Explore Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Uncover Vietnam War history and Lan Ha Bay beauty. Book now with a $99 deposit!
Capture the wartime legacy of Cat Ba’s cultural gem (Source: Internet)
Photograph the natural allure of Cat Ba’s heritage (Source: Internet)Hospital Cave, also known as Quan Y Cave, is a remarkable historical site on Cat Ba Island, located 13 km northwest of Cat Ba Town in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. Built between 1963 and 1965 during the Vietnam War, this three-story, bomb-proof facility served as a secret military hospital and safe house for Viet Cong leaders, hidden within the limestone mountains of Cat Ba National Park. Part of the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, the cave’s 17 rooms, including an operating theater and cinema, reflect extraordinary engineering, supported by Chinese assistance. Today, it’s a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts, offering insights into Vietnam’s wartime resilience. Legend Travel Group, a trusted local tour operator, offers eco-friendly tours to explore Hospital Cave, combining historical discovery with Cat Ba’s natural beauty and supporting the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
Contact Information:
Address: Khe Sau Area, Tran Chau Commune, Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 225 368 8981 (via Cat Ba National Park)
Email: info@legendtravelgroup.com
Website: www.legendtravelgroup.com
Hospital Cave, originally named Hung Son Cave after a Tran Dynasty general, was transformed into a military hospital during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) to treat wounded soldiers and shelter locals from American bombings. Its strategic location, concealed within limestone karsts, made it invisible from air or ground, ensuring safety during relentless attacks. Key historical highlights include:
Construction (1963-1965): Built with Chinese aid, the cave features reinforced concrete, three floors, and 17 rooms, including operating theaters, wards, and a cinema.
Wartime Role: Served as a hospital for hundreds of patients and a safe house for Viet Cong leaders, with narrow passages and iron doors to deter enemy attacks.
Post-War Legacy: Abandoned in 1975, it became a tourist attraction, recognized for its historical and architectural value. It also serves as a typhoon shelter for locals.
Cultural Impact: The cave symbolizes Vietnam’s resilience, with wartime posters and relics evoking the era’s struggles.
Located on the road to Cat Ba National Park, Hospital Cave is easily accessible and offers a 30-45 minute guided tour. The cave’s structure includes:
First Floor: Concrete-built main area with 14 rooms, including operating theaters, medicine rooms, and wards. Two iron doors at the rear provide escape routes.
Second Floor: Smaller, with natural rock walls, housing a cinema, swimming pool, and training areas.
Third Floor: Restricted access, used for Viet Cong leaders’ offices and guard rooms.
Features: Ventilation shafts, drainage systems, and stalactite formations create a mysterious atmosphere.
Entrance Fee: $1.70/adult, $0.85/child. Guided tours cost an additional $1.30 for detailed historical insights.
Enhance your visit with nearby attractions:
Cat Ba National Park: Trek the Ngu Lam Peak Trail (1.5 km, $3.50 entrance) to spot rare flora and fauna, just 2 km from the cave.
Trung Trang Cave: Explore 300 meters of stalactites 2 km north ($3.40/ticket).
Lan Ha Bay: Cruise or kayak among 400+ islets (tours from $99), 10 km south.
Cai Beo Fishing Village: Discover 7,000-year-old fishing culture via boat tour ($10-$15), 15 km away.
Begin your Cat Ba Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Our sustainable tours combine Hospital Cave’s history with Cat Ba’s natural wonders, supporting the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project. All prices are in USD, including transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and eco-friendly activities.
2-Day Hospital Cave and Lan Ha Bay Adventure
Price: $159 per person (group of 4+); $209 per person (private tour)
Highlights: Tour Hospital Cave, visit Cannon Fort, cruise Lan Ha Bay, and kayak at Ba Trai Dao Beach. Includes a Viet Hai Village homestay and conservation donation.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Transfer to Cat Ba, Hospital Cave and Cannon Fort ($3.50/ticket), Lan Ha Bay cruise. Day 2 - Kayaking, Viet Hai visit, return.
3-Day Cat Ba Historical and Wildlife Discovery
Price: $259 per person (group of 4+); $309 per person (private tour)
Highlights: Explore Hospital Cave, Cai Beo Floating Village, and Trung Trang Cave, trek Cat Ba National Park, and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong. Includes seafood meals.
Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrival, Hospital Cave, Cai Beo tour ($10-$15). Day 2 - Lan Ha Bay cruise, kayaking. Day 3 - National Park trek, Cuc Phuong visit.
1-Day Hospital Cave and Historical Eco-Tour
Price: $99 per person (full-day)
Highlights: Guided tour of Hospital Cave, visit Cannon Fort, and a wildlife talk about the Cat Ba Langur. Includes lunch and park fees.
Itinerary: Morning Hospital Cave and Cannon Fort, afternoon wildlife talk and return.
Booking Information: Secure your tour with a $99 deposit via our website (www.legend.travel). Flexible cancellations up to 7 days before departure. Single travelers pay 65-75% of double-occupancy rates for private tours. Contact us for custom itineraries or group discounts.
Hospital Cave is 13 km from Cat Ba Town, accessible via:
From Hanoi (150 km, 3-4 hours): Take a tourist bus to Hai Phong (2 hours, $10-$15), then a ferry from Got Wharf to Cai Vieng Pier ($10-$15, 45 minutes) or Cat Ba Cable Car ($6.50-$10, 10 minutes). From Cai Vieng, a taxi ($5-$10, 20 minutes) or motorbike ($6-$8/day) reaches the cave. Combined bus-ferry tickets cost $20-$25.
From Hai Phong (30 km, 1 hour): Board a speedboat or ferry from Binh Wharf to Cai Vieng ($10-$15, 45 minutes), then a taxi or motorbike. Private speedboats for 1-4 people cost $35.
From Ha Long Bay (25 km, 1-1.5 hours): Ferry from Tuan Chau Island to Gia Luan Port (30 minutes, $10-$15), then a taxi ($10-$15, 30 minutes).
From Cat Ba Town: Rent a motorbike ($6-$8/day, 20 minutes), bicycle ($3-$5/day, 45 minutes), or take a taxi ($7-$10 one-way). Shuttle buses from Cat Ba Town to Gia Luan dock stop near the cave ($2-$3, check schedules at hotels).
Legend Travel Group’s Tours: All packages include round-trip transfers from Hanoi, Hai Phong, or Cat Ba Town, starting at $99.
Cat Ba Island Hai Phong City (Source: Internet)Visit from March to October for dry, pleasant weather (25°C-32°C), ideal for cave exploration and outdoor activities. September to November offers milder conditions and fewer crowds. Avoid winter months (December-February) due to cooler temperatures and limited services, which may affect the experience. Check weather updates, as tropical storms can occur from June to September.
Book Early: Reserve tours and accommodations 2-3 months in advance, especially for March-October, to secure the best rates.
Eco-Conscious Travel: Avoid touching stalactites or leaving trash to preserve the cave. Support conservation by choosing our eco-tours.
Dress Appropriately: Wear light clothing and sturdy shoes for uneven terrain. Bring a flashlight for darker areas.
Safety: Follow guide instructions, as the cave has steep steps and narrow passages. Avoid visiting alone at dusk.
Dining: Enjoy seafood at Green Bamboo or Vien Vuong Restaurant in Cat Ba Town ($5-$15/meal). Pack water for the cave visit.
Crowd Avoidance: Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds, especially during Vietnamese holidays (April 30, May 1, September 2).
Historical Context: Casualty figures cited in some tours (e.g., 4 million) may be inflated; official estimates range from 1-2 million Vietnamese deaths. Cross-reference with reputable sources for accuracy.
Legend Travel Group, a local tour operator dedicated to sustainable tourism, partners with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project to protect Cat Ba’s ecosystems. With over a decade of expertise, we offer personalized itineraries, expert guides, and seamless logistics, ensuring an unforgettable and responsible adventure. Our Cat Ba Tours blend Hospital Cave’s historical significance with Cat Ba’s natural and cultural treasures, creating a unique experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours at www.legend.travel and book your eco-journey today!
Book Now: Uncover the history of Hospital Cave with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Secure your adventure with a $99 deposit at www.legend.travel and explore Vietnam’s wartime legacy sustainably!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
