For those who come to visit Vietnam and Hanoi capital, take the time to visit nearby Hanoi attractions is an option that cannot be missed. And, Halong Bay in Quang Ninh province is always the first choice. Once you come to Halong Bay, you will have a feeling that it is like a giant natural museum with magical pristine caves along with unique and fascinating culture and history. As starting Halong tour, you will forget all the time and relax in beautiful landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. One of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations that tourists will visit during the tour of Halong is Thien Cung - Heavenly Palace Cave.
Thien Cung where its beauty is considered the palace of the heaven was formed in the late Pleistocene period, about 2 million years from these days, and was discovered in 1993. The cave is located in the southwestern part of Halong Bay, about 4km from cruise ship port, on Dau Go Island at 25m above sea level. The road to Thien Cung has crags and both sides covered with overgrown trees. Going through a narrow cleft, the cave suddenly opens a large space with a length of 130m. The deeper visitors go into, the more amazed they get because of very vivid and splendid beauty created by stalactites.
Thien Cung covers approximately 10,000m2 and has a complex structure consisting of various levels and sections with high and wide ceilings and cliffs. In the cave, visitors can see countless blocks of stalactites, stalagmites with numerous unique shapes. From the ceiling, clusters of colorful stalactites flow down forming a fanciful stone curtain. The eastern cliff of the cave is seen as a huge painting, which emerges the old fairy-tale characters highly sophisticated with the smallest detail. The sculpture, whether massive or small, are polished meticulously by nature. Until the final section of the cave, the natural lights streaming through the ceiling make up the magnificent scenery. There are also ravines flowing from the heart of mountain during four seasons, they are gathered together forming the clear pond. And in the corner, Thien Cung also connects to the outside by a small door overlooking a blue Halong Bay blue with undulating rocky mountains.
In addition, the cave is associated with an ancient legend of the Dragon King. A long time ago, this was a place where the Dragon King returned after helping people dispel invaders. In a period, it happened a severe drought, the citizens got hungry, therefore; they wanted to send people to meet Dragon King for help. Not afraid of danger, a young couple was determined to seek the Dragon King.
Through many challenges, the couple finally found Thien Cung cave, thanks to King Dragon’s help, it rained. At that time, their daughter was born and was named the Cloud. She grew up and the Dragon prince fell in love with her and the love blossomed. The Wedding party was held during 7 days and 7 nights in the heart of the cave.
To congratulate the couple, the image of flying dragons hidden in the stalactites, pythons wrapping around ancient trees, dancing lions, the eagle outstretching giant wings in the sky, the elephant lying for the bride and groom walking down, and the fairies dancing creates jubilant scenes inside the Heavenly Palace.
Thien Cung Cave will make guests feel as if just having been seen an extremely unique, sophisticated and interesting art museum that is made by the hands of the gods, of the Creator beyond the capability and imagination of human. Take a trip to travel to Halong - Quang Ninh once to discover the beauty of nature and the people here will be a memorable experience for visitors.
