Hoa Cuong Cave
Hoa Cuong Cave is situated on the side of Cat Ba Island, adjacent to Ha Long Bay, and also serves as the ferry terminal connecting to Tuan Chau in Quang Ninh. Visiting Gia Luan is akin to entering a harmonious blend of mountain and water, within the biosphere reserve of the Cat Ba Archipelago World. The cave is located in the northeast mountain range of the Cat Ba Archipelago, with an elevation of about 15-20 meters above the residential area and 50 meters above sea level. The cave’s height is approximately 10 meters, with its widest point being 25 meters and a length of about 100 meters. Inside the cave entrance, there are numerous stalactites and stalagmites resembling exquisite sculptures bestowed by nature. Beneath the cave floor lies a small lake, adding to the mystical atmosphere when illuminated by sunlight. The various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites evoke images of characters from fairy tales or miniature villages, resembling the Cat Ba Archipelago within the cave.
What makes Hoa Cuong Cave even more special is that archaeologists have excavated and discovered a fossilized tooth of an ancient primate dating back 100,000 years. This fossilized tooth of an ancient primate is a significant discovery on our territory, along with other fossil specimens found in Kéo Lèng Cave in Lang Son province and caves in Yên Lạc, Hoa Binh. This discovery provides evidence of the existence of ancient primates on Cat Ba Island tens of thousands of years ago, a topic that scientists have debated for centuries regarding the distribution of areas where ancient primates lived. Hoa Cuong Cave needs to be protected as a national heritage site. Despite its proximity to residential areas, Hoa Cuong Cave remains largely untouched by human intervention. With its highly convenient geographical location and transportation system, Hoa Cuong Cave is an ideal destination for travelers interested in archaeological tourism. The Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Department of the island district has research and introduction programs for tourists within the archaeological tourism system of Cat Ba Island, including Hoa Cuong Cave.