Exploring Thien Long Cave: A Mystical Adventure in Cat Ba’s Untouched Wilderness

Thien Long Cave, also known as Dragon Cave, is a pristine limestone cavern located in Phu Long Commune, Cat Hai District, on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. Tucked away in the heart of the Cat Ba Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this cave captivates visitors with its mystical beauty, ancient history, and untouched natural formations. Unlike more crowded caves in Ha Long Bay, Thien Long offers a tranquil escape, with stalactites and stalagmites forming a mesmerizing underground world. Local legends speak of the cave as a former pirate hideout and a site of ancient human habitation, adding an air of mystery to its allure. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, invites you to explore this hidden gem through our eco-friendly tours, combining cave adventures with trekking, kayaking, and wildlife experiences in Cat Ba National Park.

Contact Information:

• Address: Thien Long Cave, Cat Hai Hamlet, Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong City, Vietnam

• Tel: (+84) 225 368 8981 (via Cat Ba National Park)

• Email: vuonqgcatba@haiphong.gov.vn

• Website: catbanationalpark.vn

Thien Long Cave is situated in Phu Long Commune, approximately 30 km northwest of Cat Ba Town, within the Cat Ba Archipelago in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. The cave is a 45-minute drive or motorbike ride from Cat Ba Town, followed by a scenic 10-minute boat ride through the Phu Long mangrove forest and a short 10-minute walk to the cave entrance. Located 45 km east of Hai Phong City and 150 km southeast of Hanoi, Cat Ba Island is easily accessible, making Thien Long Cave an ideal day-trip destination. Its remote setting, surrounded by limestone cliffs and mangroves, ensures a peaceful experience away from the crowds of Ha Long Bay’s more touristed caves.

Thien Long Cave is a geological marvel, formed over millions of years within Cat Ba’s limestone karst landscape. Spanning approximately 200 meters, the cave is divided into three distinct chambers, each adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere:

• First Chamber: Features a towering stone pillar at its center, resembling a natural monument. The arched ceiling, with circular hollows 1.5-2.1 meters high, adds to the cave’s grandeur.

• Second Chamber: Showcases stalactites resembling tree roots, which produce musical tones when gently tapped. This chamber feels like a natural orchestra, with formations shaped like cascading water droplets.

• Third Chamber: Reached by climbing over a turtle-shaped rock, this section reveals intricate rock formations that evoke a fantastical world, with stalactites hanging like chandeliers and stalagmites rising from the floor.

Archaeological findings, including ancient tools and remnants of early human life, suggest the cave was inhabited thousands of years ago. Local lore also claims it served as a pirate refuge, adding intrigue to its pristine beauty. The cave’s untouched state, free from excessive human intervention, makes it a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers.

Visiting Thien Long Cave offers a blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty:

• Cave Exploration: Wander through the cave’s three chambers to marvel at its stalactite and stalagmite formations, guided by experts who share its geological and cultural significance. Entrance fee: $3.50/adult, $1.75/child.

• Mangrove Boat Ride: Journey through the Phu Long mangrove forest by boat, a serene prelude to the cave visit, with opportunities to spot birds and marine life.

• Trekking and Cycling: Combine your cave visit with a trek or bike ride through Cat Ba National Park, home to the Cat Ba Langur and Kim Giao trees. Bike rentals: $5-$10/day.

• Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: Explore nearby lagoons and limestone karsts by kayak, a perfect complement to your cave adventure.

For a deeper wildlife experience, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park (2.5-hour drive from Hanoi) to learn about the Cat Ba Langur’s conservation.

Legend Travel Group offers sustainable tours to Thien Long Cave and beyond, designed to immerse you in Cat Ba’s natural wonders while supporting conservation efforts. All prices are in USD, including transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and eco-friendly activities.

• 2-Day Cat Ba National Park and Thien Long Cave Adventure
  Price: $159 per person (group of 4+); $209 per person (private tour)
  Highlights: Explore Thien Long Cave, trek the Ngu Lam Peak Trail, and cruise Lan Ha Bay to view langur habitats. Includes a homestay in Viet Hai Village and a donation to the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
  Itinerary: Day 1 - Ferry to Cat Ba, Thien Long Cave tour, trek to Ngu Lam Peak. Day 2 - Boat tour in Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai village visit.

• 3-Day Cat Ba Wildlife and Cave Discovery Tour
  Price: $259 per person (group of 4+); $309 per person (private tour)
  Highlights: Visit Thien Long Cave, kayak in Lan Ha Bay, and explore the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong. Enjoy local seafood and conservation talks.
  Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrival, Thien Long Cave and park trekking. Day 2 - Kayaking, langur habitat exploration. Day 3 - Transfer to Cuc Phuong for EPRC visit.

• 1-Day Thien Long Cave and Mangrove Eco-Tour
  Price: $79 per person (half-day); $109 per person (full-day)
  Highlights: Boat through Phu Long mangroves, explore Thien Long Cave, and enjoy a wildlife talk about the Cat Ba Langur. Ideal for short visits.
  Itinerary: Morning mangrove boat ride and cave tour, afternoon wildlife talk and short trek.

Booking Information: Secure your tour with a $99 deposit via our website. Flexible cancellations up to 7 days before departure. Contact us for custom itineraries or group discounts.

Thien Long Cave is accessible via Cat Ba Island:

• From Hanoi (150 km): Take a tourist bus to Hai Phong (2 hours, $10-$15), then a ferry to Cai Vieng Pier (45 minutes, $10-$15). From Cai Vieng, a 10-minute boat ride through the Phu Long mangroves leads to the cave. Total travel time: 4-5 hours.

• From Hai Phong (45 km): Board a speedboat or ferry to Cai Vieng Pier ($10-$15, 45 minutes), followed by a mangrove boat ride. Alternatively, take the Cat Ba Cable Car from Cat Hai to Phu Long ($6.50-$10).

• From Cat Ba Town: Drive 30 km (45 minutes) by motorbike ($5-$10/day) or taxi to Phu Long Commune, then take a 10-minute boat ride to the cave. Legend Travel Group includes round-trip transfers in all tour packages for seamless travel.

Visit Thien Long Cave from April to October for pleasant, dry weather (20°C-30°C), ideal for cave exploration and outdoor activities. April and May offer vibrant scenery with blooming flora and butterfly migrations in nearby Cat Ba National Park. January to March brings local festivals like the Elephant Festival, perfect for combining cultural experiences with cave visits. Avoid November to December due to cooler, wetter conditions that may make paths slippery.

• Book with a Reputable Operator: Avoid overpriced local boats by booking with Legend Travel Group for reliable, eco-friendly tours.

• Cave Etiquette: Do not touch stalactites or stalagmites to preserve the cave’s natural state. Keep the area clean.

• Preparation: Wear comfortable shoes for the 10-minute walk to the cave, bring a camera, insect repellent, and a power bank.

• Crowd Avoidance: Travel midweek to avoid weekend crowds at Cai Vieng Pier.

• Conservation: Support the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project by choosing our tours, which contribute to habitat preservation.

Legend Travel Group, a local tour operator dedicated to sustainable tourism, partners with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project to protect Cat Ba’s biodiversity. Our Cat Ba Tours offer immersive experiences, expert guides, and seamless logistics, ensuring an unforgettable Cat Ba Travel adventure. With over a decade of expertise, we craft personalized itineraries that blend exploration with conservation, making your visit to Thien Long Cave both meaningful and memorable. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours at www.legend.travel and book your eco-journey today!
Book Now: Uncover the mysteries of Thien Long Cave and Cat Ba’s natural wonders with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Visit www.legend.travel to reserve your adventure and support sustainable travel in Vietnam!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.