Hang Sung Sot, Halong Bay, Vietnam
What happens when you take Vegas lights and apply liberally to a natural wonder? Well the result is a little like what’s going on over at Hang Sung Sot, or “Surprise Cave” in Halong Bay, Vietnam.
Tarted up like a Russian hooker, or like my friend Lisa back home says, “a tropical fish with a hangover,” Surprise Cave is a massive draw in northern Vietnam.
Streams of day-trippers and Halong Bay cruisers make their way here to catch a glimpse of the stunning stalactites and stalagmites housed within. Lighting aside, Hang Sung Sot is spectacular. Lonely Planet recently named Vietnam as one of their Top 10 destinations for cheap holidays in 2012, and with plenty of inexpensive sights like Surprise Cave to keep you occupied, it’s easy to see why.
There are three grottoes within the cave. The first is the smallest…
Remember our friend Kevin from Cork, Ireland? Some of his friends have been at work here as well. But most of them are his ancestors from the 19th century. Graffiti is hard to escape anywhere you go.
I expected Cirque du Soleil to descend from the ceiling at any moment.
Another surprise in this cave – this garbage can doesn’t know if it’s a dolphin, a whale, or a penguin. Still cute as heck though.
As you exit Surprise Cave, you are greeted with a sweeping view of Halong Bay.
So what exactly is the surprise? I’m not going to ruin it for you, but let’s just say that if you’re bringing small children, you may want to shield their eyes.
What are your thoughts on the lighting at Surprise Cave?
Oman 
The lighting? So un-natural in a perfect natural environment. There’ll be a Coke sign on the side of one of the cliffs in Halong Bay next?!
Or slot machiines. Or magic shows…
I am sure those lights are there to maintain the delicate ecosphere.
They’re certainly not there to maintain a subdued appearance…
Vegas in Vietnam. I like it. Just don’t tell G about the “Russian Hookers”. Lol. Can’t wait to see what the surprise is when we visit next year. As always, great post!
Thanks Kieu! You will really like the “surprise”
Awesome photos man! The lightning was indeed a surprise, but it does allow you take some otherworldly photos! I could had stayed there for a whole day with my camera and a tripod (which I of course didn’t have then).
Thanks Jarmo! It was great meeting you yesterday too! I still owe you some info!!
I shouldn’t admit this but it is the garbage can that I remember the most from this area. That’s a tourist attraction in and of itself
That garbage can was hot! I want one…
I had completely forgotten about this cave but had a very similar reaction.
Surprisingly I have been in a lot of electrically lit caves.
yeah I much prefer the dark and brooding cave type too…
Whoa. I was in Halong Bay a few years ago, but I definitely did not go to this cave. Is it on cat ba or one of the smaller islands?
Yep — it’s one of the smaller ones called Bo Hon Island.
These lights don’t really give a “natural look” to the cave, which is beautiful nevertheless..
It is a beatiful cave for sure. It doesn’t need all that make-up to make it spectacular.
The lighting is interesting–might not have been my first choice, but I have loved all of the caves I’ve visited–kind of cool that they are all different. And you’re right–thumbs up to the trashcan!
I think it would have been cool to have a more natural lighting, and maybe the glitzy Vegas stuff could make an appearance every 30 mins or so. That would be interesting…
The lighting is for visitors like me who want better photos
True — it does make good fodder for photos.
Wow.
The lights are cool!… makes us curious to how this happens exactly.
We are eyeing travel to that area in the New Year.
Thanks!
Nancy & Shawn
Well you should definitely include Halong Bay and Surprise Cave on your trip! Let me know if you need any Vietnam tips — I was there for well over a month…
I get why most caves (visited by tourists) need to be lit artificially, but I think something a little more understated might highlight the caves natural beauty.
You got that right – less is more IMHO…
Very cool (but I like the ways that you and your friend, Lisa described it better)! Certainly interesting. Come on, tell us about the “surprise”.
If you look at Google images of Surprise Cave, you can see it on there. I am putting the ball in your court…
Surprise Cave is just gorgeous. Halong Bay is definitely on my travel wish list. Hope you’re doing well!
I am doing just swell! I give Halong Bay two very big thumbs up!
Ooooh!! I love it!! Lighting and all. It’s been added to my list of places I have to go when I get back to SE Asia!
I like to complain about it, but seriously, it is absolutely stunning…
Seriously, we must just keep crossing paths, as I was in Angkor Wat a couple days after you and then in Vietnam, as well! I didn’t make it to Halong Bay, though–this time…
Seriously Kristin, do I need to get another restrainging order?
Wouldn’t be the first time…
Fantastic colours in those caves, must be amazing to witness for real.
It was indeed my friend, it was indeed.
Thanks for posting just about every pic I just likewise shot of “Surprise” Cave. Now when I finally get a chance to post my own blather (am presently in Sapa – and yes, ’tis a tad chilly, but nonetheless fantastic) – all I have to do is post a link to your pics!
But seriously, Halong was truly singularly awesome. I did a 3 day/2nt. trip and recommend it to fully inhale all that incredible natural wonder (the rainbow lights and penguin trash cans at “Surprise” notwithstanding.)
Glad you are enjoying your time in Vietnam! Feel free to link to my pics! I LOVE linking!
Hmm, yes a little over the top on the mood lighting perhaps. Nothing quite like exploring a cave with a hard hat and a head torch.
Sadly those caves are becoming more and more rare…
A cave like a russian hooker. Lol. Awesome.
You know what’s awesome? Russian hookers! Now that’s awesome!
Those are some amazing caves, and the lights are just breathtaking. It must have been great visiting there.
It was pretty cool, lights not withstanding…
That is just an amazing cave, and the lights are just breathtaking. It must have been great visiting there.
Reminds me a lot of Jenolan Caves here in Oz. There are similarly gaudy stretches of cave there.
Gaudy is apt for sure!
This reminds me a bit of some caves I saw in Ibiza years ago. Besides all of the garish lighting, the tour guide actually flipped a switch to turn on a waterfall. It was so un-natural!
All the best waterfalls are switch-enabled…
Loved the “Tropical fish with a hangover” comment. I remember being perplexed by those bins. Is that a penguin? What the hell is a penguin doing in Vietnam?
Yeah I scratched my head over that one too…
Very unexpected lighting in a cave! Though I love the view you shared.
Thanks Lisa!!
I tried to comment on this when your post originally aired, but I was somehow pre-empted by your bi-polar site…
Here goes again:
The ONLY way this cave could get any better was if there was some old guy wearing a Chester Dawe apron full of coin, walking around yelling “Fifty fifty!! Get yer fifty/fifty tickets here!!” (As per the B.I.S. bingo, circa 1988…)
Sacrilege, say I….
Oh maybe my Dad walking around with the cables…”Boost…boost…”
The penguin bin seemed quite out of place
Breathtaking!! I agree with the comment of the penguin bin though
I love it. I think the contrast between the natural beauty and electric display is fantastic.