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Quang Ninh Travel Vietnam

Vietnam | A Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

“Please don’t call it a junk! It doesn’t sound good. We call it a cruise ship!” our Vietnamese guide with a British accent, Duc, politely corrected me as I got accustomed to call those large wooden ships cruising Ha Long Bay as “junks” similar to what they call it in Hong Kong. From Halong Plaza Hotel, we were headed to the port for a Ha Long Bay day in this UNESCO Heritage site in the province of Quang Ninh, Vietnam. It is popularly known for its thousands limestone karst picturesquely dispersed on a bay off Ha Long City.

Impressive rock formations at Heavenly Palace Cave despite the multi-colored lights
Impressive rock formations at Heavenly Palace Cave despite the multi-colored lights

Heavenly Palace Cave

As we draw closer to the towering karst isles and islets of the bay, I’m still in awe of the numerous karst gradually fading in the horizon. While I still have the same sentiments that the ocean waters here aren’t as clear and inviting as our very own Palawan, I must admit that Ha Long Bay impresses by sheer numbers.

Our first stop in this tour is the Thien Cung Cave or the Heavenly Palace Cave. I haven’t been here so I was curious what it’s like. This 10,000 square meter cave is said to be the most beautiful primitive cave in the bay. After a bit of trivia from Duc, we proceeded into climbing the staircase leading to the cave entrance.

Heavenly Palace Cave, like Sung Sot Cave which I visited before, is also developed. Cemented pathways and multi-colored lights illuminate the rock formations and walls of this cave. It’s a fairly huge cave and the pathway winds through several crevices before leading to the exit. I must say the cave has impressive rock formations even if we strip away those fancy lighting. It’s an easy cave to explore. I finished exploring the cave in half an hour in a slow pace, taking my sweet time taking photos inside the cave.

Mica enjoying the view from the island
Mica enjoying the view from the island
Exploring the cave
Exploring the cave
A natural pool turning wishing pool where people throw in coins for a wish
A natural pool turning wishing pool where people throw in coins for a wish
View of the bay from the viewdeck upon exit from Thien Cung Cave
View of the bay from the viewdeck upon exit from Thien Cung Cave
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