Thien Cung Cave - Động Thiên Cung - HA LONG DIAMOND CRUISES

Thien Cung Cave (Động Thiên Cung) is located in the northern part of Dau Go Island, about 4 km south of the tourist port. As one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, it is renowned for its vast interior, multiple levels, and a myriad of limestone stalactites and stalagmites with bizarre shapes.

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Where is Thien Cung Cave Located?

The cave is situated near Dau Go Cave, with its entrance positioned 25 meters above sea level. It is considered one of the most stunning caves in Ha Long Bay known to humans. Covering an area of nearly 10,000 square meters, Thien Cung Cave features a complex structure with many levels and chambers, characterized by high ceilings and expansive walls. The cave’s interior is adorned with countless strange and beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites. As a result, local legends suggest that the cave was the site of a mythical love story and separation between the Dragon King and his Queen or that it represents the labyrinths of a Persian emperor in the “One Thousand and One Nights.”

Dong Thien Cung Cave Entrance

Inside the cave, there is a small opening that leads to a small bay surrounded by a mountainous area. On one of the cave’s walls, there is an inscription with the year 1901, which may be the mark of the first explorer to discover the cave. Today, a well-developed system of stairs, corridors, and lighting has been constructed both inside and outside the cave to facilitate easy visitor access. Thien Cung Cave officially opened to tourists on May 1, 1998, and has since become a major attraction in HaLong Bay. It was the first cave in Ha Long to be extensively developed for tourism.

Read more: Dau Go cave - Hang Đầu Gỗ

Nowadays, Thien Cung Cave is a favorite stop for many domestic and international tourists who come to explore and admire its beauty. Visitors can book day tours to Ha Long or 1-2 day cruises with hotel stays, which typically include 4-6 hours of sightseeing.

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Thien Cung Cave’s Legends and Mysteries

Origin of the Name: The cave is named “Thien Cung,” which means “Heavenly Palace,” because of its enchanting luminescent formations that resemble a celestial palace from legend. Additionally, there is an opening in the cave that connects to the sky, allowing sunlight to illuminate the interior in a spectacular and magical way.

Thien Cung Cave is known for its fascinating legends and stories. According to local lore, after aiding in the defeat of invaders, the Dragon King did not return to the heavens but instead settled in this cave. Subsequently, a drought caused widespread crop failures, and despite efforts to find the Dragon King to ask for rain, the search proved unsuccessful.

A couple, determined to find the Dragon King, ventured through numerous challenges and dangers. They eventually had a daughter named May. This beautiful girl grew up to captivate the Dragon Prince’s heart, leading to a grand celestial wedding celebrated with dragons flying, phoenixes dancing, and mythical creatures around an ancient banyan tree, creating a breathtaking scene. These elements and landscapes in the cave vividly illustrate the legends and contribute to the cave’s name, Thien Cung, meaning “Heavenly Palace.”

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Exploring Thien Cung Cave

To explore the unique and mysterious aspects of Thien Cung Cave, visitors should not miss its enchanting underground scenery. The cave has been extensively developed and restored to accommodate many tourists and promote Vietnam’s natural beauty internationally.

Cave Structures and Attractions

When visiting Thien Cung Cave, you can choose to explore individually, with a group, or through a Ha Long tour. The cave’s large area of nearly 10,000 square meters features a diverse and intriguing structure created by nature, with multiple levels, chambers, and striking stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The Cave’s Central Area

In the central part of the cave, visitors can admire giant stone pillars and intricate carvings depicting flora and fauna, as well as scenes resembling human activities. This unique feature enhances the experience, making visitors feel like they are stepping into a beautiful fairyland.

The Final Chambers

In the final chambers of Thien Cung Cave, visitors will be awestruck by the impressive scenery, where the interplay of light and shadows creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Small, crystal-clear pools formed by dripping water contribute to the cave’s stunning stalactite formations.

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Visiting Tips for Thien Cung cave

To ensure a memorable trip, you should prepare well, considering health, finances, and a comfortable mindset. Here are essential tips for visiting Thien Cung Cave:

Getting There: To reach Ha Long City, you can travel by plane or bus from other provinces. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 1-2 hours. From HaLong City (Quang Ninh provice), follow National Route 18 southwest towards Tuan Chau Island and continue to Tuan Chau Port to reach Thien Cung Cave.
Entrance Fees: Tickets for visiting Thien Cung Cave are reasonably priced:
- For a combined tour of Ha Long Bay and Dau Go Cave, the fee is 250,000 VND per person.
- For entry to Thien Cung Cave specifically, the fee is 40,000 VND per person. Boat tickets range from 1,600,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND per boat, depending on the number of people and weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit: To fully enjoy Thien Cung Cave, visit between March-May or August-October, when there are fewer tourists, and you can avoid the crowds.
Clothing: Wear comfortable and modest clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin.