Trinh Nu Cave: A Guide To The “Virgin Cave”
Location
Trinh Nu Cave is located east of Bo Hon Island, approximately 15 km south of Bai Chay beach and 3 km from Sung Sot Cave. In English, it is often referred to as "Virgin Cave" and is considered the heart of Halong Bay's love story, steeped in the romantic legend it embodies.
Trinh Nu Cave (Photo: wiki-travel.com.vn)
A Legend
According to local legend, long ago, a beautiful fisherman's daughter caught the eye of a wealthy landlord who proposed she become his concubine. She firmly rejected his advances as she was already betrothed. Enraged by her refusal, the landlord exiled her to a remote island.
Meanwhile, her fiancé was out at sea, gathering fish to save for their wedding. Upon hearing of her exile, he set out on a quest across Halong Bay to find her. Tragically, during a fierce storm, his boat was wrecked. Clinging to debris, he was swept away to the island where his beloved was isolated.
Photo: Coffeetour.com.vn
Seeking shelter in a cave, he caught sight of his love through the opening of an opposite cave. In desperate attempts to make her hear him, he called out, but the wind carried his words away. Resorting to banging a rock against the cliffs for attention, he did not realize that by the time he reached her, she had already been turned to stone out of fear. Blinded by his grief and frustration, he continued to strike the rock until his hands bled, ultimately succumbing to the same fate and turning to stone himself.
Visitors to Trinh Nu Cave today can view a stone figure in the middle of the cave, gazing hopefully out to sea. This figure represents the fisherman’s daughter. Across from her in Trong Cave lies the stone figure of her lost lover. Despite the tragic nature of Trinh Nu’s legend, the area is undeniably beautiful, offering opportunities for tourists to unwind at the pristine Trinh Nu beach, known for its clear turquoise waters and serene surroundings.
