Thien Long Cave, also known as Phu Long Cave, is located in Phu Long commune (Cat Hai district) and is isolated from the surrounding area. Therefore, Thien Long Cave is not only a valuable tourist resource of Cat Ba but also a destination full of mysteries.
In the early 2000s, local people discovered the cave within the limestone mountain, resembling a divine shape. According to the locals, besides its paradise-like beauty, the cave also preserves traces of ancient life. With its complex terrain, the cave was once an ideal hiding place for pirates, giving rise to many fascinating and captivating stories. These stories contribute to making the journey to Thien Long Cave even more intriguing for visitors.
Thien Long Cave captivates visitors with its stunning beauty. After passing through a small gate, visitors find themselves in an endless space with interconnected chambers resembling a maze in paradise. The space is adorned with a gracefully arched stone ceiling featuring deep circular holes ranging from 1.5 to 2.1 meters high. Rows of stalactites showcase their pristine beauty, creating a fascinating natural landscape. Thien Long Cave is divided into three distinct sections with a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years, resembling droplets of cool, clear water.
In the first section of the cave, you will encounter a stone roof structure with a 1.5-meter-tall stone column, evoking images of mystical transformations. You can tap on the hanging stalactites resembling trees and listen to the sound they produce, but avoid exerting too much force.
The second section features a wide vault with multiple entrances created by curved and hanging stalactite arches. Over the years, thousands of layers of stalactites have formed ascending steps, resembling a scene from a fairy tale. The second cave is a world of giant animal-shaped formations sculpted by stalactites, welcoming visitors in a friendly manner.
To reach the third section, you must climb over a large rock resembling a turtle. It reveals a different world adorned with various stone formations. The third cave is divided into two areas: on the left is the Palace of the Deity, and on the right is a Buddhist temple with a golden shrine, dragon thrones, statues of deities, fairies, and four divine figures carved on dragon columns. All of these features are created from stimulating stalactite blocks that ignite the human imagination.
Visitors can explore Thien Long Cave at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Thien Long Cave is from April to October. During this period, the weather in Cat Ba is pleasant, dry, and sunny, which is ideal for sightseeing and exploration.
In the early months of the year, from January to March, Cat Ba hosts several characteristic festivals such as the Elephant Festival and the Doi Mountain Festival. You may consider this time frame to combine festival experiences with cave exploration.
During the winter season, Cat Ba experiences rain, humid weather, and cold temperatures. It is a quieter period for visitors to Thien Long Cave, mainly attracting foreign tourists.
There are several ways for visitors to reach Thien Long Cave, but to begin the journey of exploring the cave, visitors need to reach Cat Ba.
For visitors from Hanoi or nearby northern provinces, transportation options include taking a bus, train, or motorbike. The price of bus tickets ranges from 120,000 to 250,000 VND per trip, and train tickets to Hai Phong station cost around 60,000 VND. From Hai Phong City, visitors can continue their journey by high-speed boat to Cat Ba town, with tickets priced at 220,000 VND per person.
For visitors from distant locations such as the South or Central regions, you can book a flight to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong and then proceed to Cat Ba town.
There are various ways for visitors to travel to Thien Long Cave while exploring Cat Ba. From downtown Hai Phong, you can choose to travel by high-speed boat or by road to the ferry terminal, then cross the Cai Vieng ferry to set foot in Phu Long.
If starting from Cat Ba town, it is recommended to take a taxi or bus back to Phu Long, along the most beautiful 25km coastal road in the North, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. From there, you can rent a boat to cross the estuary with mangrove forests and mountains nearby, and then walk for over 10 minutes to reach Thien Long Cave. If you're on a guided tour, transportation arrangements will be provided to reach the cave more efficiently.
To have a memorable visit to Thien Long Cave, here are some useful tips you should consider for your trip:
Plan your Cat Ba trip early to secure affordable and quality flight tickets, accommodations, and tours.
Do not touch the stalactites and stalagmites, and avoid damaging the natural resources.
Maintain cleanliness both inside and outside the cave.
Prepare your camera, phone, and power bank to capture memorable photos.
Bring snacks and necessary medications such as insect repellent, headache medicine, and nasal spray.
Thien Long Cave in Cat Ba showcases the mystical beauty of nature and is truly one of the most impressive stops for visitors exploring Cat Ba Island. With the information about Thien Long Cave in Cat Ba, we hope you have an enjoyable experience here.
