1. An overview of Tien Cave in Tuyen Quang Province
1.1. Location
Tien Cave is located in Thong Nhat Hamlet, Yen Phu Commune, Ham Yen District, Tuyen Quang. It is nestled in Chan Quy Mountain between Da Den Mountain and Bach Ma Mountain.
Tien Cave complex features seven interconnected caves - Tien, Dan Da, Thien Dinh, Thien Cung, Thach Sanh, Tam Cung, and Am Phu - all arranged in a stunning semicircle. Among them, Tien Cave is renowned as the most beautiful and often referred to as the "Phong Nha - Ke Bang of the Northwest". It spans the Chan Quy, Bach Ma, and Toa mountain ranges.
To reach Tien Cave from the city center of Tuyen Quang, make your way to Quang Trung Road. Head northwest and follow National Road 2 all the way to the cave. The entire trip is around 58 kilometers, taking about 75 minutes by car. For a smooth and eco-friendly journey, you can consider using the Xanh SM electric taxi service. To book your ride, simply use the Xanh SM mobile application.
1.2. Legend
The legend of Tien Cave in Tuyen Quang tells the story of the Seventh Fairy, who fell in love with a man during her visit to the human world. When the Jade Emperor learned of this, he ordered her to fast and pray for one hundred days, and he also ordered that their wedding must be marked by rare birds and animals as offerings from the earthly realm.
In envy, the Elder Fairy accused the Seventh Fairy of neglecting prayers. In a fit of anger, the Jade Emperor turned the Seventh Fairy and all the offerings into stone. The following spring, the Jade Emperor, missing the fairy, ordered an investigation. Upon discovering the truth, he allowed the Seventh Fairy to return to the heavenly realm and ordered that a festival be held on the 9th day of the 1st lunar month at the spot where she had prayed. The site is called Tien Cave, in honor of the Seventh Fairy.
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2. The awe-inspiring beauty of Tien Cave in Tuyen Quang
Nestled near the mountain’s summit, Tien Cave offers a unique experience. After climbing over a hundred moss-covered steps, visitors are welcomed by a grand stone gate with panoramic views and refreshing breezes.
Inside, natural openings illuminate the cave, revealing stunning stalactites shaped by the wind and water. A ceiling formation depicts a mythical bird carrying a maiden from the tale of Thach Sanh. A stone sculpture of the Goddess of Mercy, surrounded by figures of Arhats, elephants, and tigers, enhances the mystical atmosphere.
Deeper in the cave, a majestic stone column rises like a support beam for the heavens, glowing with mystical colors. A marble formation resembles a pregnant woman. In the innermost chamber, a five-tier altar features a serene depiction of the Seventh Fairy in prayer, adding a sacred touch.
3. Other prominent attractions on the Tien Cave tour
The Tien Cave complex offers more than the stunning beauty of its main cave. Thien Dinh Cave captivates with sparkling granite columns and melodic echoes from the wind. Continuing the journey, visitors will explore Dan Da Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Thach Sanh Cave, and Am Phu Cave, each with unique stalactite and stalagmite formations that shift in color with the sunlight, from radiant pink in the morning to deep crimson at sunset. Dan Da Cave's stone slabs produce intriguing sounds when tapped.
The tour concludes at Tom Cave, which is steeped in legend as the site where the fairy bathed. Here, visitors can enjoy the cool water flowing from the mountain’s heart and the refreshing air as a perfect end to the magical journey.
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4. Highlights of the Tien Cave Festival in Tuyen Quang
The Tien Cave Festival is held annually on the 9th day of the 1st lunar month at the complex, bringing together ethnic communities to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvest, and prosperity. The festival features colorful rituals, folk songs, and a variety of engaging activities such as human chess, blindfolded goat-catching, spinning top competitions, volleyball matches, goat fights, and more.
Culinary delights are another highlight at the festival. Visitors can savor Cham Chu Ba wine, Yen Phu dried buffalo meat, Minh Huong duck, bamboo rice, and Nhan Muc field carp. Local products like wild honey and medicinal herbs make for the perfect souvenirs.
Tien Cave in Tuyen Quang is not only a remarkable natural wonder but also an attraction rich in cultural heritage. A visit to this cave is an opportunity to connect with nature and the local traditions, making it a must-see.
Besides Tien Cave, visitors can explore other attractions in Tuyen Quang such as the Wind Cave, Tan Trao Relics, Mo Waterfall, My Lam Mineral Spring, Na Hang Lake, etc.
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