Do you want to explore the less crowded side of Halong Bay? Let’s start with Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. Sitting on Hon Co Island in the Cong Do Nature Reserve, this cave offers visitors a perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. From its cool chambers filled with interesting rock shapes to the amazing views of the bay, this travel blog covers everything you need to plan your visit.
Get to know about Thien Canh Son cave
Thien Canh Son Cave stands as one of Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful natural wonders. Located on Hon Co Island in the Cong Do Nature Reserve area of Bai Tu Long Bay, this cave sits about 20 kilometers from the Tuan Chau International Tourist Wharf in Ha Long City.
The cave lies in a protected natural heritage area, where local authorities take great care to maintain its pristine environment. Many travelers know it as Hang Co (Grass Cave) because of the various plant species that grow around it. The cave’s natural beauty has earned it the nickname “fairyland of Ha Long” among visitors.
What can you expect in Thien Canh Son cave Halong Bay?
- Three large chambers filled with unique rock formations
- Natural lighting that creates beautiful shadows on the cave walls
- Various stalactite and stalagmite shapes that look like animals and flowers
- A 400-step stone stairway leading to the cave entrance
- Cool temperatures inside the cave year-round
- Amazing views of Bai Tu Long Bay from the cave entrance
- A small beach area at the bottom of the mountain
- Local plant life growing along the path to the cave
The Legend of Thien Canh Son Cave
The story of Thien Canh Son Cave is more about natural science than legend. The cave formed over millions of years through limestone erosion, where water slowly shaped the rock and created the stunning formations we see today.
The cave’s name has an interesting history. It was first called Hang Co (Grass Cave) because of its location on Hon Co Island. Later, to better capture its magical beauty, it was renamed Thien Canh Son, meaning “the mountain with the view of fairyland.”
Local guides love to point out specific formations in the cave, comparing them to familiar objects. You might see shapes that look like baby elephants, lotus flowers, or even groups of hamsters. While it takes some imagination to spot these shapes, it adds fun to the cave experience.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Thien Canh Son Cave?
An impressive natural structure: The cave covers nearly 10,000 square meters and has three main chambers. Each chamber shows off nature’s artistic side with different levels, patterns on the rock walls, and high ceilings.
A unique mountain location: Unlike many Ha Long Bay caves that need boat access, Thien Canh Son sits on a mountain slope. Getting there means climbing 400 stone steps, but the path offers beautiful views and passes through old trees and green grass.
Amazing rock formations: Inside the cave, you’ll find countless stalactites and stalagmites created over millions of years. These formations come in various shapes and sizes, creating what looks like a natural art gallery.
Perfect natural lighting: The cave’s design allows natural light to enter in ways that create beautiful effects. This lighting makes the rock formations look even more spectacular and creates interesting shadows throughout the chambers.
Comfortable cave environment: The cave keeps a steady, cool temperature all year. This makes it a pleasant place to visit even on hot days, and the fresh air inside helps you enjoy your time exploring.
What to Do in Thien Canh Son Cave?
Explore the cave
The cave gets more popular each year because of its beauty. Inside, you’ll find carefully placed lights that highlight the natural formations without taking away from their beauty. Each stone formation tells its own story of how time shaped the cave.
View Bai Tu Long Bay
After seeing the cave, step outside for amazing views of Bai Tu Long Bay. The high location gives you a perfect spot to see the limestone islands scattered across the water. You’ll also find beautiful local plants growing on the rocks, adding color to the scene.
Swimming
At the bottom of the mountain, there’s a small beach where you can swim in clear waters. You can also rent kayaks or small boats to explore Cong Do Island. Watch for local wildlife like colorful fish, monkeys, and flowering orchids.
Try Local Food
The area offers excellent seafood dishes including:
- Fresh Ha Long grilled squid with turmeric and lemongrass
- Seafood spring rolls with local herbs
- Special seafood pho with shrimp and fish
- Grilled fish with local spices
How to Get to Thien Canh Son Cave?
Thien Canh Son Cave sits 25 kilometers from Bai Chay Ward in Halong City. The most common way to visit is through Tour Route 4, which starts from Tuan Chau Wharf and takes you to several spots, including Vung Vieng Fishing Village and Hang Thay Cave. Since this is an overnight tour, you’ll need to plan your schedule.
For a more complete experience, you can book a cruise package that includes a cabin stay, meals, and extra activities like kayaking. Many cruise companies offer these tours, giving you plenty of choices to fit your style and budget.
If you’re new to Halong Bay travel, using a Vietnam travel agency might be your best choice. They take care of everything – from transport and cruise bookings to meals and guide services. All you need to do is pack your bags and show up. Remember that visits to Thien Canh Son Cave always require an overnight stay, so book your trip at least a few days ahead, or a couple of weeks during the busy season from December to February.
Tips for visiting
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the stairs
- Bring a light jacket as the cave stays cool
- Carry a water bottle
- Don’t forget your camera
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Book your cruise or tour ahead during peak season
- Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the cave
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Thien Canh Son Cave?
October to December offers the best weather for visiting. The temperatures are mild, and there’s less rain. March to May also works well, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Try to avoid the summer months (June-August) when it gets very hot and crowded.
Which one is better: Thien Canh Son Cave or Sung Sot Cave?
Each cave offers different experiences. Thien Canh Son Cave is less crowded and gives you better bay views from its entrance. Sung Sot Cave is larger and more famous but often gets busy. If you want a quieter experience with great views, choose Thien Canh Son Cave.
Thien Canh Son Cave offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and adventure. Its location high above Bai Tu Long Bay, combined with its impressive rock formations and pleasant environment, makes it a must-visit spot in Ha Long Bay. Whether you’re taking photos, swimming at the beach below, or trying local food, the cave area provides plenty of activities for a full day of exploration.
Mo Nguyen – From Vietnam Travels Online Team
