Trung Trang Cave: Cat Ba Island's Geological And Historical Maze

Trung Trang Cave is a prominent and fascinating natural and historical landmark, located right within the Cat Ba National Park. Unlike the vast, wide-open chambers of the famous caves in Ha Long Bay, Trung Trang is a mysterious, 300-meter-long natural tunnel that cuts straight through the heart of a mountain. For our Indian travelers, it offers a rare and wonderful combination of mesmerizing geological formations, a deep and heroic wartime history, and a connection to the ancient legends of the island. At Vietnamstory, we love to highlight Trung Trang Cave as a compelling and unforgettable land excursion, an experience that is often included in the best luxury Lan Ha Bay cruise itineraries and offers a direct and powerful connection to Cat Ba’s incredible natural and cultural heritage.

Trung Trang Cave offers stunning formations

Table of Contents

Location and rich historical significance of Trung Trang Cave

Where is Trung Trang Cave located on Cat Ba Island? And what is its fascinating history during the Vietnam War that gave it so many different names? The cave is conveniently located and has a heroic past that makes it a very special and significant place to visit. This is not just a cave; it is a historical landmark. Let’s uncover its story.

The cave is located in the beautiful Trung Trang Valley, approximately 15 km northwest of Cat Ba Town. It is also just about 1 km from the core visitor area of the famous Cat Ba National Park, making it very easy to combine with a park visit. In the past, it was also known as “Bat Cave” (Hang Dơi) because of its large bat population, and it was first explored by the French back in 1885.

This is a rare and fascinating piece of our history. During the Vietnam War (from 1964 to 1968), this natural cave was transformed into a strategic military base, which has led to it having multiple names:

“Navy Cave” (Hang Hải Quân): It served as a strategic military shelter and an important radio base for our Naval High Command. Inside, you can still see the traces of the water tanks that were built to support the soldiers.
A “Hospital/Shelter”: The cave was also used as a safe place to treat injured soldiers, which has led to it being frequently associated with the nearby Quân Y Cave (the main and much larger Hospital Cave on the island).

READ MORE: Ba Trai Dao Island: The Hidden Paradise of Lan Ha Bay

The legends and folklore of an ancient Heritage

Beyond its wartime history, Trung Trang Cave is a place that is deeply woven into the ancient spiritual fabric of Cat Ba Island. The cave is a place of legend, telling stories of guardian spirits and ancient peoples.

The cave is named in honor of Lady Trung Trang (Bà Chúa Trung Trang), a heroic and beautiful woman who, according to our local legend, was the guardian spirit of the island. As you walk through the cave, your guide will point out beautiful, natural rock formations that are said to depict a young maiden (representing Lady Trung Trang) and a giant python, who is believed to be the cave’s powerful protector.

The cave is also an important archaeological site. It preserves the fossilized samples and traces of ancient Vietnamese human habitation that date back approximately 6,000 years, linking this cave to the very earliest history of Cat Ba Island.

The geological features and the mystical ambiance within

What kind of beautiful stalactite formations exist in Trung Trang Cave? And are there still bats or wildlife inside? The interior of the cave is a magnificent, 300-meter-long natural tunnel that takes you on a mystical and immersive journey through the mountain. Stepping inside is like entering a completely different, magical world.

The cave has been formed over millions of years of water slowly dripping through the limestone. The beautiful stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing from the floor) are now highlighted by a soft and colorful LED lighting system. The formations are incredibly imaginative, with shapes that resemble:

A magnificent Golden Lion statue.
Shimmering, crystalline curtains of rock.
The shapes of eagles and other mythical figures.

The tunnel-like layout of the cave is sometimes interpreted by local guides as having “two pathways that symbolize ‘heaven and hell’,” which adds to the mystical and intriguing atmosphere of your exploration. The cave is not just rock; it is a unique and protected ecosystem. It is still home to populations of bats, as well as small reptiles and insects. The lighting system inside is kept minimal and dim to help preserve this natural, dark environment for its inhabitants.

How to access, explore and how long it takes?

How long is the walk through Trung Trang Cave? And how do you get there from Cat Ba Town? The cave is very accessible and the exploration is a short and enjoyable experience. Getting to the cave is a scenic journey, and the walk through it is a manageable adventure for most visitors.

Access on Cat Ba Island

Motorbike/Taxi: The cave is an easy and beautiful 30-minute drive (about 15 km) from the main Cat Ba Town.
Group tours: A visit to the cave is often packaged together with a wonderful trekking excursion through the adjacent Kim Giao forest and the core area of the Cat Ba National Park.

The cave exploration

The cave is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A self-guided or guided walk through the entire 300-meter-long tunnel is a relatively short experience, typically taking only about 20 to 30 minutes to complete from entrance to exit.

To reach the natural entrance of the cave, visitors must first climb a set of approximately 110 wooden steps up the mountainside. The internal path is paved but has some slight inclines and can have damp or wet sections. While the site is not wheelchair-friendly, it is very suitable for visitors of most ages who can comfortably climb the entrance stairs.

Integrating your visit: Tour packages and practical tips

Trung Trang Cave is also known as Bat Cave due to the thousands of bats inhabiting it

The cave is perfectly located to be part of a larger day of exploration. A visit here is a key highlight of many Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba itineraries. Here’s how to plan it. Trung Trang Cave is a very popular and highly-rated land excursion that is included in many overnight Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba cruise itineraries. It is a great way to stretch your legs and experience the island’s terrestrial beauty.

Combining with other attractions

The cave is perfectly located to be combined with other nearby attractions for a full and exciting day of exploration on Cat Ba Island. Vietnamstory.in highly recommends you also visit:

Quan Y Cave (the main Hospital Cave): For an even deeper and more impressive look into the island’s incredible wartime history.
The famous Cannon Fort for spectacular sunset views.
The beautiful trekking trails of the main Cat Ba National Park.

READ MORE: Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): The Grand Opera House of Ha Long Bay

The entrance fee

The admission cost can vary, but it is often between 40,000 VND to 80,000 VND per adult. You can also often purchase a 150,000 VND combo ticket that includes entry to both the cave and the core area of the National Park.

What to prepare

Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the climb and for the potentially wet surfaces inside the cave. We also recommend visiting in the morning (from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM) to enjoy cooler temperatures and to avoid the larger tour groups.

Conclusion

A walk through Trung Trang Cave is more than just an exploration of a geological wonder; it is a journey through time. In just 30 minutes, you travel from the ancient world of 6,000-year-old human settlements and mythical legends, through the heroic and resilient history of the Vietnam War, and into the heart of a living, breathing natural ecosystem. It is a place where layers of history, legend, and nature are beautifully intertwined, offering a profound and unforgettable glimpse into the very soul of Cat Ba Island. At Vietnam Story, we are passionate about guiding you on these kinds of deep and meaningful journeys. Let us help you integrate this incredible walk through time into your Lan Ha Bay itinerary. Contact us today, and let’s start planning an adventure that is as rich in history as it is in beauty.