ℹ️ Info – Hospital Cave
🚍 How to get to the cave
☀️ When to visit this cave
🏡 Hotels in Cat Ba town
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips
📸 Photos from the cave
The Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) is in the southern part of Cat Ba Island.
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- Cat Ba Island in Quang Ninh Province is a popular tourist island in northern Vietnam. Its city Cat Ba is located about 160 km from Hanoi, if you go by bus + boat transfer via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau near the city of Ha Long. In recent years, it has changed considerably and various hotels and resorts have been build, as well as private beaches by the sea. Cat Ba Island also offers historical sites such as the easily accessible Cannon Fort above Cat Ba town or the so-called Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y), which is located about 10 km north of Cat Ba town.
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- The Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) is located on the main road in the village of Trân Châu, this road crosses Cat Ba Island from north to south into the city. So when exploring the island, for example, on the way to Cat Ba National Park, you can’t miss this place, so it’s worth considering visiting this place. It is a historic place for tourists and maintained, which will illustrate a small part of the war history, which took place on this island.
- The Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) is located on the main road in the village of Trân Châu, this road crosses Cat Ba Island from north to south into the city. So when exploring the island, for example, on the way to Cat Ba National Park, you can’t miss this place, so it’s worth considering visiting this place. It is a historic place for tourists and maintained, which will illustrate a small part of the war history, which took place on this island.
The Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) in Cat Ba was used during the Vietnam War.
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- The Vietnam War, a war conflict that took place between 1955 and 1975 in Vietnam and also at the borders of neighboring countries. It was between these years that the cave was used by the locals and the Viet Cong (National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam). In North Vietnam, the cave was used mainly during the bombing the northern part of the country and thus served the army, healing the wounded or hiding local residents and soldiers. The Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) on Cat Ba Island was built in 1963-1965. This cave served its purpose until the end of the Vietnam War, until 1975. Gradually, it was converted into a tourist historical monument.
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- In the Hospital Cave there were several rooms, infirmaries, a cinema / theater, office rooms for commanders, ammunition rooms and even a small pool. These rooms, bunkers and chambers are also open to tourists, so you have the opportunity to get a picture of what used to happen here and what everything looked like and what was used where and for what. Set aside 1 hour to visit the Hospital Cave, it is not a big place. Ticket for visiting Hospital Cave cost about 40,000 VND (may change over time), you can buy them at the spot, and before entering the complex you can park a motorcycle / scooter or bicycle in the paid parking lot.
How to get to the Hospital Cave in Cat Ba (Hang Quân Y)?
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- Hospital Cave is located in the southern part of Cat Ba Island. So the best way to get there is to travel to the town of Cat Ba, which is in the south of the island. You can get to Cat Ba Island, for example, from Hanoi by bus + boat via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Island. Boats to the Island depart from Hai Phong or Tuan Chau, either to the town of Cat Ba or to the northern and western part of the island. Various private bus companies from Hanoi to Cat Ba offer bus and boat or ferry tickets. The bus and boat ride from Hanoi to Cat Ba takes about 4 hours and tickets cost about 9-17 USD / pp. There is no airport on Cat Ba Island, so you can’t get there by air.
- From Hanoi to Hospital Cave – bus / minivan + boats via Hai Phong or Tuan Chau (Ha Long town).
- From Ha Long to Hospital Cave – by boat from Tuan Chau to the northern part of Cat Ba Island + bus to Cat Ba.
- From Hai Phong to Hospital Cave – by boat / ferry to the town of Cat Ba in the south.
- From Cat Ba town to Hospital Cave – by motorbike / scooter, bicycle or private taxi/car.
Tickets from Hanoi to Cat Ba ➜
What is the best time to visit Hospital Cave in Cat Ba Island?
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It probably depends on what you want to do on Cat Ba Island.You probably won’t get much swimming here in the winter and unfortunately there may be a monsoon rain in the summer season. Suitable months to visit the Hospital Caves on Cat Island can be September – November or spring months, theoretically you can swim in the sea during this period. If you do not want to swim, you can come in the winter, but there may be limited services and some hotels may be closed. The tourist season is in the summer. Read carefully this article: Weather in Cat Ba.
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It probably depends on what you want to do on Cat Ba Island.You probably won’t get much swimming here in the winter and unfortunately there may be a monsoon rain in the summer season. Suitable months to visit the Hospital Caves on Cat Island can be September – November or spring months, theoretically you can swim in the sea during this period. If you do not want to swim, you can come in the winter, but there may be limited services and some hotels may be closed. The tourist season is in the summer. Read carefully this article: Weather in Cat Ba.
▶ The best time to visit the Hospital Cave in Cat Ba – autumn or spring.
▶ The Hospital Cave is opened from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, all the week.
▶ In the winter time it is not very convenient to travel to Cat Ba Island.
Where to stay near the Hospital Cave in Cat Ba Island?
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- The best option is to choose accommodation in the town of Cat Ba, which is located about 10 km south of the Hospital Cave. Here are the most services, various hotels, cafes, restaurants, guesthouses and homestays right on the main street and harbor. Accommodation in Cat Ba can be cheap for low-cost travelers but also more expensive for demanding clients, depending on the type of hotel, resort or guesthouse. The offer of accommodation is quite wide, especially in the town of Cat Ba. Check this article > The Best Hotels in Cat Ba Island.
Tips for well rated accommodation in Cat Ba Island:
▶ Lang Chai Hotel
▶ Hoang Phuc Hotel
▶ CatBa Sunrise Hotel
▶ Minh Hieu Hotel
▶ Gieng Ngoc Hotel
▶ CatBa Palace Hotel
❓ Questions — Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong):
1. Where is the Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) located?
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- The hospital cave (Hang Quân Y) is located in the south of Cat Ba Island (Đảo Cát Bà), which is part of Ha Long Bay (in Quang Ninh Province, Hai Phong City), about 10 km north of Cat Ba town. The travel distance from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island is about 160 km by bus + boat through the city of Hai Phong. Cat Ba Island is the largest island of the Cat Ba archipelago, which includes another 367 smaller islands.
2. When was the Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) built and by whom?
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- The Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island was built between 1963 and 1965 and was used during the Vietnam War until 1975. It served mainly as a cover for the bombing of North Vietnam, as a soldier’s infirmary or for meetings of military commanders.
3. Why to visit Hospital Cave in Cat Ba Island?
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- This cave is very easily accessible from the main road that crosses the north and south of Cat Ba Island. It is a historic important military site on the island of Cat Ba and the legacy of the Vietnam War, which took place in 1955-1975.
4. How to get from Hanoi to Hospital Cave in Cat Ba Island?
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- The most suitable is the popular option of bus + ferry / boat via the city of Hai Phong or Tuan Chau Island. The journey in this way takes about 4 hours and tickets cost about 9-17 USD / pp. There are various tourist bus companies to Cat Ba Island, as well as private cars and taxis.
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- More info in this article > How to go from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island? From Cat Ba to Hospital Cave you can travel on motorbike / scooter, bicycle or use a private taxi / car.
5. What is the best time to visit the Hospital Cave in Cat Ba?
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- It is good to combine a visit tis place with the island, of course. If you want to swim it is better to avoid the winter months, during this time there may be limited services. The appropriate time may be spring or the months of September – October. In summer, it is necessary to count on a larger number of rain showers.
6. What is the entrance fee to the Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island?
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- Tickets for Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island are about 40,000 VND / pp. There is also paid parking for motorbikes and cars or bicycles. It is possible that the price of admission may change over time.
7. What is the opening time of the Hospital Cave in Cat Ba?
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- The official opening hours of the Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island are from 8 am to 5 pm throughout the week, please note that this time may change over time and season.
8. Where to stay near Hospital Cave in Cat Ba Island?
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- Cat Ba town is the largest base for tourists from which you can explore this island. There is a wide range of accommodation from hotels, guesthouses, homestays or resorts for more demanding tourists.
- You can choose from a wide range of accommodation > Book your stay in Cat Ba Island.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
Travel map of Cat Ba Island and Hospital Cave in Halong Bay:
(Hospital Cave is located about 10 km from the town of Cat Ba in the southern part of the island)
Hospital Cave (Hang Quân Y) in Cat Ba Island — Photos:
| Facts about Hospital Cave in Cat Ba: | Description |
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| 1. Remarkable Underground Complex: |
Hospital Cave is a remarkable underground complex located on Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam. This intriguing site served as a secret, fortified hospital during the American-Vietnam War (1955-1975). Its construction is a testament to the resourcefulness and determination of the Vietnamese people during that tumultuous period. |
| 2. Hidden Amidst Lush Jungle: |
Hospital Cave is hidden amidst lush jungle on Cat Ba Island, making it a fascinating and somewhat inconspicuous historical attraction. The natural surroundings of the cave create an idyllic setting, concealing the marvels that lie within. It is an excellent example of the harmonious integration of history and nature. |
| 3. Strategic Military Hospital: |
During the American-Vietnam War, Hospital Cave served as a strategic military hospital and safe haven. The cave’s location, deep within the island and its solid rock structure, provided protection against bombing raids and air attacks. It was crucial for treating wounded soldiers and housing high-ranking military officials. |
| 4. Multi-Level Medical Facility: |
Hospital Cave is a multi-level medical facility carved into the limestone rock of Cat Ba Island. The cave includes different chambers for surgery, patient care, and even living quarters for medical staff. It was equipped with rudimentary medical equipment and supplies, which reflected the challenging conditions of wartime healthcare. |
| 5. Ingenious Ventilation System: |
One of the engineering marvels of Hospital Cave is its ingenious ventilation system. The cave’s architects designed a network of tunnels and chimneys to ensure a constant supply of fresh air. This system not only provided a lifeline for those inside but also contributed to the cave’s ability to remain hidden from above. |
| 6. Hidden Amongst Rocks and Trees: |
From a distance, Hospital Cave appears as an unassuming rock formation, obscured by trees and shrubbery. This natural camouflage was intentional, as it helped protect the facility from aerial surveillance. Visitors to the cave can appreciate the cave’s ingenious concealment and explore its well-preserved chambers. |
| 7. Historical Artifacts and Exhibits: |
Hospital Cave now serves as a museum of sorts, with historical artifacts and exhibits on display. Visitors can view surgical instruments, medical supplies, and personal items left behind by the cave’s occupants. These artifacts offer a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced during wartime. |
| 8. Educational and Reflective Experience: |
A visit to Hospital Cave provides an educational and reflective experience. It offers insights into the hardships endured during the conflict and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. The cave’s role as a medical facility during a turbulent period in history is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of healthcare, even in times of war. |
| 9. Spectacular Island Views: |
In addition to its historical significance, Hospital Cave offers spectacular views of Cat Ba Island and the surrounding landscapes. As visitors explore the cave’s chambers and emerge onto its terraces, they are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the island’s coastal beauty, lush vegetation, and the azure waters of Lan Ha Bay. |
| 10. A Reminder of Resilience: |
Hospital Cave stands as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people during a challenging period in their history. Its preservation and accessibility allow visitors to pay tribute to the past, learn from it, and appreciate the efforts made to create a safe haven in the midst of turmoil. |
🎫 Book and buy your tickets / car from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island:
Saigon to Con Dao｜Tram Ton Pass in Sapa｜Cannon Fort – Cat Ba｜Thang Hen Lake｜Bich Dong Pagoda｜Muong Hoa Valley｜Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh