Thien Cung Cave: A Guide To The "Heaven Palace" Cave
Thien Cung cave marks a place of myth, attracting nature lovers for its unique landscape and well-preserved cultural and historical values. Below are some interesting facts and information about this mysterious attraction that is worth your exploration!
Overview
Although first discovered years ago, the entrance to Thien Cung Cave became overgrown with dense jungle, causing locals to forget its exact location. Nevertheless, tales of the cave endured through generations via oral traditions.
Fortuitously, in 1993, fishermen, seeking refuge from a storm, stumbled upon the cave, leading to its eventual recognition as a popular tourist destination.
Accessing the cave requires walking a winding path that weaves through dense vegetation. Inside, the cave boasts a dry interior with an intricate structure characterized by tall ceilings.
Location and the origin of the name
Thien Cung Cave is situated on Dau Go Island, in the southwest of Halong Bay, approximately 4 kilometers south of the main tourist harbor. This cave is renowned for its remarkable beauty, spanning nearly 10,000 square meters.
The name "Thien Cung" translates to "Heavenly Palace," reflecting its enchanting beauty akin to an underground paradise. The cave features numerous chambers and compartments adorned with unique stalactites and stalagmites, along with an opening that lets sunlight pour in, casting a sparkling, surreal glow inside.
Today, visitors exploring the cave will come across various rock formations reminiscent of the mythical guests at the Dragon King’s wedding. From the cave's entrance, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Halong Bay’s islands and karst formations, making the challenging trek worthwhile.
The cave legend
Tradition tells of a lavish seven-day and seven-night wedding ceremony held between the Dragon King and a lovely mortal girl named May. Dragons soared above while elephants danced, and both the Southern and Northern Deities, despite their old age, enlivened the festivities.
Even now, the cave seems to hold echoes of that grand celebration, with stalactite formations evoking the lively atmosphere. Particularly on the eastern wall, visitors can see intricate depictions of legendary characters from fairy tales, brought to life with smooth, graceful lines.
The cave exploration
You will need to traverse a path along steep cliffs blanketed with lush vegetation to access the cave. The vistas along the way are picturesque and refreshing. After navigating a narrow entrance, you will step into a spacious chamber.
The first chamber
The striking mural on the eastern wall depicts legends vividly. On the northern side, fairies are shown joyfully dancing and singing in honor of the Dragon King’s wedding. Stalactites adorn the ceiling, resembling elegant crystal chandeliers suspended from above.
The second chamber (the cave center)
This area is renowned for its astonishing shapes resembling birds, fish, and vibrant flowers, mirroring scenes from the Dragon King’s wedding. Additionally, visitors might hear sounds reminiscent of wind rushing through the rocks, evoking the festive atmosphere of the ancient celebration. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture stunning photographs here.
The third chamber
Here, shimmering reflections of white, green, and red hues dance across the stalactite formations and onto three glistening ponds. Legend has it that this is where May bathed her one hundred children.
How to visit the cave?
Book the sightseeing route No. 1
Reserve sightseeing route No. 1 to visit Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, and Fighting Cocks Islet. The ticket price is now VND 420,000 per person.
Book a day cruise
Alternatively, consider the Halong Sen day cruise, which departs from Hanoi to Halong Bay, including visits to Thien Cung Cave, Ba Hang fishing village, and Hoa Cuong area, along with engaging activities such as a cooking class and kayaking. The Bhaya day cruise is another excellent option to explore the cave and experience the pristine waters.
Travel tips
- It's advisable to book sightseeing route No. 1 or a tour package instead of renting a private boat solely for cave visits, as the costs can be quite high. Many cruises offer limited trips to this location; therefore, consider booking the Bhaya day cruise or Halong Sen day cruise.
- Dress in comfortable attire and sturdy shoes, and bring water with you as the journey can be physically demanding.
- Make sure to capture plenty of photos in the central area where colorful lights create effective photo opportunities. The lighting is more subdued in other sections of the cave.
