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Nestled within the renowned Ngũ Hành Sơn scenic complex in Da Nang, Huyền Không Cave stands as one of the most beautiful, mystical, and spiritually significant caves.
The Enigmatic Huyền Không Cave in the Ngũ Hành Sơn Mountains
Renowned poet Tản Đà praised the beauty of Huyền Không Cave with these precious verses:
“Gathering to explore Huyền Không Cave,
Dust swept away as if nothing exists.”
The Huyền Không Cave rests atop Thượng Thai peak, the highest peak in the Ngũ Hành Sơn mountain range. This serene landscape with moss-covered rocks is a site chosen by ancestors to construct numerous unique structures, holding immense historical and cultural value.
To enter The Huyền Không Cave, one must descend more than 20 steps, deeper than Hoa Nghiêm Cave by about 5m. The staircase features statues of Virtue and Vice, reminding visitors of the sacred and compassionate nature of the site.
With a circumference of approximately 25m, Huyền Không Cave resembles an inverted bell, standing out as one of the most spacious, airy, and beautiful caves in the Ngũ Hành Sơn complex. The cave's open ceiling allows natural light to illuminate the enchanting scenery.
On sunny days, the cave acts as a natural air conditioner, providing a refreshing atmosphere. This unique feature sets Huyền Không Cave apart from caves in Halong Bay, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, and other locations.
While many caves are enclosed and damp, relying on artificial lighting, Huyền Không Cave, despite having fewer stalactites, is airy and bathed in natural light.
The statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sits at the highest point of the cave, crafted by artisan Nguyễn Chất from the Non Nước stone carving village in 1960. Below the cave, an altar honors Bodhisattva Earth Store. On the left side, there are shrines dedicated to Lady Ngọc Phi and Lady Lồi Phi.
Deep within the cave, Trang Nghiêm Pagoda, steeped in history, was constructed in 1825. The temple, consisting of three halls, venerates Avalokiteshvara Buddha in the central hall, the Three Saints (Quan Công, Quan Bình, and Châu Xương) on the left, symbolizing virtue, courage, and loyalty. Particularly, the right hall honors Mr. Tơ and Mrs. Nguyệt, a place frequented by young people seeking blessings.
Taking the right path next to Tam Thai Pagoda, visitors will encounter a cave entrance with the words “Huyền Không Quan.” Beyond the gate lies Hoa Nghiêm Cave, a small cave dedicated to Avalokiteshvara holding a vase. On the left is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. On the cave wall, a rare ancient stele from 1640 by monk Huệ Đạo Minh honors the contributions of devotees in constructing the pagoda, including many Japanese and Chinese families living in Hội An.
Around the cave's vault, various oddly shaped stalactites create unique formations, resembling an old man's tilted face, a crane, or ostrich, two-headed elephants, and a heron with a long, pointed beak pressed against the cave wall.
Besides its spiritual significance, Huyền Không Cave holds immense historical value. During the resistance against the French, it served as a secret base for local officials and guerrillas. In the years of the American presence in Vietnam, Huyền Không Cave became a training ground and refuge for many American covert units.
In 1968, liberation forces expelled the American-backed troops from the cave, simultaneously launching attacks on nearby bases and Nước Mặn military airfield. Huyền Không Cave became a medical facility for the liberation forces' wounded.
Since then, this place has witnessed the heroic battles of the people of Quảng Nam – Đà Nẵng, exemplified by the brave Phan Hiệp. Subsequently, Captain Phan Hiệp was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, and the cave was renamed Phan Hành Sơn.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
