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Dau Go Cave Halong Bay

  May 19, 2023

  By Jinnie Lee

Overview

Standing out among other charming caves in Halong Bay, Dau Go Cave, is the largest and most magnificent cave that attracts a huge number of tourists each year. This cave is about 3 km from Tuan Chau Island and about 6 km from the Bai Chay tourist area. Dau Go Cave, which is 27 meters above sea level, is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna as well as majestic architecture. It is now one of the places with historical legends and scenes that are difficult to forget. It seems like a brand-new world is waiting for you to explore as you descend further and further into the cave. It is even said that your Halong Bay journey cannot be complete without passing by this famous cave.

Dau Go Cave

Stories behind its name

There are numerous tales and legends that were merely spawned to describe the cave's name. These justifications have been passed down from generation to generation. 

Accordingly, the first theory is related to history since the 13th century. Vietnamese people at the time had to defend themselves from Yan-Mongolian invaders. The chief commander, Tran Hung Dao, constructed numerous wood stakes to bury in the Bach Dang River's bed in anticipation of the decisive battle. Locals discovered the remaining fragments inside the grotto after the war ended, and they gave the cave the name Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave).

The second theory holds that because of the island's bow-shaped terrain, which creates a wind-free area, people frequently use it to avoid storms or to unwind after days spent fishing at sea, and then they fix it. The name Dau Go originated from the abundance of wood leftover from building boats here.

The third legend states that that Dau Go Island appears from a distance to be a large log with two holes drilled into each end for rope-threading. People gave the cave the name Dau Go Cave based on this unique feature. 

People still don't know the true meaning of the cave's unique name. These legends have undoubtedly increased the mystique surrounding Dau Go Grotto, though.

Dau Go Cave's name has many mysterious stories behind it

Weather 

There are four distinct seasons here because Halong Bay is in the northern part of Vietnam. In northern Vietnam, from June to August, the monsoon usually occurs during the summer season. From September to November, the temperature drops gradually before becoming cold in December. As each season has its beauty, summer visitors will be delighted to swim on the bay, while in winter, travelers will be able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Halong Bay with kayaking or outdoor activities. Although Halong Bay welcomes crowded tourists all year around, the best time to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay is during late autumn (September – November) and springtime (March – April), when it comes to the dry season in the North. It is the ideal time when HaLong Bay weather is really cool and pleasant so that tourists can enjoy the most majestic beauty without scorching from the sun. 

How to get there

You can easily have a Hanoi - Halong Bay tour by taking a bus, train, or flight. From Tuan Chau Harbor, there are two ways to get to Dau Go Cave

Option 1: You can book a Halong Bay Cruise for overnight to visit the bay. During the tour activities, you can go to Dau Go Cave. This way is suitable for people traveling in large groups, with the elderly and children. We highly recommend this option so that you will spend at least 2 days visiting Halong Bay, staying overnight on a cruise. It is the best way to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and miracle landscape in Halong Bay more than during mid-day. 

Option 2:  If you don’t have much time in Halong Bay, you can book a day boat to visit Dau Go Cave and other places near Dau Go Cave. This way will be suitable for young people who love the freedom to explore. 

What to expect in Dau Go Cave

Enjoy the impressive system of flora and fauna 

Dau Go cave in Halong Bay has a strong development of the flora and fauna thanks to the high humidity. When you visit the cave, you can see a variety of flora, including timber trees, mosses, and ferns, as well as fauna, including fish, seaweed, coral, sandworm and some species that are difficult to spot in other locations. Therefore, it will be a fresh experience of the ecosystem of Halong Bay.

Dau Go cave has many different kinds of faunas

Admire the outstanding structure of 3-compartment system of Dau Go Cave

The cave's entrance appears to be a jellyfish from a distance. You can reach the cave's tiny entrance after walking on 90 rocky steps. It has three compartments divided up in the interior space.

The first compartment

Due to the direct exposure to the most natural light, the first compartment is crisp and clear. The cave's ceiling, which depicts the untamed natural landscape, resembles a sizable oil painting. The unique shapes of the stalactites, which include images of fighting cockroaches, deer, elephants eating, and lions dozing, allow visitors to freely admire and use their imaginations.

The second compartment

Dau Go Cave's second "room" is likened to a magnificent painting with numerous stone blocks protruding from the water. This place is the product of Mother Nature and the chemistry process. People have used colored light bulbs to facilitate traveling because there isn't much light absorbed here. The cave's dim lighting intensifies its glittering and fanciful beauty.

The third compartment

When visitors enter the third compartment, they will be amazed by the cave's sudden expansion. Fresh water is available all year round from a well of crystal-clear water. You get the impression that you are visiting an ancient castle with enormous architecture and unfathomable majesty because of the stalagmites' strange and intriguing shapes. The light will become weaker as you descend further. Everything gets more magical.

Extra tips when traveling Dau Go Cave

We have some advices for visitors to Dau Go Cave below:

- Due to the size of the cave, bring water and use insect repellent while on the tour. 

- To preserve the cave's natural landscape, avoid touching the artifacts and leave no trace of your messes. 

- To move around on difficult terrain with ease, it is advised to pack light, comfortable clothing and wear sports shoes, specialized climbing shoes, or non-slip sandals.

- Additionally, you should bring a lightweight jacket because the air inside the cave can get a little chilly. 

- If you are prone to seasickness, bring motion sickness medication. 

- To capture special moments, make sure your phone and camera batteries are fully charged.


In general, Dau Go Cave is a must-visit destination that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural importance. I sincerely hope that this article gives you all the details you need to know about Dau Go Cave. Its magical setting won't let you down. If you have further information about Halong Bay Cruise, please contact Vietnam tour company for instant assistance!