Hang Sung Sot, Halong Bay, Vietnam

What happens when you take Vegas lights and apply liberally to a natural wonder? Well the result is a little like what’s going on over at Hang Sung Sot, or “Surprise Cave” in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Tarted up like a Russian hooker, or like my friend Lisa back home says, “a tropical fish with a hangover,” Surprise Cave is a massive draw in northern Vietnam.
Streams of day-trippers and Halong Bay cruisers make their way here to catch a glimpse of the stunning stalactites and stalagmites housed within. Lighting aside, Hang Sung Sot is spectacular. Lonely Planet recently named Vietnam as one of their Top 10 destinations for cheap holidays in 2012, and with plenty of inexpensive sights like Surprise Cave to keep you occupied, it’s easy to see why.

There are three grottoes within the cave.  The first is the smallest…



































Remember our friend Kevin from Cork, Ireland? Some of his friends have been at work here as well. But most of them are his ancestors from the 19th century. Graffiti is hard to escape anywhere you go.







I expected Cirque du Soleil to descend from the ceiling at any moment.



Another surprise in this cave – this garbage can doesn’t know if it’s a dolphin, a whale, or a penguin.  Still cute as heck though.



As you exit Surprise Cave, you are greeted with a sweeping view of Halong Bay.



So what exactly is the surprise? I’m not going to ruin it for you, but let’s just say that if you’re bringing small children, you may want to shield their eyes.