Động Mê Cung, Hạ Long

Động Mê Cung lies about 2km southwest of Ti Tốp Island, at an elevation of 25m on Lờm Bò Island. The cave has a complex, multi-level structure, with numerous chambers and partitions resembling a maze. This attraction is part of Route 2 around Hạ Long Bay.

The cave is located on Lờm Bò Islet, 25 m above sea level. From a distance, the entrance to the cave looks like a roof extending deep into the island's hillside. Beyond a narrow opening just wide enough for one person, the cave unfolds into several chambers. Though compact, they are remarkably intricate, with stalactites shaped like statues and adorned with beautiful patterns, clusters of multicolored formations hanging from the ceiling, stone lions and bears seemingly playing together, and long stone curtains flowing down the cave walls…

Archaeologists have identified Động Mê Cung as one of the early Hạ Long Culture sites—an archaeological site belonging to the Soi Nhụ culture. The most abundant remains, found around the cave entrance and floor, form a layer of Melania snail shells that has calcified white. Notably, Melania is a freshwater snail. Scientists have also uncovered many Stone Age finds, including stone tools embedded in the cave wall that experts believe may have been prehistoric stone spearheads used for self-defense or hunting.

• See more: Top must-visit tourist attractions in Hạ Long