Amongst clouds and sky of beautiful Halong Bay, there is a cave called very rustic name: Hang Dau Go (Driftwood Cave). According to ancient legend, in the war against the Mongol invaders, Tran Hung Dao prepared many ironwood stakes here to plug into the Bach Dang River creating a well-known aquatic war in history. Then, there were many pieces of wood left, therefore, this place is named Dau Go Cave. There is another name for this cave, Giau Go (Hidden Wood Cave) because according to legend this is where Tran Hung Dao hid ironwood stakes in preparation for Bach Dang battle against Mongolia enemy. Actually, there are a lot of versions talking about the name of the cave but the reality is not clear. However, these different legendary stories maybe make people curious and want to explore Dau Go cave in their Halong Bay tour.
The cave is located on Dau Go island. Looking back from a far distance, the cave is blue with a jellyfish shape. Visitors will go through 90 stone steps to get to the entrance of the cave. The vault of the cave is about 25 meters high, from above, hundreds of giant stalactites hang down like a strange torrent.
With approximately 5000m2 width, the cave is divided into three main compartments. The outside section has an arch shape with natural light. The ceiling of the cave is an enormous oil painting which describes the unspoiled natural landscape with forests of colorful stalagmites, stalactites that create many strange shapes depending on the rich imagination of each person such as the elephants foraging for food, the bewildered deer, sleeping lions as well as a turtle swimming in a vast pool. Standing under the vault of the cave, tourists will feel like standing in the middle of an ancient castle with massive and magnificent architecture. Passing the first sections through a narrow door, visitors will enter the second compartment of the cave. The light here is faded; the paintings appear mysterious and glittering. The stone inflorescences are in turn visible and invisible. The both familiar and unfamiliar images make people scared but curious as well. Going to the third stop of the cave, the cave is suddenly expanded. The bottom of the cave is a fresh-water well that is clear during four seasons. Looking up at the top in the dim light, visitors would realize that the surrounding area is the image of the old citadel where is taking place a war of elephants, horses. People and horses are crowded , swords are bristling. It looks like all are heady and are suddenly petrified.
If the Heavenly Palace Cave is monumental, refined, modern, Dau Go Cave is quiet, majestic and very bulky. The cave has an ancient architectural complex carrying unspoiled and quiet beauty with a large number of stone columns, stone pillars, petite stalagmites soaring as if rising up to the sky. After long tiring trips around modern cities like Hanoi, visitors can spend time relaxing in Halong. This definitely is the best choice and the most valuable experience for tourists.
