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Traditional Route: Halong bay – Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave– Titov Beach - Lan Ha Bay - Halong

Traditional Route: Halong bay – Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave– Titov Beach - Lan Ha Bay - Halong
Sung Sot (Surprise) Grotto
Situated in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage area, Sung Sôt or “Surprise Cave” is on Bo Hòn Island, and is one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Ha Long Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps. One is surrounded by trees and foliage on the journey up as the shimmering bay below offers an ever more panoramic vista to admire. The cave is partitioned into two chambers; the first being similar to a wide theatre hall, with many stalactites hanging from the high ceiling. A narrow passage leads to the second chamber, where a flow of natural light bathes the surfaces. The light is filtering in from above, through a large opening creating a natural skylight, this opening also serves as the exit from the grotto. The chamber is so immense it could contain thousands of people at one time.

At the deepest point of this chamber a "royal garden" appears with a clear pond and a fascinating landscape of small mountains. Many birds and plants (benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees) can be seen here. On some days groups of monkeys straying in from the dense vegetation of the island might appear, in search of fruit.

The grotto covers some 10,000 m2. There are thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along the 500-meter paved passage. Light posts line the passage and illuminate the amazing scenery. Spotlights of varied colors are placed in such a way to be unobtrusive and add to the enchantment of the grotto.

The 30-meter high roof of the grotto, the walls and innumerable cracks and crevices are evidence of millions of years of spectacular natural creation. Close to the exit a mammoth formation stretches from floor to ceiling, tapering at the center to form a concave pillar that appears to be keeping the ceiling in place. Walking through the cave ones imagination can run wild conjuring up all kinds of fantastic creatures and fanciful creations.

And of course, as always here in Vietnam, there are legends! One such involves a rock which seems to form the shape of a horse and a long sword. As the legend goes, Thánh Gióng (Saint Gióng) helped the people of the area to chase away evil spirits and demons. After this feat, Saint Gióng flew to heaven, leaving a stone horse and sword behind to guarantee the demons did not dare to return.

Titov Islet
On November 22, 1962, this tiny island had the honor of receiving a visit from cosmonaut Ghermann Titop, a hero of the former Soviet Union, accompanied by President Ho Chi Minh. To mark the significance of their visit, Uncle Ho named it Ti Top Island. The island is a very popular stopover for visitors cruising Halong Bay.

The beach on the island takes the shape of a half-moon crescent encompassing half of the island. A bit small though it might be, it wins kudos for its quiet and airy atmosphere, its clean white sand and clear waters, as well as its alluring landscape. The beach is ideal for swimming nearly year round, as even in winter the water temperature is still a pleasant 65-70 degrees F.

However, perhaps the island’s real attraction is the pagoda-styled lookout point its peak. After climbing the 427 stone steps winding up the mountain one is treated to a most incredible 360 degree view of Halong Bay. For those who tire out before reaching the summit there is a spacious lookout point half way up as well.


Lan Ha Bay
Located to the east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay covers an area of more than 7,000 ha of which 5,400 ha is under the management of Cat Ba National Park.
Lan Ha Bay - just the exquisite name alone has been pulling a large number of travelers from near and far. In reality, regardless of the administrative boundary, Lan Ha Bay is part of the complex of Ha Long Bay with around 400 islets. But unlike its famous neighbour, Lan Ha Bay has long been famed for its exclusive scenery with an intense concentration of pristine limestone mountains by which the sea surface is partitioned into smaller bays and gulfs. The Bay is home to hundreds of mounts of which forms and beauty are completely different depending on travelers' imagination: Guoc islet (Wooden Shoe islet), Doi islet (Bat grotto), etc.

The bay has 139 beautiful, small and pristine sandy beaches, many of which lie between two stone mountains. Just imagine that after a day long exploration of caves and grottoes, you will feel entirely relaxed bathing the azure-blue water of the beach or lying on the white sandy beach.

At night, you will be lured by the magnificent and splendid scenery of the bay and it will be an unforgettable experience to overnight in the Bay with a gentle breeze and the slightly salty air from the forest on the stone mount.

Lan Ha Bay has become an indispensable destination thanks to its unspoiled and magnificent natural beauty. Just 30 minutes on boat from Cat Ba Island, you will be charmed by the breath taking view of the bay and soon you will forget all the stresses of your busy life. Wandering on the azure-blue beach, breathing in the ocean breeze and enjoying the tropical sunlight, along with a kayaking trip and maybe even some fishing, your trip to Lan Ha Bay will surely be a long lasting memory.

Halong Bay
Halong Bay is undoubtedly Asia’s most enchanting destination, defined by a myriad of limestone island formations rising out of the emerald waters.
Hạ Long is also home to great biodiversity with typical eco-systems like mangrove forest, coral and tropical forest. It is also home to thousands of plants and animals of numerous species, for example shrimp, fish and squid. Some species are particularly rare and can be found no where else.
With such special values, at the 18th Session of UNESCO’s Council of World Heritage held on 17 December 1994 in Thailand, Hạ Long Bay was officially placed on the list of the World Natural Heritage. In 2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for its geographical and geomorphologic values. This confirms the global premier value of Hạ Long Bay.

Wherever you come from, whosoever you are and however old you are, you will certainly experience the same emotion and feeling when admiring this wonder of stone and water. And great experiences will always remain even when you leave the place. The legend of Mother Dragon and Child Dragons sending out pearls to form thousands of stone islands to stop invaders still serve as the soul of this invaluable heritage of the world.