Discover Thien Ha Cave: Ninh Binh’s Spectacular Underground Paradise
Experience the Unreal Beauty of Thien Ha Galaxy Grotto
Thien Ha Cave is a part of a newly-exploited ecotourism complex, located in Dong Tam village, Son Ha Commune, Nho Quan District in Ninh Binh province. Travelling to Ninh Binh, it is popular that tourists do trips to Trang An complex or Tam Coc caves, Hoa Lu ancient capital…..However, for the most beautiful grotto, scenic boat ride and less touristic area in Ninh Binh, Thien Ha cave should be shortlisted on your top list of things to visit in your trip to Ninh Binh.
The cave of Thien Ha in Ninh Binh
Being recently discovered in 2007 due to its small size gateaway & its hidden location by rained forest on Tuong mountain, Thien Ha (Galaxy) cave is beautifully untouched with natural formations of stalagmites & stalactites in shimmering colors – giving you the feeling of being lost in a real paradise on earth.
The cave’s length is 700 metters including the sparkling dry cave of 200 metters long and the misterious water cave of 500 metters long.To explore the great beauty of this grotto, you need to take a flashlight ( supplied by the boat rowers) along.
Beautiful formation
Firstly,walk along the dry cave to contemplate naturally pristine stalactites of different forms hanging down from the ceiling such as the sea shells, the man’s teeth, pumkin, monkey or whatever they may appear to your imagination, then you see the open hole to the sky ( to locals, it is like a well of heaven – reflecting the sunlight to the cave)- that could be the reason for the first part of the cave’s name : Thien ( Heaven or Sky).
The sunlight reflection at the cave’ s entrance
Then, continue with water cave on the river (Ha) – the possible reason for the cave’s full name ( Thien Ha). Riding a rowing boat gliding along the hidden river – the part of water cave giving you a great sense of this cave’s picturesque paradise –it is so tranquil that you can hear the sounds of the water drops to the water surface,slow movement of the paddles and thousands of bats flying around.This water cave is still active and endowed with endless layers & layers of sparkling stalactites in fanciful colors, it is like you are lost in the Fairy world and enjoyed the paradise scenery with Peach Forest, the islands of Fairy, Mother Milk Breast…..to your imagination of stalactite shapes
The formation look like rice terraces
Optional ways to reach Thien Ha (Galaxy) Grotto : two boat ride routes & a walking route.
There are two ways to get to Thien Ha galaxy cave by boat ride & by walking on the trails directly. The best way is to connect two of them together on your trip to explore Galaxy Grotto.
1. Two optional boat rides
To visit Thien Ha cave, when reaching Son Ha commune, you will take a scenic rowing boat ride along Ben Dang river viewing Tuong mountain & rice fields, then continue walking on the stone road (500m) near the foot of the Tuong Mountain to get to the gate of Thien Ha grotto which is lying hidden in Tuong mountain – a part of Trang An- Bai Dinh mountain range.
Tuong Mountain
There are two boat ride routes you can choose for your exploraition of Galaxy cave and wonderful view of the region.
Route 01: Nha Le pier with boat rowing along Tuong Mountain, then stop for a nice walk to visit Thien Thanh cave, Thien Ha cave & then rowing to contemplate hidden Buddha cave – back to Nha Le pier.
The entrance & boat ride fee is 200,000 vnd/person and one boat with 4 paxs ( foreigners) & 6 paxs ( for Vietnamese).This route is in 1,5 hour journey ( mainly view the cave & less view of mountain ranges compared to the Route 02.
The view from the hike down the valley
If you do this option, we recommend you to take a walk back to the pier (a new walking route is operated recently) in stead of the boat ride – which will give you more chances to explore the best of this site : hiking up to the summit to admire scenic view of surrounding mountains & winding river, water buffaloes & storks flying around, and exploring archaeological site related to the pre-historic human-beings of the old time….
Boat routes to visit the caves
Route 02: Nha Le pier with boat rowing along Tuong Mountain, stop for a nice walk to visit Thien Thanh cave, Thien Ha cave & then rowing through hidden Buddha cave to reach Thung Nham bird sunctuary- Ghe cave- Chua cave and drop at Hai Nham pier
The entrance & boat ride fee is 250,000 vnd/ pax/one way (dropping at Hai Nham pier, not coming back to Nha Le pier).
This route is the landscape connection – similar to both Tam Coc and Trang An ( to my sense); and in a 2,5 hour journey. Besides the caves of the route 01, this rowing boat ride is extended to Thung Nham bird sunctuary, more mountain scenery & two more caves you will have chances to visit.For coming back route to Nha Le pier, it will take you more time and double price they will charge ( you should ask in advance when buying tickets)
Nha Le pier for the boat ride
2. Walk directly to Thien Ha Galaxy Cave from the pier
If you love hiking, you can just buy the ticket at the reception ( next to the pier), the price is 150.000vnd/person, then take a walk along the river bank, cross a few bamboo bridges in slow motion to reach Thien Son, Thien Thanh & Thien Ha caves. This journey will give you a nice captivation of beautiful mountains, inhale fresh air & healthy activities….
The trails along the river & mountains….
Trip to Thien Ha Galaxy cave with Golden Holiday Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Thien Ha Cave earns its celestial nickname from its 500-meter-long underground river section. As you glide through the darkness on a small wooden boat, the light from your torch reflects off the water-slicked stalactites and minerals on the ceiling, creating a sparkling effect that mimics a star-filled galaxy.
The cave is divided into two sections: a 200-meter Dry Cave and a 500-meter Wet Cave. The dry section is airy and features a “Sky Well” (natural skylight) that illuminates ancient rock formations. The wet section requires a boat trip through a subterranean river, offering a cool, quiet, and ethereal atmosphere.
Absolutely. Thien Ha is not just a natural wonder but a significant archaeological site. In 2008, archaeologists discovered traces of prehistoric Vietnamese inhabitants, including mollusk shells, charcoal, and stone tools, proving that ancient humans used this cave as a shelter thousands of years ago.
While Trang An is famous for its grand scale and infrastructure, Thien Ha Cave is the preferred choice for those seeking privacy and serenity. It is less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. It is often combined with a visit to the nearby Thung Nham Bird Garden for a full day of “off-the-beaten-path” exploration.
The most magical time is during the summer months (May to July). Not only is the cave a refreshing 20°C (offering an escape from the heat), but the canal ride leading to the cave is flanked by blooming lotus flowers. For photography, the dry season (October to April) offers the clearest water for “mirror-like” reflections.
Yes, Golden Holiday Travel specializes in custom Ninh Binh itineraries that include Thien Ha Cave. We provide private transport from Hanoi, professional guides to navigate the mountain paths, and a seamless transition between the boat pier and the cave entrance, often pairing it with a local Vietnamese lunch….
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