Bai Tu Long Bay may not be as famous as its busier counterpart, Ha Long Bay, but it still inspires curiosity and awe in all those who visit it. Located in the northeastern region of Vietnam, and sprinkled with limestone monoliths, Bai Tu Long Bay is home to the stunning Thien Canh Son Cave.

Situated in the protected area of Cong Do, Thien Canh Son Cave, although not the largest cavern in Vietnam, is filled with an abundance of natural beauty. Less crowded than Sung Sot Cave, this is the perfect place to get away from tourist-heavy areas and find a moment of solitude among the stalagmites.

The Cave

Thien Canh Son Cave. Photo: Bex Walton

To reach Thien Canh Son Cave’s entrance, visitors must first ascend the 60-stair climb, which reveals stunning views of the water down below. Upon entering, visitors find themselves in a deceptively small room adorned with a low ceiling and a descending path. Although not as grand and opulent in size as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Canh Son still possesses plenty of natural beauty.

There are three primary ‘rooms’ within the cave, each one offering a dazzling tapestry of overhanging stalagmites and smooth, ocean-battered walls. Visitors are free to navigate through the caverns as they soak up the cave’s splendor. Taking Mother Nature 20 million years to construct, Thien Canh Son is home to several species of flora and fauna.

An interesting fact above Thien Canh Son is that there was once a restaurant present inside that was removed in a bid to help preserve the cavern’s structural integrity.

Visiting Thien Canh Son

Peak tourist season is between December and February, although there is never a bad time to visit.

Several cruise companies offer tours of the entire bay and the islands that adorn them. While there aren’t as many tours in circulation compared to Ha Long Bay, it is still relatively easy to locate a cruise company to take you to the Thien Canh Son Cave.

Bai Tu Long Bay. Photo: Prashant Ram

A great place to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in nature, Thien Canh Son Cave offers visitors a quiet escape from the busier parts of Vietnam. Explore the cave, swim in the bay, and make sure to take plenty of pictures!