The coastal city of Ha Long is renowned for its numerous natural wonders and scenic spots. If you have the chance to visit, don’t miss exploring Thien Cung Cave. It is one of the most beautiful caves and is often described as a magical paradise in the heart of Ha Long.
Overview of Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave is located on Dau Go Island (southwest of Ha Long Bay) at an altitude of about 25 meters above sea level, approximately 4 kilometers from the tourist pier. The formation of Thien Cung Cave is linked to a famous legend about the Dragon King. After helping the people defeat the enemy, the Dragon King returned to his cave. Unfortunately, that year the people experienced a drought and had to seek the Dragon King’s help to make it rain.
Thien Cung Cave – Ha Long
Many people set out to find the Dragon King but never returned. Seeing this, a couple decided to overcome all difficulties and dangers to search for the Dragon King. They gave birth to a beautiful and gentle daughter named May. She captured the heart of the Dragon Prince, and they fell deeply in love. Their wedding was celebrated grandly in a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
The scene of the wedding celebration in the heavenly palace with dragons flying, phoenixes dancing, and pythons coiling around ancient banyan trees, along with eagles with giant wings spread wide, all seem to be recreated on the cave walls. This is how Thien Cung Cave got its name.
Exploring the Mysteries of Thien Cung Cave
The mystical beauty inside Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave was the first cave in Ha Long to be extensively renovated to welcome tourists, marking a significant milestone in the development of tourism in this bay area. Exploring deep inside the cave, you’ll be amazed by the enchanting and exquisite beauty of the stalactite clusters hanging down like magical stone curtains.
On a Ha Long tour to Thien Cung Cave, you’ll discover a large cave with an area of nearly 10,000 square meters. The cave’s structure is quite complex, with multiple levels and chambers, featuring high ceilings and walls adorned with countless strange shapes of stalactites and limestone formations.
Exploring Thien Cung Cave (@yojiro0826)
The center of the cave is dominated by four colossal pillars with fascinating carvings of birds, flowers, and human activities. Standing in the final chamber of the cave, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairyland. Throughout the year, clear streams flow, creating delightful sounds that add to the cave’s magical atmosphere. All these wonders and mysteries seem to be gathered in Thien Cung Cave.
How to Get to Thien Cung Cave
From the center of Ha Long City, travel along National Highway 18 southwest towards Tuan Chau Island. From Tuan Chau Pier, take a boat on route number 1 to reach Thien Cung Cave.
Travel from Ha Long City Center to Thien Cung Cave
Tips for Exploring Thien Cung Cave
Add these tips to your Ha Long travel guide to ensure a fun and enjoyable exploration of Thien Cung Cave:
- The ideal time to visit Thien Cung Cave is from March to May and from August to October. These periods are not peak tourist seasons, so there are fewer visitors, and prices are lower than in June and July.
- Wear comfortable and sweat-absorbing clothing while exploring the cave. Opt for sports shoes instead of high heels, especially for women, to facilitate movement, as the paths inside the cave can be rugged.
- After the boat ride, you’ll have to walk along a precarious path on a cliff to reach Thien Cung Cave. Bring bottled water to stay hydrated during the journey. Additionally, carry a light jacket to protect against insect bites.
- The lighting inside the cave is dim. To capture beautiful souvenir photos, head to the center of the cave, where there are many lights for decoration and illumination.
