Vietnam — The Surprise Cave, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam — part 1 of 2
A stunning cave in a bay
September 2015
On the last day of my cruise around Ha Long Bay, I visited the Surprise Cave.
The cave system was “discovered” by two French women in 1904, and they were so surprised by it that they called it the Surprise Cave. But, I suspect the locals of Ha Long Bay had long known about the cave, and it also had a local name.
The entry cost was 50,000 Vietnamese Dong (£1.80 GBP; $2.25 USD), which was included in the cruise cost.
The cave system consisted of three chambers, with the second and third being much larger than the first.
We had an excellent guide who told us about the different rock shapes in the cave and how they related to local myths.
I did like the warning sign as I approached the cave. The climb to the cave entrance was steep.
The view from the cave back into the bay was stunning. It also made me realise how many tourists come to the bay. I could count at least six bay cruise ships, with a few more around the corner and many ferry boats bringing tourists to the cave.
The first view inside the cave was a little disappointing for two reasons: the chamber was tiny and not that impressive, and the place was heaving with tourists.
It was unreal just how many people seemed to be in the cave. It made me realise just how popular Ha Long Bay is as a tourist attraction.
I couldn’t help but wonder whether the water dripping off the ceiling in the cave was rainwater that had worked its way down through the rocks or condensed sweat.
The entrance to the second and third chambers was up some steps and through a small opening in the far right of the first chamber.
The second and third chambers of the cave system were massive. They were spectacular and filled with magnificent rock formations.
The cave’s interior was well maintained, with good pathways and lighting.
The use of coloured lighting in some places was a little over the top and gave the place the feel of a Disney theme park.
The rock formations were impressive. And again, it made me think about just how powerful the action of water on rock can be.
The use of strong colour lighting did give the place an odd feel.
The images below show the scale of the place. Look at the tiny figures in the centre of the photographs.
One surprise in the Surprise Cave was the graffiti on one of the rocks. Clearly in French, and claiming to be from 1904 — the year the cave was “discovered” by the two French women. Was it real?
The caves were impressive.
