Vung Duc Cave, a prominent destination in Quang Ninh, impresses with its vast space and gracefully curving stone drapes. The site is further adorned with many uniquely shaped stalactites, creating a magnificent and mysterious beauty. Many have therefore likened Vung Duc Cave to an “underground palace.”
In March, a “dream wedding” held inside Vung Duc Cave in Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province, caught the attention of the online community. Images of the event quickly spread, making this location an appealing destination for many tourists eager to behold the unique beauty of the cave.
The wedding held in Vung Duc Cave garnered much attention.
According to the website of the Tourism Department, Vung Duc Cave is located within the Vung Duc Historical and Scenic Relic Complex, about 45km northeast of Ha Long City. The route to the cave is very convenient, as tourists can travel along the Ha Long – Cam Pha coastal road. When you reach the end of the road, at the junction with Cam Pha City’s Ben Tau Road, turn right and go about 1km to reach the cave entrance.
The Vung Duc Cave system consists of five main caves.
Nestled beside the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay and surrounded by the Ban Co mountain range, Vung Duc Cave boasts a breathtaking natural landscape. The cave system comprises five main caves: Thien Dang, Long Van, Ngo Ngang, and Cung Dinh, with Cung Dinh being the largest.
Formed over millions of years, the primitive and mysterious beauty of the caves has been well preserved. Along the caves are gracefully curving stone drapes with intricate patterns, resembling delicate carvings. The caves are distributed from low to high, requiring visitors to climb hundreds of stone steps to reach their entrances.
Since 1999, Vung Duc Joint Stock Company has invested in constructing an elevator system, lighting, and an entrance path to the cave, providing visitors with more convenient access to explore this provincial historical relic.
The caves feature stalactites illuminated by dreamy, magical lighting.
Exploring the Vung Duc Cave System
The first stop for visitors to the Vung Duc Cave tourist area is Thien Dang Cave. Located 46 meters above sea level, Thien Dang Cave spans an area of approximately 300 square meters, offering a spacious environment for exploration. Here, you can not only marvel at the majestic beauty of the cave but also enjoy panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay, with its islands dotting the deep blue waters.
Each cave boasts irresistible unique charms.
Thien Dang Cave stands out with its soft, curving stone drapes, resembling a grand stage, exuding intricate beauty. Overhead, stalactites hang like meticulously crafted chandeliers. The occasional beam of light from outside adds a touch of magic and sparkle to the cave’s interior.
Next is Long Van Cave, located at a higher elevation than Thien Dang Cave, offering another captivating destination for visitors. Inside, the space divides into two branches: the upper and lower branches. Here, you’ll encounter various unique stone formations, shaped by the imaginative interpretations of visitors. These stone slabs come to life, evoking images of animals like elephants and swans, as well as familiar shapes like bells and lotus pedestals.
The combination of natural beauty and artificial lighting creates a fantastical atmosphere.
As you exit Long Van Cave and follow the main path, you’ll arrive at Kim Quy Cave and Ngo Ngang Cave. Here, the fairy tale of the “hundred-joint bamboo tree” comes alive with a giant bamboo tree and three consecutive statues, each with strange appearances.
Notably, Bat Cave is a highlight not to be missed, housing hundreds of bat species. As you step into the cave, you’ll be treated to melodious sounds, like a symphony created by the bats’ calls. Additionally, the mystery of these caves is further accentuated by the uniquely shaped stalactites.
This destination attracts tourists from far and wide.
Discovering Unique Culinary Delights
Exploring Vung Duc Cave offers visitors not only breathtaking scenery but also a chance to indulge in delectable local specialties. Here, you’ll find an abundance of seafood options such as snails, squid, shrimp, crab, and shrimp, prepared in various mouthwatering dishes to satisfy all palates.
One signature dish you shouldn’t miss is Quang Ninh squid sausage. Made from fresh squid from the region’s coastal waters, the squid sausage at Vung Duc Cam Son is crafted using a secret family recipe, resulting in a chewy, crispy texture and an irresistible flavor. This delicacy is typically enjoyed with white sticky rice or rice rolls, creating a perfect culinary combination.
Quang Ninh’s thick and fragrant squid sausage is a delicious treat.
Apart from squid sausage, “gật gù” cake is another renowned specialty of Tien Yen region, commonly found at Vung Duc Cam Son. This cake is made from high-quality rice flour, mixed with leftover rice, and typically served with a special dipping sauce made from premium fish sauce, chicken fat-braised meat, fried onions, and fresh chili peppers. The cake’s soft and chewy texture will surely earn your nod of approval.
“Gật gù” cake is a must-try delicacy.
Moreover, when visiting the Vung Duc Relic Site, you’ll have the convenient opportunity to explore the nearby islands on Bai Tu Long Bay. Adjacent to the relic site is Vung Duc Wharf, from where you can embark on a boat to discover captivating destinations like Ba Mun National Park, Cong Tay Island Eco-Tourism Area, The Vang Eco-Tourism Island, or more distant islands such as Quan Lan and Co To.
The Culinary Majesty of Quang Ninh: A Sensational Feast for Royalty and Commoner Alike.
The horseshoe crab, a rather mysterious creature to many, is a delicacy in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Join us as we delve into the world of this unique creature and explore what makes it a sought-after specialty. Discover the secrets of the horseshoe crab’s appeal, where to find it, and the delicious dishes it can create in today’s feature!