Trinh Nu Cave: Discover the Legends and Natural Beauty of Halong Bay

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam, is like a magical landscape with thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters. Now, nestled among these natural wonders is a cave that holds a special place in the hearts of many Vietnamese — Trinh Nu Cave, also known as the Virgin Cave. But what makes it so extraordinary?

In this article, we're diving deep into the enchanting legend of Trinh Nu Cave. You'll not only discover the story behind its name but also unravel the secrets hidden within its magnificent chambers. And if you're wondering how to experience this captivating attraction firsthand, Paradise Vietnam has covered you with tips on visiting and what to expect during your journey. Let’s take a look!

Location of Trinh Nu Cave

Trinh Nu Cave is located on the east of Bo Hon Island, about 15 kilometers south of Bai Chay Beach and just 3 kilometers away from Sung Sot Cave. You can hop on a cruise or boat from Halong Bay to get there. Inside the cave, a stone sculpture portrays a young woman gazing towards the sea.

Trinh Nu cave entrance

The Legend of the Trinh Nu Cave

The tale of Trinh Nu Cave tells a sad love story, explaining how the Virgin Cave in Halong Bay came to be. The legend goes like this: 

Once upon a time, there was a girl whose dad was a fisherman. She really liked a boy who wasn't rich but loved the sea like her. However, a rich guy wanted to marry her, and she said no because she loved the poor fisherman. The rich guy got mad and sent her to a faraway island. Sadly, she really suffered and turned into stone inside a cave on that island.

Trinh Nu Cave is a symbol of everlasting love and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, her love heard about what happened to the girl. He went looking for her but got caught in a big storm and ended up on an island close by. When he found her stone statue in a cave across from him, he couldn't get to her. Despite his efforts to signal her, he also turned to stone in the cave. 

In the place where the young lady lost her life, there's a cave called "Trinh Nu Cave." Trong Cave is where her boyfriend passed away. These caves are about 700 to 800 meters away, so when people visit Halong Bay, they usually check out both of them. The sad but beautiful love story connected to these caves draws in lots of travelers from all around the world.

When is the best time to visit Trinh Nu Cave?

Plan your visit between April and August for the best experience at Trinh Nu Cave. The weather is pleasant during these months, with cool temperatures, sunshine, and less rain. This time is perfect for exploring and having fun on Halong Bay. You get to soak in the beauty of the emerald water and limestone islands while immersing yourself in the romantic legend of the Virgin Cave.

The best time to visit Trinh Nu Cave is between April and August.

What are the things to do when visiting Trinh Nu Cave?

Trinh Nu Cave is renowned for its breathtaking rock formations and clear waters and its romantic legend recounting the tale of a young couple transformed into stone statues within the cave. And if you plan to visit this secret place, here are some things you can do to make your adventure more enjoyable and memorable.

Explore the sculptural structure inside the cave

Beyond its poignant love stories, Trinh Nu Cave holds significance as an archaeological site in Halong Bay. In 2000, archaeologists unearthed remnants of prehistoric inhabitants from the Halong culture, dating back around 4,000 years. These findings included traces of ash, bone fragments, and stones.

Beyond its poignant love stories, Trinh Nu Cave holds significance as an archaeological site in Halong Bay. 

In 2010, additional discoveries were made just before Trinh Nu Cave, revealing ancient ceramic wharves. These artifacts comprised porcelain, pottery, and jars adorned with decorative patterns resembling ocean waves. Among them were fragments of bowls and plates from the Tran dynasty (13th-14th centuries) and glazed pottery pieces from the later Le dynasty (16th-18th centuries). 

Additionally, scattered pottery pieces indicated connections to ancient Chinese feudal dynasties. Based on these findings, archaeologists conclude that Trinh Nu Cave was a small, ancient pottery site within the old Van Don trading system.

Enjoy the Scenic Views

Halong Bay is like a nature paradise, full of life. The scene is impressive, with a bright blue sky, a peaceful turquoise sea, and many limestone islands.

Around Trinh Nu Cave, there are diverse and pretty plants, along with different types of animals. On Bo Hon Island, you can easily spot rare plants like Si and orchids. These plants make the whole area lively and peaceful, painting everything in a soothing shade of green.

Around Trinh Nu Cave, there are diverse and pretty plants, along with different types of animals.

There's not just the plants; there's also a small lake inside the cave. You can chill in the cool, soothing water there. This lake connects to the sea through a tiny opening, acting like a natural filter to keep the water clear and clean.

Explore nearby scenic destinations         

Apart from Trinh Nu Cave, Halong Bay boasts several other captivating destinations that tourists adore. Let's delve into the renowned landmarks below, but not limited to:

• Halong Bay

Halong Bay is not just beautiful but also poetic, making it one of the world's top 7 natural wonders. It's a super appealing spot for travel lovers from everywhere. When you go to Halong Bay, you can check out many cool places like Tuan Chau Island, Cua Van Fishing Village, Quang Ninh Museum, Dark and Bright Cave, and more.

Halong Bay is not just beautiful but also poetic, making it one of the world's top 7 natural wonders. 

• Sung Sot Cave

As the name suggests, Sung Sot Cave is a marvel that awes first-time visitors. After climbing around 100 steps, you explore the entire 10,000m2-wide cave. Moving through the narrow paths, you'll be captivated by the grandeur of the stalactite formations shimmering in the deep cave light.

As the name suggests, Sung Sot Cave is a marvel that awes first-time visitors.

The cave is split into two chambers, each offering its unique features and surprises. The first chamber resembles a theater with a lofty ceiling and a broad expanse. The second chamber is even more spectacular, featuring numerous stalactites and stalagmites that take on shapes resembling animals, plants, or human figures. Beyond its natural beauty, the cave holds a rich history and legend. The French discovered it in 1901 and named it "Grotte des Surprises" (Cave of Surprises).

• Titov Island

Ti Top Island holds a special place in the hearts of adventure enthusiasts. Unlike destinations with long sandy beaches or vast, mysterious caves, Ti Top Island stands out with its cliffs and a mountain peak. 

Ti Top Island holds a special place in the hearts of adventure enthusiasts.

Despite lacking those typical features, the island offers a unique perspective as visitors can see the entire Halong Bay from its cliffs. It's also a spot where you can capture really cool "virtual living" photos. The island got its name from a Russian astronaut, Gherman Titov, who visited Halong Bay in 1962 and was deeply impressed by its beauty. 

• Luon Cave

Luon Cave earns its name because to pass through it, visitors have to crawl under narrow rocks. This unique feature adds to the excitement of both floating on a boat and reaching up to touch the stalactite ceiling. 

Situated on Bo Hon Island, approximately 14 km from Bai Chay beach, Luon Cave is a water cave that links to a lake surrounded by mountains.

Luon Cave earns its name because to pass through it, visitors have to crawl under narrow rocks.

Discover Trinh Nu cave with Paradise Vietnam

Discover the well-known meeting spots we discussed earlier, especially Trinh Nu Cave, all part of the plan aboard Paradise Vietnam's luxury cruise ship, Paradise Elegance. 

Discover Trinh Nu cave with Paradise Vietnam

But, hey, don't get overwhelmed by the idea of luxury. They've got great deals to ensure you can have a fantastic, worry-free journey without breaking the bank.

Paradise Vietnam always has great deals to ensure a worry-free travel without breaking the bank.

Step aboard Paradise Elegance, one of the newest and most advanced cruises in Halong Bay, boasting 31 roomy and sophisticated cabins. Each cabin features a private balcony, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a spa bathtub in the bathroom. Whether you prefer unwinding in your cabin with breathtaking bay views or participating in onboard activities like kayaking, tai chi, and spa sessions, the choices are yours.

Each cabin features a private balcony, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a spa bathtub in the bathroom.

Yet, the highlight is definitely Paradise Elegance's fantastic dining experience. They have the best menu, top-notch cuisine, and even a fabulous piano bar. Your cruise package includes a meal at Le Marin, their own restaurant. 

Le Marin restaurant.

They serve a mix of buffet and à la carte for lunch and dinner. This meal deal is for each person on cruises lasting three or two days. If you prefer to enjoy more, you can visit again for just $25 per person – a great deal to try out excellent Vietnamese and international dishes. 

The highlight is definitely Paradise Elegance's unique dining experience.

Beyond the fancy restaurant night, Paradise Elegance has other fantastic dining choices. They offer delicious buffets at Le Marin and hands-on Vietnamese cooking classes at L'Odyssée Sundeck. There's a variety of tasty options for everyone.

Travel tips when visiting Trinh Nu Cave

1. Comfortable footwear for Trinh Nu Cave exploration

When you explore a cave, expect a fair amount of walking and climbing. High heels and sandals are a hassle for these activities, and anything other than proper shoes can lead to severe foot discomfort, especially after a long walk.

So, before heading to Trinh Nu Cave, it's crucial to remember to wear a high-quality and comfortable pair of shoes. This simple step will make your trip much more accessible and exciting.

2. Sunproof essentials for Trinh Nu Cave visit

Many travelers visit Halong Bay in the summer, as there's no better place to cool off on a hot and humid day than by the beautiful ocean. Yet, the heat can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to health issues.

Therefore, if you're planning a trip to Halong Bay and Trong Cave, you should bring essential sunproof gear, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a thin jacket. These items can help prevent annoying sunburn and ensure a more comfortable experience.

3. Camera for memorable Trinh Nu Cave Moments

Trinh Nu Cave and its surroundings boast numerous magnificent and stunning views. It would be a missed opportunity not to capture at least three pictures as souvenirs when visiting this remarkable place. The breathtaking landscapes have the power to touch the heart of every traveler.

Thank you for reading this article. If you want to visit Trinh Nu Cave and other unique places in Halong Bay, please contact Paradise Vietnam, the leading luxury cruise operator in Vietnam. They will provide you with the best service and experience for your trip. Have a wonderful day!