Get ready to be amazed by the hidden wonders of Ninh Binh! This article will take you on an exploration of 8 mysterious Ninh Binh caves that have captivated visitors for centuries. Join Pu Luong Excursions to delve into the heart of this enchanting region.
1. Nau Ruou Cave
Discover the enchanting Nau Ruou Cave, a must-visit Ninh Binh cave for any traveler, a hidden gem within the UNESCO-listed Trang An complex. This captivating cave owes its name to the local tradition of wine-making, as legend suggests that the cave’s underground spring provided the purest water for brewing royal wine. Located about 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, the cave can be explored on a boat tour through the picturesque Trang An landscape. Inside, you’ll discover a world of wonder with towering stalactites and a spacious interior.
Nau Ruou Cave
2. Tam Coc – Bich Dong Cave
Journey conquer Ninh Binh caves will not be complete without visiting Tam Coc – Bich Dong.
Carved by the Ngo Dong River, the three caves of Tam Coc – Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave – offer a mesmerizing journey through limestone formations. Ca Cave, the largest, stretches for 127 meters, leading visitors through a cool, dark tunnel adorned with a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites. Just a kilometer away lies Hai Cave, a 60-meter-long cave with a distinctive arched ceiling. The smallest of the three, Ba Cave, measures 50 meters and offers a more intimate experience for the Ninh Binh caves tour.
Tam Coc
Located 2 kilometers from Tam Coc Pier, Bich Dong Cave is listed as the most beautiful Ninh Binh cave, considered as the “Green Cave” with the lush vegetation surrounding it. This natural wonder, once hailed as the “second most beautiful cave in the southern sky,” consists of a water cave and a dry cave. The serene beauty of the Ngo Dong River meandering below and the surrounding rice paddies create a picturesque setting.
Bich Dong Cave
Best Time to Visit
- April: Enjoy pleasant weather and explore the caves without the crowds.
- February-March: Combine your visit with the Bái Đính Pagoda Festival.
- Mid-March to Mid-April: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hoa Lư.
- Late May to Early June: Witness the breathtaking scenery of the rice harvest.
3. Mua Cave
Located at the foot of Mua Mountain, Mua Cave is a must-visit in the top best Ninh Binh caves. With its distinctive bell shape and intricate carvings, Mua Cave is a testament to the region’s rich history. According to legend, this was a favorite spot of King Tran, who enjoyed watching performances here. To reach the summit, you’ll need to ascend 486 stone steps. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Tam Coc’s picturesque landscape, including endless rice paddies.
Mua Cave
4. Thien Ha Cave – Thien Thanh Cave
Thien Ha Cave is a hidden gem nestled in Son Ha Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh. Along with Thien Thanh Cave, it forms a pair of invaluable natural treasures in Ninh Binh cave complex.
Upon entering Thien Ha Cave, visitors are immediately struck by its serene and tranquil atmosphere. This Ninh Binh cave is divided into two distinct sections: a dry cave stretching 200 meters and a water cave extending for 500 meters, each boasting unique and captivating formations.
Thien Ha Cave
As you delve deeper into the dry cave, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a golden palace. The cave’s walls are adorned with shimmering stalactites that, when illuminated by sunlight, create a mesmerizing display of colors. Inside this wonder Ninh Binh cave, you’ll also discover a “stone castle” adorned with ancient formations resembling elephants, tigers, and monkeys.
Near the end of the dry cave, a magnificent skylight, nearly 3 meters wide and tall, bathes the cave in natural light. On sunny days, sunlight reflects off the stalactites, casting a vibrant glow that dances and shimmers. After exploring the dry cave, visitors can embark on a boat trip through the water cave, where they’ll be surrounded by colorful stalactites and other remarkable formations.
Skylight of Thien Ha Cave
Following your exploration of Thien Ha Cave, you can continue your journey to Thien Thanh Cave. Although smaller, measuring just over 50 meters long and 3-4 meters high at its entrance, Thien Thanh Cave offers its own unique beauty and charm, captivating visitors with its stunning natural formations of Ninh Binh caves.
5. Sang Cave – Toi Cave
Embark on a journey to Ninh Binh caves and uncover the hidden beauty of Sang and Toi Caves.
Toi Cave, a 315-meter-long passage, is shrouded in perpetual darkness. Bring a flashlight to illuminate the cave’s stunning natural formations. The cave’s warm, humid atmosphere, created by an underground hot spring, provides a unique contrast to the cooler outside world. As daylight penetrates the cave, the stalactites are transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of light and shadow.
Toi Cave
Connected to Toi Cave is Sang Cave, a 112-meter-long, 12-meter-wide cavern. Its ceiling is adorned with a mesmerizing array of stalactites.
6. Van Trinh Cave
Nestled deep within the majestic Mo Mountain, Van Trinh Cave is a hidden gem of the wonderful Ninh Binh caves system. With an impressive area of approximately 4000 square meters and a towering ceiling exceeding 100 meters, this cave is a truly breathtaking sight that should not be missed by any visitor to this mystical region.
Van Trinh Cave
This Ninh Binh cave is divided into two distinct sections: the Upper Cave and the Lower Cave, each offering unique and captivating features. The Upper Cave is renowned for its “heavenly eye” formation, a natural rock formation symbolizing the harmony between yin and yang. In contrast, the Lower Cave captivates visitors with a magnificent stalagmite wall that stands over 7 meters tall, 10 meters long, and 1 meter wide.
7. Am Tien Cave
Nestled within the Hoa Lu ancient capital complex, about 10 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, lies the mesmerizing Am Tien Cave. The cave’s most captivating feature is its serene, emerald green lake, surrounded by dramatic limestone formations. The crystal-clear waters invite visitors to pause and admire the natural beauty below. A picturesque path winds its way through the cave, offering stunning views and opportunities for photography. Am Tien is no doubt the most charming Ninh Binh caves for tourists.
Am Tien Cave
8. Thien Ton Cave
Thien Ton Cave is a historical and cultural relic located in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Dedicated to the deity Thien Ton, this Ninh Binh cave was situated at the eastern gate of the ancient capital. Archaeological excavations in 1981 uncovered numerous artifacts inside the cave, including glazed tiles adorned with phoenixes and lotus flowers, miniature tower fragments, and a unique stone artifact carved with a dragon.
Thien Ton Cave
On every journey exploring Ninh Binh caves, we not only admire the stunning natural beauty but also immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of this region. Thank you for joining Pu Luong Excursions on this adventure! Don’t miss out on the upcoming festive season, visit Ninh Binh and experience these amazing caves firsthand.