Thien Cung Cave: a magnificent underground palace in Halong Bay, Vietnam

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Thien Cung Cave, Ha Long Bay is an attraction you do not want to miss during your Vietnam trip (Source: Collected)

Nestled in the mesmerizing landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Thien Cung Cave stands out for its magnificent and picturesque scenery. Here, you can easily escape the city’s chaos and immerse yourself in an exciting adventure. Read this article for more detailed information and some important local tips you should know for a well-planned Thien Cung grotto trip.

1. Location and legend of Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay

• Address: Dau Go Island, southwest of Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province.

As one of the most pristine and charming caves in Vietnam, Thien Cung Cave is situated approximately 4 kilometers from the tourist harbor. Positioned at an elevation of 25 meters above sea level, the journey to this grotto offers visitors a challenging path through rocky terrain adorned with lush greenery. After passing through the narrow entrance, its interior unfolds like an enchanting masterpiece, stretching over 130 meters and filling every visitor with excitement.

According to local legend, Thien Cung Cave served as the residence of the Dragon King after assisting the people in repelling external threats. Amidst a severe drought, a courageous girl named May disregarded the danger and ventured into the cave to seek the Dragon King’s assistance for her village. Their meeting blossomed into a profound love, leading to a magnificent wedding ceremony held in the central part of the cave. The festivities were enlivened by the presence of dragons, elephants, pythons, lions, and eagles, creating a spectacular and lively sight.

The untouched beauty of Thien Cung Cave (Source: Collected)

2. Map of Thien Cung Cave Vietnam

Thien Cung Cave covers an extensive area of almost 10,000 square meters, featuring a complex structure comprising three beautiful chambers. The expansive size and distinctive architecture of this cave will astonish any visitor with the marvels of nature exhibited through various levels, intricately patterned rock walls, soaring ceilings, and an array of unique stalactites and stalagmites.

2.1. The first chamber

To reach Thien Cung Cave, visitors will weave through dense greenery and climb some rocky cliffs on Dau Go Island. Following the narrow rock passage is the extraordinary sight of the distinctively shaped stalactite columns that captivate any beholder. The whole place lights up with natural sunlight from above, turning it into a dazzling fairy-tale world.

The surreal scenery inside Thien Cung Cave (Source: Collected)

2.2. The second chamber

When entering the central part of Thien Cung Cave, tourists will be treated to the mesmerizing beauty of delicately carved rock formations and enchanting stalactite clusters, resembling ethereal stone curtains. These marvelous natural wonders are celebrated as some of the most captivating landscapes, guaranteed to evoke awe and amazement in every visitor. Moreover, it provides a stunning backdrop for those seeking picturesque check-in photos in Ha Long.

2.3. The third chamber

The last chamber of Thien Cung Cave greets visitors with a stunning vista. The ethereal light mingles with vivid colors, crafting an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a celestial paradise. In this area, tourists will come across petite ponds fed by streams that flow from the depths of the cave. The persistent flow of water over the centuries has shaped distinctive stalactite formations.

The last chamber of Thien Cung Cave – one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long (Source: Collected)

3. Must-visit attractions near Thien Cung Grotto

For a more memorable and comprehensive Thien Cung Cave tour, visitors may consider exploring the following nearby popular destinations:

3.1. Dau Go Cave

Dau Go Cave is regarded as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful caves. Covering about 5,000 square meters, it is divided into three main chambers, featuring a spacious entrance measuring 17 meters in width and 12 meters in height. The abundant natural light through the entrance fosters diverse vegetation, particularly moss, ferns, and woody plants, creating a distinctive characteristic of the cave.

The stunning Dau Go Cave (Source: Collected)

3.2. Ba Hang Fishing Village

Located beneath a towering mountain on Cau Go Island, Ba Hang Fishing Village is an alluring stop on the Thien Cung Cave tour, right next to Thien Cung Grotto itself. This site captivates both local and international visitors who come to appreciate the allure of the picturesque natural scenery and experience the simple life of fishermen. During a visit to this fishing village, travelers can engage in fishing, night squid fishing, and savor local cuisine with the locals.

Ba Hang Fishing Village was a backdrop in the film “Kong: Skull Island.” (Source: Collected)

3.3. Dinh Huong Islet

Dinh Huong Island is a charming islet nestled in the heart of Ha Long Bay. It is a sacred symbol depicted on the 200,000 VND (Vietnamese dong) banknotes. This island is a grand limestone peak resting upon four slender rocks, forming a natural blockade. The rocks create the semblance of an enormous incense burner amidst the expansive open sea.

Dinh Huong resembles a massive incense burner (Source: Collected)

4. Essential information to plan a perfect trip to Thien Cung Cave

4.1. Best time to visit Thien Cung Cave Halong Bay

The ideal time to visit Thien Cung Cave is from March to May and from August to October, when Ha Long experiences pleasant weather with less rain and is less crowded. The remaining months of the year are also good choices to explore the cave and enjoy its unique seasonal beauty.

4.2. Best ways to get to Thien Cung Grotto

To visit Thien Cung Cave, visitors have two options: choosing a comprehensive tour package with transportation from Hanoi or traveling independently by motorbike, car, or bus to Ha Long City. When reaching Ha Long, tourists can head to Tuan Chau International Port or Ha Long International Passenger Port. At the port, visitors should purchase a ticket for Route Number 1. The itinerary covers various attractions such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Dog Stone Island, Dinh Huong Islet, Ba Hang Cave, and Trong Mai Islet.

The map of Halong Bay tour routes (Source: Collected)

4.3. Cost of visiting Thien Cung Cave

The essential costs for exploring Thien Cung Cave include tickets for Route 1 of the Ha Long Bay sightseeing tour, plus boat rental, specifically:

Route 1 ticket: 290,000 VND per person

Sightseeing boat rental

• Standard boat: Around 150,000 VND per person, with dining services costing about 150,000 VND per person. 
• Luxury cruises: Starts from about 1,200,000 VND per person (inclusive of VIP boat ticket, sightseeing ticket, guide, buffet lunch on board, afternoon tea, and welcome drinks). 
• Chartered boats: 
  • 48-seat boat ticket for Route 1: 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND per trip
  • 99-seat boat ticket for Route 1: 5,500,000 VND per trip

Additional services (optional)

• Visitors exploring Thien Cung Cave may incur extra charges. A meal on the boat costs around 150,000 VND per person, and the rowboat or kayak rental fee for exploring Ba Hang Cave is approximately 40,000 VND.

*Note: The prices mentioned here are for reference only and may vary based on peak seasons, the type of sightseeing boat, and additional services provided by travel companies.

Tourists can rent boats to visit Thien Cung Cave (Source: Collected)

4.4. Best places to stay for your Thien Cung Cave adventure

After an exciting trip to discover the stunning Thien Cung Cave, visitors will definitely need comfortable accommodations to relax. Nestled in a prime location amidst enchanting natural landscapes, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is a perfect option for visitors seeking a luxurious stay during their trip. As a leading brand in Vietnam’s hospitality industry, Vinpearl promises to offer high-class rooms, luxurious facilities, and professional services to maximize tourists’ Vietnam travel experience.

The luxurious Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

Besides Ha Long Bay, tourists should not miss stunning destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc to experience the finest of our country. In particular, visitors are highly recommended to stop by the captivating amusement hubs of VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. VinWonders not only showcases the diverse landscapes of Vietnam but also promises unforgettable fun moments for the whole family.

VinWonders Phu Quoc – an unmissable spot for the entire family

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to create an unforgettable experience with your family!

Nestled amidst the lush nature of Vietnam, Ha Long boasts an abundance of famous landmarks and attractions. For an enchanting retreat just beyond the city limits, look no further than Thien Cung Cave. A visit to this location creates an unforgettable journey, where the lush surroundings and serene ambiance combine to highlight a truly mesmerizing experience for all who venture there.