Kim
Quy Grotto or Golden
Tortoise Grotto is
situated on Dâm Nam
Islet, with a peak
187 m above sea
level. Dâm Bac Islet
is in the front of
the grotto and Soi
Sim Islet in the
back.
The grotto is 100 m
long and 5 to 10 m
wide, running in a
north-south
direction.
A narrow way leads
to the interior of
the grotto where a
stream flows. The
stalactites here are
snow-white and
lightly hang from
the ceiling.
It is linked to the
ancient legend of
the Golden Tortoise:
after having helped
Emperor Lê Loi
defeat his enemies,
the Golden Tortoise
took back the magic
sword he had given
him, and swam
towards the sea.
Arriving in Hạ Long
Bay, it met with so
many evil spirits
and demons hindering
its journey that it
remained to do
battle. After having
defeated them all,
the Golden Tortoise
was so exhausted
that it searched for
a grotto to rest in,
and once inside,
turned to stone.
Today in the grotto,
it can be found
dozing, still with
ancient wounds
covering its body.