Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island not only boasts stunning limestone formations but also captivates tourists with tales of resistance and wartime history. How to get there? What exactly is there to discover? Let’s find out before you embark on your journey!
Location and Directions
Trung Trang Cave is situated approximately 12km from the center of Cat Ba town and about 1km from the core area of Cat Ba National Park, heading towards Cat Ba town. The cave is also known as Bat Cave due to the presence of numerous bats. During the resistance war against the United States, the cave served as a command post and military base, earning it the name Navy Cave (Hang Hải Quân).
From Cat Ba town, you can rent a self-driving motorbike, hire a car, or take a taxi. Simply follow the road that traverses Cat Ba Island towards Cat Ba National Park. Once you spot the sign for Trung Trang Cave (Động Trung Trang), turn in, park your vehicle, and purchase tickets.
Attractions Inside Trung Trang Cave
Trung Trang Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the Cat Ba archipelago, among over 150 caves in the region. Alongside places like Cai Beo fishing village, Eo Bua Cave, and Tien Duc Cave, it holds traces of ancient Vietnamese settlements dating back around 6000 years.
The cave’s formation resulted from the fracture of karst limestone, shaped by tidal erosion over time. The cave extends for 300m through the heart of the mountain, adorned with thousands of sparkling limestone formations resembling golden dunes. While the initial path from the cave entrance may be narrow, requiring you to stoop, the deeper you go, the more the cave opens up, revealing a vast, majestic space with numerous nooks and crannies like a mountainous maze.
Right at the cave entrance, you’ll notice a rock formation resembling a young woman nestled against the cave wall. On the opposite side, a stone eagle guards over Trung Trang as if in a watchful stance. As you venture deeper, your imagination will be stimulated as you identify rock formations resembling a variety of creatures, including a tortoise, a heron, and even a lion with shimmering golden and silver “dunes” known as “Princess Trung Trang’s dunes.” Moreover, you’ll encounter rock formations resembling the geographical shape of Vietnam, and further inside, a rock formation resembling an Egyptian mummy.
Once inside, try tapping on these limestone formations gently. The resulting crisp and melodious sounds will echo, reminiscent of a stone orchestra.
Continuing through the cave, it splits into two paths, known as the “path to heaven” and the “path to the underworld”. Along one route, you’ll discover peculiar imprints resembling the foot and handprints of Princess Trung Trang practicing martial arts etched on the cave wall. On the other side, there’s a sword supposedly passed down by Princess Trung Trang to her descendants to safeguard the beautiful pearl island for generations. Near the exit of Trung Trang Cave, there’s a statue and altar dedicated to Princess Trung Trang, adding a mystical and intriguing element to the cave’s legends.
Legend of Trung Trang Cave
According to local legends, in ancient times, Cat Ba was a strategic location frequently invaded by enemies. To maintain peace and protect the local people, Princess Trung Trang gathered brave men to fight against the invaders. While the men went out to sea to battle, the women on the island became the backbone, earning the island the name Đảo Các Bà (Island of Ladies). The defensive lines set up by the men were referred to as the “Island of Gentlemen.” When the nation finally achieved peace, Princess Trung Trang returned to this cave for cultivation and to safeguard the island’s residents, leading to the cave being named after her.
To this day, the island retains the shrines of Princess Trung Trang, Miếu Ông (Temple of Gentlemen), and Miếu Hiếu (Temple of Filial Piety) from the Ladies. Over time, these landmarks evolved into Cai Ba and Cat Ong.
Aside from these mythical tales, the cave is linked to historical events during the Vietnam War. From 1964 to 1968, the cave served as a base for a naval information unit under the Naval Command. Visitors today can still witness remnants such as meeting rooms, water reservoirs, and cultural activity spaces used by the military.
Trung Trang Cave stands as a testament to both natural wonder and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Cat Ba Island.
When is the best time to visit Trung Trang Cave?
Trung Trang Cave is located in the Trung Trang Valley, near the Kim Giao forest, surrounded by dense vegetation that creates a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Once inside the cave, the air becomes even fresher and cleaner, offering a tranquil and relaxing experience for visitors. Therefore, you can visit the cave at any time. However, if you plan to explore the Cat Ba National Park, trek through Pháo đài Thần Công, or take a leisurely walk to discover other locations on Cat Ba Island without being exposed to the hot sun, it’s recommended to go around late spring or early summer, typically in April or May. Alternatively, you can also enjoy the cave during the winter.
While the summer provides the most beautiful scenery, it can sometimes be quite hot and intense. It’s not advisable to visit during August and September, as these months coincide with the typhoon season, leading to disruptions in sea-related activities.
Trung Trang Cave not only holds geological significance and a unique cave ecosystem but also serves as a historical site. For tourists, it is a breathtaking cave that provides a sense of relaxation and comfort during exploration and admiration.
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