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