When people think of Ha Long (Quang Ninh), they often picture deep, mysterious caves and towering limestone mountains, renowned as natural masterpieces. Dau Go Cave (Hang Đầu Gỗ), honored as the “Cave of Wonders,” is a must-see destination in any Ha Long Bay tour. It offers a mystical and awe-inspiring beauty, perfect for nature lovers who seek to explore its natural grandeur.
Dau Go Cave is divided into three main chambers:
First Chamber: This chamber is distinguished by its system of uniquely shaped stalactites resembling creatures such as pythons, turtles, and lions. The area outside Dau Go Cave features an arched vault where reflected light creates a magnificent, picturesque scene. The ceiling of the cave boasts a grand view, reminiscent of a colossal painting of majestic nature and unique formations.
Second Chamber: Visitors will witness a stunning scene of rocks seemingly floating on the water and the mesmerizing play of natural light. Particularly in this second chamber, visitors can also admire exquisite clusters of stalactites that are rarely found in other caves.
Third Chamber: In the innermost part of the cave, there is a “fairy chair” with water trickling down continuously, evoking the image of ancient castles amidst serene nature. Here, visitors will also see intricate stalactite formations resembling galloping horses, elephants, and warriors ready for battle. Dau Go Cave‘s rich and varied beauty makes it an essential stop for those exploring Ha Long Bay.
1. Overview of Dau Go Cave
Dau Go Cave is a limestone cave situated in the famous Ha Long Bay. Located about 3 km from Tuan Chau Island and 6 km from Bai Chay Tourist Area, visitors can marvel at this natural wonder. The cave features a variety of stalactites in diverse shapes and colors, offering a scene both wild and ancient. In 1938, the French travel magazine Merveille de Monde awarded Dau Go Cave the title of “Grotte des merveilles” (Cave of Wonders), further highlighting its unique appeal.
2. The Mystery Behind the Name “Dau Go”
The name “Dau Go” (meaning “Wooden Stakes Cave“) is tied to intriguing legends, with three main stories commonly told. The first story relates to the legendary general Tran Hung Dao, who used wooden stakes to defeat Mongol invaders. After the victorious battle, the cave was said to contain many wooden stakes, hence the name “Dau Go,” derived from “Giấu Gỗ” (hidden wood).
The second legend suggests that fishermen once used the crescent-shaped islands near the cave for shelter during storms. While repairing their boats, they left behind pieces of wood, which gave rise to the cave’s name. Another theory suggests that the cave’s unique shape resembles a giant log with two holes at either end, similar to a wooden stake.
No matter which legend you choose to believe, these mysterious stories add to the allure of Dau Go Cave, making it a captivating destination for travelers. Today, Dau Go Cave is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Ha Long Bay.
3. Best Time to Visit Dau Go Cave
The best time to visit Dau Go Cave is between April and October, with the peak season falling between June and August. During this time, Ha Long enjoys cool and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
4. Ticket Information
To witness the beauty of Dau Go Cave, visitors can take Tour Route 1 of Ha Long Bay, which also includes popular attractions such as Dog Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, Thien Cung Cave, and Ba Hang Fishing Village. This tour lasts 4 hours and costs 290,000 VND per person.
For a more unique experience, travelers can opt for a private boat tour, lasting 4, 5, or 6 hours. Tour Route 1 includes stops at Dau Go Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Thien Cung Cave. The cost for a 4-hour private boat tour starts at 2,000,000 VND per person on weekdays and 2,500,000 VND on weekends.
Option 1: Cruise Tour
Tourists can book a cruise on Tour Route 1 of Ha Long Bay, which includes Dau Go Cave as one of its stops. This option is ideal for large groups or families with elderly members and young children.
Option 2: Common Tour Route
Visitors can drive from Ha Long city center to the Tuan Chau ferry terminal, a distance of about 13 km, taking approximately 17 minutes by car. From the ferry terminal, you can hire a boat or take a common tour along Ha Long Bay Route 1, with tickets starting at 290,000 VND per person.
Note: You can update price of Ha Long sightseeing ticket at official website of Ha Long Bay Management Department
Dau Go Cave is a magical destination rich in history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Ha Long Bay. When booking a Ha Long tour, visitors will embark on a boat and marvel at the beauty of Dau Go Cave. To reach Dau Go Cave, visitors need to follow the path up the mountain from Thien Cung Cave, where the cave will appear on the right. The first striking impression of Dau Go Cave is its large, arch-shaped entrance, allowing natural light to flood inside.
What captivates visitors first upon arriving at Dau Go Cave is the sight of flocks of swallows nesting here. Along with the diverse flora and fauna nourished by the natural light, species like moss, ferns, and woody plants thrive in abundance.