Discover Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave: A Journey to Historical Imprints

1. Preserved Historical Imprint at Quan Y Cat Ba Cave

Quan Y Cat Ba Cave - also known by its original name, Hung Son Cave - is like a history book written in limestone and time. Built from 1963 to 1965, this place is not only an architectural work but also a symbol of humanity during the most brutal times.

This place served as a field hospital capable of treating over 100 wounded soldiers simultaneously, nestled deep within the limestone mountains, safe from bombing and shelling. That is Quan Y Cat Ba Cave - the place that cared for thousands of wounded soldiers from the battlefields of the North and Thanh Hoa.

In 1971, this relic was ranked as a national monument, not only for its historical value but also for the resilient spirit it represents. Every rock face here is imbued with stories of courage and compassion.

Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave - Historical imprints remain intact (Photo: Collected)

2. Location and how to get to Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave

Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave is located in Cat Hai Special Zone, Hai Phong City. This special location is right on the route leading to Cat Ba National Park, creating a perfect exploration route.

2.1 Adventure by motorbike

Renting a motorbike in Cat Ba and exploring this route yourself is a great way to fully experience the natural beauty.

From the town center, you will ride along the main road towards Cat Ba National Park. In just 25-30 minutes covering a distance of 13km, you will see the signpost and the parking area on your right.

Motorbike rental prices range from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day. The road is paved flat, and although there are a few gentle uphill and downhill sections, it is quite easy to navigate. Starting early in the morning will help you avoid the harsh sun and have more time for exploration.

2.2 Join a tour - a complete experience

If you want to understand the history deeply and not miss anything, a tour will be the perfect choice. Tours often combine many attractive points such as the Military Medicine Cave , Cat Ba National Park, Trung Trang Cave, and famous beaches.

Tour prices range from 250,000 - 350,000 VND/person, including transportation, a professional guide, and accompanying services. You will hear vivid historical stories from knowledgeable guides.

Cat Ba Military Medical Cave is located in Hai Son village (Photo: Collected)

3. Architecture of Cat Ba Military Medical Cave - a masterpiece of military architecture

Entering Cat Ba Military Medical Cave , you will be amazed by the solid 3-story architecture with a total area of 2,000m², divided into 17 separate functional rooms. This is truly a miniature city within the rock mountain.

The intelligent design with a natural ventilation system, bomb-proof features, and effective escape routes demonstrates the excellent technical level of the Vietnamese army during the resistance period.

3.1 Floor 1 - The heart of the field hospital

The first floor of Cat Ba Military Medical Cave is the crucial area, where medical activities serving the battlefield took place. There are 14 functional rooms arranged logically, optimized for treatment and care of the wounded during wartime.

• Right near the entrance is the examination and patient triage room, the first point of reception for the wounded. This space was equipped with examination tables and some basic medical equipment according to the conditions at the time, serving the initial first aid process.

• The operating room is located separately, with good soundproofing to ensure quietness and information security. A special detail is the lighting system operated by oil lamps combined with mirrors, helping to maintain stable light in conditions of power shortage.

• The recovery area is adjacent, spacious enough to accommodate multiple beds, supporting post-operative monitoring and care. Additionally, a storage for medicine and medical supplies is located in a dry, well-ventilated spot to preserve medicines well in the damp cave environment.

In terms of security, this floor also has a flexible wooden staircase system that can be disassembled, helping to prevent surprise attacks. The arched iron door is also a design highlight – with a special structure designed to deflect bullets, ensuring safety for medical staff and patients inside.

3.2 Floors 2 and 3 - Living quarters

The two upper floors of Cat Ba Military Medical Cave served as living spaces, for the recovery of the wounded and medical staff, and also as reception areas and for command operations during wartime.

• A highlight in this area is the small cinema, which used to screen documentary and entertainment films to support the morale of the wounded soldiers after stressful days of treatment and combat. Next to it is the rehabilitation room, equipped with basic training equipment to help patients improve their physical condition and recover quickly.

• The reception hall was built to welcome delegations, international reporters, and visitors during the war. This also demonstrated the professionalism and organized structure of the Vietnamese military medical force at that time.

• The command room and guard posts were located in convenient positions within the cave, ensuring observation capabilities, maintaining security, and effectively coordinating medical and logistical activities.

The entire internal architecture of the cave was designed based on the natural terrain, utilizing limestone crevices as ventilation systems. Thanks to this, the interior space is always airy, even when serving many people simultaneously in the confined conditions of the cave.

Unique architecture of Quan Y Cave, Cat Ba (Photo: Collected)

4. Opening hours and ticket prices for Quan Y Cave - information to know

Quan Y Cave, Cat Ba opens daily for visitors, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The ideal time to visit is in the morning from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM or in the afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM – when the weather is cool, the light in the cave is harmonious, and the number of visitors is not too crowded, convenient for exploration.

The current admission prices are as follows:

• Adults: 80,000 VND/person

• Children under 1.2m: 40,000 VND/person

• Children under 6 years old: Free admission

Visitors can choose to hire a guide for more detailed information about the history, architecture, and functions of each area in the cave. The guide fee ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 VND/group, depending on the number of people in the group.

The admission ticket includes access to all open areas within the cave, along with explanations of artifacts, wartime medical facilities, and historical stories associated with this place. This is a worthwhile experience for those who want to learn more about this special relic in the heart of Cat Ba National Park.

Opening hours and ticket prices for Quan Y Cave (Photo: Collection)

5. Notes when exploring Quan Y Cave Cat Ba

To have a safe and complete tour of Quan Y Cave Cat Ba, you should note the following:

• Appropriate attire: The terrain inside the cave consists of many stairs and rough natural stone paths. You should wear comfortable clothes and choose sports shoes or soft-soled shoes for easy movement and to avoid slipping.

• Prepare drinks: Although the cave is quite cool inside, continuous movement can cause dehydration. Bringing a personal water bottle will help ensure your health throughout the exploration journey.

• Limit contact with artifacts: Many items and artifacts in the cave date back to wartime and need to be preserved in their original state. Please do not touch or move any items yourself.

• Do not bring food into the cave: This helps protect the natural environment inside the cave and avoids affecting the historical site.

• Maintain a respectful attitude when visiting: Quan Y Cave is not only a tourist destination but also a historical relic associated with the sacrifices and bravery of many generations. Maintaining solemnity and behaving appropriately is a way to show respect for the past.

• Consider going in a group or with a guide: If you want to learn more about the historical value, architecture, and stories behind each area of the cave, you should go with a guide or a group of tourists with similar interests to enhance your experience.

Notes when visiting Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave (Photo: Collected)

6. Tourist spots near Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave worth exploring

6.1 Cat Ba National Park - ecological paradise

Just 5km from Cat Ba Military Medicine Cave , Cat Ba National Park is a nature reserve recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. With an area of over 26,000 hectares, it is home to thousands of rare flora and fauna species.

A special feature is the White-headed Langur - an extremely rare primate species, existing in small numbers and listed as endangered. Visitors can join trekking routes from 2-6km, suitable for all levels.

Cat Ba National Park (Photo: Collected)

6.2 Trung Trang Cave - stalactite palace

About 7km from Quan Y Cave , Trung Trang Cave is the largest natural cave on Cat Ba Island. With a length of 300m, the cave boasts a magnificent system of stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Each stalactite has a unique shape, evoking images of lions, dragons, mushrooms, or lotus towers. The quiet, cool space year-round creates a feeling of being lost in a mythical world.

6.3 Cat Ba Fortress - peak of the view

Located on a mountain peak 177m high, 20km from the center, Cat Ba Fortress offers a stunning panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba archipelago. It is also an important historical relic marking many key events.

6.4 Symphony Cat Ba - an artistic feast

After a day exploring historical sites, enjoy the Symphony program - a performance combining music, light, and modern technology. The show vividly depicts the history and beauty of Cat Ba Island from a unique artistic perspective.

6.5 Guinness World Record Show

From May 30, 2025, the show "Symphony of the Green Island" officially launches with two Guinness records: "World's Largest Formation of Jetski Fireworks Show" and "Most Flips by a Flyboarder in One Minute".

Special show in Cat Ba (Photo: Collected)

The show lasts for 4 summer months, held every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday weekly from 9:00 PM, lasting 30 minutes. Sun World Cat Ba cable car system will extend its evening operating hours to serve visitors.

>>> See more: Show in Cat Ba sets an unprecedented Guinness World Record

Cat Ba Military Hospital Cave is not only a historical relic but also an inspiration for the indomitable spirit of the nation. Every step in the cave is a vivid page of history, worth your time to explore and cherish. Save these tips for your upcoming Cat Ba trip!