Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay: Travel Guide
Thien Cung Cave is one of the most magnificent cultures in Halong Bay, located on Dau Go Island in Quang Ninh Province. It's about 4km from the Tuan Chau International Marina, and the only way to reach it is by boat.
The cave was first discovered in 1901 by a French explorer, but it remained hidden for decades until 1993, when it was re-found by a group of local fishermen seeking shelter during a storm.
Legend of Thien Cung Cave
The name Thien Cung means "Heaven Palace" in English, and it comes from a local legend.
The fascinating legend says that the place used to be the wedding palace of the Dragon King and his Queen. After the wedding, they live together in the cave and raise their princes and princesses until the Queen takes half of them to the south of Vietnam, while the King stays behind in Halong Bay to continue watching over and protecting the region.
The stunning staglamites inside Thien Cung are said to be the remnants of the luxury wedding.
Getting there
The only way to get to Thien Cung Cave is by boat. From Tuan Chau Marina, you could buy the entrance ticket for "Halong Bay Route 1," which included a drop-off by Thien Cung. The cost would be around 290,000 VND per person.
Besides, you'll need to rent a boat to take you there. There're 2 choices: sharing a boat for 150,000 vnd per person or a private boat for 1,500,000 vnd per 6 hours.
When to visit
Thien Cung Cave is a year-round beauty. However, I recommend that you visit during the dry season from October to April. It's considered the best time to visit Thien Cung as well as Halong Bay, with a decent temperature (15–24 °C), little rain, and a clear sky.
What to see
Thien Cung Cave covers an area of nearly 10,000 square meters and is filled with beautiful shimmering stalactite and stalagmite. The journey through the cave will take you through 3 major "chambers," each with unique yet stunning features.
The first chamber is the smallest one, with a series of stalactites and stalagmite. The second chamber will amaze you with its enormous size, including various thousand-year-old stones that resemble various shapes of animals, fairies, and gods.
The last chamber of Thien Cung looks like a sum-up of the entire cave's beauty. It's a harmonious mixture of natural lighting, crystal-clear waters, a pond, and stunning stalactites and stalagmite.
The visit to Thien Cung Cave will be just like its name: a walk through heaven on earth.
