Vietnam is home to numerous magnificent natural sites, and among them, the caves of Vietnam hold a significant place. They are witnesses to ancient times and captivate visitors always in search of surprising discoveries.
The caves of Cat Ba Island may not be the most famous in Vietnam, but they undoubtedly deserve a visit during your stay on the island.
In this article, we present to you four caves that, in our opinion, are worth exploring.
What are the best caves on Cat Ba Island?
The four caves worth visiting on Cat Ba are Hospital Cave, Trung Trang, Dong Hoa Cuong and Thien Long, all reachable from the island’s main road.
| Cave | Where to find it | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Cave | On the main road, inside the national park | A wartime hospital with 17 reconstructed rooms |
| Trung Trang | In the largest valley on the island | Stalactites, bats and a view over the forest |
| Dong Hoa Cuong | In the north of the island, about 20 km from town | A 20 m high chamber with lighting |
| Thien Long | Near Phu Long pier | The largest cave on the island, in three chambers |
What can you see in Hospital Cave?
Hospital Cave houses a wartime hospital built between 1963 and 1965, with 17 reconstructed rooms showing how islanders lived under the bombs.
Starting from the city center of Cat Ba (south of the island), this is probably the first cave you can visit. It is located in the national park along Xuyên Đảo Road, the main road traversing the island.
This cave holds significant historical importance. During the island bombings in the war against the Americans, the North Vietnamese army, with Chinese assistance, set up a hospital inside this cave between 1963 and 1965.
The island residents could seek refuge here, and communist resistance fighters could receive medical treatment.
Today, 17 rooms have been replicated so that visitors can easily imagine the harsh reality of life on the island at that time. The reconstruction also highlights the ingenuity of the inhabitants who made the most of their environment in the best possible way.
We recommend visiting with a guide to immerse yourself in the history of Vietnamese resistance. You can either book the services of a guide through a tour or, if you are traveling independently, hire an English-speaking guide on-site.
Reconstruction of a room in Hospital Cave Cat Ba Island. Credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
Why visit Trung Trang Cave?
Trung Trang Cave is known for its stalactites, its bats and the view over the tropical forest from its entrance, set high on a mountainside.
You can then continue your journey to the Trung Trang Cave located in the largest valley of Cat Ba Island.
The cave is situated about 300 m above sea level on the side of a mountain. From the cave entrance, you can have a superb view of the island’s tropical forest. You can leave your motorbike at a parking lot and then reach the cave entrance on foot via the main road.
Discovered in 1938 by French explorers, the stalagmites and stalactites inside took millions of years to form. They are genuine masterpieces of nature and time that are truly worth seeing.
This cave is also called the “Bat Cave,” and you might playfully spook yourself inside! It’s possible that you won’t encounter many people inside the cave during your visit, and the cave is minimally developed.
View from the entrance of Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
What makes Dong Hoa Cuong Cave special?
In the north of the island, Dong Hoa Cuong Cave has a 20-metre-high chamber whose lit-up formations sparkle like diamonds.
To reach the Dong Hoa Cuong Cave, you’ll need to go all the way to the north of the island.
This cave, although secluded and quite distant from the city center of Cat Ba (20 km away), has been equipped with lighting to illuminate stalactites and stalagmites. When illuminated, these natural formations sparkle like diamonds.
At 100 m long, it is shallower than Trung Trang Cave, yet it remains a beautiful discovery. The cave is also 20 m high, providing larger spaces to explore than in Trung Trang Cave.
A group of tourists in Dong Hoa Cuong cave
Why is Thien Long Cave worth the trip?
Discovered in 2000 near Phu Long pier, Thien Long is the largest cave on the island, with three chambers full of stalactites.
Finally, the Thien Long Cave is located near the Phu Long pier.
This cave, the largest on the island, was only discovered in the year 2000 by local residents.
The cave is divided into three parts, each containing a large number of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. In the first part, there is a giant pillar that could be a tomb. The second part hosts the most beautiful stalactites, while the third part is a bit more challenging to access—you’ll need to climb onto a rock shaped like a turtle.
Plan on approximately 45 minutes of travel to get there from the city of Cat Ba. But the journey is well worth it!
Now it’s your turn to explore these caves! To make the most of your stay, see also our selection of the best things to do on Cat Ba Island.
FAQ: the caves of Cat Ba
How many caves can you visit on Cat Ba Island?
We recommend four: Hospital Cave, Trung Trang, Dong Hoa Cuong and Thien Long. Each one has its own appeal, historical or natural.
Which cave should you choose if you are short on time?
Hospital Cave, the closest to Cat Ba town, on the main road. It tells the story of the island’s inhabitants during the war.
Why is Hospital Cave famous?
Between 1963 and 1965, a hospital was set up inside to treat fighters and shelter residents during the bombings. 17 rooms have been reconstructed.
Do you need a guide to visit the caves of Cat Ba?
It is not compulsory, but a guide brings Hospital Cave to life. English-speaking guides are available on site, and a guide can accompany you as part of a tour.
How do you get to the caves from Cat Ba town?
By motorbike or by car with a driver, along the main road that crosses the island. Allow about 45 minutes for Thien Long; Dong Hoa Cuong is around 20 km away.
What should you bring to visit the caves of Cat Ba?
Good shoes: you walk from the parking lot at Trung Trang and climb a rock in the third chamber of Thien Long. A torch is useful in Trung Trang, which has little lighting.
