Among countless natural wonders and scenic spots in the coastal city of Ha Long, Thien Cung Cave is one of the most stunning caves and considered a shimmering paradise in the city. To have a most memorable experience, read the information below to prepare for your journey.
1. Where is Thien Cung Cave? How to get there?
- Location
Thien Cung Cave, known as the most beautiful Ha Long Bay caves, is located on Dau Go Island (southwest of Ha Long Bay). It stands about 25 meters above sea level and 4 kilometers away from the cruise port.
- Entrance fee
To visit Thien Cung Cave, visitors need to buy tickets for sightseeing route no. 1 (including the following destinations: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, and Trong Mai Islet) and boat tickets. The total fare in 2023 is 440,000 VND/person.
- How to get there
From the center of Ha Long City, go along National Road 18 to the southwest to get to Tuan Chau Port. From here, take a boat or sightseeing route no. 1 to reach Thien Cung Cave.
2. Learn about the legend of Thien Cung Cave Ha Long Bay
Once upon a time, the cave was home to a Dragon King. One year, the weather was so harsh and dry that the people lost all their crops and suffered from constant hunger. They tried to ask for the Dragon King’s help, hoping he would make it rain. Many people went to the King's cave but did not return.
Seeing this, there was a young couple determined to set out to the cave. They successfully persuaded the King and saved their people. Strangely, after returning from the trip, the couple gave birth to a daughter. When she matured, her beauty captured the heart of the Dragon Prince, who wanted to make her his bride. Their love blossomed and led to a lavish wedding held for 7 days and 7 nights in the cave.
Today, coming to Thien Cung Cave, you can still find images of the grand wedding carved on the cave walls.
3. Explore the 3 mysterious chambers of Thien Cung Cave
The way to Thien Cung cave is full of craggy cliffs covered by rows of trees. After passing through the narrow entrance, you will be overwhelmed by the splendid beauty of the stalactites inside. The cave is divided into 3 chambers with distinct characteristics:
3.1. The first chamber
In the first chamber, visitors have a chance to admire a massive image depicting fairytale characters. On the northern wall, there are figures of fairies dancing gracefully to celebrate the wedding of the Dragon Prince. On the dome-shaped ceiling is a system of stalactites hanging down like crystal chandeliers.
3.2. The second chamber
After the first chamber, you will reach the second one in the central area of the cave. Here, you will be astonished by four pillars in different shapes that were meticulously carved. On the pillars are patterns of flowers, birds, and ancient people's daily activities.
There is also a system of stalactites hanging down in the second chamber. In particular, you will hear the sound of the wind blowing through the rocks, which seems like the sound of drums celebrating the fabled wedding.
Here, there are many shooting angles for visitors to take photos and capture beautiful moments.
3.3. The third chamber
The final chamber of Thien Cung Cave appears like a fairyland with dim sunshine and magnificent stalactites. Here, there are ponds with clear water flowing all year round.
>>> Read more: Complete your trip in Ha Long Bay with 14 awesome activities
4. Other magnificent natural sites near Thien Cung Cave
After exploring Thien Cung Cave, you will visit many nearby tourist attractions on your sightseeing route no. 1:
- Dau Go Cave:
Dau Go Cave has majestic and massive beauty. The most remarkable feature here is the many stone columns and stalagmites up high. Besides, the cave has a rich flora with moss, ferns, and woody plants. This is the main difference of Dau Go Cave from many other Ha Long Bay caves.
- Cho Da Islet:
Leaving Dau Go Cave, it will take about 10 minutes for visitors to reach Cho Da Islet (Stone Dog Islet in English). Since ancient times, Vietnamese people have carved statues of stone dogs at the entrances of pagodas and temples to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the property owners. In Ha Long Bay, Cho Da Islet represents the people's hope that their sea voyages will always be peaceful and smooth.
- Ba Hang Cave
Ba Hang is a cluster of caves and fishing villages with the same name located right next to Thien Cung Cave. The cluster includes 3 interconnected underground caves. When the tide is low, all three caves will emerge and be visible, and boats can sail through them. You can also go kayaking in this area.
- Dinh Huong Islet
This is an islet shaped like a giant incense burner in the middle of the sea. The picture of Dinh Huong Islet is printed on the 200,000 VND bill as a reminder of the cultural beauty of Vietnam.
- Trong Mai Islet
After Dinh Huong Islet, visitors will see Trong Mai Islet with the shape of two giant chickens facing each other. This islet has existed for millions of years, becoming a symbol of Vietnam tourism in general and Ha Long tourism in particular.
5. Where to stay to explore Thien Cung Cave and other attractions with ease?
Besides Thien Cung Cave and the aforementioned sites, Ha Long has numerous other tourist attractions, like Ti Top Beach, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Tuan Chau Island. To enjoy the trip to Ha Long to the fullest, it is imperative that you choose an excellent place to stay. Notably, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is a highly recommended option for accommodation thanks to its prime location and quality services.
At Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, you can relax in a magnificent resort located entirely on the sea, which has luxurious rooms and beautiful views of Ha Long Bay. Here, there are all sorts of amenities, such as a swimming pool, gym, and yoga classes. You will also be able to enjoy the delicious cuisine of Quang Ninh and other unique Asian - European dishes at the on-site restaurant.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to enjoy the beautiful landscape and delicious food in one of the best resorts in Vietnam!
6. The hot tips for your excursion to Thien Cung Cave in Ha Long Bay
- As Thien Cung Cave is quite far from the mainland, the best way to visit Thien Cung Cave is to take a tour. Remember to book sightseeing route no. 1, as many other routes do not include Thien Cung Cave.
- After setting foot on Dau Go Island, you will have to walk through a rather steep path to reach Thien Cung Cave. Therefore, you should choose comfortable clothes, wear sneakers, and bring water.
- Many trees surround the two sides of this path, so you should wear a long-sleeve top to avoid being bitten by insects.
- The natural light in the cave is weak. If you want to take photos, consider the central area of the cave, where there are ample lights.
A journey to discover Thien Cung cave will surely leave the best impression in the hearts of visitors, thanks to the mysteriously poetic beauty of this place. The magnificent limestones and stalagmites makes this cave even more unique. Hopefully, the information above will help you kick-start your Ha Long trip and explore the beautiful caves here.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to plan your perfect trip!
