1. Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave - An Intact Historical Landmark
Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave – also known by its original name, Hung Son Cave – is a unique military architectural structure, built from 1963 and completed in 1965. During the anti-American war, it served as an important field hospital, capable of receiving and treating over 100 wounded soldiers simultaneously.
Located deep within a solid limestone mountain, the Military Hospital Cave not only ensured medical functionality but also served as a safe haven from the enemy's fierce bombing. Throughout the war years, the cave treated thousands of wounded soldiers from the Northern battlefield and Thanh Hoa, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Vietnamese military medicine.
In 1971, Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave was classified as a national historical relic, becoming a vivid symbol of the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people during wartime. It is now a fascinating historical tourist destination, attracting visitors to explore and pay tribute to the past.
Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave - An intact historical landmark (Image: Collected)
2. Location and how to get to Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave
Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave is located in Hai Son village, Tran Chau commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city. This location is about 13km Northwest of Cat Ba town center, situated right on the main road leading to Cat Ba National Park – an attractive route for nature lovers and those passionate about exploring history.
Thanks to its convenient location, the Military Hospital Cave is not only an ideal stopover on a nature exploration journey but also a unique highlight for those who want to learn about the historical imprints of the war in Cat Ba.
2.1 Self-sufficient motorbike travel
If you enjoy independence and want to explore the natural beauty yourself, renting a motorbike in Cat Ba is an ideal choice. From the center of Cat Ba town, simply follow the main road towards Cat Ba National Park. After about 25-30 minutes of travel, covering 13km, you will see the signpost and parking area for Hang Quan Y on your right.
The price of renting a motorbike in Cat Ba currently ranges from 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental time. The road is quite easy to travel on, paved and smooth, but there are still some gently sloping sections, so you need a steady hand and should pay attention to safety. A useful tip is to set off early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun and have more time to visit and explore this unique historical site.
2.2 Join a sightseeing tour
One of the most convenient and time-saving ways to visit Hang Quan Y Cat Ba is to book a tour with reputable travel companies in Cat Ba town. Package tours often combine many attractive destinations such as Hang Quan Y, Cat Ba National Park, Hang Trung Trang, and some famous beaches on the island such as Cat Co 1, 2 beaches or Tung Thu beach.
The price of tours to visit Hang Quan Y Cat Ba currently ranges from 250,000 – 350,000 VND/person, depending on the itinerary, number of destinations and accompanying services such as transportation, lunch or entrance tickets. A prominent advantage of joining a tour is that you will have a professional guide, providing detailed information about the history, structure and strategic role of Hang Quan Y during the anti-American war.
Hang Quan Y Cat Ba located in Hai Son village (Image: Collected)
3. The unique architecture of Hang Quan Y Cat Ba
Hang Quan Y Cat Ba possesses a unique military architecture with a solid 3-story structure, a total area of approximately 2,000m², divided into 17 separate functional rooms. As soon as you step inside, visitors will be impressed by the intelligent and tight defense design, built entirely within the limestone mountain.
The rooms are scientifically arranged with many functions such as: operating room, treatment area, wounded soldier rest area, meeting area, warehouse and even a small cinema to serve the spiritual needs of the soldiers during wartime. Not only ensuring medical factors, this work is also designed to be bomb-proof and has a very effective ventilation and escape system - demonstrating the technical level and strategic thinking of the Vietnamese army during the resistance war.
3.1 Floor 1 - Main Area
Floor 1 of the Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave is the central area, where main medical activities took place with 14 rationally arranged functional rooms, maximizing service for the treatment of wounded soldiers during wartime.
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Right near the entrance is the examination and patient classification room, where wounded soldiers were quickly received. The room was equipped with an examination table and some basic medical equipment of that time, meeting the needs of initial first aid.
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The operating room was arranged separately, with good sound insulation, helping to avoid information leakage and maintain quiet for surgeries. A special feature is the lighting system using oil lamps combined with reflecting mirrors, ensuring stable light even in conditions of power shortage.
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Next to it is the resuscitation area with enough space to accommodate many beds, helping to closely monitor and care for patients after surgery.
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A storage room for medicines and medical supplies was also built in a discreet, airy and dry location, helping to effectively preserve medicines and prevent mold in the cave environment.
A prominent security highlight of this floor is the removable wooden staircase – a strategic design to prevent pursuit in case of a surprise attack. Besides that, the arched iron door was specially designed to deflect bullets, maximizing the protection of those sheltering and receiving treatment inside.
3.2 Floors 2 and 3 - Living Area
The two upper floors of the Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave were designed as a living and mental recovery space for wounded soldiers and medical officers, while also serving to receive guests and command during wartime.
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A highlight in this area is the mini cinema, which screened documentaries and entertainment films to reduce mental stress for wounded soldiers after days of arduous fighting and treatment.
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Next to it is the rehabilitation training room, equipped with simple but effective training equipment, helping wounded soldiers to exercise and quickly recover after treatment.
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The reception hall was built to receive delegations, visitors and international reporters during the war. This is where the professionalism and organizational capacity of the Vietnamese military medical forces at that time were demonstrated.
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The officer's quarters and command room were arranged in strategic locations in the cave, convenient for observation, security protection and directing medical and logistical activities.
The entire system inside the cave was designed to take advantage of the natural terrain, with limestone cracks exploited as a natural ventilation system. Therefore, the interior space is always airy, ensuring good air circulation, even when many people are active in the cave.
Unique architecture of the Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave (Image: Collected)
4. Quan Y Cave Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Cat Ba Quan Y Cave is open daily for visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The ideal time to visit is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, when the weather is pleasant, the lighting in the cave is beautiful, and it is not too crowded.
Entrance fees for Quan Y Cave:
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Adults: 80,000 VND/person
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Children under 1.2m: 40,000 VND/person
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Children under 6 years old: Free
If you want to learn more about the history, architecture, and function of the cave, you can hire a local guide for a fee ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND/group, depending on the group size.
The entrance fee includes access to all open areas in the cave, listening to historical commentary, and exploring artifacts related to the war period, providing a profound and authentic experience for each visitor.
Opening hours and ticket prices for Quan Y Cave (Image: Collected)
5. Notes when visiting Cat Ba Quan Y Cave
When visiting Cat Ba Quan Y Cave, you should prepare thoroughly for the safest and most meaningful experience:
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Choose appropriate clothing and footwear: Due to the uneven terrain and many steps inside the cave, you should wear comfortable clothing and soft, sturdy shoes for easy movement and to avoid slipping.
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Bring enough water: Although the cave is always cool, moving around and sightseeing can cause dehydration. Therefore, prepare enough water to stay healthy.
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Do not touch artifacts and structures inside the cave: Quan Y Cave has many artifacts and structures that have existed for over 50 years and need to be preserved in their original state to maintain their historical value.
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Do not bring food inside: Bringing food into the cave can cause environmental pollution and affect the preservation of the relics.
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Respect the historical value and sacredness: This is not only a tourist destination but also an important relic, marking the sacrifice and resilience of previous generations. Maintain solemnity during your visit.
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It is recommended to go in a group or hire a guide: This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the history, meaning, and stories behind each area in the cave, and enhance your sightseeing experience.
Notes when visiting Quan Y Cave Cat Ba (Image: Collected)
6. Tourist attractions near Quan Y Cave worth visiting
After visiting Quan Y Cave, you can combine a visit to some nearby places:
6.1 Cat Ba National Park
Located about 5km from Quan Y Cave Cat Ba, Cat Ba National Park is one of the most important and diverse nature reserves in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. With a total area of over 26,000 hectares, including both terrestrial forests and coastal areas, it is the "green home" of thousands of rare animals and plants, notably the white-headed langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) – an extremely rare primate, now existing in very small numbers and listed as globally endangered.
Not only does Cat Ba National Park have immense biological conservation value, but it is also an ideal destination for those who love outdoor activities and nature exploration. Visitors can choose to participate in trekking routes through the forest with lengths ranging from 2 to 6 km, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. During the journey, you will cross dense forests, listen to the clear sounds of forest birds, encounter vibrant butterflies, and visit caves and mountain peaks with panoramic views of the majestic Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba National Park (Image: Collected)
6.2 Trung Trang Cave
Located about 7km from Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave, Trung Trang Cave is one of the largest and most prominent natural caves on Cat Ba Island. It is not only a favorite destination for tourists but also a vivid testament to the geological processes of millions of years, where nature skillfully "carved" a magnificent stalactite masterpiece in the heart of the earth.
With a length of up to 300m, the cave boasts a vast interior space, cool all year round, and is an ideal habitat for many animals such as bats, spiders, and forest insects. Upon entering the cave, visitors will be overwhelmed by the system of stalactites and stalagmites in myriad shapes and forms, formed over millions of years by dripping lime water. The sparkling rocks reflecting the flashlight create a surreal picture, making viewers feel like they are lost in a mythical world underground.
What is special is that each stalactite in Trung Trang Cave has a unique shape, evoking familiar images such as lions, dragons, mushrooms, or lotus towers, stimulating the imagination of the explorer. Along the journey through the cave, visitors can easily feel the pristine and quiet atmosphere, helping them temporarily escape the bustling life outside and connect more deeply with nature.
6.3 Cat Ba Fortress
Cat Ba Fortress is located on a mountaintop 177m high, about 20km from the center of Cat Ba town. From this position, you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay and the majestic Cat Ba archipelago. Not only is it an attractive tourist destination, but the fortress is also an important historical relic, marking many key events in the nation's anti-American resistance war.
6.4 Enjoying Cat Ba Symphony
After a day of visiting famous historical sites, visitors can enjoy the high-level art program Symphony – the newest performance in Cat Ba. This show harmoniously combines vibrant music, sharp lighting effects, and modern technology, vividly portraying the history and beauty of Cat Ba island through a unique artistic lens. Symphony offers a profound cultural experience, a perfect choice to conclude an emotional journey of discovery.
6.5 Special Show in Cat Ba
On May 21, 2025, in the central bay of Cat Ba (Hai Phong), the art show “Green Island Symphony – Symphony of the Green Island” was officially entered into the Guinness World Records with two impressive achievements. These are the “Largest Formation Jetski Fireworks Show in the World” and “Most Flyboard Flips in One Minute” performed by the famous athlete Tomasz Kubik. This is not only a significant milestone for Vietnamese performing arts but also elevates the status of Cat Ba tourism on the world map.
Special show in Cat Ba (Image: Collected)
The show starts on May 30, 2025 and runs continuously throughout the 4 summer months, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays every week. Each performance begins at 8:30 PM and lasts for 30 minutes. Notably, the Sun World Cat Ba cable car system will extend its evening operating hours to conveniently transport tourists after the show concludes.
>>> See more: Cat Ba show sets an unprecedented Guinness World Record
Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave is not only an important historical relic but also a vivid symbol of the intellect and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. When you set foot here, you are not just a visitor but also a storyteller, conveying this meaningful historical narrative to future generations. Plan a visit to Military Hospital Cave during your upcoming Cat Ba trip to experience the glorious history of the nation and create unforgettable memories.
