1. Trong Cave Explore wondrous attractions in Ha Long Bay 2025
Discover the wonder of Drum Cave in Ha Long (Source: Collected)
In the heart of the majestic Ha Long Bay, Hang Trong emerges as a precious pearl, holding within it a story of immortal love and geological mysteries of millions of years. This scenic spot has become an unmissable stop on the journey to explore the world heritage.
1.1. Location of Hang Trong
Hang Trong is located in the Bo Hon area, belonging to the famous tourist route No. 2 of Ha Long Bay. This route includes special attractions such as Sung Sot Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, and Soi Sim Beach, creating an exciting 6-8 hour exploration journey.
1.2. Natural Features and Archaeological Value of Hang Trong
Stepping into Hang Trong, visitors will witness a natural masterpiece with a spacious entrance and soaring cave ceilings. The deeper one goes into the cave, the wider it opens, creating a spacious area for large groups of visitors to explore.
The system of stalactites and stalagmites in the cave is like a magical 'stone forest', a product of millions of years of geological formation. The multi-shaped stalactites sparkle under artistic lighting, creating an unforgettable mystical and vivid effect. What's special is that when the sea breeze blows through the rock crevices, a natural 'drum' sound echoes, bringing a unique auditory experience.
Hang Trong also preserves valuable archaeological sediments from the Soi Nhu culture. Traces of prehistoric settlements such as shells, fish bones, and stone tools have been discovered, proving the long history of ancient inhabitants along the bay.
1.3. The Love Legend of Hang Trong and Hang Trinh Nu
The story of the faithful love between Hang Trong and Hang Trinh Nu has become a romantic symbol of Ha Long Bay. Legend has it that long ago, a beautiful fishing village girl, due to poverty, was forced by a ship owner to become his concubine. She escaped and hid in a cave, faithfully waiting for her lover to rescue her.
Opposite is the young man - her lover, who searched through storms but exhausted, turned into stone in a nearby cave. The image of the young man is like he is beating a drum calling her, while the girl still waits by Hang Trinh Nu. The legend expresses immortal love and noble sacrifice, making this cave complex an ideal meeting point for couples wishing to pray for happiness.
1.4. Experience Visiting Hang Trong in Ha Long Bay
To fully experience the beauty of Hang Trong, visitors should choose tour route 2, combining visits to Trinh Nu Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Titop Island. Each spot possesses its own unique beauty, suitable for groups of friends, families, or couples.
The ideal time is spring and autumn when the sky is clear, the sea is calm, and the climate is pleasant. The stalactites in the cave, the magical light domes, or the view overlooking the bay are all beautiful photo opportunities. The most unique experience is listening to the natural drum sound as the sea breeze blows into the rock crevices, creating a special echoing effect on rough sea days.
2. How to Travel and Experience the Journey
How to get around and experience Trong Cave (Source: Collected)
The journey to Trong Cave begins with choosing the right mode of transport and a satisfactory tour. Each route offers unique perceptions, bringing visitors closer to the complete beauty of this natural wonder.
2.1. How to get to Ha Long and Trong Cave
Departing from Hanoi, visitors just need to follow the Hanoi - Ha Long expressway, a distance of over 150 km, taking about 2-3 hours by bus, limousine, or train to reach Tuan Chau pier. The route from Hai Phong is more convenient, with a travel time of only about 1 hour via Bach Dang bridge and the expressway.
Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City can fly to Van Don or Cat Bi airport (Hai Phong), then travel by road to Tuan Chau. It is advisable to book tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot on the boat and choose a suitable type such as shared boats, private boats, overnight cruise boats, or day-trip boats.
2.2. Experiencing Trong Cave
Boat tours on the bay usually take visitors to three famous spots: Sung Sot Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Trong Cave on tour route number 2. The itinerary can also extend to Titop Island, an ideal place for swimming and kayaking around the limestone mountains. Basic tours last 6-8 hours, while overnight tours on the bay offer more time to experience the caves in the evening and early morning.
Tour costs include a 310,000 VND entrance fee for adults; renting a private boat can range from 2-7 million VND depending on quality and number of people. Included services usually feature a tour guide explaining, light snacks served on board, photography, luggage storage, and exciting activities like kayaking or swimming.
3. Highlights at Trong Cave
Outstanding experiences at Trong Cave (Source: Collected)
Trong Cave opens a journey of sensory perception, unmatched by few other stops. The blend of fascinating limestone formations and natural echoes creates an unforgettable allure.
3.1. Exploring the magical cave
The stalactite structures in Trong Cave create many strange shapes like a forest of columns, animal figures, or natural symbols enhanced by artistic lighting. The high dome and spacious cave interior are suitable for large groups to visit simultaneously, each step deeper inside offers a new perspective on this natural masterpiece.
The most special feature is the mysterious echo when sea winds enter the rock crevices, creating a drum-like sound - a unique natural phenomenon that every tourist wants to witness firsthand. Natural and artificial light blend to create a mystical scene, making every moment in the cave an unforgettable memory.
3.2. Taking photos and sightseeing Ha Long Bay
The entrance to Trong Cave offers a panoramic view of the bay, an ideal photo spot, along with stalactites illuminated inside the cave. Visitors can capture the most beautiful moments as sunlight shines through the cave entrance or when standing on the deck of a boat admiring the cave from afar.
Kayaking around the Trong Cave area offers an adventurous experience exploring small caves and rock arches, creating opportunities for unique photos under the rock arches. The perspective from the water level looking up at the cave dome creates a majestic panorama, especially suitable for nature lovers and active travelers. The sunset over the bay offers an unforgettable romantic scene.
4. Suggested itinerary combining Trong Cave - Ha Long Bay
Suggested itinerary with Trong Cave (Source: Collected)
To fully enjoy the Ha Long Bay trip, visitors should combine Trong Cave with many other attractions to create a diverse and rich itinerary. This makes the trip more complete and emotionally rich.
4.1. Visiting nearby cave clusters
The cluster of Trong Cave - Trinh Nu Cave - Sung Sot Cave forms a perfect trio with distinct characteristics. Trong Cave stands out with its unique acoustics and stalactite system, Trinh Nu Cave embodies the romance of a love legend, while Sung Sot Cave is the largest and most magnificent cave in the bay.
This combined itinerary helps visitors understand the geological heritage, archaeological artifacts, and unique legendary culture of the bay. Each location tells its own story, together creating a comprehensive picture of the beauty and heritage value of Ha Long Bay.
4.2. Kayaking experience and Ha Long Bay sightseeing
Kayaking around Trong Cave opens up opportunities for adventurous exploration of small caves and rock arches from a completely new perspective. Visitors can take unique photos under the natural rock arches, creating impressive pictures with the majestic scenery of the bay.
This experience is especially suitable for visitors who love nature and active pursuits. Looking up from the water to the cave arch, the grandeur and mystery of Trong Cave emerge amidst the vast heritage space.
4.3. Combining a visit to Titop Island and swimming
The journey continuing from Trong Cave to Titop Island offers a perfect balance between cave exploration and beach relaxation. Titop Island is known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, providing ideal conditions for leisure activities.
Visitors can climb to the top of Titop Mountain to admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above, swim in the cool, clear water, and take photos on the beautiful natural beach. This combination creates a diverse experience, from geological exploration to leisure and entertainment.
4.4. Overnight cruise excursion
Overnight tours on the bay usually schedule visits to Trong Cave during the day or in the afternoon/evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere on the cruise ship. Experiencing sunset from the deck, enjoying a seafood BBQ, and participating in social programs create memorable moments.
Night squid fishing and stargazing on the bay bring a sense of peace amidst the majestic nature. Visitors can wake up early to witness the sunrise over the bay and visit Trong Cave in the particularly poetic early morning light.
4.5. Exploring Sun World Ha Long after the sea trip
After the journey exploring Trong Cave and natural caves, visitors can experience the modern entertainment space at Sun World Ha Long. The Queen Cable Car and the Sun Wheel offer a different perspective of Ha Long City from above.
This combination creates a perfectly balanced trip - satisfying the passion for exploring pristine nature, while enjoying the vibrant and modern entertainment space of the coastal city.
5. Experience and notes when visiting
Summary of experience and notes when visiting Trống Cave (Source: Collected)
To have the safest and most complete visit to Trống Cave, visitors need to prepare thoroughly and comply with heritage protection regulations.
Lightweight clothing with absorbent materials and non-slip sports shoes are ideal choices. Avoid flip-flops, tight skirts, or overly elaborate outfits for convenient movement and climbing the stone steps in the cave. Bring drinking water, a camera, and some light snacks, and limit the use of single-use plastic bags.
Awareness of protecting the heritage environment is the responsibility of every tourist. Absolutely do not touch, break, or draw on the stalactites in Trống Cave. Always follow the guide's instructions, wear a life jacket when boarding/disembarking the boat, and maintain order if traveling with a large group. Proactively check the weather forecast before booking a tour to avoid stormy days, ensuring absolute safety for the journey.
Trống Cave is not only a scenic destination but also contains archaeological traces and legends of immortal love, creating a unique cultural depth for Ha Long Bay. Book a tour now to experience the mysterious echoes and magical beauty of this natural wonder in 2025!
