The hidden Ho Ba Ham Cave in Cat Ba Island

24/10/2023

Located on the Đầu Bê Island cluster, Ba Hầm Lake is one of the most remote enclosed lakes in Lan Ha Bay, close to the vast ocean. Here, you can explore a magnificent system of lakes and subterranean caves created by nature.

From Cát Bà Island, it takes approximately 45-55 minutes by boat to reach Ba Hầm Lake. In addition to its mysterious cave and lake system, this area also features numerous pristine sandy beaches and a tranquil floating fishing village.

Ba Hầm Lake is a complex of three saltwater lakes, each connected to the other through three narrow and winding cave passages. This unique arrangement of lakes and caves is what gives it the name "Ba Hầm," which translates to "Three Palaces."

The Ba Hầm Lake system consists of the following three saltwater lakes:

Ba Hầm Lake 1: This lake covers an area of 4.2 hectares, making it the second-largest of the three lakes. It has an average depth of 2-5 meters and is surrounded by limestone mountains with diverse vegetation. The water in this lake is clear and supports various marine plant and animal life.

Ba Hầm Lake 2: This lake is the largest among the three, spanning an area of 23.2 hectares. It boasts an average depth of 10-15 meters and is encircled by limestone mountains with a diverse range of vegetation. The underwater ecosystem here is rich and teeming with marine life.

Ba Hầm Lake 3: This is the smallest of the three lakes, covering an area of only 1.05 hectares. It has an average depth of 2-4 meters and, like the others, is surrounded by limestone mountains with diverse vegetation and marine life.

The entire complex of Ba Hầm Lakes and the connecting caves offers a stunning and unique natural experience for visitors to explore and appreciate.

The three connecting caves (hầm) at Ba Hầm Lake are divided as follows:

First Cave: This cave serves as the entrance from the outside into Ba Hầm Lake 1. It is approximately 120 meters long, with a wide entrance measuring 27 meters. The cave can become submerged during high tides, so visitors must wait for the tide to recede before entering.

Second Cave: This cave connects Ba Hầm Lake 1 and Lake 2 and is around 40 meters in length and 15 meters wide. Similar to the first cave, it may be submerged during high tides, requiring visitors to wait for the tide to recede to pass through.

Third Cave: This cave links Ba Hầm Lake 1 and Lake 3 and has a length of about 50 meters and a width of 5 meters.

The narrow and winding nature of these caves, combined with the tidal fluctuations, creates an exciting and challenging experience for visitors exploring the Ba Hầm Lake complex.

A kayaking adventure is the best way to explore Ba Hầm Lake. From Bèo Wharf, you'll board a boat and tow the kayaks across a wide area of rough seas to reach Đầu Bê Island. As you approach the island, the waves will diminish, allowing you to paddle the kayaks through small channels between the rugged islands. The timing of your visit to the caves depends on the tidal schedule and can be either in the morning or in the afternoon. You can only enter the caves when the tide is at its lowest point. It's not possible to enter the caves during the rising tide, falling tide, or at high tide.

After exploring the caves, you'll have time to visit a floating fishing village or relax on secluded beaches. Lunch, featuring delicious fresh seafood, will be served on the boat along with refreshing beverages.

Ba Hầm Lake is not a common tourist destination, and its name might be unfamiliar to many people. As a result, this place remains remote, pristine, and tranquil throughout the year, making it a unique and less-visited location for those seeking an unspoiled natural experience.