1. General overview of Hang Trong: Cultural heritage, tourism marvel 2025
Trong Cave is the most outstanding natural wonder and cultural heritage of Ha Long Bay. (Source: Collected)
Trong Cave in Ha Long is one of the most outstanding natural wonders and cultural heritages of Ha Long Bay, a place where the magical beauty of nature harmonizes with sacred historical values and legends. In 2025, this destination continues to affirm its strong appeal with its magnificent cave space, legendary love story, and thousand-year-old archaeological traces, taking visitors on an emotional journey of discovery in the heart of a world heritage site.
1.1. Where is Trong Cave located? Outstanding Features of Trong Cave
Trong Cave in Ha Long is located on Bo Hon Island, within Ha Long Bay, about 12 km from the city center and only about 15 km from Bai Chay. With its prime location in the heart of the natural world heritage site, Trong Cave has become a prominent stop on tour route number 2, one of the most beloved waterway journeys for visitors exploring Ha Long Bay.
When joining tour route number 2, visitors not only visit Trong Cave but also have the opportunity to explore a series of other famous caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Luon Cave. The scientifically arranged itinerary allows visitors to save time while fully enjoying the majestic natural wonders.
Stepping into Trong Cave , visitors will be amazed by the space of over 300 m², with a flat and dry cave floor convenient for movement. Stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the cave ceiling create a magical, shimmering landscape like a fairyland. With a capacity of hundreds of visitors, this place becomes an ideal resting spot for admiration, photography, and enjoying the fresh air of the bay.
The name ";Trong Cave"; originates from a unique natural phenomenon: when the sea breeze blows through the rock crevices, the echoing sound inside the cave resembles the sound of drums, creating a vivid and unforgettable auditory experience. This is precisely what makes Trong Cave one of the most attractive caves in Ha Long, drawing a large number of domestic and international tourists.
1.2. Legend of Trong Cave – Trinh Nu Cave: Symbol of Eternal Love
Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are located about 700 m apart on Bo Hon Island, in the poetic Ha Long Bay. Both are not only famous tourist spots but are also associated with a tragic love legend passed down by the local people through generations.
Legend has it that in the past, a beautiful fishing village girl was forced to marry a rich landlord despite already having a lover. Unwilling to accept her fate, she was exiled to a deserted island, and during a stormy night, exhausted, she turned into stone in the cave – which is now called Trinh Nu Cave. Upon hearing the tragic news, the young man immediately braved the storms to find his beloved. But in the midst of a great storm, he became exhausted and turned into stone in Trong Cave .
On the cave wall in Trong Cave , visitors can still recognize the shape of the young man as if he is looking towards Trinh Nu Cave, his hands reaching out as if to touch his beloved. Whenever the sea breeze blows, the echoing sound in the cave rises like the sound of drums, symbolizing the pain and the immortal call of love.
This touching story is not only a folk legend but has also become a symbol of steadfast love and loyalty. The profound humanistic value of the legend has made Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave not only attractive tourist destinations but also places that preserve spiritual beauty and human emotions amidst the majestic nature of Ha Long Bay.
1.3. Archaeological Site in Trong Cave
Trong Cave in Ha Long is not only outstanding for its magnificent natural beauty but also holds invaluable archaeological significance. During research, archaeologists discovered many ancient sediment layers, mollusk shells, traces of human activity, and remnants of tools belonging to prehistoric people of the Soi Nhu culture, dating back thousands of years.
These discoveries prove that Trong Cave was once a dwelling and working place for ancient Vietnamese people, contributing to enhancing the archaeological heritage value of Ha Long Bay on the Southeast Asian research map. Inside the cave, artifacts such as stone tools, ancient pottery shards, and traces of seafood gathering activities have helped vividly reconstruct the livelihood, culture, and survival skills of ancient people.
Not only of historical significance, Trong Cave is also living proof of the development process of the Soi Nhu culture – a characteristic culture with fishing, gathering, and primitive tool-making activities. These values help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the origins and lives of Vietnamese ancestors, while also affirming the unique position of Trong Cave within the system of archaeological heritage in Ha Long Bay and the entire Southeast Asian region.
2. Guide to Traveling to Trong Cave in 2025
Travel by cruise to reach Trong Cave. (Source: Collected)
To explore Trong Cave – a prominent natural wonder of Ha Long Bay, choosing the right means of transportation and tour is an important first step. Whether from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces, visitors can easily access the cave through options like coaches, cars, trains, or flights combined with shuttle services, ensuring a convenient and complete trip.
2.1. Getting to Trong Cave from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces
The journey to explore Trong Cave in Ha Long begins with selecting suitable transportation to Ha Long city.
From Hanoi, visitors can choose coaches, luxury limousines, or private cars, covering a distance of about 150 km, with a travel time of 2.5 – 3 hours. Additionally, the Hanoi – Ha Long train is an interesting option, offering scenic views along the coastal route with convenient online ticketing services.
For visitors coming from Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, flying is the fastest and most convenient option. You can fly to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) or Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong), then hire a service car, taxi, or limousine to travel to the center of Ha Long. Many domestic airlines now offer promotional flight packages combined with Ha Long tours, helping visitors save significantly on costs.
For the most complete experience at Trong Cave, visitors should depart early in the morning to take advantage of the best natural light of the day and to conveniently visit other waterway tour routes on Ha Long Bay. A flexible itinerary will make your trip harmonious, time-saving, and more memorable.
2.2. How to buy tickets and choose tours to visit Trong Cave, Ha Long Bay
Tickets for Ha Long Bay tour route 2, which includes famous spots like Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Sung Sot Cave, currently range from 290,000 – 350,000 VND per adult, depending on the type of tourist boat and accompanying services. This is a reasonable price considering the quality of the experience and the duration of the journey visitors receive.
Tuan Chau Marina is the most popular departure point for tours to Trong Cave. Additionally, Ha Long International Port is also a favored choice for many international visitors. Tuan Chau Marina stands out due to its modern infrastructure, professional services, and convenient location for connecting to other tourist attractions in Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long tour route number 2 is designed flexibly, allowing visitors to explore Trong Cave – Trinh Nu Cave – Sung Sot Cave in a single trip while still ensuring time for relaxation. The popular itinerary includes two main time slots:
Morning: from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon: from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Visitors can easily choose a time slot that suits their personal plan, ensuring they fully enjoy the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay on a memorable journey.
2.3. Experience of internal transportation, renting private boats/canoes in 2025
When exploring Trong Cave, choosing the right internal transportation method will determine the visitor's experience. From economical and lively shared boats to flexible private boats or high-speed canoes, each option offers an opportunity to enjoy the majestic scenery of Ha Long Bay in a unique, comfortable, and memorable way.
Shared boats for visiting Trong Cave, with a capacity of 30 to 48 passengers, are a popular choice for many visitors due to their cost-effectiveness and lively atmosphere. The itinerary is usually designed along fixed routes, with professional guides providing commentary and support throughout the trip, helping visitors better understand the history and culture of Ha Long Bay.
For those seeking privacy and flexibility, a private boat or high-speed canoe to Trong Cave is the perfect choice. Although the price is higher than shared boats, this option offers control over time, allowing visitors to stop freely for check-ins, photos, or to explore nearby caves like Trinh Nu Cave and Sung Sot Cave.
To avoid crowds and have ample space for photos, visitors should depart early in the morning or choose weekdays. If traveling with family or friends, renting a private boat not only allows for more convenient time management but also provides a relaxing, private, and memorable time amidst the majestic scenery of Ha Long Bay.
3. Unmissable Activities at Trong Cave
Visit Trong Cave and check-in with beautiful scenery. (Source: Collected)
Trong Cave is a must-visit destination in Ha Long Bay, where visitors can admire the majestic natural scenery and experience the unique echoing sound like a drumbeat. Combining a visit to Trinh Nu Cave and nearby spots, the journey to explore this place promises to bring impressive check-in moments and unforgettable experiences.
3.1. Visiting, exploring, and checking in at Trong Cave 2025
Trong Cave impresses visitors right from the first steps with its magical system of stalactites and stalagmites formed by nature over millions of years. Each stalactite formation has a unique shape, creating countless artistic check-in corners, especially attractive to those passionate about photography and nature exploration.
From deep inside the cave looking out at the bay, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the vast blue sea blending with majestic limestone mountains, creating a scene like a vivid ink painting.
Not only outstanding for its natural beauty, Trong Cave also offers a unique sound when the wind blows through the rock crevices, echoing like a drumbeat that amazes everyone who hears it. It is this sound that gave the name “ Trong Cave ” and became a distinctive feature found nowhere else. Visitors often stop for a long time to listen, feel the breath of nature, and imagine the eternal love story passed down through generations.
Especially, when visiting with professional guides, visitors will be told interesting folk tales, legends, and geological knowledge about Trong Cave . These stories not only help to understand the history and natural value of the cave more deeply but also bring an unforgettable experience, making each trip more meaningful and memorable than ever.
3.2. Combining experiences at Trinh Nu Cave and other spots along the route
Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are only about 700m apart, offering visitors the opportunity to visit both famous caves in the same itinerary. Traveling between the two caves by small boat takes only a few minutes, saving time and optimizing the Ha Long Bay exploration schedule.
The ideal time to visit Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave is in the morning, when sunlight shines through the stalactites, creating a shimmering, magical effect. Late afternoon is also a great choice when the air becomes cooler and the entire Ha Long Bay is covered in a warm golden hue, creating a poetic and romantic scene.
For a complete experience, visitors should check the itinerary and avoid peak hours. This allows you to have private space for sightseeing, comfortable photography, and a clearer appreciation of the peaceful beauty of Trong Cave as well as Trinh Nu Cave. A reasonable visiting plan will make your Ha Long Bay exploration trip perfect and more memorable than ever.
4. Itinerary for visiting Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave
Discover Sun World Ha Long when traveling to Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
A tour of Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave is an unmissable experience when exploring Ha Long Bay – where nature, legends, and culture blend emotionally. With a well-arranged itinerary from morning to afternoon, visitors will admire the majestic beauty of the caves, enjoy unique seafood cuisine, and fully enjoy a memorable day of travel amidst a world heritage site.
Starting the morning with a tour of Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave by tourist boat is the perfect choice to enjoy the fresh air and bright sunshine of Ha Long Bay. The average visiting time is about 2–3 hours, enough for visitors to admire the majestic beauty of the caves, capture impressive moments, and listen to fascinating legends associated with Trong Cave .
After the tour, visitors can enjoy lunch on the boat or at restaurants along Ha Long's coast. The diverse menu with famous specialties such as Ha Long squid cake, crab spring rolls, grilled horseshoe crab, or fresh Quang Ninh seafood will bring an unforgettable culinary experience.
In the afternoon, visitors can continue their journey of fun at Sun World Ha Long – home to the Queen Cable Car, water park, and leading modern entertainment complex in Vietnam. Before ending the day's tour, don't forget to stroll through local markets to buy Ha Long specialties like dried squid, Hai Duong green bean cake, or hand-pounded squid cake as gifts for relatives and friends.
5. Tips for visiting Trong Cave in 2025
Choose the beautiful time to visit Hang Trong. (Source: Collected)
When exploring Hang Trong 2025, thorough preparation of clothing, photography equipment, and sightseeing knowledge will help visitors have a complete and safe experience. Small tips on shooting angles, ideal timing, and how to protect natural heritage will not only enhance the quality of the journey but also help preserve impressive moments amidst the majestic cave scenery.
To stand out against the unique gray stalactite background of Hang Trong, visitors should choose bright colored clothing such as white, pastel, or neon. Comfortable clothing that is easy to move in, combined with non-slip low-heeled shoes, will ensure safety when exploring the cave. Accessories such as hats and sunglasses are also essential when traveling by boat and under the sun.
Take advantage of natural light shining obliquely into the cave to create wonderful artistic effects for photos. An angle looking out from the cave entrance with the blue sea and overlapping limestone mountains as the background will make the picture more impressive. Using a phone or camera with manual brightness adjustment mode will improve image quality in low light conditions.
Taking photos combined with natural stalactite formations creates unique and unusual angles. Visitors should try various poses and shooting angles to get memorable check-in photos at Hang Trong. However, absolutely do not touch the stalactites, as grease from hands can change their color and structure, affecting their millions of years of natural development.
Besides, visitors need to maintain hygiene and not litter in and around the cave. Bringing personal trash bags will help protect the pristine beauty of the cave, contributing to preserving this natural world heritage for future generations.
When visiting, please follow the instructions of staff and tour guides, move carefully on the damp cave floor, and pay attention to the low cave ceiling to ensure safety. The ideal time to visit Hang Trong is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is cool, the sea is calm, and there are few storms, making it convenient for boat travel and cave exploration.
Additionally, following traditional festivals and cultural events in Ha Long Bay, such as the Ha Long Festival, will provide a richer experience. The bay management board often updates new tours and improved services to enhance visitor service quality.
Finally, take time to listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the rock crevices and feel the magic of nature. This quiet moment helps visitors connect more deeply with the spiritual beauty of Hang Trong and understand more about the legend of eternal love associated with the cave.
Hang Trong not only holds the mystical beauty of magical stalactite formations but is also associated with interesting legends in Ha Long Bay. The journey to explore Hang Trong 2025 will bring visitors a romantic and mysterious experience amidst a natural world wonder. This is definitely a must-visit stop when visiting Quang Ninh.
