Few Days Halong | Ha Long Tours: Vung Duc Cave

Vung Duc Cave tour
with private driver

8:00 AM – Pick-up from Halong City:

Your private driver will pick you up directly from your hotel in Halong City for a smooth, comfortable ride to Vung Duc Cave.
As you leave the city, enjoy scenic views of the Vietnamese countryside, passing by lush green fields, limestone karsts, and small villages.
Optional: Stop at a local coffee shop for a traditional Vietnamese coffee or “cà phê sữa đá” (iced coffee with condensed milk) to kickstart your adventure.

9:30 AM – Arrival at Vung Duc Cave:

Arrive at the foot of Ban Co Mountain, where Vung Duc Cave is nestled.
Take a moment to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of nature.

9:45 AM – Explore Vung Duc Cave:

Begin your exploration of Vung Duc Cave, a majestic natural wonder filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Walk along the well-maintained pathways as your guide shares stories of the cave’s formation and its spiritual significance.
Discover ancient shrines and altars hidden within the cave, where locals have long worshipped the God of the Sea and other deities for protection and prosperity.
Marvel at the cave’s natural rock formations, some resembling mythical creatures or ancient symbols, shaped by time and nature.

10:30 AM – Panoramic Views and Temple Visit:

After exploring the cave, head to the nearby Vung Duc Temple.
Admire the traditional architecture and quiet ambiance of the temple, a serene place of worship dedicated to various deities.
From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of Bai Tu Long Bay, with its emerald waters and scattered limestone islands — a perfect photo opportunity.

11:00 AM – Cultural Insight and Relaxation:

Take a short break to relax and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
Optional: Visit a nearby market or local craft shop to browse unique handmade souvenirs and support local artisans.

11:30 AM – Return Journey with Optional Lunch:

Begin the return journey to Halong City, with the option to stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Recommended dishes: Fresh seafood, “bún chả” (grilled pork with noodles), or “chả mực” (fried squid patties, a local speciality).

1:30 PM – Arrival Back in Halong City:

Arrive back at your hotel, relaxed and enriched with the natural beauty and cultural insights of Vung Duc Cave.
Optional: Extend your tour to visit other nearby attractions like Bai Tu Long Bay, or unwind with a
sunset cruise to complete your day.

Travelers journal

Leaving Halong City, we cruised through peaceful countryside, stopping for a quick hit of Vietnamese iced coffee ''liquid rocket fuel'' to prepare for the adventure ahead.

As we reached the foot of Ban Co Mountain, towering cliffs framed the entrance to Vung Duc Cave, where the air felt still, like nature itself was holding its breath.

Inside the cave, the cool darkness unfolded in a quiet symphony of dripping water and echoing footsteps. Stalactites and stalagmites twisted into fantastical shapes...dragons, turtles, and (with a little imagination) a startled hedgehog.

Deep in the cave, an ancient altar stood quietly, a place of reverence where locals still offer prayers to the God of the Sea.

Emerging back into the sunlight, we climbed a short path to Vung Duc Temple. The peaceful courtyard offered a view that felt like standing on the edge of the world, with Bai Tu Long Bay’s emerald waters stretching endlessly into the horizon.

Before leaving, we browsed a small stall selling handmade trinkets. I picked up a stone pendant, a quiet reminder of this hidden gem.

The ride back was smooth, with a stop for a hearty seafood lunch. Grilled squid, fragrant rice, and a steaming bowl of "bún chả" left us full and happy, rounding off a day that felt like stepping into a dream.

Vung Duc Cave isn’t just a place...it’s an experience. Cool cavern air, warm temple light, and a coffee habit I’m now fully committed to.

Vung Duc Cave tour with private driver

The Tour

Embark on a captivating journey to Vung Duc Cave, where nature, history, and a touch of adventure converge. This half-day excursion takes you from the bustling streets of Halong City to the tranquil depths of one of Vietnam’s hidden gems.

Key Highlights:

Scenic drive through Vietnam’s countryside with limestone karsts and lush rice paddies.
Explore the mysterious Vung Duc Cave, filled with stunning rock formations and ancient altars.
Visit Vung Duc Temple for breathtaking views of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Discover local crafts and savour delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

8:00 AM – Departure from Halong City: Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, passing rice paddies and limestone karsts.

9:30 AM – Arrival at Vung Duc Cave: Take in the majestic entrance framed by towering cliffs before venturing inside.

9:45 AM – Cave Exploration: Wander through the cool, echoing chambers filled with ancient rock formations and sacred altars.

10:30 AM – Visit Vung Duc Temple: Climb a short path to the temple and marvel at the panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay.

11:00 AM – Local Crafts and Souvenirs: Browse a small stall selling handmade trinkets and local goods.

11:30 AM – Seafood Lunch: Stop at a local eatery to savour grilled squid, fragrant rice, and "bún chả."

1:30 PM – Return to Halong City: Relax and reflect on the peaceful journey back.

The Itinerary