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With its shimmering stalactites, towering rocks, and terraced ponds, Hoa Tien Cave is a mesmerizing natural wonder. Stepping inside, visitors feel like they've entered a magical maze of stalactites, where each step leads to unexpected and delightful discoveries.
Hoa Tien Cave is closely associated with mysterious and thrilling legends about fairies and gods in the mortal realm. In Vietnamese, “Hoa” means flower and “Tien” means fairy; only by the name can you imagine the magical scenery here.
The cave is associated with many ancient tales (Source: Mai Chau Hoa Binh)
It has this name because there is a large, clear lake located just about 1 kilometer from the cave, which according to legends, fairies often come down here to bathe, creating a beautiful and magical scene. Local people call this lake the "Fairy Bathing Lake”.
The cave itself has a mythical landscape. The sparkling stalactites create a magical space, like a palace of fairies. These magical qualities also inspired the name Hoa Tien Cave.
Hoa Tien Cave is nestled within a limestone mountain in Ngoi Hoa Commune, Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, approximately 130 kilometers from Hanoi. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful caves in the province.
The towering stalactites reaching down from the cave roof (Source: Internet)
The weather at Hoa Tien Cave can be divided into wet (May to September) and dry seasons (October to the following April), each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, visitors are recommended to avoid the rainy season because during this time, the paths can be slippery and could be dangerous.
Water Route: From Hanoi, you need to get to Thung Nai Wharf in Cao Phong District, Hoa Binh Province. From there, rent a boat and travel approximately 27 kilometers on the Da River to reach Ngoi Village in Ngoi Hoa Commune. From this point, you only need a short 100-meter walk to reach Hoa Tien Cave.
Land Route: From Hanoi, follow National Highway 6 to the Man Duc intersection in Tan Lac District. Turn left onto Road 433 and continue for about 18 kilometers until you reach Ngoi Hoa Commune. From the commune center, follow the concrete road for approximately 3.7 kilometers to reach the cave.
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Hoa Tien Cave has two entrances on the southeastern and southern sides, which are 18 meters apart. As soon as you step inside, you will be struck by the enchanting beauty of the cavern which has numerous stalactites, stalagmites and even the giant stone pillars of diverse sizes and sha. These formations are lit up which makes them shimmer like stage spotlights, enabling a truly otherworld.
The main cave has an impressive 61 meters long and 27 meters wide. From the entrance, if you turn left and walk for about 50 meters, this cave divides into two different branches.
The Northern Branch: At the beginning of this branch, you'll encounter a shallow pond, the first in a series of small interconnected ponds that resemble terraced rice fields. The water is clear and blue, reflects the cave lights and creates a mesmerizing and otherworldly scene. As you delve deeper into the cave, the space becomes smaller and quieter.
A series of shallow ponds that resemble terraced rice fields (Source: Internet)
The Southeastern Branch: This branch is home to massive stone pillars that stand side by side. Some are towering giants, while others are as slender as house posts. Some reach a height of 20 meters, while others are only 3-4 meters tall. The diversity creates a breathtaking, natural sculpture scene that showcases the wonderful art of nature.
A giant stone pillar makes a human so tiny standing next to it (Source: Internet)
The light setting within Hoa Tien Cave is also a remarkable feature. They are placed at the right angles to create a mesmerizing and magical play of light and shadow, making the stalactites appear more sparkling and vibrant. In particular, when the light hits the cave's ponds, it creates stunning reflections resembling a living watercolor painting.
The light setting in the cave creates a mesmerizing scene (Source: Internet)
After exploring Hoa Tien Cave, you can also visit the Fairy Bathing Lake, which is just nearby. This is a gorgeous lake associated with the name of Hoa Tien Cave, it has clear blue water and beautiful scenery. Visitors can freely swim in the lake or enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking.
Visitors enjoy paddleboarding in the Fairy Bathing Lake (Source: Hoa Binh Tour)
This dish is a must-try specialty in Hoa Binh Province (Source: Crystal Bay)
This dish is made from delicious glutinous rice, mixed with coconut milk. It is then placed in bamboo tubes and grilled over hot coals. When cooked, the outer skin has an attractive golden color, while the inside is soft, sticky, and fragrant. Once you try it, you'll never forget it.
A simple yet delicious grilled fish dish is the perfect way to refuel after your tiring adventure through the cave (Source: VietNamNet)
Freshly caught fish is cleaned, grilled to perfection over hot coals, and served with a unique dipping sauce made with traditional mountain ingredients. Locals usually serve this dish with fresh lolot leaves.
Hoa Tien Cave is truly a natural masterpiece, shimmering with magical beauty. It totally deserves the title “Hoa Binh’s hidden gem”. Contact Asia King Travel today to discover the wonders of nature in Vietnam and create unforgettable memories!
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