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Kim Quy Cave: Ha Long Bay’s Mythical Wonder and Natural Marvel

08:00 - 12/12/2025

5/5 - (1 vote)

Though numerous natural beauties abound at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, none quite as fascinating as Kim Quy Cave. This cave is a must-see in Vietnam for its fascinating stalactites, intriguing tales, and great biodiversity. Allow MOTOGO Tours to explore closely what makes Kim Quy Cave particularly unique.

Introduction to Kim Quy Cave

Kim Quy Cave is a lesser-known but captivating cave in Ha Long Bay, admired for its natural rock formations and quiet, unspoiled atmosphere. With its unique shape and tranquil setting, the cave offers visitors a peaceful escape and a deeper connection to the bay’s natural beauty.

Where is Kim Quy Cave Located?

Kim Quy Cave, tucked on Dam Nam Islet in Bai Tu Long Bay, is near to the well-liked sights of Halong Bay. Soi Sim Island is behind it; Dam Bac Islet is standing before it. Kim Quy Cave has unique appeal even if it is less well-known than Sung Sot Cave or Thien Cung Cave.

Unveiling the Legend of the Golden Tortoise

To appreciate Kim Quy Cave, it helps to understand the legend behind it. Legend goes that Kim Quy, the Golden Turtle God, gave King Le Loi a holy sword in the fifteenth century so he would drive out the invading Ming army. The Golden Turtle God returned to retrieve the sword in Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi following their loss.

Kim Quy headed back to the water with the sword returned. He came in Halong Bay along his way and found demons and monsters stalking the coast. Choosing to help the residents, Kim Quy stayed to neutralize these dangers.

Kim Quy was left completely tired after driving out the bad people from the area. Looking for peace, he came upon a calm cave in Halong Bay and at last became stone. This cave now is Kim Quy, which means “Golden Turtle.” Visitors still find a turtle-shaped rock inside the cave, claimed to be Kim Quy’s own manifestation.

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How to Get to Kim Quy Cave

Though not yet featured on many scheduled Halong Bay trips, Kim Quy Cave is easily reachable with a little more preparation. Often included into tour route No. 02 in Halong Bay, Soi Sim Island is the nearest landmark to Kim Quy Cave.

For a flexible and personalized journey, you can charter a private boat from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau Tourist Wharf, reaching Kim Quy Cave on a scenic 1.5-hour cruise to Dam Nam Islet before disembarking to explore the cave. Alternatively, a 2-day, 1-night Ha Long Bay cruise offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to visit hidden gems like Kim Quy Cave and enjoy the bay’s beauty from day to night.

Best Time to Visit

October through April is the best season to explore Kim Quy Cave since the temperature is cool, dry, great for outdoor exploration. Ha Long Bay’s calm waves and clear sky around this time accentuate the cave’s surrounds’ splendor.

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Exploring the Depths: What to See Inside

Stepping into Kim Quy Cave is like walking into a different world—a cool, damp, silent chamber where the world outside seems to fade away. What visual and sensory delights await you inside?

The Main Chamber: A Cavernous Welcome

Kim Quy Cave extends deep into the limestone island, with its main chamber opening into a wide, welcoming space. The roomy layout allows visitors to walk freely and take in the cave’s impressive scale.

High ceilings and sculpted walls reveal the power of erosion over millions of years, while natural rock formations spark the imagination, resembling a golden tortoise, dragons, or legendary figures.

Illuminating the Interior: Natural and Artificial Light

Kim Quy Cave is lit by a blend of natural light near the entrance and carefully positioned artificial lighting deeper inside. This balance ensures safe exploration while preserving the cave’s delicate environment.

Soft illumination highlights the most striking rock formations, giving the walls an ethereal glow and enhancing the depth and texture of the cave for a dramatic visual experience.

Flora and Fauna: The Cave’s Ecosystem

Kim Quy Cave is home to a quiet but fascinating ecosystem. Despite the harsh conditions, the cave supports small forms of life adapted to darkness, including bats that are commonly found in Ha Long Bay’s cave systems.

Near the entrance and in nearby waters, you may also spot small fish, crustaceans, or cave-dwelling arthropods. As visitors, it’s important to respect this delicate habitat and remember that we are guests in their natural world.

A Link to History

Within Kim Quy Cave’s innermost area sits an unanticipated historical treasure: wooden stakes from the mythical Bach Dang Battle. Remnants of the Tran Dynasty’s brave defense against invaders, these thirty stakes silently honor Vietnam’s legendary past. Discovering this section of the cave provides not only aesthetic beauty but also a moving link to the resiliency and inventiveness of Vietnam’s past.

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Things to Do in Kim Quy Cave

Nestled in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, Kim Quy Cave is an amazing location that should enthrall guests with its unearthliness. Entering the cave will instantly send you into a world of natural beauty where the splendor of the stalactites and stalagmites reminds you of entering a fairy tale.

Immerse Yourself in the Cave’s Majestic Beauty

Natural masterwork, Kim Quy Cave boasts an amazing assortment of interesting stalactites and stalagmites within. The complex structures inside the cave produce almost surreal beautiful ambiance. The enchanted environment will embrace you as you meander around; the cave will have a calm but enigmatic aura from the subtle whispers of nature.

The beauty of the cave is an emotional as much as a visual one. Together with the natural rock formations, the silence inside creates a peace difficult to find elsewhere. Bring your camera so you may record these remarkable events. Whether your passion is photography or just memory capturing, the cave presents many chances to take some amazing pictures.

Capturing the Magic of Kim Quy Cave

Dream site for photographers will be Kim Quy Cave. There are countless chances to capture amazing events in the complex rock formations, the way light and shadows interact, and in the rich surrounds. You will see as you enter the cave how naturally occurring light passes through its apertures to provide an ethereal glow emphasizing the golden tones of the stalactites and stalagmites.

The cave’s entrance is especially attractive; the gloomy inside contrasts dramatically with the brilliant waves of Ha Long Bay outside. Once there, the several chambers offer different views that let you play with lighting and viewpoint. See during the dry season when the weather and lighting conditions are best to maximize your photographs.

Explore Nearby Attractions

The area has other treasures as well, Kim Quy Cave included. Nestled among the more expansive Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay areas, there are a few other really worthwhile sites here. From this cave, a little trip leads to Soi Sim Island, a beautiful 8.6 acre refuge free from human activity. Nature lovers and animal aficionados will find paradise on this island with its rich, primeval forests and variety of rare species.

Apart from its richness of species, Soi Sim Island features a lovely sandy beach ideal for a leisurely dip in the cool, pure waves. The island provides a calm haven that fits your trip to Kim Quy whether your preferred activity is lounging on the beach or hiking over the woodland paths. From the cave, Soi Sim Island is easily reachable, which lets you quickly keep exploring this amazing part of Halong Bay.

Guided Tours: Exploring Kim Quy Cave with Experts

Among the most often used methods to see Kim Quy Cave are guided tours. Under the direction of informed, usually local guides, these excursions offer amazing insights into the geological formations, mythology, and past of the cave. The guides spin tales about the construction of the cave and the myth of the golden turtle, therefore tying the natural beauty of the cave to its cultural value.

These guided activities are priceless for visitors seeking a closer knowledge of the surroundings and the mythology around the cave. The knowledge of the experts guarantees that you won’t miss any of the main attractions of the cave, including secret passages or particular stalactite formations portraying animals and legendary creatures. These trips not only improve your respect of the cave but also help to make the visit more fun and orderly.

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Tips for Visiting Kim Quy Cave

Checking the weather prediction before leaving will help you to make plans and guarantee the best experience by means of adaptation.
Wear light, airy clothes that let you easily explore this cave and other breathtaking Halong Bay locations for comfort and simplicity of movement. Remember to pack basics including a hat, umbrella, and any motion-sickness medication. To get the amazing vistas, one also needs a camera or smartphone.
Especially on a boat, it is imperative to follow the safety instructions given by your tour guide to guarantee a good and fun travel.
Finally, let each of us help to keep Halong Bay’s unspoiled beauty. Avoid carving on the cave walls; dispose of garbage correctly.

Kim Quy Cave is the ideal place to learn about the local legends, connect with the ideas of the society, and really enjoy the beauty of nature. If life seems daunting, why not pack bags and visit Halong Bay to revitalize your spirit in the peace of nature? Remember also to share with your friends and relatives your memories and experiences.

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