the highest level, Hang Bệnh Viện comprises three tiers. The first floor, made of reinforced concrete with thick steel doors at the front and back, ensured the survival of its inhabitants during aerial or ground attacks. Small openings in the doors served as daily security checkpoints, and anyone with an incorrect code risked immediate consequences. Beyond the security check, visitors enter the hospital's space, consisting of 14 functional rooms (kitchen, weapons room, pharmacy, surgery room, etc.). The cramped quarters of these rooms make one ponder the harsh realities of war and how the local population managed to endure such conditions.
Ascending the staircase past the bathroom, you reach the second floor, which was repurposed as a small cinema and a morning exercise area. The pedestrian staircase (added for tourists) was constructed when the cave opened to visitors in the 1990s. During wartime, accessing this floor required climbing steep steps as a security measure. The third floor is currently closed to the public, once serving as the residence for local Communist Party leaders. Keep an eye out for small water puddles along the exit path, serving both as reservoirs and quick escape routes. In the event of an enemy attack, defenders could swiftly descend from the second and third floors to protect the cave or withdraw from the battle.

Hang Bệnh Viện offers not only a glimpse into the past but also a fascinating blend of history and natural wonders. Explore its depths and imagine the challenges faced by those who sought refuge within its walls during a tumultuous era.

Open daily
Ticket price: 80,000 VND ~ 3.44 USD
Location: center of Cat Ba National Park, 15 km from Cat Ba town
 
When entering Trung Trang Cave, you will witness the wonder of nature with unique and shiny stone forms. The path to the cave is a challenge with slippery and narrow steps, so be careful when moving. If you have creative thinking, you can see images of animals in these stone forms.
 

Trung Trang Cave is also home to many species of bats, and as you go deeper inside, you will see more of them. Another special thing is that the hollow stone forms can make a unique sound when you gently hit them. This can be a great opportunity to create your own natural and musical tones.
In addition, Trung Trang Cave also has local altars, where local people often come to pray for luck and prosperity. You can also find a small water tank, which is believed to bring happiness and luck. Enjoy this exciting experience and don't forget to wash your hands, wipe your face, and pray before the altar. Who knows, maybe you'll find a new piece of your life here!

Open daily
Ticket price: 30,000 VND ~ 1.29 USD
Location: center of Cat Ba National Park, 20 km from Cat Ba town

Located in the rainy mountainous region of the Northeast of Cat Ba Island, Hoa Cuong Cave stands out with its imposant size: 100 m long, 10 m high, and located 50 m above sea level. Arriving at the cave entrance, visitors will be fascinated by the wonderful beauty of majestic stalactites and stalagmites. When sunlight penetrates the cave, small lakes create a shimmering picture, brightening the beauty of the cave. This highlights its name, "Hoa Cuong Cave," which means Diamond Cave in Vietnamese.
 

In addition, Hoa Cuong Cave also has historical significance when the teeth of prehistoric people were discovered here, proving the presence of prehistoric people in Vietnam thousands of years ago. This makes the cave a unique spot, not only for its natural beauty but also for its exceptional historical value.

Open daily
Ticket price: 120 000 VND ~ 5.16 USD
Location: center of Cat Ba National Park, 40 minutes drive from Cat Ba town

Phu Long Cave is divided into three different parts, each giving visitors a fascinating experience with countless majestic stalactites and stalagmites. The peaceful sound of water flowing from the roof creates a special atmosphere. Don't hesitate to enjoy the taste of water, with its sweetness and purity cleansing your "rainy" days.
 

Inside the first room, visitors will admire the giant 1.5 m high rock, created by nature over millions of years. Touching it will make wonderful music-like sounds. The second room, although a bit smaller, is still beautiful with many stalactite columns hanging from the ceiling, creating a very unique image, like the roots of an ancient tree. Locals call it "the stairway to heaven".

The second room of Phu Long Cave is not only a place of rocks but also a world of animals. Images of lions, horses, dogs, etc., are created from stalactites and stalagmites, creating a lively space. To enter the final room, visitors will have to pass a large turtle-shaped stalactite, opening the door to a magical space, depending on each person's imagination about the animal world hidden behind.

In addition to the above 4 caves in Cat Ba Island also has many other beautiful and mysterious caves waiting for tourists to explore. Traveling to Cat Ba Island, take the time to explore these caves to have interesting and memorable experiences.