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 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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