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If you’re planning a trip to Halong Bay, one of the names you’ll hear again and again is Sung Sot Cave. Known in English as the Surprising Cave, it’s the most famous and impressive grotto in the entire bay.
With vast chambers, dazzling stalactites, and dramatic lighting that makes every corner look like a movie set, Sung Sot Cave in Halong Bay is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Vietnam.
Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave)
Sung Sot Cave was first discovered and opened to travelers by French explorers in 1901. They were so amazed by its size and beauty that they called it the “Grotte des Surprises,” which literally translates to the Cave of Surprises. The Vietnamese name “Sửng Sốt” means the same thing: astonishment. And once you step inside, you’ll quickly understand why Sung Sot Cave carries that name.
Located on Bo Hon Island in the heart of Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave is one of the largest and most fascinating caves in Halong Bay, covering more than 10,000 square meters. The cave sits about 25 meters above sea level and can only be reached after climbing roughly 100 stone steps carved into the hillside.
Bo Hon Island in the heart of Halong Bay
Once inside, you’re greeted by two main chambers:
These formations are not just beautiful; they also spark the imagination. With the help of colored lights, many visitors see shapes of animals, plants, or even legendary figures in the rock.
Sung Sot Cave lies on Bo Hon Island, right in the central cluster of Halong Bay Caves. Unlike some attractions you can visit by kayak, Sung Sot is only accessible by boat.
If you’re searching online, you’ll often find travelers asking “how to get to Sung Sot Cave”. The simple answer: book a Halong Bay cruise with Sung Sot Cave included in the itinerary.
This is the easiest and most comfortable way to reach it, as the cave cannot be visited independently.
Walking into Sung Sot Cave feels like entering another world. After climbing the stone steps and passing through the narrow entrance, you’ll find yourself inside a space so vast it feels like a natural amphitheater.
This outer chamber is well-lit by natural daylight. The ceiling is high but not overwhelming, and the formations are easy to see. Many guides describe this room as the “reception hall,” a gentle introduction before the grand surprise of the inner chamber.
The air here is cool and fresh, even in summer, and you can hear drops of water echoing from above. It feels peaceful, like nature’s own cathedral.
Visitors experience Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave)
As you move deeper into Sung Sot Cave, the space suddenly opens into a gigantic hall that can hold thousands of people. Here, the ceiling soars up to 30 meters, and the space feels endless. Colored lighting is used to highlight unique stalactites and stalagmites. With a bit of imagination, you might spot shapes resembling a giant turtle, a lion, or even a heroic warrior.
Local guides often point out a stalactite that resembles a legendary sword, said to be left behind by Saint Giong, a mythical hero in Vietnamese folklore. These stories add an extra layer of magic to the visit.
The cave is equipped with a modern lighting system, carefully placed to enhance the natural formations without overwhelming them. The effect is enchanting – rocks glow in shades of gold, blue, and red, creating a theatrical, stage-like setting.
Visitors experience Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave)
Opening Hours & Tickets
Sung Sot Cave is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is included in Halong Bay’s sightseeing Route 2 ticket, which costs around 300,000 VND per person (12 USD).
What to Wear
Best Time to Visit
Other Useful Tips
Exploring Sung Sot Cave is one of the most memorable things to do in Halong Bay, so make sure you set aside enough time to enjoy it fully.
Since Sung Sot Cave can only be reached by boat, most visitors explore it as part of a cruise program. Below are some of the most common options:
Ideal for those short on time. Departures from Tuan Chau or Bai Chay usually include Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and a scenic lunch on board. By evening, you’ll return to Hanoi. This option is popular among travelers choosing Halong Bay Day Cruises.
Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) on the Dolphin Day Cruise
The most popular choice, offering a balance of sightseeing and relaxation.
Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) on the Catherine Cruise
Sample Itinerary:
This itinerary is widely marketed as a 2-day 1-night Halong Bay cruise, and it’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy both highlights and leisure.
Best for travelers who want to explore more deeply.
Sample Itinerary:
This longer option is often chosen by travelers booking Luxury Halong Bay Cruises, as it allows more time for comfort and discovery.
For a wide range of options, from budget to luxury, check our Halong Bay Cruises, where you’ll find detailed itineraries and seasonal Halong Bay Cruises.
Sung Sot Cave is the crown jewel of Halong Bay. From its narrow entrance to the vast inner chambers, every step offers a sense of wonder. Whether you are drawn by geology, history, or simply stunning landscapes, this cave truly delivers an experience worthy of its name.
When planning your Halong Bay trip, make sure to include Sung Sot Cave. Options range from quick day trips to immersive overnight journeys like a 2-day 1-night cruise or a 3-day 2-night cruise. Packages are available for every budget, from affordable tours to luxury experiences.
Don’t miss the chance, book your Halong Bay tours today and take advantage of our special Halong Bay Cruises to experience Sung Sot Cave at its finest!
Yes, absolutely. Sung Sot Cave is considered one of the most remarkable places to visit in Halong Bay. Its scale, rock formations, and natural beauty leave most travelers impressed, making it a highlight of many tours.
On average, visitors spend around 45 minutes to 1 hour inside. This allows enough time to walk through both chambers, enjoy the explanations from your guide, and take memorable photos.
Yes, the cave is suitable. However, the 100 steps leading to the entrance may be challenging for some. We recommend walking slowly, using the handrails, and wearing proper shoes. Once inside, the paths are safe and well-lit.
The cave is famous for its enormous chambers, imaginative stalactites and stalagmites, and the dramatic way the inner hall suddenly opens up. Many Vietnam Travel Guide resources describe it as the crown jewel of Halong Bay.
It is located on Bo Hon Island, in the central part of Halong Bay, within the main Halong Bay Caves cluster.
The cave can only be reached by boat. The easiest way is to join a cruise, or book Vietnam Tour Packages offered by the best Vietnam Tour Operator or the Best Vietnam Travel Agency, many of which include Sung Sot Cave in their itineraries.
Yes. The cave is included in Halong Bay’s sightseeing Route 2 ticket, which currently costs around 300,000 VND per person (12 USD).
The most comfortable times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer offers lively vibes but can be crowded, while winter is quieter and atmospheric. Many Asia Tour Deals suggest booking outside peak domestic holiday periods for a smoother experience.
It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip. Light clothing works well in summer, while a light jacket is recommended for cooler months.
Yes, photography is allowed. In fact, the colorful lighting and dramatic rock shapes make Sung Sot Cave one of the most photogenic attractions in Halong Bay.
Most 2-day and 3-day itineraries on Route 2 stop here. For added comfort, many Luxury Halong Bay Cruises highlight Sung Sot Cave as a main attraction. When booking, check details with your provider or look for offers from the best Vietnam Travel Agency to ensure it’s included.
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Sebastian - Brazil
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Viet Hai Village, Ba Trai Dao Area, Luon Cave
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An unforgettable trip
Li Wei - China
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Port
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Great way to explore Halong Bay
Aidan - Australia
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave
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Such a peaceful trip
Benjamin Adams - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Romantic Getaway on the Bay
Emily Chen - Singapore
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Wharf
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Halong Bay Cruise on Grand Pioneers
Isa Browns - France
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Marina, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave
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Chill & Cruise
Aisha - UAE
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titov Island, Sung Sot Cave, Halong International Cruise Port
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Pearl Farm in Tung Sau, Titov Island, Sung Sot Cave, Halong International Cruise Port
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Three days felt complete
Oren - Canada
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Harbor, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave
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boujee vibes on the bay with Indochine Premium Cruise
Chloe - Singapore
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Tuan Chau Marina
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So happy I booked Alisa Premier cruise through Asia Tour Deals it turned into the best part of my Vietnam trip.
Luca Rossi - Italy
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island
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Choosing Bhaya Classic Cruise for the classic and old vibe
Emily Johnson - United States
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Trinh Nu Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Tuan Chau Marina
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave, Halong International Port
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Great value for money on Bhaya Classic Cruise
Sarah Williams - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Tung Sau area, Titov Island, Tuan Chau International Marina
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Clean, comfy, easy
Jae - South Korea
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave, Halong International Cruise Port
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Big cave adventure
Maria Gonzalez - Spain
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Halong International Cruise Port
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Scenic and fun
Saanvi - India
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titov Island, Halong International Cruise Port
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Preeti Nair - India
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cav, Titov Island
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Hoa Cuong area, Tuan Chau Harbour
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Halong International Port
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titov Island, Halong International Cruise Port
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island
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Iris Cruise at night
Priya Patel - India
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Halong International Cruise Port
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Riley Maddox - United States
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Hannah Meier - Germany
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Outstanding Cruise — Far Better Than Others in the Area
Hailey Aston - Australia
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Halong International Cruise Port
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Cruise with new friends
Rachel & Ben - NewZealand
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao, Pearl Farm, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Marina
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Marcus - Germany
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Super chill
Anna - Poland
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Port
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Unforgettable anniversary on the luxurious Milalux Cruise
David Vance - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Couples Cruise to Halong Bay
Noah Watt - NewZealand
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Marina
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Absolutely pure paradise and amazing service on Milalux Cruise
Liam Woods - Ireland
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Ba Trai Dao Area, Me Cung Cave, Titop Island, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Weekend Escape to Halong Bay
Thomas D. - France
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cap La, Da Xep Nature Park, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Marina
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Fun trip with my bestie
Nayeli - South Korea
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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A good choice for Halong Bay
Mei - Singapore
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Trinh Nu Area, Ba Trai Dao Area, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Trinh Nu Area, Me Cung Cave, PEARL FARM, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cua Van Fishing Village, Tien Ong Cave, Ho Ba Ham area, Trinh Nu Area, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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After work escape
Rachel Adams - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Tuan Chau Harbor
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2D1N Halong Bay Tour
Carlos Jimenez - Spain
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Halong International Port
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Halong Bay Escape
Anna Thompson - United States
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Short break from Hanoi
Ricardo Mendes - Brazil
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Halong International Port
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Quiet break by the bay
Rajiv Kumar - India
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Bo Hon Island, Luon Cave, Titov Island, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titov Island, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Book amazing trip Alisa Premier Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights
Sophie Muller - Germany
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Me Cung Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Titop Island
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Marina, Cua Van Village, Tien Ong Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Pearl Farm, Titop Island
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OMG I hadd a really perfect honeymoon tour on Aqua Elegance Cruise
Matthew Chen - Singapore
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Marina
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4 member family trip on the bay on Aqua Elegance Cruise
Isabelle Dupont - France
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Trinh Nu Cave, Three Peach Beach, Pearl Farm, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Port
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I was recharged mah battery on Le Journey Halong Cruise
Benjamin Smith - United States
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Marina
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Explore manyyy hidden spots w Le Journey Cruise
Oliver Brown - Australia
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Pearl Farm, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Mom loved it
Minh Le - Canada
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Halong International Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Luon Cave, Halong Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Halong Harbor
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Good food and lovely views
Katarina Milosevic - UAE
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Marina, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Pearl Village
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Very relaxing experience
Hussein Bakr - SaudiArabia
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this is the family time we’ll never forget on Verdure Lotus Grandeur Cruise
Laura Mitchell - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Marina
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give 10/10 points for Verdure Lotus Grandeur Cruise
Sophie Evans - United Kingdom
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A full 3-day journey on Bhaya Classic Cruise
Daniel - Germany
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No stress at all
Claire Denis - France
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Cozy and simple, in a good way
Isolde - Japan
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Sunrise Reset Button
Tamsin Rowe - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Swim, Snack, Repeat
Marisol Vega - Spain
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Lan Ha Bay, Trinh Nu Cave, Ba Trai Dao Area, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Pearl Farm, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Busy day, comfy night
Maëlys - France
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Sunset + snacks
Saanvi - India
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Trinh Nu Area, Ba Trai Dao Area, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Needed a break
Nyx - Canada
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Beach day saved me
Sigrid - Norway
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Ba Trai Dao Area, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Hidden Lagoons & The Majestic Amanda Heritage
Mark Thompson - United States
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Harbor, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave
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Clumsy Spring Rolls & The Beautiful Amanda Cruise
Sophie Miller - Australia
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tuan Chau Harbor, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Cua Van Fishing Village, Me Cung Cave, Luon Cave, Pearl Farm Village
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Short but sweet
Emily Carter - United Kingdom
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luon Cave, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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Beautiful from start to finish
Alice Becker - Australia
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Lan Ha Bay, Bright and Dark Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Pearl Farm Village, Luon Cave, Tuan Chau Harbor
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