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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