Ha Long Bay Itinerary 2: International Cruise Port - Soi Sim Beach - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Tung Sau lagoon - Mê Cung Cave - Bồ Nâu Cave - Luồn Cave - Trống Cave - Trinh Nữ Cave -Hồ Động Tiên Cave

- Tour duration: 6 hours (travel by boat).

- Tourist attractions within the itinerary: Soi Sim Island, Ti Top Island, Sửng Sốt Cave, Bồ Nâu Cave, Luồn Cave, Hồ Động Tiên Cave, Trống Cave, Trinh Nữ Cave, Mê Cung Cave.

- Detailed itinerary: Departing from Tuan Chau International Marina, the boat will take guests to visit Soi Sim Island and Ti Top Island, the only island in Ha Long Bay named by President Ho Chi Minh. Continuing the journey, the boat will go through Bồ Nâu Cave, Trống Cave, and Trinh Nữ Cave. In the Bồ Hòn island range, tourists will visit two famous caves in Ha Long Bay: Sửng Sốt Cave and Luồn Cave. The final stop of the itinerary will be at Mê Cung Cave.

Soi Sim Island is located in the southwest of Ha Long Bay and has an area of about 66,300 square meters. It is one of the largest land islands in Ha Long Bay.  Situated in the center of the strictly protected area, with pristine natural landscapes, it is an ideal destination for visitors to explore the island's ecosystem, engage in water sports, play games on the beach and enjoy swimming.

Titop Island is the only island in Ha Long Bay that was named by President Ho Chi Minh to commemorate his visit to the island with Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov in 1962. The island is covered with lush vegetation, clear water, and has a crescent-shaped strip of golden sand at its base. Visitors can enjoy various collective sports activities on the beach, such as football, beach volleyball, and tug-of-war. They can also climb to the top of the mountain to take in the breathtaking view of Ha Long Bay, or stroll around the island under the shade of trees.

     Sung Sot Cave is located on the Bo Hon Island range. It is the largest cave discovered in Ha Long Bay to date. The cave is situated 20 meters above sea level. The path leading to Sung Sot Cave is steep but shaded by trees, and the rest stops along the way offer visitors a chance to create romantic and majestic photos with the stunning scenery of Bo Hon Island. Sung Sot is one of the typical karst caves and holds high geological scientific value. The shimmering, mystical stalactites inside the cave take on countless strange and unique shapes, moving within a world that feels both real and dreamlike, captivating every visitor and fueling their imagination. The highlight of the cave is a freshwater lake located in the first chamber, and a stalagmite resembling the figure of the Buddha, shrouded in mist, in the last chamber. There are many more exciting discoveries awaiting visitors to explore and experience within the cave.

Luon Cave is a type of marine knotch cave  that formed through the biochemical corrosion of seawater and the collapse of limestone ceilings along the bedding planes. The cave is nestled within a large inlet among islands with unique shapes. Nature has crafted Luon Cave like a tunnel that runs through the foot of the mountain, with hanging stalactites suspended from the ceiling. The cave is home to many endemic plant species of Ha Long Bay, such as Ha Long Cycad, Ha Long Palm and Ha Long Ginger.

Passing through the cave, the scenery opens up to reveal a clear, tranquil lake surrounded by steep cliffs. Visitors can enjoy activities like rowing boats or kayaking, experiencing the pristine beauty and peacefulness of the area, or play with the playful and friendly macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that interact with visitors.

Luon Cave is also an important archaeological site related to the Soi Nhu culture, dating back 18,000 to 7,000 years ago. On the cave walls inside the lake, 3 to 4 meters above the water level, layers of sediment from mountain snail shells and freshwater mollusks can be found. These are valuable resources for studying the climate and environment of prehistoric times in Ha Long Bay.

     Ho Dong Tien Cave is known for its pristine, mystical beauty, featuring the awe-inspiring cave formations and the serene landscape of the karst lagoon. The cave is named "Ho Dong Tien" (Fairy Lake Cave) because, according to legend, there is a small, mysterious cave beside a crystal-clear lake nestled among the islands, where fairies would often come to bathe. With a small flashlight, visitors can explore the cave's bright, sparkling natural stalactites, some of which are still in the process of formation. Notably, Ho Dong Tien cave is home to many rim-like stalactites, which are traces of water flow activity during the cave's formation process.

  Trống Cave and Trinh Nu Cave are located on the Bo Hon Island range and are linked to a touching love story of a couple from the fishing villages of Ha Long. Trống Cave got its name from the Ha Long fishermen, as the sound of the wind blowing through the cracks in the rocks creates an echo resembling the sound of a drum. This cave has been identified as an archaeological site dating back 18,000 to 7,000 years. Trinh Nu Cave, on the other hand, has a natural beauty with a vast, open space and a mysterious, ancient landscape covered in moss. At the entrance of the cave, visitors will encounter a stalagmite resembling a young woman lying on her side, with long hair flowing in the wind, her face turned toward the sea.

Trống Cave and Trinh Nu Cave area is one of the popular overnight stops for cruises on Ha Long Bay. During overnight tours, visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, squid fishing, or watching the sunrise and sunset over the Bay. One of the most delightful experiences is participating in yoga or Tai Chi sessions on the deck of the boat at sunrise. These experiences are sure to leave lasting memories for the visitors.

Pearl Farming Area at Tung Sau Inlet:
This area is where pearls are farmed, cultured, harvested, and made into jewelry, and it is one of the first pearl farms in Vietnam to master all stages of the pearl cultivation process. When visiting this area, guests will be introduced to the types of oysters being farmed, the methods of pearl cultivation, and can tour the oyster farming cages. Visitors will also witness the process of pearl implantation and harvesting performed by skilled workers. Guests have the opportunity to purchase pearl products at suitable prices.

     Mê Cung Cave is located on the southeastern side of Lom Bo Island. It is the remnant of an ancient cave system, situated 20-30 meters above sea level, formed through the karst erosion process, which has dissolved and expanded limestone cracks. The cave is divided into four main chambers and is recognized as an archaeological site belonging to the Soi Nhu culture, dating back 18,000 to 7,000 years. Mê Cung Cave is also considered to have high biodiversity value, with typical ecosystems of Ha Long Bay, particularly the lagoon ecosystem. The area of Me Cung Lagoon offers a tranquil, peaceful landscape.

After visiting Mê Cung Cave, the boat will return guests to the mainland, marking the end of the second tour route in Ha Long Bay.