Ha Long Bay, a unique World Natural Heritage site, not only preserves crucial traces of the Earth’s geological formation but also stands as a masterpiece of nature’s artistry. It boasts thousands of majestic islands, each with its own distinctive shape, and a network of mysterious, magnificent caves. Among the breathtaking caves within this heritage area, Thien Cung Cave stands out as one of the largest and most beautiful, captivating the attention of countless visitors.
Introduction to Thien Cung Cave
Located in the southwestern part of Ha Long Bay, on Dau Go Island – one of the largest islands with many attractive caves in the bay, Thien Cung Cave is about 4 km south of the tourist boat port and only 100m north of Dau Go Cave. With a vast area of up to 10,000 m2, a length of 130 m, a width of 50 m, and situated at an altitude of 25 m above sea level, Thien Cung Cave offers visitors an extremely majestic and magnificent space.
Thien Cung Cave is one of two caves discovered on Dau Go Island in 1901 by a French expedition, but was later forgotten. It wasn’t until 1993 that the cave was rediscovered by a local fisherman living in Ha Long. Since 1996, the Ha Long Bay Management Board has carried out restoration, upgrading, construction of walkways, lighting systems, and opened the cave to tourists. Inside the cave, the system of white, shimmering, and magical stalactites is likened to a magnificent and splendid palace. The name “Thien Cung” (also known as the Heavenly Palace) originates from this very beauty. Coming here, visitors will feel like they are lost in a fairy world, letting their souls wander along with the vivid shapes on the cliffs. Each visit brings new and exciting feelings, leaving visitors eager to explore and discover. It is for this reason that the ancients wove the legend of the Dragon King and the Cloud Princess, adding more vitality to this land.
As Thien Cung Cave is included in Route 1 of the Ha Long Bay tour (including destinations: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, Trong Mai Islet), the entrance fee for this route is 460,000 VND/person (including Ha Long Bay entrance ticket and boat fare). Visitors can choose either Ha Long International Cruise Port or Tuan Chau International Passenger Port as the starting point.
After purchasing tickets, visitors will board a tourist boat to begin their journey. The cruise will take visitors to the attractions according to the pre-arranged schedule. Each attraction will have a different stopover time, particularly in the Thien Cung Cave area, visitors will have about 40 minutes to admire the magical beauty of this cave.
Read more: Halong Bay Tour: Ticket Prices and Cruises 2024
The Legend of Thien Cung Cave
Exploring Thien Cung Cave
After reaching Dau Go Island, visitors need to climb a steep slope of about 25 meters to enter Thien Cung Cave. The path leading to the cave is quite convenient as the entrance area has been well renovated and constructed with stones and cement. Thanks to this, visitors can easily move to the cave entrance. However, the approximately 10-meter section at the cave entrance has a slightly difficult terrain, so for people with disabilities who are unable to move, using a wheelchair to enter the cave is not possible. Therefore, assistance is needed to carry the wheelchair into the cave. Once inside, visitors can comfortably use wheelchairs as the interior of the cave has been suitably renovated.
Thien Cung Cave has a length of about 130 meters with a relatively complex structure with layers of stalactite partitions. The shapes are extremely unique and eye-catching. Combined with colorful lights, it creates a magical scene that is “both real and unreal,” resembling a paradise. The cave has three main compartments, each with its own style and unique features.
1. The First Compartment
In the first compartment, visitors can easily observe two stalagmite formations shaped like two familiar animals from the Vietnamese quartet of sacred creatures (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix): one resembles a majestic Phoenix spreading its wings, yearning to soar into the sky, and beside it is a stalactite shaped like a dragon’s head, evoking the image of the dragon and phoenix couple always present together.
At the resting point between compartments 1 and 2, visitors will encounter two towering stone pillars, standing firmly as if forming a massive open gate. In the summer, around 3:30 – 4:00 PM, sunlight shines through this opening, refracting and combining with the inherent humidity in the cave to create a mystical mist. This location is called the “Heaven’s Gate.” Visitors often jokingly say that to enter the central compartment – the main palace – one must always pass through this gate.
2. The Second Compartment – The Most Beautiful Area of Thien Cung Cave
The second compartment is the largest and most beautiful in Thien Cung Cave, with an open space that is expansive in both height and width. Notably, the stalactite system here has a very natural bright white color. Combined with the assistance of the electric lighting system, they blend to create a magical scene. It is for this reason that the second compartment is called the “Palace of Heaven.”
Inside the cave, four large and symmetrical stone pillars stand majestically at the four corners, as if supporting the entire vast ceiling vault. On these pillars, from base to peak, there are many strange shapes carved in relief, such as birds, fish, scenes of human life, flowers, and branches, creating a mystical atmosphere. On the northern cave wall, the image of a young couple holding hands stands out, as beautiful as in a fairy tale. They seem to be filled with emotion after days of separation and now being reunited. Nearby, there is a scene of fairies dancing and singing to celebrate the wedding, adding vibrancy to the space. Above, from the cave ceiling, clusters of stalactites hang down like a magnificent stone curtain, creating a poetic scene.
Remarkably, throughout the visit to the central chamber of the cave, you will feel as if you are hearing the sound of drums from an ancient wedding ceremony. In reality, it is just the wind blowing through the rocks, but it still has a strange allure and attraction. The second chamber is also one of the spots many people choose for taking photos.
3. The Third Compartment: A Magical Scene Like a Fairyland
The third compartment is the final one in Thien Cung Cave. Legend has it that in ancient times, Mother Au Co laid a hundred eggs, which hatched into a hundred children, with 50 following their mother to the mountains and 50 following their father to the sea. Here, there is a stalactite formation representing the maternal love of Mother Au Co, which is the image of the “fairy breast” – also known as the “mother’s milk.” Could this be the keepsake that Mother Au Co entrusted to the 50 children who went with their father to the sea?
Thien Cung Cave can be seen as a unique and marvelous art museum, leaving anyone who visits in awe of its splendid beauty created by the hands of Mother Nature.
Some things to keep in mind when visiting Thien Cung Cave:
- Timing: Avoid peak seasons such as holidays, weekends, or festivals to avoid crowds. It’s best to visit on weekdays, early morning or late afternoon for a more relaxed experience.
- Attire: Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, a light jacket or raincoat, bring water and snacks, a camera or phone, and any necessary personal medication.
- Behavior: Follow the instructions of your guide and security personnel. Do not touch or damage the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. Do not bring flammable, explosive, or polluting substances. Do not litter or write or draw on the cave walls.