Travel

The “Third Most Beautiful Cave in the South” is located in Ninh Binh and is filled with enchanting stalactites.

With its ethereal beauty and an array of fantastical stalactites and stalagmites, Dich Long Cave in Ninh Binh Province has earned the title of the "Third Most Beautiful Cave in Vietnam".

Administrator

2 September, 2024

King Minh Mạng bestowed upon this place the five words “Nam thien de tam dong” (the third most beautiful cave in the South) during a trip in 1821.

Located midway up the mountain, the cave emits a wind that sounds like a flute when standing at its entrance. Photo by Tran Nghi

According to historical records, in 1739, a woodcutter discovered this cave while gathering firewood. Inside, he found numerous stalactites resembling Buddha statues, so he set up an altar. In 1740, the locals built a road and a temple to worship Buddha, naming it “Nham Son dong Co Am tu,” which means Co Am Temple and Nham Son Cave.

The Dich Long Cave and Temple were recognized as national historical and cultural relics in 1990. This complex of relics and scenic spots includes a stone pavilion (with 16 monolithic columns), a temple dedicated to Ly Quoc Su (also known as Saint Nguyen by the locals), the Ha Temple, and a Buddha garden.

The cave’s front yard houses the altars of the Lady of the Upper Realm and the Holy Mother. Photo by Tran Nghi

To reach Dich Long Cave, visitors must climb 105 stone steps from the mountain’s base to its entrance. The front yard of the cave features altars dedicated to the Lady of the Upper Realm and the Holy Mother.

Dich Long Cave consists of two areas: Hang Sang (Bright Cave) and Hang Toi (Dark Cave). Both areas boast countless stalactites in various shapes, resembling Buddha statues, a kneeling elephant, lions, horses, and elephants and tigers drinking from vessels.

The cave contains several shrines. Photo by Tran Nghi

Dich Long Cave has three interconnected caves, and when standing at the entrance, one can hear the wind whispering like a flute.

Locals refer to this phenomenon as the giant stone flute and named the cave Dich Long, with “dich” meaning flute and “long” meaning wind.

The cave also houses a stone stele inscribed with Chinese characters. Photo by Tran Nghi

During the resistance war against the French, the temple and cave served as a revolutionary base, storing weapons and housing a weapons production facility for the Vietnamese army and people.

Ms. Nguyen Huong Lan, Deputy Head of the Culture and Information Office of Gia Vien District, shared that the Dich Long Temple is currently managed by the People’s Committee of Gia Thanh Commune.

The local government has not yet developed this site as a tourist attraction, and the number of visitors remains small, mostly consisting of locals.

The stalactites create a mystical atmosphere inside Dich Long Cave. Photo by Tran Nghi

Every year, on the 6th and 7th of the third lunar month, the people of Gia Thanh Commune hold a festival at Dich Long Temple, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Frequently asked questions

The Hang Múa cave, located in Ninh Binh province, is regarded as the third most beautiful cave in Southern Vietnam. What sets it apart are the enchanting stalactites that adorn the cave, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere.

Inside the cave, visitors are treated to a stunning display of naturally formed stalactites that hang like crystalline curtains. The cave is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, adding to its natural charm. Outside, the surrounding landscape offers a breathtaking view of lush green mountains and tranquil rice fields. The area also boasts a picturesque lake and a historic temple, creating a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore.

Hang Múa cave is easily accessible by road, and visitors can conveniently reach it by car, motorbike, or even bicycle. The site has well-maintained paths and stairs leading up to the cave, making it navigable for most visitors. Additionally, there are restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops located nearby, providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable visit.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike up to the cave, taking in the stunning scenery along the way. Inside the cave, they can marvel at the beautiful stalactites and explore the natural formations. Outside, they can wander through the peaceful rice fields, visit the nearby lake for a tranquil boat ride, or explore the ancient temple to learn about the region’s cultural heritage.

The ideal time to visit Hang Múa cave is during the dry season, which typically lasts from February to April. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer chances of rain, ensuring a more comfortable exploration of the cave and its surroundings. To avoid crowds, it is advisable to visit during weekdays or plan your trip during the early morning or late afternoon when there are generally fewer visitors.