Where is Tam Cung Cave ?

Have you heard of Tam Cung Cave but aren’t sure where it is or what to expect? Let’s dive into the details! Located on May Den Island in Halong Bay, Quang Ninh province, Tam Cung Cave is one of the most stunning caves in the region, just 5 kilometers northeast of Sung Sot Cave.

Explore three interconnected chambers, each filled with breathtaking natural formations. Marvel at the intricate stalactites and stalagmites, including a serene-looking old man with a long beard and a delicate quỳnh flower bud. You’ll also find representations of water gods, the Three Pure Ones, and various animals like lions and seals.

How to Travel to Tam Cung Cave

There are two ways to reach Tam Cung Cave when departing from the center of Ha Long City, as detailed below:

Option 1: Head to Bai Chay Ferry Terminal, which is approximately 6 km from the center of Ha Long City. From there, follow National Highway 18, then turn into Ha Long and proceed to the ferry terminal to purchase boat tickets for a tour of Tam Cung Cave.

Option 2: Book an all-inclusive Ha Long tour package that includes a visit to Tam Cung Cave. With this option, you won’t need to purchase tickets or rent a vehicle separately, as most tour packages provide transportation services.

Legend of Tam Cung Cave

Tam Cung Cave in Me Cung, Ha Long, Quảng Ninh is rich with an intriguing legend. According to the tale, when the Dragon Prince married Princess May and lived among mortals, the Dragon King missed him deeply. To test the prince’s loyalty, the king ordered three celestial maidens to transform into exceptionally beautiful women to entice him and bring him back to the celestial palace.

Upon receiving the order, the three maidens descended to the mortal world and settled in a cave on May Den Island, attempting day and night to lure the prince. However, the Dragon Prince remained steadfast and unmoved, causing the three maidens to feel embarrassed and reluctant to return to the celestial palace to report to the Dragon King. As a result, the three maidens stayed on earth and turned to stone. The locals named this cave Tam Cung, which means “Three Palaces.

What Makes Tam Cung Cave Attractive?

With its mysterious and enchanting beauty, Tam Cung Cave has captivated visitors from near and far who come to explore Ha Long. The standout features of Tam Cung Cave that you shouldn’t miss include:

The Enigmatic Beauty of Each Chamber in Tam Cung Cave

Tam Cung Cave is divided into three chambers, each offering unique attractions:

First Chamber: As you enter the first chamber, you might suddenly hear the melodious sounds of stone instruments or the rhythmic beats of the T’rưng echoing through the space. Looking up at the cave ceiling, you’ll notice a flowstone formation perfectly shaped like a pristine, budding white quỳnh flower. Adding to the cave’s uniqueness, you may also encounter an immortal with a white beard leaning on a staff, climbing the mountain. Above the cave wall, three elderly figures stand quietly, gazing down at the mortal world.

Second Chamber: The second chamber resembles a vibrant natural museum, showcasing flowstones in unusual shapes such as water deities, seals, stone lions, and more. In the center of this chamber flows a perennial fairy stream, which remains filled with water throughout the year, enhancing the chamber’s lively atmosphere.

Third Chamber: Upon entering the third chamber, you are greeted by an impressive bas-relief. Above the bas-relief are intricately carved images of sleeping elephants, flowers, and bamboo staffs, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship and artistic skill.

These captivating features make Tam Cung Cave a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the natural wonders of Ha Long.

Discovering the Pristine Natural Beauty Surrounding Tam Cung Cave

Tam Cung Cave is situated on May Den Island—a secluded island entirely separate from other areas, which has kept it relatively undeveloped. The landscape here preserves the untouched essence of nature, featuring dense forests and towering, rugged cliffs. Every corner of the natural scenery outside Tam Cung Cave evokes fresh and unique emotions in visitors.

Attractions Near Tam Cung Cave

When traveling in Ha Long, you can not only explore Tam Cung Cave but also easily visit nearby attractions. Below are some enticing spots for you to check out:

Me Cung Cave: Located approximately 2 km southwest of Ti Top Beach, Me Cung Cave resembles other caves in Ha Long Bay with its stunning flowstone formations featuring many unique shapes. This cave is renowned as a prehistoric habitation site.

Kim Quy Cave: Found on Dam Nam Islet, which has a mountain peak about 187 meters high, Kim Quy Cave impresses with its spatial design that recreates the historical Bạch Đằng battlefield. When visiting, you’ll encounter over 30 sturdy bamboo stakes. Additionally, you can enjoy taking photos and admiring the cave’s unique flowstone formations.

Thien Cung Cave: Located southwest of Ha Long Bay, this site has a rather rugged pathway and many precarious cliffs. Upon entering the cave, you can fully appreciate the exquisite artistic treasures, including numerous colorful stones and flowstones.

Hang Bo Nau (Hoang Ho Cave): The cave has a frog-mouth shape and covers an area of about 200 square meters. At the entrance, you’ll be “welcomed” by three stone slabs shaped like three immortals playing chess. Inside, the cave floor is relatively flat, making it easy and safe to navigate. The many cracks in the ceiling allow light to filter in, creating a magical atmosphere.

We hope the above information has provided you with a brief overview of Tam Cung Cave. If you have the opportunity, make sure to visit this cave to fully explore and appreciate all its scenic wonders.