Thien Cung Cave – The Most Magnificent Cave in Ha Long Bay

1 Pinpointing the exact location of Thien Cung Cave

Located in the southwest of Ha Long Bay, Thien Cung Cave lies peacefully in the northern part of Dau Go Island, near Dau Go Cave and about 4km south of the tourist boat harbor. It is one of the Ha Long attractions beloved by many visitors.

Today, Thien Cung Cave is considered one of the most beautiful caves in the mining region, boasting an impressive area of up to 10.000m2. It also has a multi-level structure, with numerous tiers and chambers, high, spacious ceilings and walls, and a fascinating array of limestone stalactites and stalagmites in countless shapes. The path leading to the cave runs along a steep cliff, with lush vegetation on either side. To reach the cave, you must squeeze through a narrow opening; beyond it, the entrance suddenly opens onto a space above a quadrilateral area measuring 130m in length. 

See also: Con Coc Islet – A masterpiece of nature's artistry amid the sea and sky of Ha Long

Thanks to its impressive size and striking limestone formations, Thien Cung Cave has earned the distinction of being the most beautiful cave in the bay, even though Ha Long Bay is home to countless other famous caves, including Sung Sot Cave, Ngac Nhien Cave, Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave, Dau Go Cave, Luon Cave, Tam Cung Cave, and more. In fact, people affectionately compare Thien Cung Cave to a heavenly palace on earth.

2 Admission fees for Thien Cung Cave

If you plan to visit Thien Cung Cave during your trip to Ha Long, you will need to buy a ticket for Sightseeing Route 1, which includes Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, and Trong Mai Islet, as well as a boat ticket, for a total price of 295.000 VNĐ / person. The sightseeing ticket alone costs 145.000 VNĐ / person, while the boat ticket costs 150.000 VNĐ / person.

3 Discover the legend of Thien Cung Cave in Ha Long Bay

If you get the chance to explore Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the mining region, you'll also hear the legend of the heavenly palace on earth.

Legend has it that long ago, after helping the people defeat their enemies, the Dragon King returned to his cave. That year, a severe drought caused crop failures, leaving the people in persistent hunger and hardship. They turned to the Dragon King for help, pleading with him to bring rain and save them from their plight.

Many people made their way to the Dragon King's cave, but sadly, none had the chance to return. Seeing this, a young couple set out to find the Dragon King, undeterred by the hardships and dangers ahead. They returned safely from their journey and had a daughter, whom they named May. 

When May grew up, her beauty captured the heart of the Dragon Prince. Their love blossomed, culminating in a grand wedding that lasted seven days and seven nights in the heart of the cave. To celebrate the young couple's wedding, dragons flew around the cave, appearing and disappearing among the forest of stalactites, while baby elephants and two playful lions danced merrily together. The wedding was also attended by a giant python, which coiled around the trunk of an ancient banyan tree, and an eagle spreading its wings high above. The presence of Nam Tao and Bac Dau made the celebration even livelier and more festive. Today, when you visit Thien Cung Cave, you can easily spot scenes from that grand wedding carved into its walls.

4 Thien Cung Cave – An earthly heavenly palace with three mysterious chambers

4.1 The first chamber of Thien Cung Cave – A joyful, otherworldly scene

When you reach the first chamber of Thien Cung Cave, you'll easily spot a huge tableau on the cave wall. Every sculpture in Thien Cung Cave, whether large or small, has been meticulously and carefully shaped by nature. 

To the east, a huge tableau depicts vivid scenes featuring characters from ancient tales. Immortal beings and animals from folk beliefs appear lifelike, their forms rendered in graceful, delicate lines down to the smallest detail. Meanwhile, the northern wall depicts fairies gracefully playing music and dancing to celebrate the wedding of the Dragon Prince and the beautiful May. Above, on the vaulted ceiling, stalactites hang down like unique crystal chandeliers.

4.2 The second chamber of Thien Cung Cave – The central area, with the most magnificent scenery!

After finishing your visit to the first chamber, continue a little farther and you'll reach the second chamber, which is also the cave's central area, with scenery so magnificent it will take your breath away.

Here, you'll see four towering pillars in a variety of shapes, carved with mysterious patterns from base to top. You may catch glimpses of scenes of everyday life from times past, as well as flowers, plants, birds, animals, and more. Beneath the cave's vaulted ceiling, stalactites hang like a magnificent curtain woven by Mother Nature. The cave walls above are also adorned with images of fairies dancing and singing merrily. 

As you explore the central chamber, you might even think you can hear the lively drumbeats of the wedding celebration from long ago. In fact, it is only the sound of wind weaving through the rocks, yet it is strangely melodic and enchanting. The second chamber is also one of the most popular places for visitors to take check-in photos in Ha Long.

4.3 The third chamber, with its vivid, fairyland-like scenery

The third chamber of Thien Cung Cave is an earthly paradise, with a hazy atmosphere that brings its beautiful rock formations into view. It also contains crystal-clear pools, where water flows gently all year round. Legend has it that these pools were once where May bathed her 100 children.

5 Things to keep in mind when planning to explore Thien Cung Cave

- Thien Cung Cave is part of the Ha Long Bay scenic complex, so you can hire a private boat to visit the cave or take Sightseeing Route 1 to fully explore the area's beauty

- The path to the cave is cool and shaded by trees, but you should still bring a light jacket to protect yourself from insect bites

- The cave is somewhat dimly lit, so if you want to take photos, choose spots with plenty of lighting, usually in the central chamber. There is also a small skylight at the far end of the cave, where sunlight streams in and is sure to help you capture an impressive shot

At the end of your exploration of Thien Cung Cave, what will surely stay with you is its majestic beauty, tinged with mystery and breathtakingly poetic. The magnificent stalactites here will only deepen your enchantment, making it hard to tear yourself away. Would you like to visit one of the most beautiful caves in the mining region?