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Kim Quy Grotto
Kim
Quy Grotto or Golden Tortoise Grotto is
situated on Dām Nam Islet, with a peak
187 m above sea level. Dām 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 Lź 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.
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