Join iVIVU in exploring Thien Cung Cave, a cavern known as an earthly paradise, hidden inside Ha Long Bay – a World Natural Heritage site.
Thien Cung Cave – An earthly paradise hidden in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is perhaps no longer an unfamiliar name on both domestic and international tourism maps. It can be said that nature has been exceedingly generous in bestowing upon Ha Long Bay so many breathtaking and unique natural landscapes, with limestone islands of all shapes and sizes rising above the sea. Hidden inside these island mountains are magnificent, mystery-filled caves.
Photo: @djoker_play
Ha Long Bay has many caves, but one of the largest, most beautiful, and most popular is Thien Cung Cave. Thien Cung Cave is always a name featured in tourists' tour itineraries when visiting Ha Long Bay. Let's explore what lies inside this cave!
Photo: @saki_sekamaru
Thien Cung Cave – An earthly paradise hidden in Ha Long Bay is located in the southwestern part of Ha Long Bay and covers a fairly large area of about 10,000 square meters. The interior structure of the cave is also very diverse, comprising multiple levels and compartments with countless uniquely shaped and splendid limestone stalactites and stalagmites.
Photo: @_daichi_0613
The cave was named “Thien Cung” (Heavenly Palace) because inside the cave there is a skylight through which sunlight shines into the cavern; these light rays reflect off the limestone stalactites and stalagmites, creating a magical, shimmering light reminiscent of an imperial banquet. Inside the cave, there is also a phosphorescent layer on the cave surface, which adds to the cave's glittering splendor.
“Skylight”. Photo: @yu_kuike
In addition, when visiting Thien Cung Cave you will also hear a legend about a Dragon wedding here. Legend has it that in ancient times, the cave was the dwelling place of the Dragon King. One year, a severe drought struck, and villagers went in search of the Dragon King to ask for help, but none returned. However, a couple was determined to find the King to help their fellow villagers. After enduring many hardships and trials, they finally found him. Later, the Dragon Prince, the King's son, fell in love with this couple's daughter. This very cave was where their lavish wedding was held for 7 days and 7 nights.
Splendid scenery inside the cave. Photo: @jetsetpandaz
To reach the entrance of Thien Cung Cave, you will walk along a precarious cliff covered by lush green canopies. In contrast to the rather narrow cave opening, stepping inside reveals a brightly illuminated cavern that will leave you amazed.
The narrow cave opening. Photo: @pyeiphyolin
The cave can be divided into 3 main chambers. Each chamber presents completely different pictures, with strangely shaped stalactites and stalagmites that stimulate the imagination of visitors. The limestone stalactites hang down like magnificent, splendid chandeliers.
Photo: @saki_sekamaru
In Thien Cung Cave, visitors often say that the central chamber is the most beautiful chamber in the cave. Yet overall, each chamber has its own unique beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. Depending on your imagination, the limestone stalactites will take on different, captivating images and stories.
Photo: @lo.randomsnaps
