Me Cung Cave: A Magnificent Maze in Halong Bay

As a famous tourist destination in Vietnam, Halong Bay always brings tourists wonderful things to explore. Coming to Halong Bay, tourists will get a chance to admire the beauty of thousands of sparkling caves and islands. This world heritage is not only visited by tourists but also concerned by scientists due to its values in terms of geology and history. And if you are interested in the geological and biological values from millions of years ago, there is no better place than Me Cung Cave, a shimmering caves in Halong Bay.

I. Overview of Me Cung Cave

Me Cung Cave sits on Lom Bo Island, about 2 kilometers southwest of Ti Top Island in Halong Bay. Perched 25 meters above sea level, its narrow, east-facing entrance opens to a flat area where visitors can pause and enjoy the view.
From a distance, the entrance resembles a house roof on the mountainside. Locals named it “Me Cung” (meaning “maze”) due to its intricate interior with winding passages and small chambers. Inside, visitors often feel as if they are navigating a dazzling labyrinth.
Archaeologists have identified Me Cung Cave as a relic of the pre-Halong culture, which thrived 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. Excavations uncovered valuable artifacts, including sedimentary blocks, snail shells, oyster fossils, and animal skeletons. These findings provide insight into the prehistoric inhabitants’ way of life and spiritual beliefs.
With its ancient sediments and striking limestone formations, Me Cung Cave serves as a natural museum, offering visitors both historical significance and breathtaking scenery.

II. Highlights of Me Cung Cave

From Lom Bo Island’s wharf, visitors reach Me Cung Cave by climbing a stone staircase shaded by green trees. The entrance is so narrow it allows only one person at a time, but inside, the cave opens up into spacious chambers divided by limestone walls, resembling a house with multiple rooms.

Along the 100-meter path, stalagmites and stalactites form natural chandeliers and curtains, creating a grand palace-like setting. Shaped by seawater over millions of years, the cave’s sections unfold like scenes from a mysterious folk tale.

Many describe Me Cung Cave as a spectacle of light, sound, and limestone. Inside, the boundary between light and darkness blurs, leaving only a shimmering, ethereal space. Unidentified whispers echo through the cave, as if nature itself is telling its secrets.

At the path’s end, a faint light leads to the exit, revealing a serene garden with a vast lake—a reward for those who navigate the maze. This tranquil oasis offers a perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

III. What to See and Do at Me Cung Cave?

1. Exploring the interior of Me Cung Cave

True to its name, Me Cung Cave feels like a natural maze designed for adventurers. Stalagmites and stalactites take on various shapes—some resembling lions, bears, swords, or shimmering curtains. The cave’s breathtaking formations never fail to amaze visitors.

Beyond its beauty, Me Cung Cave holds significant geological and historical value. Fossilized sea creatures still mark its limestone walls, evidence of marine life from millions of years ago. Archaeological studies also confirm the presence of prehistoric humans in Halong Bay during the Stone Age, making the cave a key site for understanding the region’s history.

2. Enjoying the scenery of Me Cung Lake

Me Cung Lake, located at the cave’s exit, sits on a secluded island surrounded by towering mountains. Its still waters reflect the surrounding peaks and lush greenery, creating a serene and picturesque scene. Often called a “royal garden,” the lake feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

Ancient trees with sprawling canopies and orchids blooming on rocky cliffs enhance the lake’s beauty. The peaceful atmosphere is filled with birdsong and the distant calls of island monkeys, a testament to the well-preserved nature of Halong Bay.

3. Taking photos

It is such a pity that you come to Me Cung Cave without bringing home some gorgeous photos to remind you about this wonderful destination. The light inside Me Cung Cave is not suitable for high quality photos, but the outside area of the cave with sunlight, mountains and sea is the most favorable conditions for your good-looking shoots.

IV. How to Get to Me Cung Cave?

Me Cung Cave is about 8 kilometers from Halong City. To get there, take Cruise Ship No. 02 from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau wharfs. The journey to Lom Bo Island and Me Cung Cave takes about two hours.

Cruise Ship No. 02 also stops at other top attractions, including Surprise Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave, offering a great opportunity to explore Halong Bay’s limestone wonders.

The full trip lasts six hours, but you can extend your experience with a night tour. For a more luxurious option, private cruises with high-end services are available, offering greater comfort and exclusivity.

V. Extra Tips

• According to the experience of tourists, the best time to visit Me Cung Cave in particular and Halong Bay in general is from April to June and September to October. At this time, the weather is quite nice with sunshine, mild wind and gentle sea.
• You should not go out to visit Halong Bay when the temperature is above 37 Celsius degrees. On these days, the UV index is extremely high, and that is not good for your skin.
• Don’t forget to bring all your necessary items for outside activities such as umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreens and some bottles of water. You will have to stay outside for quite a long time.
• Comfortable clothes are recommended when you visit Me Cung Cave. The way leading to the entrance of Me Cung Cave is quite rough, so a pair of sneakers will make you comfortable all the way.
• You had better follow the instructions of the tour guide to ensure your and others’ safety.
• You are not allowed to throw your rubbish and carve on the walls of the cave. Be a civil and polite visitor.

The wonderful experiences in Me Cung Cave is one of the best things you might have when visiting Halong Bay. If one day you find life too boring, why don’t you take a journey to Halong Bay and Me Cung Cave to enjoy your own peaceful moments? A lot of interesting things are waiting for you to explore!