Cặp La cave – a sanctuary for nature's masterpieces

Cặp La cave is one of the largest caves on Ha Long Bay. Located on Cặp La island, it is approximately 18 kilometers southeast of Ha Long International Cruise Port.

This area features two towering limestone islands facing each other, with numerous La trees (also known as Tra trees, used for making mats) growing on the island. Hence, the locals refer to this island as Cặp La island. The cave takes its name from the island itself.

Cặp La cave has an elevated entrance, with two separate openings leading in different directions, which do not connect. This creates a unique, split space that gives the feeling of being in two caves at once.

Formed within a large limestone mountain on Ha Long Bay, the cave belongs to the Cát Bà formation. It is a remnant of an ancient subterranean cave system, classified as an "oxide fossil cave" of the horizontal tube type. The cave’s entrance is approximately 20-30 meters above sea level.

During the rainy season, water accumulates and trickles down through the cracks in the small limestone island, gradually forming stunning stalactite structures. What is particularly remarkable is that many of the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave are covered with sparkling calcite crystals, reflecting the light as though they are tiny stars in the night sky.

As you enter the cave from its entrance, you'll encounter numerous limestone formations that have been shaped over many years. These formations continue to evolve and develop to this day, presenting captivating and mesmerizing images that draw visitors in. 
 

What makes Cặp La cave particularly unique is that during its formation, it has given rise to many distinct formations inside the cave.



 

Each island in Ha Long Bay holds extraordinary values within, and when tourists visit Ha Long, they are immersed in and captivated by the masterpieces that nature has graciously bestowed. Upon leaving, they will always carry Ha Long in their hearts, yearning to return to continue exploring the hidden wonders within the layers upon layers of limestone islands.

Translated by Thuy Ha