Discover the mysterious beauty of Thien Ha Cave (Ninh Binh).

The cave possesses a mystical beauty, earning it the nicknames "heavenly paradise" or "the Milky Way within the mountain." (Photo: Thien Ha)

Nestled deep within the mountains of Ninh Binh , the cave system, encompassing both dry and wet sections, impresses with its shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, along with streaks of sunlight filtering through the "gateway to heaven."

Nestled within the Triassic limestone mountain range (formed approximately 250 million years ago) of Tuong Mountain, Thien Ha Cave in Ninh Binh possesses a mystical beauty. When lights shine into the cave's vault, tens of thousands of sparkling stalactites reflect onto the underground water, creating the sensation of floating amidst the Milky Way with countless shining stars.

The cave is approximately 700 meters long, comprising 200 meters of dry cave and 500 meters of water cave. It is known as a "heavenly paradise" and is considered the most beautiful cave in Ninh Binh, also known as the "Milky Way within the mountain".

Representatives from the Thien Ha Cave Tourist Area stated that the cave was discovered in 2002. At that time, the entrance was just a narrow slit, barely wide enough for one person to squeeze through. Inside, the cave was filled with mud, sand, and rocks that reached the ceiling and walls. After 10 years of persistent manual dredging, the locals finally removed all the mud and soil, creating the cave as it is today.

To reach Thien Ha Cave, visitors take a 15-minute boat ride from the Ben Dang River pier to the Tuong Mountain area. Afterward, they walk about 1km to reach the dry cave entrance, which is approximately 3m wide and 5m high. Inside, the cave ceiling and floor are quite flat, highlighted by numerous uniquely shaped stalactites and stalagmites.

On a sunny day, rays of sunlight stream into the cave through the "gateway to heaven," creating a stunning halo effect. The best time to take photos is around noon when the sun is directly overhead. (Photo: Thien Ha)

After traversing the dry cave, visitors will arrive at an open space in the middle with a natural skylight piercing through the rock, which locals call the "gateway to heaven." Looking up, you will see a clear blue sky with white clouds drifting lazily by. On sunny days, the rays of sunlight shining into the cave through the "gateway to heaven" create a beautiful halo.

Passing through the "heavenly gate," visitors enter the water cave, taking a boat ride on the clear, underground river, about 1 meter deep, which locals liken to a "Milky Way." The river meanders among countless shimmering stalactite formations, some of which bear names like Hoa Tien Island, Mother's Milk Island, and Fish Transforming into Dragon Island...

According to assessments by American experts, the stalactite system in Thien Ha Cave is still "alive" and in the process of development, unlike the stalactites in many other caves in Ninh Binh province.

Here, in 2008, archaeologists first discovered several mollusk shells such as mountain snails and clams, as well as charcoal ash – traces of the life left behind by ancient Vietnamese people.

The topography of Thien Ha Cave is likened to a "dragon holding a pearl," surrounded by mountain walls, with the Ben Dang River winding at its foot, creating a region of serene mountains and beautiful waters.