ntAthena Group Wins "Most Effective Accommodation Cruise Business 2023" at Halong International Cruise Port.
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ntAt “2024 Appreciation Party”, organized by Halong International Cruise Port, Athena Group was honored to be certified as "The most effective accommodation cruise business in 2023". We would like to send our appreciation to our beloved partners and customers who have trusted and chosen our overnight tour services throughout the past year.
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ntOur Team always try to devote our brand to becoming the number one brand in our guests’ hearts, providing a complete resort experience. Hopefully in the coming years, Athena Cruises and Signature Cruises will always affirm their positions and be reliable addresses for luxury journeys in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
ntAthena Group Commences Construction of the New 6-star Cruise
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ntOn July 25th 2024, Athena Group proudly announced the official commencement of the construction of its latest addition to the fleet, the 6-star project, Athena Premium Cruise. This event, held at Hai Phong City, marks a new chapter in the company’s commitment to offering unparalleled luxury cruising experiences in Halong Bay.
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ntA New Era of Luxury Cruising in Halong Bay
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ntThe Athena Premium Cruise is set to redefine luxury in the Halong Bay cruise industry. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this new cruise ship will feature state-of-the-art amenities, spacious cabins, and an array of premium services that reflect the highest standards of hospitality. The launch of Athena Premium is not just a milestone for Athena Group but also a significant contribution to the tourism industry in Halong Bay, further cementing the region's reputation as a world-class destination.
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ntKey Highlights of Athena Premium Cruise
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ntAthena Premium is being built with the discerning traveler in mind, ensuring that every aspect of the cruise experience is elevated. The cruise will offer:
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ntttLuxurious Accommodation: Spacious cabins with private balconies, modern interiors, and premium amenities to ensure maximum comfort.
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ntttGourmet Dining: A variety of dining options featuring international and local cuisines, prepared by world-class chefs.
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ntttWellness Facilities: A dedicated spa, entertainment facilities, and relaxation areas to promote well-being throughout the journey.
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ntttExclusive Excursions: Tailored experiences and excursions that allow guests to explore Halong Bay's stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
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ntCommitment to Excellence and Customer Experience
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ntAthena Group's reputation for excellence is built on its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. With the construction of the Athena Premium, the company aims to exceed guest expectations by offering a cruise experience that combines luxury, comfort, and personalized service. The design and construction of Athena Premium are guided by the latest trends in luxury cruising, ensuring that every guest enjoys a truly memorable voyage.
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ntFuture Prospects and Expansion Plans of Athena Group
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ntThe launch of Athena Premium is part of Athena Group’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the luxury cruise market. As the demand for premium travel experiences continues to grow, Athena Group is poised to meet this demand with its innovative offerings and exceptional service standards. The group’s long-term vision includes further expanding its fleet and enhancing its services to cater to the evolving needs of travelers from around the world.
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ntIn conclusion, the Athena Premium Cruise represents a significant investment in the future of luxury cruising in Halong Bay. With construction now underway, travelers can look forward to an extraordinary new addition to Athena Group’s fleet, set to deliver the ultimate cruise experience.
ntWe, Athena Group, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our travel partners and customers for your trust and support throughout the years. In recent days, Typhoon Yagi has caused significant impacts in the northern provinces, including the Halong Bay area. However, we are glad to announce that due to the extensive experience and decisive leadership of our captains and crew, Athena Cruises and Signature Cruises have ensured absolute safety during the storm’s landfall. Passengers with itineraries affected or canceled due to the storm were notified and assisted promptly to minimize disruption to their travel experience in Halong.
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ntAt present, our Athena Group team is conducting the final comprehensive inspections and maintenance to ensure that all post-storm journeys will be safe and meticulously prepared. Athena Cruises and Signature Cruises will resume normal operations and welcome guests starting from September 9, 2024. Athena Group is committed to delivering complete and unforgettable experiences, while upholding the highest standards of service quality.
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ntWe eagerly look forward to welcoming you back on board, as we embark on a journey to explore the stunning beauty of Halong Bay together.
Athena Group is the most luxurious 5-star yacht in Halong Bay, with its timeless liberal design combining luxury and classy amenities that will bring a unique experience for visitors. Owning a private balcony overlooking the bay, meticulously focused on the smallest details, a variety of amenities serving visitors such as spa, library, concert hall, outdoor cinema and premium menu. Famous wine bottles, Athena Group brings a new definition of luxury and top class to Halong Bay cruises.
Athena Group is the most luxurious 5-star yacht in Halong Bay, with its timeless liberal design combining luxury and classy amenities that will bring a unique experience for visitors. Owning a private balcony overlooking the bay, meticulously focused on the smallest details, a variety of amenities serving visitors such as spa, library, concert hall, outdoor cinema and premium menu. Famous wine bottles, Athena Group brings a new definition of luxury and top class to Halong Bay cruises.
The Gulf of Tonkin in North Vietnam has been an attractive landscape for both domestic and foreign tourists who are interested in the stunning beauty of the Vietnam sea. Located in between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Day and Night Cave is an ideal suggestion to discover a masterpiece of creation in a famous world heritage. Let’s explore what is waiting for you in Dark and Light Cave!
I. Overview of Dark and Light Cave
The geologic process in North Vietnam in general and in Halong Bay in particular led to the formation of three major kinds of grotto, which are underground cave, old karst-based cave and frog-jaw-shaped cave. Dark and Light Cave is a typical example of frog-jaw-shaped cave: the floor is under sea water and the ceiling is above the sea level. The special structure of Dark and Light Cave allows tourists to visit the interior on boat or kayak.
Dark and Light Cave consists of two small caves, which are Dark Cave and Light Cave. Dark Cave is quite deep and narrow, and it is often under the sea level, tourists are not allowed to enter the cave. The other cave is Light Cave, which is larger with 3 meters in height, 4 meters in width and 100 meters in length. The height of Light Cave depends on the fluctuating tides. Rarely does the sea water reach the ceiling of this cave, it is opened for visitors to explore.
The landscape here makes it ideal to immerse yourself in nature, admire the rich flora and enjoy fresh air. On the cliffs of the cave, ancient fossil traces of fresh-water snails are still found, proving that the cave was inhabited thousands of years ago. Here are also the appearance of monkeys, shady Benjamin fig trees and a variety of orchid flowers blooming fragrant scent.
Dark and Night Cave is also called Day and Night Cave. Many people see the cave as “the underwater Sung Sot Cave” (Sung Sot Cave is also a famous grotto in Halong Bay). As its nickname, tourists for sure will be immediately amazed at the beauty of the cave when they come into Dark and Night Cave.
II. Highlights of Dark and Light Cave
1. Location
Dark and Light Cave is located in the reservation area of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, which is in the bordering region of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
Thanks to the favorable location, Dark and Light Cave and the surrounding area includes all the outstanding traits of two bays: the specific geological characters of Halong Bay and the diversity of the Cat Ba Islands.
In the nearby area of Dark and Light Cave, you can find some famous fishing villages, where the fishermen live in harmony with nature, not only exploit the natural potential but also preserve marine life.
2. Beauty
There is no doubt about the beauty of Dark and Light Cave. Entering the cave, you will be overwhelmed by the sparkling stalactites on the ceiling. The stalactites in many shapes and sizes look like the bamboo sprouts in a mysterious forest. This special form of Dark and Light Cave has been shaped by the condensation of limestone for millions of years.
The ceiling of the cave is arch-shaped and the interior is quite dark, which makes the cave like a tunnel on the water. Passing through 100-meter length of Dark and Light Cave, an absolutely different world will appear in front of you. The cave leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by limestone mountain cliffs. Many luxuriant plants, including orchids, cover the top and the slope of the mountains, which create a huge green wall in this area.
Dark and Light Cave is the way to a wonderland, where tourists can see a blended picture of sea, mountain, sky and plant. The breath-taking view of this place will make you forget all the tiredness after a long journey to enjoy the whole beauty of nature in Dark and Light Cave.
III. What to Do in and near Dark and Light Cave?
1. Kayaking to discover the cave
Kayaking is one of must-do activities in Halong Bay and Dark and Light Cave is in the list of ideal places for kayaking in Halong Bay. The height of the cave does not allow large ships to pass through, so you will need to hire a kayak or a small boat to visit the cave yourself.
When the cruise trip stops outside the cave, you can hire a kayak or a boat and row into Dark and Light Cave. A kayak boat is used for only 2 people, while a reed boat can seat up from 6 to 8 people.
Sitting on the boat, sometimes you can see small fish under the crystal-clear water, some bats on the cave ceiling, and even birds and monkeys on the islands nearby. It is such an amusing feeling when you can match yourself with nature to forget the bustle life in the outside world.
2. Witnessing the traces of seawater eroding into the limestone foothill
From the dock, it takes a distance to get to the cave entrance door. On the way, you can witness
firsthand the traces of seawater eroding into the limestone foothills, the color of rugged rocky cliffs close to sea level, beautiful strips of seaweed and coral, and a scene of small fishes swimming up and down the clear blue sea water. All make for an enjoyable, hard-to-find experience.
3. Contemplating sparkling stalactites in the cave
Coming close to the cave, you will be surprised at the stalactites falling down from the ceiling right above your head. If you are lucky enough to visit the cave at a time when it is not crowded, chances are, you will see the bats flying under the dome. This explains why Sang Toi cave is also known as Hang Doi.
4. Visiting a green valley inside the cave
Passing through Sang Toi cave, a green valley surrounded by majestic limestone mountains will appear in front of your eyes. This brings a feeling of being lost in paradise. Stop kayaking for a while, let yourself float along the water flow to admire the beautiful surroundings, take a deep breath, breathe in the fresh air of the vast ocean and feel the peace in the sea, clouds, mountains. This will definitely be a moment that you are still looking for a long time in the bustle and hustle of life. Here, you will really find yourself coming back to the most pristine nature.
5. Visiting Cua Van floating village
In the area near Dark and Light Cave, there is a fishing village on the list of 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world named Cua Van Village. Also located between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Cua Van Village is one of the must-visit destinations for all tourists coming to Dark and Light Cave.
In Cua Van Village, more than 200 families live in the floating rafts on the sea water. Their income is mainly from catching and growing fish. Not only do the residents in Cua Van Village exploit the natural potential to earn for their livings but they are also aware of protecting the environment. Therefore, when coming to Cua Van Village, you will be impressed by the pristine beauty of a small village nestling within the large bay.
6. Watching the sunset on the sea
On the way back, you can enjoy the romantic sunset on the sea. A romantic scene with cruises anchored in the middle of the vast ocean, surrounded by waters and mountains. Here, set yourself to not be dazed by the beauty of the afternoon.
IV. How to Get to Dark and Light Cave?
Dark and Light Cave is about 2 kilometers from Sung Sot Cave, a famous cave in Halong Bay. A cruise ship in Halong Bay or Cat Ba Bay is the only way for you to reach Dark and Light Cave.
If you depart from Tuan Chau Wharf in Halong City or Got Wharf in Haiphong City, where you can find some cruise ships to get to the cave. One thing you should note is to contact the travel agency to ensure Dark and Light Cave is on your initial.
A cruise trip to visit Halong Bay often lasts for 4 to 6 hours. If you want to experience more activities, you can go on a night tour in Halong Bay. A lot of interesting things are waiting for you to explore.
V. Extra Tips
If you do not know how to row a kayak, you can go on a boat sailed by the locals to discover the interior of Dark and Light Cave.
Remember to follow the safety instructions like wearing a life-jacket when going on a boat.
Near Dark and Light Cave, there are many other attractions that you should not miss such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Grotto, Cat Ba Island, Van Boi Village and so on.
The best time to visit Halong Bay is from April to July, which is the tourism season there. The weather is favorable and a lot of carnivals are held to attract visitors.
Dark and Light Cave is a wonderful stopover on the edge of Halong Bay. The Mother of Nature has favored this destination with all the characters to become a precious gem of a world heritage. If you have a chance to get to Dark and Light Cave, don’t hesitate to share with us your feelings as well as gorgeous pictures with your friends and family.
Halong Bay is no longer a strange destination for all tourists coming to Vietnam. This world heritage contains thousands of limestone islands and mountains; each one has its own legend and mystery, which makes visitors eager to take a tour discovering this stunning destination. With an appealing beauty like in a fairy tale, Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach is an ideal selection for you to escape from the burning weather of North Vietnam.
I. History of Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach
Every island of Halong Bay has its own stories, and Ba Trai Dao Islets are not an exception. These islets accompany the sad love story between a fairy and a fisherman.
Legend tells that, once upon a time, the youngest daughter of the Jade Emperor visited Halong Bay and fell in love with a poor fisherman here. So strong was their love that the fairy wanted the fisherman to live with her forever, and she decided to steal three divine peaches from her father.
When the Jade Emperor knew the truth, he was extremely angry. He used his magic to turn the three divine peaches into three large mountains. The mountains were so gigantic that they separated the fairy from her lover. Since then, the youngest fairy and the fisherman could not meet each other anymore, and the islands that divided the couple have been called Ba Trai Dao (which means “three peaches” in Vietnamese).
Thanks to the attractive story, Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach nowadays are visited by a lot of domestic and international tourists, especially the couples. Many newly married couples and many in-love couples come to these islands to listen to the story, and to enjoy the wonderful vacation with their lovers.
II. Highlights of Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach
Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach is located at Lan Ha Bay, which is right on the southeast side of Halong Bay. Near Ba Trai Dao Islets is Cat Ba Island, a well-known tourist destination of Hai Phong City. Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach is only about 22 kilometers from the mainland of Halong City, so this location is relatively suitable for those who want to visit Halong Bay within a day.
As its name, Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach include three smaller islets like three giant peaches on the sea. The beach of Ba Trai Dao Islets is in the bow shape, which embraces the three islets; each islets is about 23 meters in height. These islets are located in an airtight area, which is enclosed by imposing limestone mountains. Covering on the mountain peaks is a diverse system of plants, many of which are bushes and vines. The beauty of the mountains are adorned by colorful flowers blooming on the perching cliffs.
Ba Trai Dao Islets do not only have impressive mountains, this area also has tranquil sea with gentle waves. So shallow is the sea level that on some days, you can even see the sea bottom with interesting creatures. The water of the beach in Ba Trai Dao Islets is clear all around the year thanks to its offshore location. Coming to this area of Halong Bay, what can be more thrilling than immersing yourself in the cool water then participating in the joyful games with your group there.
III. What to See and Do at Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach?
1. Swimming
It is such a pity that you visit Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach without swimming and sunbathing there. The beach area of Ba Trai Dao Islets is not too large, but its beauty is enough for you to enjoy the sea-related activities. The water of all offshore islands in Halong Bay is always considered as the clearest water, so you should not miss the chance to experience this one of the most exciting activities in Ba Trai Dao Islets. With a white sand beach and crystal-clear water, Ba Trai Dao beach is no less impressive than any other beaches of Halong Bay.
One thing you had better notice about the beach of Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach is that the beach is quite narrow, so it is easily submerged by the tide. When the beach is under the sea level, you should not swim there because this can be quite dangerous. During the day, there are only two or three hours when the beach is above the sea level, and if you want to swim on this beach, you should do it at that time.
2. Kayaking
Kayaking to enjoy the beauty of the islands and caves in Halong Bay is no longer a new activity for tourists. On a cruise ship, you might enjoy the most convenient tourism services, but only by rowing a kayak yourself can you find the feeling of being connected with nature. In Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach, with only 150,000 VND, you can hire a kayak to sail around the islands and explore the beauty of nature there.
From the small kayak, the whole pristine beauty of Ba Trai Dao Islets will appear in front of your eyes. Thanks for being isolated from the residential area, the nature of Ba Trai Dao Islets is still well-reserved. On the steep gray and white cliffs of the islands are wild plants, which resiliently stick on the arid soil, in spite of the salty wind and water. Under your boat is a lively world of marine creatures with colorful fish, impish crabs and shrimps.
3. Taking photos
Discovering a new place, you might want to take some photos to remind you about the wonderful trip as well as introduce that destination to your friends. Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach are an ideal place for you to have gorgeous photos. With the blue water, green mountains and impressive limestone cliffs, this area is a stunning background for all your photo shoots. Remember to pay attention to your safety when taking photos. You should not climb on the mountain cliffs since this can be extremely dangerous.
IV. How to Get to Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach?
Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach is about 22 kilometers to the southeast of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Actually, there aren’t any fixed cruises to this site, so you need to hire a canoe or a cruise ship to get to this destination.
If you travel in a small group, you can hire a canoe to visit Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach within a day. The travelling time is relatively long, which can take you about 10 hours to move from Bai Chay to the area of Ba Trai Dao Islets.
In case you travel in a large group and want to experience a night tour in Halong Bay, you can hire a cruise ship. Not only can you enjoy the best quality of the convenient services on the cruise but you can also visit all the sites you require in Halong Bay. Just arrange your plan and tell the ship owner, and they will take you to wherever you want to go.
V. Extra Tips
The best time to visit Halong Bay is from February to June and from September to October. The weather of Halong Bay during these times is quite favorable for tourism activities. Therefore, you should not miss this primetime to visit Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach.
You should prepare all the necessary items for outside activities, including swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and umbrella. In case the weather is burning outside, you should not go to the beach at noon.
You can only go for a swim on Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach two or three hours a day. So if you want to swim there, you should learn about the tide circle there.
The area around Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach does not have many restaurants and other tourism services, so if you want to enjoy some foods there, you need to prepare them before starting your trip.
Follow the safety instructions when taking part in activities on the sea to protect yourself. Wear a life jacket when you are rowing.
Don’t forget to protect the environment of Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach. You should not leave your garbage there.
Although Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach are not as popular as other islands and caves in Halong Bay, this site is still a worth-visiting place for those who want to enjoy the feeling of peace and relaxation when visiting Halong Bay. Thanks to the development of tourism in Halong Bay recently, more and more tourists get to know about this wonderful destination. If you are wondering where to go for your vacation, Ba Trai Dao Islets and Beach in Halong Bay is a great choice for you.
Bai Tu Long Bay is a bay and national park that sits directly northeast of Halong Bay, and while it may be Halong’s lesser-known neighbor, it is without a doubt, equal in beauty! The Bay encompasses Bai Tu Long National Park and like Halong Bay, is an area protected by the local government on both land and sea.
IN A NUTSHELL
Bai Tu Long Bay is located in the northeastern Halong bay and encompasses a total area of 158 km2.
It incorporates a population of about 320,000 inhabitants, residing mostly on Van Don district, Quan Lan island and Ngoc Vung Island.
Overview
In accordance with Halong legend, Halong Bay is the final home and resting place of a fierce mother dragon who was sent to help the early Vietnamese defend their country from foreign invaders. Bai Tu Long Bay is said to be the area where her children descended and remained. ‘Bai Tu Long’ translated into English, means ‘Bowing down and showing respect to the dragon’s children’.
Bai Tu Long is made up of hundreds of islands and islets, some of which are well-known tourist locations, and others that are completely unknown to foreign visitors. This particular bay is home to a variety of ecosystems – visitors can find mangroves, schist islands, coral reefs, and tropical forests.
Visitors to Bai Tu Long will notice that the landscape is identical to that of Halong Bay, and that it is more of an extension of Halong rather than a neighbour. Just like Halong Bay, throughout Bai Tu Long there are giant limestone karsts jutting out of the tranquil green waters. However, in Bai Tu Long the karsts seem slightly taller, the concentration of them feels somewhat denser and the number of tourists are fewer. All of this adds to the wonderful feeling of being somewhere almost undiscovered, allowing visitors to truly contemplate their surroundings in peace.
Cruise Bai Tu Long bay
The best way to explore Bai Tu Long Bay is undeniably by joining a tour in a traditional wooden junk boat. Many cruise operators will help their guests to enjoy Bai Tu Long in the best way possible, with many activities to make the most of the experience.
Things not to miss
Fishing Village
While in Bai Tu Long Bay, one point of interest that you cannot miss is Vung Vieng Fishing Village. In Vung Vieng you will be immersed in local culture and learn about the fishing families who have made their homes here. The best way to explore Vung Vieng is probably by kayak. Kayaking is an easy and fun mode of transportation as the ocean is mostly very calm and serene in this area It gives you the freedom to go at your own pace.
Caves
The bay is also the location for many of Halong Bay’s famous caves – each one impressive in its own way. Exploring the caves can give an almost spiritual experience as you take in the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites that glisten in the beams of light that sometimes make their way into the caves. The most famous cave in the area is Thien Canh Son Cave which can be reached by walking through a hidden path under the dense forest canopy.
Beaches
As for beaches, Bai Tu Long Bay has a wealth of options and may even overshadow Halong Bay. Most are genuinely beautiful, with glorious white sand, cool green waters and framed by those famous limestone karsts.
Ban Chan is possibly the most popular and the biggest beach in the bay. Swimming and snorkeling at Ban Chan beach are highly recommended, as Bai Tu Long has clear and clean waters and usually great visibility.
Weather & Climate
Bai Tu Long Bay is beautiful at any time of year (Average: 15°to 25°), but if you are looking for temperate, sunny and steady weather, the best time to go would be in early summer (January to May) and late autumn (October to November). At these times, there is more guaranteed sunshine, less rain and the weather is less unpredictable than it is from July to September, when storms are frequent.
The stunning and glorious caves are the most outstanding feature of Halong Bay. With thousands of islands and hundreds of limestone caves, Halong Bay is like a natural museum where tourists can learn more about geology and biology. When mentioning the most stunning caves in Halong Bay, tourists will list many well-known caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trinh Nu Cave and Thien Canh Son Cave. As its name suggests, Thien Canh Son Cave offers tourists with the impressive beauty like a fairy land.
I. Location of Thien Canh Son Cave
Thien Canh Son Cave is located in Cong Do Reserve, which is at the center of Bai Tu Long Bay. The distance between Thien Canh Son Cave and Bai Chay Wharf is about 25 kilometers. Due to the location at the core of the heritage, the nature near Thien Canh Son Cave is protected closely and strictly. There are many plant species living near this cave, so it has another name as “Hang Co”, which means “grass cave”. Afterwards, due to its beauty, the name “Thien Canh Son” is used to call this cave.
Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay are two largest biosphere reserves in the Gulf of Tonkin. While Halong Bay contains natural and cultural values that have been formed for millions of years, Bai Tu Long Bay is the largest sea sanctuary in North Vietnam. Coming to Bai Tu Long Bay, tourists should not ignore the area of Cong Do. The total area of this island is about 23 square kilometers, and it is among the most pristine islands of Halong Bay. Not only does this area have a diverse system of flora and fauna but also includes a large number of impressive caves, and Thien Canh Son Cave is the most outstanding one in this area.
II. History of Thien Canh Son Cave
In fact, there is no mysterious story telling about the formation of Thien Canh Son Cave. This cave has been formed by the erosion and deposition of limestones for millions of years. The impacts of water erode the calcium crystals in limestone, then the crystals combine together on the ceiling and ground of the cave to create stalagmites and stalactites.
In the past, Thien Canh Son Cave used to be called “Hang Co” because it is located on Hon Co Island. When the tourism potential of this cave was exploited, the name of this cave was changed to attract more tourists. “Thien Canh Son ” means the mountain with the view of fairy land, and if you come to visit this cave, you will decide that the cave is worthy of its beautiful name.
III. Highlights of Thien Canh Son Cave
When someone mentions a cave in Halong Bay, you might think about a semiarid cave where you have to go on a boat to visit. However, Thien Canh Son Cave is an exception. This cave perches on the slope of a high mountain on Cong Do Island. To reach the cave, tourists have to get over 400 stone stairs. The narrow path leading to Thien Canh Son Cave nestles under the shadow of the old trees, and among the stairs are green grasses. All the things seem to be in order for thousands of years, and tourists can’t help but praise the magic arrangement of the Creator.
Stepping over the entrance of Thien Canh Son Cave, an absolutely stunning world will appear in front of your eyes. The floor and ceiling of the cave are both decorated by the stalactites and stalagmites. The erosion and deposition of limestones for millions of years contribute to form a magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave that we can see nowadays. The stalactites and stalagmites are in many shapes and sizes, each one has its own beauty, and all of them combine together to draw a picture of colorful lights inside Thien Canh Son Cave.
Entering the interior of Thien Canh Son Cave, you might get lost in a world of fairy tales. Looking up the ceiling of the cave, you can see the stalactites like the chandeliers in Gothic-style constructions. Some stalagmites on the ground are in the shapes of flowers and animals, while some others are like contemplative statues. The imagination of tourists will be stimulated by the amazing appearance of Thien Canh Son Cave. Everything is like a lively creature which has its own soul, voice and attitude; and they are telling you a story that has been repeated for thousands of years.
No matter how hot the outside weather is, the temperature inside Thien Canh Son Cave always remains the same. The fresh air, along with the cool feeling you have when entering the cave, will ease the harsh weather outside, so that you can have a feeling of enjoyment in Thien Canh Son Cave. All the negative emotions are kept outside the cave, and they cannot disrupt you from admiring the beauty of Thien Canh Son.
IV. What to See and Do at Thien Canh Son Cave?
1. Discovering the cave
In recent years, thanks to the splendid beauty of Thien Canh Son Cave, it is becoming a popular destination among tourists coming to visit Halong Bay. According to many tourists, the beauty of Thien Canh Son Cave is like the beauty of a sleeping princess who is waiting for her lover. A system of lights is installed inside Thien Canh Son Cave; it does not ruin the natural beauty of this cave but ardons the appealing appearance of the whole cave.
Thien Canh Son Cave is the place where you can see the remains of time on every stalactite and stalagmite. It is worth saying that Thien Canh Son Cave is a masterpiece of the Creator. In spite of many ups and downs of history, the beauty of Thien Canh Son is at a standstill so that everyone can contemplate this beauty.
2. Admiring the view of Bai Tu Long Bay from above
After visiting the interior of Thien Canh Son Cave, tourists can step out and admire the overview of Bai Tu Long Bay. Thanks to the position on the mountain slope, Thien Canh Son Cave offers tourists an ideal view of Bai Tu Long Bay. The bay that looks impressive from the cruise boat now is more charming from above. Every limestone island of Bai Tu Long is a jade of the ocean that is cosseted by the gentle mother.
Also in the area of Thien Canh Son Cave, there are many natural plant species that decorate the beauty of the cave with their flowers. Despite the harsh living conditions, the bushes and trees still implant on the rocks and bloom colorful flowers. The strong and sturdy plants are like the existence of this landscape, which is always resilient but still charming.
3. Swimming
On Cong Do Island, at the foot of Thien Canh Son Cave, there is a small sandy beach where tourists can experience water-related activities. Coming to Thien Canh Son Cave, not only can you find your soul with the beauty of nature but you can also be immersed in the clear and cool water of the sea. The gentle waves of the beach will refresh your soul and clean all the tiredness after a long journey.
Besides swimming, you can hire a kayak or a dinghy to explore the area of Cong Do Island yourself. With a wide and diverse system of plants and animals, the area of Cong Do is a nextstop for all nature-lovers. There you can see colorful fish under your boat, mischievous monkeys on the mountain cliffs and colorful orchids blooming on the rocky mountains. That is a true picture of life on an offshore island which is almost isolated from the mainland.
V. How to Get to Thien Canh Son Cave?
Thien Canh Son Cave is about 25 kilometers from Bai Chay Ward of Halong City. To get to this cave, you need to go on tour No.04 visiting Halong Bay. The tour departs from Tuan Chau Wharf and takes you to well-known destinations of Halong Bay, including Vung Vieng Fishing Village and Hang Thay. However, this tour is an overnight one, so you need to consider and arrange your time appropriately before starting your trip.
Moreover, if you do not have any experience in arranging a tour to Halong Bay, you can go on a tour of travel agencies, which will help you to prepare all the necessary things before going on a cruise to Halong Bay. All you need to do is to take up your luggage and enjoy your trip to Thien Canh Son Cave.
If you have more time for your vacation, you should consider an overnight trip in Halong Bay, which will allow you to explore more interesting things of Halong Bay when the night falls.
VI. Extra Tips
The best time to go on a cruise in Halong Bay is spring and early summer, which lasts from February to June. The weather in Halong Bay at this time is nice enough for you to take part in outdoor activities.
The tourism season in Halong Bay might be very crowded, so you need to book your tour and hotel in advance.
Remember to prepare all your necessary belongings, including swimsuit, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to go to the beach.
If you hire a kayak to row yourself, you need to follow the safety instructions and wear a life-jacket to ensure your safety.
Don’t start your journey on a rainy day. The path leading to Thien Canh Son Cave in wet weather conditions can be extremely slippery, so you had better visit this cave on a nice day.
Remember to protect the environment in the area of Thien Canh Son Cave. This area is a natural reserve, so you need to join hands to preserve the living environment of wild species in Cong Do Island.
It is such a pity if you come to Halong Bay without visiting Thien Canh Son Cave. This cave is a present from the mother of nature giving to Bai Tu Long Bay. Known as the opera house of the sea, Thien Canh Son Cave is the perfect combination of stalagmites, stalactites and sparkling lights. Should you have a chance to visit Halong Bay, don’t miss a visit to this fairy land.
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