Kim Quy grotto
Kim Quy Grotto or Golden Tortoise Grotto is situated
on D-m Nam Islet, with a peak 187 m above sea level.
D-m 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 L- Loi defeat
his enemies, the Golden Tortoise took back the magic
sword he had given him, and swam towards the sea.
Arriving in
Ha
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.
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