Deep within the heart of Halong Bay, within the picturesque Bo Hon Archipelago, lies Trinh Nu Cave, known to many as the “Virgin Cave”. Just 3 km to the southeast of Sung Sot Cave, a visit to the Trinh Nu Cave blends the spellbinding natural beauty of Halong Bay with the quaint folklore imprint of Vietnamese heritage.
The Legend of the Trinh Nu Cave
A long time ago, there was a beautiful fisherman’s daughter, whose family was so poor that it was in the service of the rich landlord of the fishing zone in Halong Bay. Captivated by her beauty, the rich landlord forced the family to give him the girl as a concubine. The girl protested, as she already had a lover, who at the time was on the high seas catching fish to prepare for their wedding.
The landlord, angered by her refusal, exiled her to a wild island where she suffered from hunger and exhaustion. On one frightening night, amidst terrible rain and winds, she turned to stone, in what we now call Trinh Nu Cave or the “Virgin Cave”. Nowadays, in the center of the cave, there is still a stone with the shape of a girl lying down with her long hair looking out to the sea, waiting for her lover to return.
On this same night, her lover sensed she was in danger, and he rowed his boat as fast as he could in search of her as the storm roared on. Eventually, the crashing waves destroyed his boat and he floated to one of the nearby islands. As the lightning flashed, he caught a glimpse of his soulmate in the distance, but she could not hear his cries because of the howling wind. He picked up a large rock and began to hammer on the mountain until blood flowed from his hands to let her know he was nearby, but she could not hear him. In his final exhaustion, he too turned to stone in what we now call Trống Cave or the “Male Cave”, situated just 700m away, facing Trinh Nu Cave. At the entrance of the Male Cave, you can see a stone-shaped man gazing at Trinh Nu cave for all of eternity, and it’s said by the local people that they can still hear his pained screams, especially during strong storms.
This tragic love story has always been known by the local people, even as fishermen used the caves for shelter from storms and the ravages of war. But for young couples, a trip to Trinh Nu Cave is the perfect place to swear their true love to one another.
Archaeological Remains in Halong Bay
Aside from tragic love stories, Trinh Nu Cave also remains the site of important archaeological finds in Halong Bay. In 2000, archaeologists discovered the remains of prehistoric inhabitants of Halong culture (about 4,000 years ago) with traces such as ash, bone fragments, and stone.
In 2010, archaeologists discovered additional pieces of ancient ceramic wharves just in front of Trinh Nu cave, such as porcelain and crockery as well as jars with decorative patterns like ocean waves. Fragments of bowls and plates were identified as belonging to the Tran dynasty (13th-14th centuries) while glazed pottery pieces existing from the more recent Le dynasty (16th-18th centuries). Lastly, many pottery pieces were scattered along the ground from ancient Chinese feudal dynasties. Based on the results of these discoveries, archeologists believe that Trinh Nu Cave was a small, ancient pottery vestige in the old Van Don trading system.
Trinh Nu Cave is located on Cong Cruises’ No. 2 Halong Bay tourist route along with Soi Sim Beach, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Me Cung Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Trong (Male) Cave, and Dong Tien Lake. Passengers will admire the poetic beauty of Halong Bay’s otherworldly landscape and mysterious caves filled with nature’s masterpieces, stalagmites and stalactites before dipping into the jade-green waters for a swim. Make sure to take some time to sunbathe on the pristine private beach and soak up the atmosphere which can only be felt in Vietnam.
Your trip to Vietnam might not be completed if you are yet to visit Ha Long Bay – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Let’s check out why it’s worth visiting this bay with these 29 best things to do in Ha Long Bay and city, Vietnam!
1. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
Sung Sot Cave should be on top must-visit destinations when you are in Ha Long Bay. It is the largest and also the most renowned, the most visited cave of all. The cave is around 1000 square meters consisting of thousands of stalagmites and stalactites. As the typical karst caves, Sung Sot has high scientific value as well. Located in Bo Hon Island, the center of Ha Long Bay, the cave is covered with a layer of countless “light beams” hung with glittering stalactites, “velvet carpet”, and stone statues. For such values, Sung Sot Cave is one of the favorite places to visit in Ha Long Bay.
2. Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Ha Long Bay. It is home to plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars. Located off the coast of Hai Phong City, it has clean beaches (named Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2) which are ideal for sunbathing and swimming during the summer. And if you are not a fan of crowds, you can go to Monkey Island where the beaches are cleaner and quieter, and you can rent a kayak or charter a speedboat there.
3. Dau Be Island and National Park
Dau Be Island is famous for Ba Ham Lake which is a system consisting of 3 big ocean basins. Inside the cave, there are many stalactites on the ceiling which create odd shapes and dimensions. The island is home to many species of orchids, banyans, and palm trees. There are also many gold monkeys, bats, flying squirrels, birds, and flowers blooming throughout the year.
4. Me Cung Cave
Me Cung Cave (or Maze Cave), as fanciful and appealing as its name, is one of many famous attractions in Ha Long Bay. The entrance looks like a house roof that carves deep into the slopes of the island. Inside, you may get the feeling as if you are entering in a great palace of a Persian King.
With the light shining from the outer, the sparkling stalactites make the cave shimmer like in paradise. Besides, the blue waters of Me Cung lake inside the cave also create the picturesque beauty of nature.
5. Monkey Island
Monkey Island is a famous popular tourist attraction and most of the tours encourage visitors to visit this island. It is an ideal destination for swimming in the blue water. And, the existence of many monkeys is of course the highlight of Monkey Island. Here, the visitors will have chances to take photos or frisk with monkeys on boughs comfortably. Apart from the monkeys, the bungalows on the island will provide tourists with unforgettable moments.
6. Virgin Cave (Hang Trinh Nu)
Virgin Cave or Hang Trinh Nu has probably the most moving legend about love behind its name. Inside the cave, you can find a shrine which is dedicated to the woman who is a symbol of pure and eternal love. Legend apart, the cave is a beautiful and ideal stopover for any Ha Long luxury cruise. Entering the entrance located at the foot of a cliff, you will go through the tunnels of the cave which reaches the middle of the island about 2 km long.
7. Lan Ha Bay
Located to the south of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha spreads over an area of more than 7000 ha. The bay reserves pristine scenery which has an intense concentration of limestone mountains. There are hundreds of beautiful, small beaches lying at the feet of mountains so there is no problem to find a good spot for an overnight camp or organizing a private beach BBQ. After a long day of exploration, Lan Ha Bay is truly a good place to relax.
8. Dau Go Island
Seemingly floating on the emerald water, Dau Go Island or Wooden Head Island, is a popular name among Ha Long tourist attractions which is famed for Dau Go Cave – a spectacular cave. The cave, from afar, looks like a jellyfish with a 90-step staircase. Discovering the inner beauty of the cave is a wonderful thing to do because it is extremely mysterious and surprising. You will feel like you are lost in a fairy-tale place that brings incredibly beautiful scenery.
9. Bai Tu Long Bay
Located in the East of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is an off-the-beaten-track destination that is outstanding with the beauty of karsts and limestone mountains. In Bai Tu Long Bay, you can kayak in Vung Vieng Fishing Village, snorkel in Ban Chan Beach, relax in Ang Du area, and learn the history of Thien Canh Son cave.
10. Poem Mountain (Nui Bai Tho)
Poem Mountain (Bai Tho Mountain) has got its name since 1268 when King Le Thanh Tong carved a poem on a cliff at the mountain. Thanks to the mountain side which overlooks the bay, Poem Mountain is the most ideal viewing spot in Ha Long Bay. Standing on the mountain and looking down, you will understand why the bay is called Ha Long. The air in this area is cool throughout the year so you can visit it whenever you want. It is where you can see hundreds of different plants growing on cliffs, enjoy melodious birdsong, and play with the goats grazing on the slopes.
11. Cua Van Floating Village
Cua Van is the largest fishing village in Ha Long bay which is situated at Hung Thang commune. The village lies in a calm bay surrounded by islets and limestone mountains. It is home to 733 people who mainly live by fishing. The fishing families all live on little floating houses which are anchored in the protected bay. Cua Van is voted as one of the most 15 beautiful fishing villages in the world. And it is an ideal place to get to know the daily life of fishermen who will teach you how to make fishing trap and fishing net.
12. Ti Top Island
Located about 14 kilometers from Bai Chay tourist harbor, Ti Top island is famous for a crescent moon shaped beach which has beautiful still blue waters and tranquility. Thanks to the calm waters and immaculate white sands, the beach is perfect for water-based activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There is also a bar where you can rent all kinds of swim gear or stop for a drink if you want.
13. Tuan Chau Island
Covered by pine forests, Tuan Chau Island consists of multiple sloping hills and two man-made beaches with white and fine sand. It is a memorial site as President Ho Chi Minh used to spend his holidays there. The island has many attractions like animal circus club, performing-seal club, cultural-sports center, a rural market, villas, and an ornamental fish lake,… It also offers plenty of activities for tourists such as Jet Ski, sea fishing, and canoe parachute,…
14. Quan Lan Island
In the 11th century, Quan Lan used to be in the middle of an important trade route between Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and China. Now it looks like a sleepy island more than a busy port. Despite being inhabited by locals, Quan Lan’s scenery remains mostly untouched with beautiful forest areas and 3 long white sandy beaches. It is also a great place for sampling local seafood thanks to the abundance of butterfish, mackerel, squid, and shrimp in the waters.
15 Activities & Things to Do in Ha Long Bay
1. Have Overnight on Board
Suggested for: those who want to get a brand new overnight experience
Why: An overnight on board is the best way to enjoy Ha Long Bay. You can look to experience the ordinary life of a fisherman at its purest. Friendly and hospitable locals will show you to cast a fishing net, paddle your own rowing boat, and go fishing like a real deal. Moreover, you can enjoy its famous seafood such as crabs, sea clams, and prawns.
2. Visit Cannon Fort
Suggested for: those who wish to take in the best of Cat Ba Island view
Why: From a place of vantage, you can see rolling hills, bobbing fishing boats, and karst formation which juts out of the sea. On the way to the cannon fort, you also have a chance to check out underground tunnels and a number of attractions such as gun emplacements.
3. Take a Cruise
Suggested for: those who truly want to see all of Ha Long Bay
Why: Signing up for a boat cruise is the best way to discover Ha Long Bay. With 2000 islands, you can choose where you want to go and what you want to see, from the most well-known to smaller islands. It is a memorable cruising experience for you to enjoy a buffet meal as part of the cruise or stay on the boat overnight as well.
4. Jump a Seaplane
Suggested for: those who want to see Ha Long Bay in a different way.
Why: If you are wondering how Ha Long Bay looks from above, just get on a seaplane tour. It is a totally unique experience within 25 minutes. The Ha Long sightseeing flight will let you see some of the 1600 islands and islets which are scattered across the Gulf of Tonkin, along with beaches, lagoon, and towering sea cliffs. There are both morning and afternoon flights, so you can choose a convenient time for you. The aerial view of Ha Long Bay will surely blow your mind!
5. Go Scuba Diving
Suggested for: those who expect to explore marine life
Why: By scuba diving, visitors will have a chance to see the great underwater world of Ha Long by their own eyes. You can explore various kinds of fish and pristine coral reefs at the bottom of Ha Long bay and touch them. It must be an amazing experience for you, especially for visitors who love discovery. You don’t need to worry about your safety because all facilities are regularly checked and match safety standard.
6. Climb on Rocks
Suggested for: those who are fans of sports and have a good health
Why: Cat Ba National Park is a great spot for climbing on rocks in Ha Long Bay. You can find some amazing hiking trails including 18 km trail climbing to the summit of the main peak. Climbing gives you a chance to see all the flora and fauna as you trek around and renting a guide for your trekking is better to get to know the history of the region.
7. Swim at Bai Chay Beach
Suggested for: those who wants to enjoy clean, cool waters at Bai Chay beach
Why: Bai Chay is a large, beautiful, and artificial beach which is close to the coast of Ha Long bay. The beach is an ideal destination for swimming with 100-meter-wide sandy beach which spans over 500 meters. In summer days, Bai Chay beach attracts plenty of local and foreign people to visit. Significantly invested, it is rapidly transformed into one of the most captivating beaches in Ha Long bay.
8. Shop at Bai Chay Market
Suggested for: Bai Chay market
Why: In Bai Chay market, you can find huge heaps of fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of seafood. In addition, you also can buy other local items such as clothing and textiles. This is a really good spot to stock up on souvenirs and sample some of the local produce in Ha Long Bay as well.
9. Cycle around
Suggested for: who wants to enjoy quiet atmosphere
Why: Most people think of water activities when visiting Ha Long Bay. But it actually has a lot more to offer. Cycling around Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba is relaxing and romantic. The scenery along the coastal road will make your cycling a wonderful thing to do in Ha Long Bay. To experience the best coastal scenery, renting a bike is the perfect choice for you. You can rent a bike for VND 20.000/ hour.
10. Sunbathe on Beach
Suggested for: anyone who wants to get tanned skin
Why: Ha Long Bay is said to be one of the best places for sunbathing on the beach in Vietnam with numerous beaches. With dazzling sunlight, beautiful beaches with calm tides, clean, and green water, you will feel very comfortable when enjoying sunbathing. To name some beaches, they will be Tuan Chau, Ti Top, Ngoc Vung, and Trai Dao. They are the best ones with beautiful views of the bay.
11. Dine in the Caves
Suggested for: those seeking for a brand new dining experience
Why: Dining in a Ha Long Bay cave is a must if you haven’t done this before. Now, several cruises offer this service in everyday. You can contact some agency to ask whether they include this experience in their itinerary. The dinner doesn’t only come with a candlelit dining experience but also admiring the miracle work of Mother Nature. This is something that you may never find in other places.
12. Go Night Squid Fishing
Suggested for: anyone who is a night owl
Why: Night squid fishing is a popular night time activity in Ha Long Bay. When you sign up for this activity, you will be provided with a fishing rod. When darkness falls, you can take in large shoals of squid swimming around in these waters. If you have caught the fish, you can enjoy a barbecue with these delicious creatures and the staff will show you the way.
13. Go Kayaking
Suggested for: who want to get relax time
Why: Kayaking is listed as a must-try thing to do in Ha Long Bay. It is an exciting activity to sit on a tiny kayak, paddle in the blue water, wriggle into the cave, and touch the stalactites. You can go kayaking to visit fishing villages and learn works of fishermen on the sea, and admire the limestone islands as well.
14. Go Snorkeling
Suggested for: those who want to admire the fascinating underwater world.
Why: For nature and adventure lovers, your trip will not be complete without snorkeling. You will marvel at colorful coral reefs and diverse creatures in sparkling sea life. This can be a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to immerse into an aquatic world, swim with the cuttlefish, and dance with the octopus. Note that the best time of the year to go snorkeling in the bay is December. And good areas to see the coral reefs are Cong Do Island, Trai Cave, and Van Gio Island.
15. Sleep on a Board
Suggested for: anyone looking for a new experience of sleeping on a board.
Why: The best thing about sleeping on a board is the “escapism”. You can feel the freedom of your own space, the sense of peace, and being surrounded by water. Besides, you also can enjoy the lifestyle on the board which is without any stress. Staying on a board also gives you the chance to watch the sunset and wake up to the sound of the wind and sea waves in Ha Long bay.
With above interesting places and must-do activities, we hope that you can choose some of your favorite things to do when visiting Ha Long bay. If you have any questions, please let us know.
One of the most fantastic and enjoyable parts of your trip is shopping, isn’t it? After spending several days in Ha Long and falling in love with its splendor, you definitely hope to get something to bring home, which may remind you of this amazingly spectacular bay with islets and caves. If you are wondering what to buy and where to shop at the most reasonable price in Ha Long Bay, check out this guide on shopping in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam below.
1. Squid
You may be wondering “Nah, squids are on every sea, nothing special here”. Let me tell you, Ha Long seawater is saltier than others, so squids here are popular for their special flavors. The two most famous forms are dried squid (Mực một nắng) and grilled chopped squid (Chả mực), which are assumed as must-buy things for Vietnamese people when being in Ha Long.
Dried squids are cleaned with sea water first, then dried under the sunlight, just for one super sunny day. They are pinky, half-dry, fragrant and crispy. It would be best to have them grilled or fried with vegetables. What a great dish it makes!
If you want something more unique of Ha Long, it would be grilled chopped squid. Not because the squids themselves are good, it’s also the dedication of the makers. The whole process including chopping, pounding, and mixing with pepper and dill is made by hand, as a result, Ha Long Grilled Chopped Squid boasts its own flavor and tastes which cannot be mistaken with those from any other place. The price will be ranging from 330,000 VND – to 400,000 VND per kilogram. Buy it home, just deep-fry it and the breathtaking scenery and taste of Ha Long seem to display in front of you.
2. Dried Sipunculus Nudus
Sipunculus nudus, which is about 10-centimeter long, ivory-white and chubby, is a kind of peanut worm living only in Ha Long. Despite their unattractive appearance, they are known to be extremely nutritious, fatty, aromatic, and delicious when fried garlic spikes or roasted, together with a cup of cold beer. Sipunculus are rare, so their price is comparatively high, about 4 million ($170) per kilogram.
Be cautious if the price is unbelievably low, and the sipunculid look pale, transparent-white or crumbled, they must have been either kept for a long time or fake.
3. Hoanh Bo Soaked Rice Wine
If you are a fan of wine, Hoanh Bo Soaked Rice Wine in Ha Long Bay is the one you should never miss. Hoanh Bo is the name of the forest whose specific leaves are taken to add smell to cooked and incubated glutinous rice without being pounded before. After a long enough time being carefully soaked in a jar, it turns into alcohol. Hoanh Bo homemade rice wine tastes marginally sour and sweet blended with extraordinary odor. It’s light, but might get you tipsy if you drink too much. Don’t worry, instead of getting a headache, your digestion is unexpectedly stimulated.
4. Seashell Jewelry
Besides seafood, what can take your heart away should possibly be seashell jewelry which looks simple but absolutely unique. When cruising on Ha Long Bay, you might see female vendors on umiaks or coracles with all kinds of little lovely items from seashells such as bracelets, key chains, or conch shapes. Ha Long area has an abundance of seashells, people just collect the most beautiful ones and use their creativity to make out these attractive nice accessories. The seashell with a variety of colors ranging from light orange to greenish and emerald will be a great gift for your relatives and friends.
5. Handicraft Coal Statues
You might not know that Ha Long is located in Quang Ninh province, which is nationally famous for its bountiful coal sources. Is it a great idea to buy something really Vietnamese, from material to appearance?
Handicraft coal statues are made of Anthracite coal, one of the hardest and toughest forms. The coal must be qualified and suitable in terms of the sizes of the final products. After that, it is perforated and hewn. It looks a bit like on wood or softer material, but designing coal is much harder to adjust because it is crunchy and tough. Only a minor mistake can make the craftsmen try in vain. The last step would be to make it looking not dirty and raw, instead, sparkling and valuable by applying a layer of transparent polish.
You can order the shape you want if you have enough time in Ha Long Bay. If not, the most popular ones definitely will not disappoint you. The most bought statues are Fighting Cock Isle, cranes, water buffaloes, eagles, Buddha statues, bronze drums and ancient Vietnamese junk boats, which are typical symbols of Vietnam in general. They are sold at a cheap price compared to the special Vietnamese-symbolizing statues you will get.
II. Where to Shop in Ha Long?
1.1. Ha Long I Market
In terms of shopping, Ha Long I market is the first name to mention as it is among the biggest wholesale markets in Quang Ninh province and offers all kinds of things. This 16-year market impresses buyers by how clean it is and how logically and neatly the stalls are placed. The first floor displays spectacular souvenirs such as jewelry, handicrafts, toys, pottery, embroidery goods, house appliances, kitchenware, and coal statues. The second floor is for clothing and seafood.
Seafood is sold at a reasonable price in a whole different outside section of the market. The most famous place is Thoan Cha Muc located at kiosks 36-37. Besides squid, there are newly caught fish, shrimps, sipunculid nudus, and crabs also available and fresh. You can also get to the culinary part of the market to fill your stomach up with the most common and traditional food of Ha Long such as horseshoe crab.
Buying from Ha Long I market makes sure that you get high-quality products, instead of buying from a random vendor on the street, especially for high-priced things like seafood. Despite being undoubtedly crowded at the weekend, it is absolutely worth 3 hours of your trip.
Address: Van Xuan Street, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long
Opening hours: 2 a.m– 9:15 p.m every day
1.2. Ha Long II Market
This market is about 1km away from Ha Long I Market but easily accessible thanks to its location nearby the outside of the National Road 18. The goods are diversifying from seafood to sourvenirs, but the most prominent is seafood, especially dry seafood. Structured similarly to Ha Long I Market, but Ha Long 2 Market has 2 storeys only and the seafood selling area is not as large as the first one.
Editor’s Tip: You should buy dry seafood here because the quality is good and price is cheap.
Address: 433 Le Loi street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province
Opening hours: 8 a.m- 5 p.m
2. Hon Gai Market
Hon Gai market boasts typical features of a fisherman’s village. It is located right by the sea where people on the fishing boats come back after a night of catching fish and carry them straight to the market’s dock on the foot of Bai Tho mountain. Therefore, it is said that nowhere offers fresher seafood at and cheaper price than this market.
Editor’s Tip: It’s highly recommended to buy oysters, fish, squids, and shrimp here if you want to cook right away before leaving.
Address: Hon Gai Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Ha Long
Opening hours: 7 a.m – 9 a.m every day
3. Ha Long Night Market
The night market is always a great place to go to after sunset because you not only can see how differently noisy and lively a city can be at night but can walk and get yourself some souvenirs looking sparkling and beautiful. The market is located on attractive Bai Chay beach with hundreds of stalls in order, each of which is full of items widely ranging from ordinary to top-notch. You will be appealed by clamshell key chains, “I love Ha Long” T-shirts with Ha Long, and “The Kissing Cocks of Ha Long Bay” magnets. What’s more, jewelry, handicrafts, bags and seafood are nice options before you head out to a food stall and enjoy your supper. Coming here, you can dig into a variety of Ha Long specialties which becomes incredibly unforgettable during your trip.
Address: Ha Long Marine Boulevard, Hung Thang ward, Ha Long (near Bai Chay Beach)
Opening hours: 6 p.m – 11 p.m every day
4. Bai Chay Shopping Center
If you are looking for somewhere that you can go shopping for high-end products, it must be Bai Chay Shopping center. Developed from a small local market on Vuon Dao street, it is enlarged and invested to become a modern commercial area which is the favorite place for thousands of shopaholics. You have an endless variety of choices for everything, from something common like clothes, house appliances, electronics and little souvenirs to high-end items like handbags, sports shoes and luxury clothes. It will be a pleasant experience to shop here.
Address: Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay ward, Ha Long
Opening hours: 8 a.m – 10 p.m
5. Early Ha Long Seafood Market
The reason why this is called early Ha Long Seafood Market is that it just takes place in the early morning only. The market is located right at Hon Gai harbor and specializes in newly-caught seafood by local fishermen. Not only is it the biggest seafood focal point of Ha Long city, but it is also a cultural feature of Ha Long fishermen.
Prior to dawn, fishing boats rush to the port and present all types of seafood right at the anchor area.
Editor’s Tip: You should buy seafood like crabs, sentinels crabs, cuttlefish and Mantis shrimp, here since their prices are very reasonable.
Address: Hon Gai port, Tuan Chau island, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province.
Opening hours: 2 a.m 4 a.m
Shopping in Ha Long Bay is the last piece to complete your enjoyable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nothing can be more wonderful than after an amazing time you spend here, you can buy something as a souvenir that will remind you of this glorious bay and some gifts unique and Vietnamese to give your family and friends. If you have already done it, why not comment below and share it with others?
Plate rack cabinet
is an essential item, presenting in all Vietnamese families. The previous days, there was no refrigerator, the plate rack cabinet was a place to store food, bowls, chopsticks, pots, pans, etc.
Food in the Plate rack cabinet could be stored for 1-2 days, helping to avoid the entry of insects such as ants, cockroaches, mice.
Vietnamese Traditional kitchen:
in the past days in Vietnamese families, people had to mold clay by themselves … According to the Vietnamese conception, the kitchen is a very important place, because this is residence of 3 Mr. and Mrs. Tao Quan (as the kitchen god) (2 men, 1 woman). Every year on the 23rd of December of the Lunar calendar, the Tao Quan will fly to the sky to report to the Jade Emperor about the situation of families in the lower world. So people often avoid to cook near dirty places such as toilets …. When moving to a new home, the kitchen is the first item to be moved and also the first to be used.
Soldier’s water bottle:
This is a type of water bottle equipped for soldiers. After demobilizing, these water bottles follow the soldier back to his homeland, which is very useful for students, farmers when working in the field or at school.
Radio:
It is an important item in most Vietnamese families, villages and communes. When there was no electricity or TV, newspapers were quite rare at that time, radio was the only means for people to know the current situation, politics, culture, society of Vietnam and the whole world
Vietnamese Pith Helmet:
This is an item that was equipped for the soldiers. After his discharge from the army, the pith helmet followed the soldier back to normal life. This is a very useful item in families so it should be used quite carefully. Pith helmet are sometimes not only for wearing, but also to be containers, to be fans in the summer
Black and white television:
is the object only appeared in Northern Vietnam after 1975s. In the past, the electricity was only enough for people in the city at night and only the qualified families could own the black and white TV, so the TV was not only a means for watching news and entertainment of a family, but sometimes also was a cultural source for the whole neighbourhood.
1G telephone:
In Northern Vietnam before 1990s, telephones were only provided to state agencies, organizations and officials. Until the middle of 1990s, telephones gradually became popular among families in Vietnam
Hurricane lantern:
In the past, in rural Vietnam, there was no electricity and electricity in big cities was also unstable, so Hurricane lanterns were very important in daily life activities of the Vietnamese community and in families.
Cong Cruise’s cuisine is also an important highlight which should not be missed. Unlike other tourist boats and restaurants, at Cong Cruise, passengers will enjoy traditional dishes featuring Vietnamese culture from spring rolls, rice noodles to local seafood such as oyster, shrimp, squid, cha ca (grilled fish) etc,. Ingredients are always fresh with seafood caught and cooked within a day. Irresistible flavor, delicate and meticulous decor featuring the subsidy period of Vietnam are highlights that passengers will experience when dining at Cong Cruise.
Guests will enjoy relaxing moments with a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee on the sundeck amid the wonderful nature and admire majestic sunset view. During the day, Ha Long Bay is quiet and elegant by its nature but when the sun sets on the horizon, the bay became even more tranquil and peaceful.
Our chef will instruct guests to make the delicious Pho rolls by your own.
Trinh Nu Cave – Trong Cave has become two familiar names to domestic and foreign tourists when choosing Ha Long as destination. Not only the gorgeous beauty that Mother nature has given to the 2 caves attracts visitors, but the legend behind the caves also evokes curiosity and interest among many people. For fishermen, Trinh Nu cave is their beloved home and for lovers, it is a place witnessing their vow of love.
Virgin Beach:
Virgin Beach is a stop normally designed for 3 day 2 night tour, which makes the beach less touristy than others with very few boats travel by.
Ảnh: Ảnh 2627 (UPDATE ẢNH CHỌN THÊM 0410), 2645, 2673, 2655, 2673
Trong mục vào chi tiết (read more) viết câu chuyện về sự tích:
The Origin of Trinh Nu (Virgin) Cave:
A long time ago, there was a beautiful fisherman’s daughter, whose family was so poor that it was in the service of the rich landlord of the fishing zone. Captivated by her beauty, the rich landlord forced the family to give him the girl as a concubine. The girl protested, as she already had a lover, who at the time was on the high seas catching fish to prepare for their wedding. The landlord, angered by her refusal, exiled her to a wild island where she suffered from hunger and exhaustion. On one frightening night, amidst terrible rain and winds, she turned to stone, in what we now call Trinh Nu Cave or the “Virgin Cave”.
On this same night, her lover sensed she was in danger, and he rowed his boat as fast as he could in search of her as the storm roared on. Eventually, the crashing waves destroyed his boat and he floated to one of the nearby islands. As the lightning flashed, he caught a glimpse of his soul mate in the distance, but she could not hear his cries because of the howling wind. He picked up a large rock and began to hammer on the mountain until blood flowed from his hands to let her know he was nearby, but she could not hear him. In his final exhaustion, he too turned to stone in what we now call Trong Cave or the “Male Cave”. This tragic love story has always been known by the local people, even as fishermen used the caves for shelter from storms and the ravages of war. But for young couples, a trip to Trinh Nu Cave is the perfect place to swear their true love to one another. The French named this cave Le Virgin.
Nowadays, in the center of the cave, there is still a stone with the shape of a girl lying down with her long hair looking out to the sea, waiting for her lover to return. Opposite to the Trinh Nu cave is Trong cave (or Male Cave). At the entrance of the Male Cave, you can see a stone-shaped man gazing at Trinh Nu cave for all of eternity, and it’s said by the local people that they can still hear his pained screams, especially during strong storms. The vestiges of the hurricane at that night still exist today – those were the crumbling in the cave, the sound of the wind roaring over the cliffs and the foam still rippling up.
Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave not only have many stalactites and beautiful scenes, but also attract tourists because of a very tragic love story. A cave has a horizontal rock that looks like a girl lying with her hair stretched out to the sea, so it is called the Trinh Nu cave. The cave had a very tall stalactite column that looked like a giant standing boy looking out to sea.
Trinh Nu Cave – Trong cave are two names that have become very familiar to domestic and foreign tourists when choosing Ha Long as their destination. Not only attracted by the wonderful beauty that nature has bestowed on these two caves, but the legend of the two caves has been also curious, interesting for many tourists so far.
Guests will kayak around the ancient limestone karsts of thousand years formation and after a 5-minute walk through Trinh Nu Cave, a beach with white sand, blue sea and a pleasant mild climate will appear- that’s exactly Trinh Nu beach.
Located in Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot cave is also in the central area of Ha Long Bay – the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the largest and most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay and it is also is a place where many rocky formations concentrated having unique and strange shapes, which are nowhere to be found. The road to Sung Sot cave lies beneath forest canopy along with the jagged stone steps where visitors have the pleasure of a climber, as well as the eager as if they are heading to the sky.
Sung Sot cave- one of the most spacious and beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay
The cave is divided into two chambers in which, the first one is described as an immerse “Opera House”. The ceiling of this area is covered by stalactites and stalagmites, which looks like a silky “velvet carpet” with beautiful motifs or a myriad of glistering and aglow “chandeliers”, numerous shapes and forms like stone statues, stone elephants, stone seals, raspberries, flowers, etc.. all seem to be fluttering between reality and dream. Entering in the second area through a small road, you can enjoy the completely different space in comparison to the first one, which can accommodate thousands of people with a stream of light rushed in.
Going inside Sung Sot Cave, there are many surprising scenery waiting for tourists to explore such as stalactites having different and special shapes, an old banyan tree having luxuriant foliage, dinosaurs…. Reaching the highest peak of the cave, you have a great chance to admire the beautiful landscapes of clear water lakes, some types of trees and birds living here. Located in the central site of Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot cave is surrounded by other attractions such as Ti Top beach, Trong cave, Me Cung cave (Maze Cave)- Luon cave and named “Grotte des surprises” (meaning of amazing) by the French.
From the port, climbing about 50 stone steps and then going down about ten more stone steps, visitors can reach the Cave gate with a height of about 25 meters. The cave is about 10,000 m2 wide with thousands of stalagmites and stalactites. In the cave, there is a system of paved walkways from the entrance to the end of more than 500 m long. On both sides of the walkway are low street lampposts, which are both a signpost and a decoration and lighting device. The lighting system with elegant lamps, the soft light adds to the beauty of the cave. In Sung Sot cave, the ceiling of 30 m high has the shape of small and regular indentations, as if decorated with porous matter, looks like the ceiling of a big theatre which is very magnificent. Near the cave gate are huge blocks of stone rising from the ground to the ceiling of the cave. This is one of the typical karst caves, with high scientific value. Right next to the entrance is a stalactite shaped like a horse and a long sword. According to ancient legend, after defeating An aggressors., Thanh Giong helped the local residents to expel demons, he left the horse and the sword in order to reassure people and banish demons and flew to the sky. Currently in the cave there are many natural images that seem to be traces of that fierce battle, especially, the footprints of the horse became small ponds along with crumbled rocks.
Sung Sot Cave is now a favourite destination for many domestic and international tourists to visit and explore the cave. If you want to visit, just book overnight tours on the bay with 2-day or 3-day itineraries or some 6,5 hours tour in one day.
SUMMER IN HALONG BAY:
Friends, sun, sand and sea, how it could be more perfect than cruising among hundreds of limestone in Halong Bay – A Wonder of the World. Summer normally starts in Halong Bay from May to August with the average temperature is around 29.5oC (85.1oC). It is relatively pleasant in the evening in around 25oC (77oC) while the maximum temperature in daytime can spike up to 36oC.
Summer can be seen as the best season in Halong Bay allows you to enjoy outdoor activities and get healthy summer glow. Occasionally, a heavy rain may come then rush away quickly leave a fresh air and clear sky on the Bay.
The lowest price drop and less-crowded destinations is one plus point for cruising in summer. Summer is the low season for tourism in Halong, less American and European travelers cause the cruise price drop.
AUTUMN IN HALONG BAY:
Autumn is the most comfortable season to cruise in Halong. Starts from the middle of August to the middle of October, autumn in Halong is quite short but can seem to be the most beautiful season. Average temperature is around 26oC to 28oC (78.8oC – 82.4oC). In daytime, it’s sunny but not hot. Nighttime is cool and great for chilling on the sundeck with some drinks. Autumn night is the most romantic time on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
Sometimes in an unexpected way, it has typhoons coming that cause cruise cancelation but passengers, in this case, President will refund 100% the total charge that clients haven’t used our service. Moreover, President also can help our customers amend the booking to another day if customers can change their schedules. Hence, tourist should book a cruise trip with flexible condition that help amending the booking more conveniently in any unexpected case.
WINTER & SPRING IN HALONG BAY:
Weather in this season almost cool and sometimes it has haze. If you wake up early at Halong Bay in the middle of winter, you might see a super majestic spectacle cause by fog. You can see a light layer of white fog above the water and your cruise leisurely pass through this layer. After few hours, this fog layer will slowly disappear when the sun rises.
From December to February, it might be a little bit cold, the average temperature is around 18oC (64.4oC). It’s such a beautiful condition for sailing across the bay through thousands limestone.
According to the statistics of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, from October to April, Vietnam welcomes a higher number of American and European tourists than other seasons in the year due to the fact that the weather of this season is more suitable for those who come from frigid and temperate zone and want to escape from the coldest season. However, the price for a Halong Bay cruise trip in this season will be raised up a little bit compared to summer and autumn. Tourists should plan their own schedules and make the reservations as soon as possible to secure the availability and get a reasonable price.
