Dau Go Island

Dau Go Island is part of the limestone island cluster in Ha Long Bay. It is a beautiful island located close to the mainland, with its highest peak reaching 189 meters. This island is one of the three points forming the strictly protected zone of the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage Site (with Dau Go Island to the west, Cong Tay Island to the east, and Dau Be Island to the south).

On the island, there is a sign featuring the World Heritage emblem. This emblem symbolizes the interdependence of cultural and natural heritage. The central square represents human creation, while the surrounding circle symbolizes nature. The two are closely interconnected. Additionally, the circle also represents the world and serves as a symbol of protection.

There are several theories explaining the origin of the island's name. However, one interesting explanation suggests that this area has many small, sheltered coves that were often used by Ha Long fishermen as safe havens during storms. While taking shelter, they would take the opportunity to repair their boats, leaving behind pieces of wood. Over time, the island became known as Dau Go Island, which roughly translates to "Wooden Stakes Island" or "Island of Driftwood."

Seen from above, the island cluster has an almost circular shape, with steep cliffs and high biodiversity value. It contains many of Ha Long Bay's key ecosystems, such as: mangrove forest ecosystems, cave ecosystems, tidal lagoon (tùng áng) ecosystems, and terrestrial plant ecosystems on the islands. It is home to various plant species such as Mok Flower, Ha Long Ferret-Tree (Cầy Ri Hạ Long), and Fragrant Bauhinia, as well as a range of animal species including reptiles, monkeys, and birds.

The island is home to three famous and beautiful caves: Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave, both currently open to visitors, while Thien Long Cave is an archaeological site and is being preserved, thus not yet open to the public.

Among nearly 2,000 islands in Ha Long Bay, Dau Go Island stands out as a special one, showcasing remarkable and representative values in terms of geology-geomorphology, aesthetics, culture–history, and biodiversity.

In 1957, during a visit to Dau Go Cave on the island, President Ho Chi Minh remarked: "Such beauty cannot be described by one person to others - everyone must come and enjoy it together with me." His words expressed that the beauty of this place is beyond what words can convey - it must be witnessed with one's own eyes to truly appreciate its magnificence.

Translated by Thuy Ha