Thien Canh Son Cave

On Halong Bay, there are hundreds of caverns hidden within the limestone islets scattered across the bay, each with its own unique charm. Both the inside and outside parts of Thien Canh Son Cave are overwhelmingly beautiful. Visitors will be able to enjoy the majesty of the cave while enjoying the panoramic view of Halong Bay from the top of the islet; relax on the sandy beach and participate in watersports such as kayaking or swimming.

Location

Thien Canh Son Cave is part of the Cong Do Island Conservation Area, which is located in Bai Tu Long Bay - an extension of Halong Bay. Cong Do Island is roughly 25 kilometers from Bai Chay Harbor. The island has a total size of 23,363 square kilometers and is one of the most pristine islands in Halong Bay.

Initially, the cave was known as Grass Cave because of its abundant green vegetation covering the outer part of the cave. When its beauty was unearthed, the cave was given another impressive name, Thien Canh Son, which is Vietnamese for “paradise hidden in the mountains”.

Legends related to the cave

Its mythology, like the formation of the cave, dates back a long time. Each distinct structure of the cave has been described and compared to known items. It is not unexpected that when you visit Thien Canh Son Cave, you will be told about a cluster of stalagmites that resemble baby elephants, lotus blossoms, or a gathering of hamsters. It takes some creativity and a decent sense of humor, but it is all part of the experience of your visit to this wonderful cave, and locals will gladly give you such a great experience.

What to see in Thien Canh Son Cave

Thien Canh Son is smaller and less popular than the more well-known Sung Sot Cave, yet its beauty and majesty are unparalleled. It has a total number of three chambers, each with many stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors should spend 35 to 45 minutes exploring this cave. Thien Canh Son Cave also features a beach with fine white sand under the limestone islet. After touring the cave, visitors can head to the beach and partake in other activities, including kayaking and swimming. Furthermore, at the cave's highest point, visitors will be able to get a panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay.

The path to Thien Canh Son Cave comprises around 400 steps made up of stone. These steps have varying sizes, shapes, and heights. This cave is positioned all year round under beautiful green forest vegetation, which contributes to its pleasant atmosphere.

The cave's entrance is fairly small, yet within the cave is a stunning and enigmatic beauty. Visitors must crouch slightly to avoid hitting their heads on the low entrance to the gate, then descend the steep route into the first chamber. The highlight of the first chamber is the presence of tens of thousands of gleaming stalactites. These stalactites drop down from the cave's roof like the dome of a Baroque theater that features hundreds of hanging lights.

Thien Canh Son Cave differs from other caves in that its stalactites have been formed over a lengthy period of time that may go up to thousands of years. Geologic activities have given these stalactites many unique shapes that look like flowers, monkeys, seals, chandeliers, and lotus flowers.

How to get there

Visitors can travel to Thien Canh Son Cave in three ways as follows:

• Firstly, you can opt for the sightseeing ticket Route 4 which includes Thay Cave, Cong Do Area, and Vung Vieng Fishing Village. 
• Secondly, you can purchase an overnight cruise on Bai Tu Long bay such as Signature, Paloma, Swan, Dragon Legend, Dragon Pearl, etc. Visitors who choose this option can both relax on the cruise while enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of the bay at night and visiting numerous interesting tourist spots. 
• Lastly, you can purchase tours through travel agencies. This is probably the easiest way to explore Thien Canh Son Cave as everything, from boat tickets to meals, is arranged by the travel agencies. They also have a staff of guides that organize kayaking and other activities for you.

Recently, the Halong Bay Management Board has constructed a network of cave walkways and roads to assist visitors in exploring all of this wonder's enigmatic aspects. Furthermore, Thien Canh Son Cave is in the vicinity of Cong Do Island, Tung Ang ecoregion, Vung Vieng fishing village, and some other attractions. Hence, travelers may want to incorporate these attractions, along with Thien Canh Son Cave, into their Halong trip. There are many contemporary and pleasant guesthouses near Thien Canh Son Cave, so you will not need to be afraid of not being able to find a place to stay.

Conclusion and Advice 

Here are some crucial things to keep in mind before you start your adventure to Thien Canh Son Cave, Bai Tu Long Bay:

• Bring only the most necessary belongings and wear clothing that is comfortable and flexible enough for physical activities.  
• Wear sport shoes so that your feet will not get hurt at the end of the day. 
• Bring along a torch because it may get quite dark in some areas of the cave. 
• You are recommended to use a helmet for the sake of your own protection. 
• Water and some light snacks may be essential in some cases.