Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for your Route 2 cruise to Sung Sot Cave. Know what to pack and when to go.
Getting there
Getting to Bo Hon Island
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat: Join a Ha Long Bay Route 2 day cruise or an overnight cruise departing from Tuan Chau International Port or Ha Long International Cruise Port. | 4 to 6 hours for a day cruise including travel to Bo Hon Island. | From 500,000 VND to 1,000,000+ VND depending on the cruise class and inclusions | You cannot reach the cave independently; you must book a licensed boat on the designated route. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The cave is open year-round. Visit between October and early December for the clearest weather. Early mornings and late afternoons see fewer day-tripper boats.
What to bring
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You will climb 50 to 100 steep stone steps to reach the cave entrance.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
How the day runs
Typical cruise schedules
A typical 4 to 6-hour bay cruise covering the main sights.
- Depart Port
Leave from Tuan Chau or Ha Long International Cruise Port.
- Arrive at Bo Hon Island
Disembark and climb the steps to the cave entrance.
- Explore the Cave
Walk the 800-meter paved path through both chambers.
- Return to Boat
Descend to the pier and enjoy lunch on board.
A slower pace spanning two days.
- Board Cruise
Check into your cabin and have lunch.
- Visit Sung Sot Cave
Explore the cavern in the late afternoon.
- Sunset Party
Relax on deck as the boat anchors for the night.
- Next Day Return
Cruise back to port after breakfast.
What to bring
Pack light, breathable clothing. The cave interior is highly humid. Bring bottled water for the steep climb up from the pier.
Use insect repellent for the forested approach. A small daypack keeps your hands free on the damp stairs. See Shoes & Clothing for footwear advice.
Easiest way to do it
Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Kayaking, Sung Sot Cave & Titop Island
12 h 5.0 (1,119)
- Kayaking or Bamboo Boat
- English-speaking guide
- Vietnamese lunch served on the cruise (vegetarian option available on request).
- ( Children aged 3–7: Please bring the child's original passport for the child entrance fee. Otherwise, the adult fee applies. No copies accepted. )
From$39per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Are there toilets at Sung Sot Cave?
Use the bathroom on your cruise boat before disembarking. Facilities on Bo Hon Island are limited.
What should I wear to visit Surprise Cave?
Wear breathable clothing and sturdy shoes with good grip. The 50 to 100 stone steps can be damp.
How many steps are there in Sung Sot Cave?
Reaching the entrance requires climbing roughly 50 to 100 steep stone steps. An 800-meter paved walkway runs through the interior.