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Hon Gai Port
Prince Cruise exclusive and private pier is situated on Hon Gai
Town. Driving over the Bai Chay bridge, we will find the Hon Gai
tourist wharf
Hon Gai benefits from calming sea breezes and pleasantly warm water
temperatures and is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
During the warmer summer and fall months the temperature in Halong
Bay averages around 70 - 80 degrees F and the long expanse of sandy
beach is filled with swimmers and sunbathers
Titov Island
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
Sung Sot Cave
(Cave of surprise)
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. |
