The Dau Go caves take their name, which roughly translates as “wooden heads”, from the 13th-century Mongol-Chinese invasions of Vietnam: Locals used the caves to store sharpened stakes to sink the Mongol ships. Part of the same system as neighboring Thien Cung caves (Dong Thien Cung), they’re some of Halong Bay’s largest caves, with ceiling heights of up to 80 feet (25 meters). Most travelers visit during Halong Bay day cruises: Dau Go Island is just minutes from Tuan Chau Pier.
The Dau Go caves are on Dau Go Island in Halong Bay, roughly half a mile (800 meters) east of the Tuan Chau jetty. It’s usually smaller day cruise boats that visit here.
During Halong Bay’s busy summer season (roughly, June through August), lines for Dau Go Cave can be long. Plan to visit in October or November for a more mellow experience.
Dau Go Island is home to two sets of caves: Thien Cung Cave, a dry cave reached by a hike through the jungle, and Dau Go caves. But another popular cave island in Halong Bay is Bo Hon Island. Choose between Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt), Halong Bay’s biggest dry cave, and Luon Cave, a dramatic sea cave reached only by kayaks or local rowboats.