Dau Go Cave is one of the magnificent caves in Ha Long Bay. It is now one of the places with historical legends and scenes that are difficult to forget. As you go deeper and deeper into the cave, it seems that there is a whole new world that is waiting for you to discover. Let’s get into more details about this cave!
1. About Dau Go Cave in Ha Long Bay
1.1. Location
Dau Go Cave is a limestone cave that belongs to the scenic complex of Ha Long Bay. This cave is about 3 km from Tuan Chau Island and about 6 km from Bai Chay tourist area.
Located at an altitude of 27 m above sea level, Dau Go Cave possesses rich flora and fauna, along with massive and majestic architecture. It covers approximately 5,000 m2 and has a 17-meter-wide and 12-meter-high entrance.
Scientists believe that the cave formed about 2 million years ago, around the same time as Thien Cung cave, which is only 300 meters away from there.
1.2. Legend
Dau Go Cave is associated with many mysterious and attractive legends. There are three stories that have been passed down orally to explain the name of this cave.
About the first legend, according to folklore, Dau Go Cave has also been known as Giau Go Cave since ancient times because it is associated with a historical story.
In the war against the Mongols in the 13th century, Tran Hung Dao was the commander-in-chief who planted wooden stakes to destroy the enemy's ships. This clever strategy created a resounding victory, helping to maintain the country's border.
After that, there were still many wooden stakes left in the cave, so the people here named it Dau Go Cave, misreading the word "Giau Go" (hiding wood).
According to the second legend, the reason the cave has such a name is that, in the past, there was a series of bow-shaped Dau Go islands in front of the cave. This island chain created a wind-tight area, allowing fishermen to stay away from storms while fishing.
In the process of people going back and forth here, they repaired their boats, so there are still wooden samples left around here. The name “Dau Go” also formed from this incident.
The third legend explains that because Dau Go Island, from a distance, looks like a large log with two holes at both ends to thread ropes. Based on this special point, people named the cave Dau Go Cave.
Today, people still don't know the truth about the special name of the cave. However, it is undeniable that these legends have made Dau Go Cave more mysterious.
>>> 10 remarkable Ha Long Bay caves to explore
2. Contemplate the breathtaking beauty of Dau Go Cave
2.1. The entrance of Dau Go Cave
Dau Go Cave has a wide and high door, which helps the cave receive a lot of natural light. The entrance of this cave is also the largest one in Ha Long Bay.
Aside from that, this place is also a shelter for swallows. If you are lucky, you can come across this rare bird during your exploration.
2.2. The 3-compartment system of Dau Go Cave
Going deep inside Dau Go Cave, you can easily recognize a large space divided into 3 distinct compartments.
- The first compartment
Everything in the first compartment is clear and sharp, as this space receives the most natural light. The ceiling of the cave is like a large oil painting, reproducing the wild natural landscape.
Visitors can freely admire and release their imagination according to the unique shapes of the stalactites, such as lions dozing, pythons curling around trees, elephants eating, fighting cocks or deer…
- The second compartment
The second "room" of Dau Go cave is likened to a magnificent picture with many stone blocks jutting out of the water. This place was created by the miraculous hand of nature and the chemical process.
Because the amount of light absorbed is not much, people have used colored light bulbs to facilitate travel. The dim light in the cave deepens the glittering and fanciful beauty of this place.
- The third compartment
Visitors will be surprised by the sudden expansion of the cave when entering the third compartment. There is a well of clear water that provides fresh water for all seasons.
The stalagmites have strange and interesting shapes, making you feel like you are visiting an ancient castle with massive architecture and indescribable majesty.
The deeper you go in, the weaker the light will be. Everything becomes more magical.
3. TOP 3 stunning places to explore near Dau Go Cave
There are many amazing places that you shouldn’t miss too. Here are 3 places to explore near Dau Go Cave:
- Surprise Cave
Sung Sot Cave is about 8 km from Dau Go Cave. This is one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, and it takes your breath away the moment you arrive.
There are 2 compartments inside the cave. The outer compartment is like a giant opera house with a dome-shaped roof. The inner compartment is large with a capacity of thousands of people.
The sparkling stalagmites of all shapes create a spectacular scene that you can hardly find elsewhere.
- Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain is located in the center of Ha Long city, about 20km from Dau Go cave. The mountain has been an inspiration for many poets. This place still preserves the poem in Chinese carved on stone by King Le Thanh Tong in 1468.
This is one of the most ideal places to observe the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Looking down from the top of the mountain, visitors will be overwhelmed by the poetic and magnificent scenery of nature.
If you go there at sunset or sunrise, it will be even more amazing.
- Ga Choi Islet
Ga Choi Islet, also known as Trong Mai Islet, is considered the symbol of Ha Long Bay. This place is only about 2 kilometers from Dau Go Cave.
Ga Choi Islet appears majestically and exists for millions of years in the midst of immense waves. This is an image used a lot in tourism promotion of Ha Long in particular and Vietnam in general.
4. A brief guide for tourists to Dau Go Cave Ha Long Bay
4.1. How to get to Dau Go Cave?
There are 2 ways to move to Dau Go Cave:
Option 1: You can book a Ha Long cruise to visit the bay. In the tour activities, you can go to Dau Go Cave. This way is suitable for people traveling in large groups, with the elderly and children.
When booking a tour, you should carefully learn about ticket prices and trip information to avoid confusion and be more proactive in your journey.
Option 2: You can move from the city center to Tuan Chau Island ferry terminal, which takes about 17 minutes by car.
At the ferry terminal, you can rent a boat to directly go out to visit the cave along with route Ha Long 1 (the route with Dau Go Cave) for a ticket price of 290,000 VND per person.
This way will be suitable for young people who love the freedom to explore.
4.2. Where should you choose to stay?
Besides Dau Go Cave and the aforementioned places, Ha Long has a lot of tourist attractions to visit, like Ti Top Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island...
There are many resorts, hotels, and motels of various classes (from affordable to luxurious ones) in Ha Long. You can choose to stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long on Reu Island to enjoy your holiday in Ha Long to the fullest.
All the rooms of the hotel face the sea, so you can contemplate a very romantic view if staying there. Aside from that, you will have a chance to enjoy a luxurious stay with a harmonious and modern 5-star lodging system.
>>> Book Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long in advance to avoid room availability issues
4.3. Extra tips for your trip to Dau Go Cave
Here are some tips for visitors when coming to Dau Go Cave:
- The best time to visit Dau Go Cave is from April to October. The weather is pleasant, not cold, and it is not raining during this time.
- Because the cave is very large, bring water and apply mosquito repellent during the tour.
- Do not touch the artifacts; do not litter indiscriminately to protect the natural landscape of the cave.
- It is recommended to prepare light, comfortable clothing and wear sports shoes, specialized climbing shoes or non-slip sandals to easily move on complex terrain.
- You should also bring a light jacket as when entering the cave, the air can be a bit cooler.
- Bring motion sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness.
- Fully charge your camera and phone batteries to capture beautiful moments.
Hope that this article can provide you with full information about Dau Go Cave. Its enchanted scene won’t let you down! Thorough preparation before the trip will help you limit unnecessary risks.
>>> Quickly book a room at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long today to have a great experience. And don’t forget to follow us for more updates!
