TRUNG TRANG CAVE ON CAT BA ISLAND
The Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island is one of the largest caves in the Cat Ba archipelago, which is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Ha Long Bay in North Vietnam, and a popular tourist attraction on the island.
When the backpacking husband and I visited Cat Ba Island in November as part of our fabulous travels through Vietnam, it was at the very start of the tourist season, there were no other visitors or tour groups at the cave, which added to our experience of exploration and adventure.
If you are on holiday on Cat Ba Island and you don’t might climbing a lot of steps then I would urge you to explore the Trung Trang Cave. It’s well worth a visit and it’s really easy to get there.
HOW TO GET TO TRUNG TRANG CAVE ON CAT BA ISLAND
We took a taxi from Cat Ba Town which is just 15km away.
The entrance is just off the main road where there is a ticket box.
An adult ticket costs (at time of writing) 80,000 VND (approx. $3 USD).
From the roadside entrance you follow a paved jungle path and then you’ll need to climb a lot of wooden steps up to the natural entrance to the cave.
At the top of the steps, there is an elevated platform where you’ll want to stop to admire the breathtaking views of the steamy jungle canopy and the verdant vista of the Cat Ba National Park and Biosphere Reserve all around you.
EXPLORING THE TRUNG TRANG CAVE
Entering the cave formed millions of years ago felt like a real adventure!
The Trung Trang Cave is believed to have been formed during the Palaeozoic (a word meaning ancient life) Era of 541-252 million years ago.
But it was actually discovered fairly recently, in 1938, by a local named Hồ Đức Hùng.
The cave was used as a secret radio base for the naval command during the war between 1964 and 1968.
It was known then as ‘Navy Cave’ after which the cave was opened to the public and became Trung Trang Cave.
The cave is now famous for its millions of year old stalactites and stalagmites, which are illuminated by artificial lighting installed along the pathway, so that visitors can fully appreciate the natural wonder of the formations.
The path through the cave is about 300 meters long and consists of three main chambers deep inside the mountain.
In each of these chambers there are incredible naturally formed structures.
Some look like tangible shapes and others look like giant alien beings!
The ceilings, some with cathedral like proportions, are spectacular.
Besides its incredible geological features, Trung Trang Cave – also known locally as The Bat Cave – houses a diverse cave-dwelling ecosystem in its dark and damp cave conditions, including various species of bats.
THE LEGEND OF TRUNG TRANG CAVE
Local legend tells the story of two brave and noble born sisters called Trung Trac and Trung Nhi who during the 1st Century, when Vietnam was under the cruel and oppressive rule of China’s Han Dynasty, swore to avenge their father’s death.
Their father had been executed by the Han rulers.
In response, the sisters summonsed all the young men of the region and led an uprising and revolt against the Han Dynasty
The sisters’ leadership and bravery in fighting to free their country from oppression inspired many to join their cause and they quickly gained support throughout the region.
The Trung Trang Cave is believed to be the place where the sisters and their militia found refuge and made plans for their rebellion.
Their most famous victory came at the Battle of Dong Ma Vi, where they defeated a much larger Chinese army.
Despite their initial successes, they were eventually betrayed by a traitor within their ranks and, facing overwhelming odds, rather than surrender, the sisters chose to die together by drowning themselves in the Hat River.
But legend says that their spirits still reside in the Trung Trang Cave and the story of the Trung Sisters is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture and history.
Today they are still celebrated as symbols of patriotism, courage, and resistance.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TRUNG TRANG CAVE
The best time to visit Cat Ba Island and the Trung Trang Cave is during the dry season, which runs from October to April, when you can expect clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it ideal exploring the island’s natural beauty.
The months of October and November (my visit was during November) are often recommended as they offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season.
Do keep in mind that Cat Ba Island can of course still be visited during the wet season (May to September) but you should always check in advance that the cave is open to visitors during wet season.
TIPS FOR VISITING TRANG TRUNG CAVE ON CAT BA ISLAND
1. Footwear: Avoid flip fops, open toe shoes, and sandals for walking in the National Park and the Trung Trang Cave. I would recommend trainers or sturdy footwear as the steps and walking surfaces can be wet and slippery.
2. Clothing: You might appreciate having a light jacket with you while walking in the cave as it can be cool and damp inside the chambers of the cave.
3. Lighting: The cave has artificial lighting installed so you shouldn’t need to bring a flashlight/torch.
4. Accessibility: There is a lot of steep steps up to the cave entrance and a well maintained but often low or narrow passage and pathway inside the cave.
5. Time: I would allow an hour to walk through the cave slowly while looking at all the amazing natural wonders and beauty inside the cave.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CAT BA ISLAND
Find out more about Cat Ba Island and the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in North Vietnam in my comprehensive Cat Ba Island post which features Cat Ba Island as a fabulous destination in its own right and as an alternative and affordable gateway into Halong Bay.
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