Me Cung Cave, as enchanting and mysterious as its name suggests, is always a popular destination that attracts numerous visitors to explore and discover. Once you step inside, you’ll truly enter a unique labyrinth, breathtakingly beautiful from every angle, making you forget all about finding your way out. A journey to explore the caves in Ha Long Bay would be incomplete without visiting this magnificent cave.
Me Cung Cave: Overview
1.1 Location of Me Cung Cave
Me Cung Cave is an attractive destination on route 2 of Ha Long Bay, along with Soi Sim Island, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Ho Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, and Trinh Nu Cave. With its mysterious beauty and historical and cultural value, Me Cung Cave particularly attracts visitors who love to explore. Inside the cave, visitors feel like they are lost in an ancient, magnificent palace underground.
Located on Lom Bo Island, about 2km southwest of Ti Top Island, Me Cung Cave is situated at an altitude of 25m above sea level. It is one of the important archaeological sites of the early Ha Long culture – a period of the Soi Nhu culture.
1.2 History of Me Cung Cave
Me Cung Cave is located in the absolute protection zone of the World Heritage Site – Ha Long Bay. The cave has a complex structure with many levels, compartments, and niches spread wide under the stone roof. A corridor more than 100m long to the west leads down to a small lake, called Me Cung Lake. The cave entrance faces east and has a flat area of 40m2.
Archaeologists have identified Me Cung Cave as a site belonging to the pre-Ha Long culture, dating back 7,000 to 10,000 years. The remains found in the cave include Melania snail shells (which only live in streams) and stone tools believed to be spearheads of prehistoric people, used for hunting and self-defense.
What’s special inside Me Cung Cave?
Instead of just hearing or reading about the pre-Ha Long culture dating back 7,000 to 10,000 years, visitors to Me Cung Cave can witness with their own eyes the layers of seashells still clinging to the cave walls. They can see and learn about the dwelling places and lifestyles of prehistoric people all in one visit.
Following the stone steps winding around the mountain, visitors enter the cave landscape inside the mountain. Squeezing through a small opening at the cave entrance, visitors will step deep into Me Cung Cave to admire many stalactites with fantastic shapes. The cave is also notable for its large stone pillars formed over tens of thousands of years.
Right below your feet, you will feel the clear blue water of Me Cung Lake. All of this creates the most perfect picture of nature. There are rocks, lakes, colors, and scents, creating a peaceful yet poetic space. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a favorite scenic stop for visitors.
Inside the cave, there’s also a system of stone curtains that undulate like shimmering waves, glistening under the lights. The vast space with the high ceiling creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors. Along the path of exploring the cave, visitors will have to pass through points where the ceiling lowers and narrows, requiring them to squeeze through.
The scenic value, cultural and historical significance, and the range of emotions experienced are what captivate visitors when they visit this destination. The stalactites shaped like statues, beautiful patterns, and colorful clusters hanging from the cave ceiling, along with many other uniquely shaped stalactites, add a touch of magic to this beautiful cave painting.
The path of exploring the cave may be challenging, but in return, you’ll gain knowledge and witness firsthand the unparalleled grandeur. Missing this location when visiting Ha Long Bay would be a huge omission in your journey of discovery.
The Archaeological Value of Me Cung Cave
The entrance of Me Cung Cave faces east and features a spacious, flat area of 40m2. Archaeologists believe this area, with its dry and airy conditions and a system of discreet small caves at the back, was an ideal rock shelter for human habitation. Above the rock shelter, four layers of shell deposits, including both freshwater and mountain snails, ranging from 60-150cm thick, have been discovered.
In addition to snail shells, Me Cung Cave also contains fragments of mussel, clam, and oyster shells, along with fossilized or semi-fossilized animal bones. These were all found in a deep, hidden corner of the cave. In the future, thorough research on these animal bones will provide valuable insights into the living environment, resources exploited, dietary habits, and even the spiritual beliefs of prehistoric people.
With its archaeological significance, unique geological formations, and breathtaking scenery, Me Cung Cave adds diversity and appeal to your Ha Long Bay exploration, especially for those interested in history and culture.
Tips for Exploring this Attractive Destination
According to experienced travelers, the ideal time to explore Me Cung Cave is from April to June. During this period, Ha Long’s weather is at its best – dry and sunny, making your travel and sightseeing more convenient. To ensure a perfect trip, remember to pack appropriate clothing.
Opt for light, breathable clothes and comfortable sports shoes suitable for the diverse terrain of Ha Long Bay. Due to the unique topography of Me Cung Cave, with its rocky paths, consider choosing durable footwear that provides ample support throughout your journey.
Contribute to preserving the ecosystem of Ha Long Bay in general and Me Cung Cave in particular by refraining from littering or carving on the cave walls. Capture your memories through photographs instead of engaging in activities that harm the natural environment.
Me Cung Cave is a must-visit destination in Ha Long. It not only boasts poetic and picturesque beauty but also preserves historical and cultural values spanning thousands of years. Undoubtedly, it will be an unforgettable highlight of your Ha Long Bay exploration.