Hospital Cave: A notable historical site in Hai Phong

Contents

Hospital Cave emerges as a poignant relic of the country’s tumultuous past (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Hospital Cave in Hai Phong

• Address: Hai Son Hamlet, Tran Chau Commune, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Ticket prices: 80,000 VND (for adults) | 40,000 VND (for children under 1.2 meters tall)

Hospital Cave is one of the most remarkable among the caves scattered around Cat Ba Island. Situated deep within a mountain, the cave was repurposed into a makeshift field hospital during the escalating conflict with the Americans from 1963 to 1965. As bombings intensified in the region, the cave provided shelter from the relentless bombardment. Henceforth, the locals refer to it as Hospital Cave, symbolizing its historical significance.

Explore: Vietnam caves: TOP 11 breathtaking sites for an amazing expedition

2. Explore the outstanding structure of Hospital Cave

In addition to its historical significance, Cat Ba Hospital Cave is also known for its ingenious design. The cave’s entrance is accessible via a wooden staircase, designed for secrecy during wartime. Constructed primarily of reinforced concrete, the cave features a sturdy iron door spanning its entrance, ingeniously curved to deflect bomb impacts.

Hospital Cave Cat Ba stands out as one of the most notable caves dotting the Island (Source: Collected)

ALT: The hospital cave boasts a magnificent space

Inside, the cave comprises three levels with 17 rooms serving various functions. The first level houses essential facilities such as operating rooms, patient rooms, and medicine storages. The second and third levels consist of screening areas, examination areas, and living quarters. The system of lights throughout the cave facilitates efficient movement and patient care during wartime.

Read more: 13 things to do in Cat Ba to enjoy your time to the fullest

3. Great places to go near Hospital Cave

Beyond Hospital Cave, Cat Ba Island offers various other captivating attractions, from natural wonders to historical sites.

3.1. Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers diverse activities for visitors. You can go for mountain treks lasting from 4 to 8 hours or shorter trails under 2 hours. Additionally, you can explore the park by bicycle, motorbike, or car. Highlights include traversing the verdant Kim Giao Forest, ascending Ngu Lam Peak for panoramic vistas, witnessing nocturnal wildlife, and exploring caves.

3.2. Lan Ha Bay

Situated to the east of Cat Ba and proudly affiliated with the Club of The Most Beautiful Bays in the World, Lan Ha Bay boasts serene waters. To explore the bay, you can opt for tour packages, which are priced from 200,000 to 350,000 VND per person. These guided tours will help you explore the bay and local fishing villages, enjoy beach activities, and even engage in kayaking adventures.

Lan Ha Bay boasts serene waters (Source: Collected)

3.3. Cat Ba Cannon Fort

Like Hospital Cave, Cat Ba Cannon Fort is a well-preserved historical site. Built in the 1940s, it boasts two large cannons and a network of intact bunkers. The main attraction lies in its elevated location, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding bay, perfect for sunrise and sunset watching. 

3.4. Cat Co Beach

Visiting beaches is recommended for those with limited time to explore the islands beyond the bay. Cat Co Beach, in particular, attracts many visitors with its expansive, tranquil shore and clear, blue water.

3.5. Trung Trang Cave

Near Hospital Cave, visitors are invited to explore another cave extending approximately 300 meters through the mountain. Trung Trang Cave boasts a remarkable array of stalactites and stalagmites, which display a variety of shapes. It is believed to be around 6 million years old and is still evolving due to ongoing water erosion.

Trung Trang Cave is a highly recommended attraction (Source: Collected)

4. Guide for your trip to Hospital Cave

4.1. When is the best time to visit?

Tourists should plan their visit between March and October, as Cat Ba weather is typically favorable during this period with less rainfall. Moreover, the moderate temperatures will make the experience more enjoyable. 

4.2. How to get there?

Upon arriving in Hai Phong, go to the central town. From there, head towards Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal, then follow Cat Tien Road. Continue along 1/4 Street, Tung Dinh Street, and Tung Thu Street until you reach Hospital Cave Cat Ba.

After exploring historical sites, it is time to enjoy some entertainment in Hai Phong. You can check out Vinpearl Horse Academy Vu Yen, Vietnam’s first international-standard equestrian academy. This academy welcomes visitors with a diverse array of rare horses from across the globe, totaling in the hundreds. Here, enthusiasts of equine pursuits can partake in leisurely activities and immerse themselves in the rich culture of horsemanship. There are engaging activities like picnicking, horse riding, and dressing oneself up as iconic royal figures.

Visitor can take part in horse riding sessions at Vinpearl House Academy Vu Yen

Whether you prefer exploring its wartime role as a field hospital, marveling at its architectural ingenuity, or simply admiring the scenic surroundings, Hospital Cave offers a poignant reminder of the challenges faced and overcome throughout history.

Apart from Hai Phong, Vietnam travel offers an abundance of other captivating destinations, where travelers can revel in natural splendor and cultural heritage. Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc emerge as some of the country’s most extraordinary destinations, each boasting its distinct charm.

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