The name « The Gate » (cua âu in vietnamese) is just small, out of the way crag.  It’s quiet difficult to find the name of all the geographic areas, places and names in Halong Bay. The Gate is a unique formation as a natural amphitheatre opens to the sea. This cliff is located around the same area as Mekong 1947 Cave.

Review

Cat Ba to the The Gate : 1h 30
Number of routes: 6+
Accessibility at high tide: 6+
Accessibility at low tide: 0
Grades: 5a - >7a
Water depth: to be climbed only during mid-high and high tide
Rock: Sharp – but you’re used to that by now, right?
Others: some athletic routes with cracks, moderate overhang to quite steep, with a good finish. Unfortunately the rock is very sharp and the tide has to be taken into account.

Location

The Gate is located about 100 meters from Mekong 1947 Cave. So if you have a good memory, try this on for size. Location is in Lang Ha Bay, archipelago of Dao Dau Be: orientation East of Cat Ba. More precisely, in the direction of Ba Ham Ho.

Climbing guidebook

On the main wall, slightly overhanging. Dark and sharp rock. From left to right.

Route 1, 5a
Start from a small platform. Go straight along the wall (easy, 4a). Be careful not to fall on the tiny platform from where you started on this portion. When you reach the vegetation (around 8 m), move to your right and follow the crack going up. Good platform at the top.

Route 2, Route 3, Route 4, 7a
See pictures with routes draw lines. Generally speaking, follow the cracks, enjoy the wide movements.

On the right side of this wall, after the crumbly part of the rock, there are also some possibilities, as on the cliff in front of this one.

Video