Dau Go Cave (Hang Dau Go)
Ha Long Bay Quang Ninh, Cát Hai, Hai Phòng, Northern Vietnam
Just half a mile (800 meters from Tuan Chau Pier, Dau Go Cave (Hang Đầu Gỗ is one of Halong Bay’s most popular caves, praised by colonial-era tourists and Vietnamese emperors alike. Ninety steps lead from the jetty to three distinct chambers, dripping with stalactites: the last, which is colorfully lit, boasts a freshwater lake.
The basics
The Dau Go caves take their name, which roughly translates as “wooden heads”, from the 13th-century Mongol-Chinese invasions of Vietnam: Locals used the caves to store sharpened stakes to sink the Mongol ships. Part of the same system as neighboring Thien Cung caves (Dong Thien Cung), they’re some of Halong Bay’s largest caves, with ceiling heights of up to 80 feet (25 meters). Most travelers visit during Halong Bay day cruises: Dau Go Island is just minutes from Tuan Chau Pier.
Things to know before you go
- There’s no charge to visit Đầu Gỗ Cave.
- Helmets and flashlights are not standard on Halong Bay cave tours.
- Neither Halong Bay cruise boats nor the Dau Go caves are stroller-friendly.
- The Dau Go caves are not wheelchair-accessible.
How to get there
The Dau Go caves are on Dau Go Island in Halong Bay, roughly half a mile (800 meters) east of the Tuan Chau jetty. It’s usually smaller day cruise boats that visit here.
When to get there
During Halong Bay’s busy summer season (roughly, June through August), lines for Dau Go Cave can be long. Plan to visit in October or November for a more mellow experience.
Should I Visit Bo Hon Island or Dau Go Island?
Dau Go Island is home to two sets of caves: Thien Cung Cave, a dry cave reached by a hike through the jungle, and Dau Go caves. But another popular cave island in Halong Bay is Bo Hon Island. Choose between Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt), Halong Bay’s biggest dry cave, and Luon Cave, a dramatic sea cave reached only by kayaks or local rowboats.
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