Hanh Grotto

Hanh Grotto, located 9 kilometers west of Cam Pha can be seen as one of the longest and mist beautiful grottoes in Ha Long Bay. It is 1,300 meters long and stretches throughout the stone mountain of Quang Hanh to the sea. Therefore, the French named it “Le Tunnel” (Tunnel). When the tide is out, we can visit the grotto by boat because the entrance is clearly visible. Beside a smooth stone block at the grotto entrance is Ba Co Shrine. Legend tells that three girls, who were once journeying on the sea, came to the grotto to take shelter from the rain. They were so engrossed with the beauty of the grotto that when the tide rose up, the three girls suddenly noticed that they could no go out. They died and became water goddesses. A small boat will take visitors through the stone passageway, its light flashing on each stalactite slowly and silently overt the quiet waters. Going in deeper, the grotto is more beautiful and wilder. When the light radiates, we can see colorful stone flowers, diamond pillars, voluminous dewberries, ornamental orchids, etc. From somewhere, we can hear the sounds of drums. That seems to be the sound of waves knocking against the grotto walls.