Luon Cave is one of the attractions with poetic and peaceful natural scenery that is attracting a large number of young explorers. Located on Bo Hon Island, in the southern part of Ha Long Bay, it takes only about 20 minutes (14 km) to reach Luon Cave from Tuan Chau Island or Bai Chay.
Unlike other caves, to visit Luon Cave in Quang Ninh, you cannot walk but must travel by boat because the cave’s floor is submerged in water and opens to the sea. Positioned in a very special location, Luon Cave is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery with clouds, mountains, and lush greenery. The archway of the cave, naturally shaped and about 60 meters long, always casts its reflection on the cool blue sea, with charming boats passing by, creating a stunning watercolor painting.
1. When is the best time to visit Luon Cave?
To have the most fulfilling experience exploring Luon Cave and Ha Long Bay, choosing the right time to visit is crucial. According to the experiences of many travelers, the best time to visit Luon Cave is from April to June each year.
At this time, summer is in full swing, the weather in Ha Long Bay is quite warm, with beautiful sunshine and calm seas, making travel convenient. Additionally, visiting Luon Cave during this period allows you to capture beautiful moments on the sea and take home unique photos.
2. How to get to Luon Cave
Currently, transportation is increasingly developed, making it easier to move from one location to another. Especially in places with many famous tourist attractions like Ha Long, Quang Ninh, transportation has seen significant investment.
Therefore, getting to Luon Cave is not difficult; you can choose one of two ways:
Option 1: From the center of Ha Long City, it takes about 10 minutes on National Highway 18 to Bai Chay Ferry, then take a boat or hire a vessel to Luon Cave. Note: The visiting hours on the bay are from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and the boat trip duration is 6 to 8 hours. So, be sure to time your boat rental to return to the mainland on time!
Option 2: If you prefer not to prepare or spend time researching and booking, you can choose to go on a tour or book a cruise with a set itinerary. Most tour operators in Ha Long and Quang Ninh offer tours to Ha Long Bay that include visits to Luon Cave. You just need to book the tour, and the organizing company will take care of everything else for you.
3. Costs for visiting Luon Cave
To make your trip truly perfect, financial preparation is also quite important. If you need to budget for your trip, here are some cost items to consider:
Entrance fee (mandatory): 290,000 VND/person
Boat rental: ~200,000 VND
Lunch on the boat (menu selection): 150,000 – 250,000 VND/person
Depending on the season, the costs for visiting and renting boats may vary. Be sure to check before your trip to estimate your expenses accurately. Don’t forget to negotiate the boat rental prices before starting your journey.
4. What to do while visiting Luon Cave, Quang Ninh?
During your exploration of Luon Cave, if you have the chance to experience the following activities, you will surely have a memorable trip.
4.1. Kayaking
If you want a unique experience, to immerse yourself in nature by touching the sea water or observing the stalactites under the arch of Luon Cave, don’t miss the kayaking experience. Rent a kayak for only 50,000 VND for a round trip for two people, and together you can navigate through the cave, discovering the interesting features that nature has bestowed upon this place and many surprises waiting at the end of the cave.
4.2. Taking a boat to explore the picturesque beauty of Luon Cave
Taking a boat to explore the beauty of Luon Cave is a suitable suggestion for larger groups. You will have a boatman accompanying you, allowing for comfortable conversation while listening to interesting stories shared by the boatman. The boat rental price is about 30,000 VND per person for a round trip; if you are in a large group or rent 2-3 boats at the same time, you can negotiate a lower price!
4.3. Watching the cute golden monkeys – the ambassadors of Luon Cave
Observing the adorable golden monkeys is one of the exciting experiences that attract many visitors, from children to adults. About 50 golden monkeys can be seen climbing on the cliffs surrounding Luon Cave. If you enjoy this activity, don’t forget to bring a wide-angle camera and binoculars to observe and capture unique photos.
Prepare appropriate clothing for your trip to Luon Cave.
To save costs and avoid being overcharged, you should negotiate the boat rental prices before starting your sightseeing journey.
Most activities at Luon Cave only take place during the day, so visitors should consider and book hotel rooms in advance for convenient travel.
