Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay: Explore its grandeur and splendor
Aside from the towering limestone mountains scattered across the sea, Halong Bay is home to many stunning and mysterious caves, with Thien Cung Cave being one of the most magnificent. Known for its vast size, the cave’s interior is adorned with extraordinary natural stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, formed over thousands of years. In this article, join SVietnam in uncovering the hidden wonders and natural beauty of Thien Cung Cave.
Read more: Explore Halong Bay With Seaplane
Overview of Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay
Thien Cung Cave is located on Dau Go Island, in the southwest of Halong Bay, Vietnam. It is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the bay, featuring a mystical and majestic charm that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Situated about 25 meters above sea level and approximately 4 kilometers from Tuan Chau tourist port, the cave’s entrance is quite narrow and hidden by dense vegetation, yet inside lies a vast and truly magnificent space. Its relatively late discovery in 1993, when a group of fishermen sought shelter from a storm and accidentally stumbled upon the cave, adds to the intriguing and mysterious allure of Thien Cung Cave, leaving a mark on both local history and culture.
Covering a total area of up to 10,000 square meters, Thien Cung Cave boasts a complex structure with numerous chambers and layers, each housing bizarre and unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites. As you explore the cave’s interior, you’ll be awestruck by the clusters of stalactites, hanging like natural stone curtains, reflecting light and creating a magical display of colors. The shapes of the formations—from dragons and phoenixes to four towering pillars standing majestically in the cave—evoke the image of a divine palace, giving rise to the name “Thien Cung” (Heavenly Palace). Visitors often feel as though they have stepped into a heavenly realm, with a tranquil and breathtaking atmosphere that is difficult to describe.
The path leading to Thien Cung Cave is also an integral part of the journey. The trail winds steeply around the cliffs, surrounded by lush forest canopies, further enhancing the sense of mystery. Upon passing through the narrow cave entrance, the space suddenly expands before your eyes, revealing a grand and resplendent scene. The cave’s high ceiling, adorned with hanging stalactites, combined with soft sunlight filtering through, creates a shimmering, dreamlike ambiance that is hard to find elsewhere.
Read more: Ti Top Island, Halong Bay: Information and Things to Do
Entering Thien Cung Cave, you are not only treated to the stunning beauty of nature but also immersed in a space rich with culture and history. From stalactite formations symbolizing a royal palace to fascinating mythical tales, Thien Cung offers an unforgettable experience, transporting you into a world of wonders and mysteries that nature has bestowed upon Halong Bay.
Boat Routes and Ticket Prices for Visiting Thien Cung Cave
To visit Thien Cung Cave, you need to purchase a boat ticket for Tour Route No. 1. This is one of five sightseeing routes in Halong Bay, taking around 4 hours, with an itinerary that includes stops at various attractions such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Stone Dog Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Ba Hang Cave, and Fighting Cock Islet.
To reach Thien Cung Cave, you can depart from Tuan Chau International Port (Ngoc Chau Ward, Tuan Chau Island, about 11 kilometers from Halong City) or Halong International Passenger Port (No. 09 Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City). Upon arriving at the port, you can purchase tickets for Route No. 1 and rent a boat that follows the itinerary visiting Thien Cung Cave.
Read more: Taste of Hanoi – Halong Bay – 5 Days
If you choose to explore Thien Cung Cave, it will be combined with a visit to Dau Go Cave, and the ticket price is VND 250,000 per person. Additionally, you will need to pay VND 40,000 per person for the port entry fee. For a shared boat tour, the cost is VND 150,000 per person. The total amount will be VND 440,000 per person.
If you prefer to rent a private boat to visit Thien Cung Cave, the price ranges from VND 1,600,000 to VND 1,800,000 per boat, depending on the weather and the number of passengers on the tour.
If you are taking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, check with the crew to see if Thien Cung Cave is included in the itinerary.
Note: Prices are for reference only, as they may vary over time and depending on the type of boat.
Read more: Bai Tho Mountain, Halong Bay: A Symbol of Culture and History in Halong
Exploring the Inside of Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave is often likened to an underground paradise, divided into three chambers, each offering its own stories and unique beauty.
The First Chamber of Thien Cung Cave – A Fairy Tale Scene
Upon entering the first chamber of Thien Cung Cave, you will be greeted by a giant mural on the cave wall. Every sculpted feature, whether grand or small, has been meticulously crafted by nature’s hand with incredible detail and precision.
Looking to the east, you will see a massive mural depicting vivid images of characters from ancient folktales. Deities and animals from folklore come to life with intricate and delicate carvings, down to the finest details. Meanwhile, on the northern wall, graceful celestial maidens can be seen dancing and singing, celebrating the wedding of the Dragon Prince and the beautiful Cloud Princess. The cave’s vaulted ceiling features stalactites hanging like unique crystal chandeliers.
Read more: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong – 5 Days
The Second Chamber of Thien Cung Cave – The Most Magnificent Central Area!
After finishing your tour of the first chamber, a short walk brings you to the second chamber, which is also the central area of the cave, with breathtakingly magnificent scenery.
Here, you will marvel at the four towering pillars, each with diverse and mysterious carvings from base to top. These carvings depict scenes of local life in ancient times, as well as images of flowers, birds, and animals. Beneath the vaulted ceiling hangs a cascade of stalactites resembling a magnificent curtain, crafted by Mother Nature. Additionally, the cave walls continue to display lively scenes of celestial maidens singing and dancing.
As you explore the central chamber, you may even feel as if you can hear the joyful drumming from the legendary wedding celebrations. In reality, this sound is the wind echoing through the stones.
The Third Chamber – A Lively and Mystical Scene
The third chamber of Thien Cung Cave feels like a heavenly scene on Earth, with its misty ambiance reflecting the cave’s ornate formations. This chamber also features crystal-clear ponds with water flowing gently all year round. Legend has it that these ponds were once where the Cloud Princess bathed her 100 children.
Read more: Quang Ninh Museum: Information, Address, Opening Hours
Tips for Visiting Thien Cung Cave
To ensure the best experience when visiting Thien Cung Cave, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Clothing: The path leading to the cave is cool and shaded by trees, but it’s still advisable to bring a light jacket to avoid insect bites. Opt for shoes with good traction, such as sneakers, and avoid wearing high heels to prevent slipping.
- Photography: The lighting inside the cave is quite dim, so for taking photos, it’s best to choose spots with more lighting, usually in the central chamber of the cave. Additionally, near the end of the cave, there’s a small skylight where sunlight streams in, offering a perfect spot for stunning shots.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Thien Cung Cave is from March to May or from August to October. During these months, the weather is clear, the air is cool, and natural light illuminates the cave, enhancing its beauty.
- Other Recommendations: Bring along water and some light snacks to keep your energy up during the visit.
With its magnificent, mysterious beauty and the folklore surrounding it, Thien Cung Cave is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and attractive destinations in Halong Bay. If you’re planning a trip to Halong Bay, be sure to choose Route 1 to visit Thien Cung Cave. Don’t hesitate to contact SVietnam Travel for the best advice and early booking discounts.
