Halong Bay and Dau Go Cave (continued)

After we had lunch, took a million (not really) photos, oohed and aahed over every rock formation, we arrived at the boating area.

Our tourist guide, Tony explained that the government has been trying to get the locals to stay put in the main island where they could work. But some locals are fishermen and boaters at heart so they try to make a living touring visitors in the bay.

I wanted to get one of the boats but we just decided to stay put and take more photos!

We only stayed 30 minutes in this area where people can get on boats and kayak. Then off we went to see the cave.

Above is the rock formation found in the 200,000 VND bill. 🙂

Below is one of the famous rock formations seen on postcards called the Kissing Chickens or Fighting Roosters.

There were lots of interesting rock formations and it was really a sight to see!

Then we arrived at the entrance of the cave.

It was the low season according to Tony but in my opinion this was a lot of tourists.

It was a difficult climb to the cave’s entrance. I was literally huffing and puffing. So once we entered the cool cave, I was very happy!

Initially, I was afraid for my kids that they might stumble and fall. But we found out that the walkways were paved to avoid accidents.

This cave was discovered in 1993. The same year as the law firm I work for was founded — just a trivia. Haha.

It was said that the local who discovered the cave saw a monkey enter through this hole above called the “Heaven’s Gate”.

This place is really awesome marred only by the multi-colored lights. 😛

It was said that the “breast” below represented prosperity — that’s why visitors would usually touch it. 😛

My 4 year old son thought that this area below is holy water. So he dipped his fingers and made the sign of the cross. 😀

Focus on the red dot on the photo below and see the image of a dragon.

We would have loved to stay longer in the cave but we had a schedule to follow. But if you happen to be in Hanoi, it is worth the long drive to visit Halong Bay.

If you like witnessing the sunrise and sunset, I imagine it’d be a terrific staying here. But for us with kids, I think our 4 hour trip was just right.