The Top Three Caves in the Southern Sky

Recognized as the three most enchanting caves in the Southern skies, Perfume Pagoda, Jade Grotto, and Mystic Caves captivate travelers with their ancient and tranquil beauty, both within and beyond the caves.

1. Perfume Pagoda – The Foremost Cave in the Southern Skies

Speaking of the renowned Perfume Pagoda in My Duc, Hanoi, one cannot overlook Perfume Cave, hailed as the most beautiful cave in the Southern skies. Situated 70 km southwest of Hanoi's center, visitors are astonished by the vast and alluring panorama resembling a large dragon's jaw, marking the entrance to Perfume Cave.

From here, visitors descend over 100 stone steps to enter Perfume Cave. On the left side of the entrance is a tall mountain wall carved with the inscription “Foremost cave in the Southern heavens,” penned by Lord Trinh Sam in 1770 during his pilgrimage to Mount Nam. Going deeper into the cave reveals a multitude of stalactites hanging from the ceiling and protruding from the ground, taking on various peculiar forms. Shapes include mother and baby pigs, piles of straw, piles of rice, pomelos, and banyan trees, as well as silver and gold trees, Mount Cau, Mount Co, stone flags, and Phat nu nuggets…

Among them, the most remarkable is the Rice Pile stalactite. Positioned in the middle, near the entrance, this stalactite resembles a dragon's tongue when viewed from the cave entrance, providing a fascinating sight for visitors. The cave also features the “path to the sky” and the “way to the underworld.” The path to the sky is a steep rock slope that ascends higher as you climb, while the way to the underworld is a crevice leading deep underground.

Arriving here, you'll feel the cool and refreshing humidity emanating from the heart of the cave, thanks to the tiny droplets of water that trickle day and night from the stalactites like a mother's milk. Additionally, the picturesque scenery of Yen stream flowing from the Dock pier leaves travelers near and far deeply moved when setting foot in the most beautiful cave in the Southern heavens.

2. Bich Dong – The Second Foremost Cave in the Southern Heavens

Situated within the tourist complex of Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, Bich Dong is not only a landmark associated with Tam Coc but also known by the title of the 'second foremost cave in the Southern heavens.' Bich Dong, meaning 'green cave,' was named by General Nguyen Nghiem, the father of the great poet Nguyen Du, in 1773.

Bich Dong is located 2 km from Tam Coc pier, with the Hoang Long River meandering in front, adorned with blooming lotus flowers. During the lotus season, Bich Dong is filled with the fragrance of lotus flowers, while across the river lies a golden ripe rice field, creating a poetic scene like a painting. Along the length of Bich Dong is the Xuyen Thuy cave, seemingly crafted from large stone slabs into a vaulted arch.

The entrance to the Xuyen Thuy cave is at the back of the mountain, opposite the entrance to Bich Dong. At the end of the journey through the water cave, visitors can climb the mountain to reach the cave and the Bich Dong pagoda. The allure of Bich Dong lies in the harmonious combination of the cave, the mountain, and the pagoda.

The Lower Pagoda is built at the foot of the Bich Dong mountain, with architecture in the Dinh style, a two-tiered curved roof, and columns made of solid stone. After approximately 80 steps of glazed stone along the mountain slope, visitors reach the Middle Pagoda located on the mountain's flank, featuring an externally curved roof. At the highest point is the Upper Pagoda, dedicated to the goddess Quan Am. From here, visitors can admire the panoramic view surrounding Bich Dong, concealed amidst towering ancient trees, rustling in the wind.

3. Dich Long – The Third Foremost Cave in the Southern Heavens

Though less known than Perfume Pagoda and Jade Grotto, the beauty of Dich Long, located on the border of Ha Nam and Ninh Binh provinces, is equally captivating. After ascending 105 stone steps from the Lower Pagoda, visitors arrive at the cave entrance bearing the inscription: “Nham Son Cave, Co Am Pagoda.” On both sides of the cave entrance stand two guardian statues, and under the 8-meter-high stone arch hangs a bell weighing nearly a ton, cast during the Nguyen dynasty.

The cave consists of three interconnected chambers. While the outer chamber is dedicated to Buddha worship, the Dark Chamber and the Bright Chamber resemble an artistic space, showcasing masterful carvings formed by natural stalactites. Sparkling like a rainbow, the stalactites here change colors with sunlight, and when tapped, they produce a crisp sound akin to a bell.

Due to its elevated position with a natural skylight, the cave entrance narrows, and when the wind blows strongly into the cave, visitors can hear a melodic sound resembling a flute. Perhaps that's why the cave is named Dich Long, with 'dich' meaning flute and 'long' meaning wind.

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide  –  Via Vnexpress