Place Trung Trang Cave (Cat Ba)

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Located approximately 12 km from the Cát Bà tourist center and 1 km south of Cát Bà National Park's center on the way to Cát Bà Town, Trung Trang Cave is one of the largest and most representative caves within the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Annually, it attracts tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors. Alongside other caves, such as Cái Bèo and Eo Bùa, Trung Trang Cave contains evidence of ancient Vietnamese settlements dating back over 6,000 years.

Trung Trang Cave, also known locally as Bat Cave due to its thousands of bats, has played a significant role in local history. During the American War, the cave was used by a naval unit as a communications post, hence the name "Navy Cave."
 

The cave was formed millions of years ago through the process of karst rock fracture, uplift, and tidal changes, which created underground flows that eroded and hollowed out the limestone, forming a 300-meter-long cave with countless fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.

Stalactites are formed from calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and other minerals deposited from mineral-rich water. Limestone, which contains calcium carbonate, dissolves in water with carbon dioxide, forming calcium hydroxide (CaHCO₃). This solution seeps through rock cracks and drips, leaving behind thin layers of calcium. Stalactites grow at a rate of 0.13 mm per year, with the fastest growth occurring in areas with abundant calcium carbonate and CO₂, reaching up to 3 mm per year. Each drop leaves a thin ring of calcium, gradually forming a hollow tube called a stalactite, which can grow long but is fragile.

If blocked by debris, water starts flowing outside, depositing more calcium and forming the familiar cone-shaped stalactites. Over time, these formations can fuse to create columns of rock.

As visitors enter Trung Trang Cave, they are awestruck by its stunning beauty and the unique natural formations. Legend has it that Cát Bà Island was a beautiful and strategically important area often invaded by foreign forces. To protect the island, a deity known as Bà Chúa Trung Trang rallied local men to repel the invaders. Afterward, Bà Chúa Trung Trang retreated to the cave to meditate and protect the islanders.

Inside the cave, visitors encounter various formations, including a statue of a maiden against the cave wall, a python-shaped figure guarding the cave entrance, and formations resembling mythical creatures and historical figures. The cave also features a natural map of Vietnam and the Cát Bà archipelago, ancient mummy-like formations, a crocodile pond, and resonant stone formations.

Further exploration reveals pathways leading to "Heaven's Gate" and "Underworld" with mysterious features, including footprints believed to be from Bà Chúa Trung Trang's martial arts practice. Visitors can also see the endangered Cat Ba Langur, a unique species native to Cát Bà Island, and a treasured sword attributed to Bà Chúa Trung Trang, symbolizing the island's historical legacy.

Near the cave's entrance, visitors can view a shrine to Bà Chúa Trung Trang surrounded by ceremonial elephants and serpents, adding to the cave's mystical and majestic aura.

Trung Trang Cave is renowned for its natural beauty and geological value, earning high praise from both domestic and international speleologists. It also serves as a unique habitat for various species and holds historical significance from the American War, featuring remnants such as water tanks and meeting rooms used by the naval unit.

After exploring the cave, visitors can enjoy the diverse flora of Cát Bà National Park and continue their journey to explore the park's other attractions.