Sửng Sốt Cave, Hạ Long

Sửng Sốt Cave is located on Bồ Hòn Island, in the heart of the Hạ Long Bay World Heritage Site in Quảng Ninh. The cave's distinctive name comes from the astonishment visitors feel when they see the immense space inside. So striking was the impression that French explorers named this cave “grotte de la surprise,” meaning the cave of surprises.

One of the cave's defining features is its small entrance, which opens into an enormous interior. Simply squeeze through a narrow rock passage and the sudden transformation of the space will leave you amazed. It is an unforgettable sight for visitors. Beyond its natural beauty, the cave also draws many visitors with its mysterious legends.

According to old stories about the history of Sửng Sốt Cave, after completing his noble mission of defeating the Ân invaders, Thánh Gióng rode the clouds into heaven, leaving the villagers a precious horse and sword to reassure the people and drive away demons and evil spirits.

Sửng Sốt Cave is said to be where traces of that fierce battle were preserved. It is also home to the hoofprints of Thánh Gióng's horse, which have since become small ponds surrounded by large rocks.

• See also: Top must-see attractions in Hạ Long