Dong Thien Cung
Dong Thien Cung
4
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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32 within 3 miles
Attractions
24 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
571 reviews
Excellent
224
Very good
232
Average
102
Poor
10
Terrible
3
CrunchyMonkey
Taipei, Taiwan1,524 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
Got to say, once you have been to one cave in your life, they are pretty much all the same. If you have never been to a cave, then of course you should see at least one so I would say go to this one, if you have been to cave already though, you can still go to this island but breeze through the cave in about 20 minutes. Not much on the island other than the caves though, but some picture opportunities if you want. All the caves I have been to have been pretty much the same, really. This one has high ceilings, way too many colored fluorescent lights and of course their are shapes of animals here and there that your guide will of course make a point to waste your time about. (zzzzzzzzzzzzzz) Why do you come to Ha Long Bay? To see the Bay or to waste your time with caves that pretty much, for all intensive purposes, look pretty much the same? You choose what you like. But in my opinion, it is something that could quite possibly be skipped, but make sure you talk to your guide about what is on the itinerary, otherwise for sure they will stop here. Their are a few gifts stores of course also. Some sell snakes and drinks also just in case you are interested.
This is just my opinion, you have to decide for yourself. Look up the name of the cave on Google and see the pictures of the cave before you decide to go.
Oh and there are two caves on this island, after seeing this one, we opted to get back on the boat and continue our cruise through the Bay. Much better use of our time then seeing another cave.
Also keep in mind, during the summer, especially some weekends, this place will be PACKED with local Vietnamese tourists where you will have to wait 30-60 minutes to get through the entire cave. An incredible waste of time if you are only visiting the Bay for a day tour. Think twice, do your research and then decide.
This is just my opinion, you have to decide for yourself. Look up the name of the cave on Google and see the pictures of the cave before you decide to go.
Oh and there are two caves on this island, after seeing this one, we opted to get back on the boat and continue our cruise through the Bay. Much better use of our time then seeing another cave.
Also keep in mind, during the summer, especially some weekends, this place will be PACKED with local Vietnamese tourists where you will have to wait 30-60 minutes to get through the entire cave. An incredible waste of time if you are only visiting the Bay for a day tour. Think twice, do your research and then decide.
Written July 22, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyudmyla S
Krakow, Poland30 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
It’s an amazing cave in Halong Bay. I’ve been to 37 countries around the world and this is the best cave I’ve been to so far. The natural beauty is simply breathtaking. As I visited it as part of the tour it was quite noisy and crowded inside. The fairy tale the tour guide kept telling about the cave was quite boring and annoying but it’s not cave’s fault ;) it’s definitely worth visiting in Vietnam
Written April 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlackyMLeo
Singapore, Singapore2,013 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
The way to Thiên Cung is a perilous one, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in we are more astonished in front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of tales. Going out of the Thiên Cung Grotto, we have a sensation of just watching a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is made by nature, get out of the imagine, ability and intellect of man. This grotto is recently discovered, one of the most beautiful grottoes in Ha Long Bay.
Written March 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bottomshelfhockey
Richmond, Canada8,773 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
This was our second cave stop; the first being Sung Sot. This cave is not as large as Sung Sot. One website has Sung Sot at 10,000 square meters (12,000 square yards) whereas the sign at the entrance for Thien Cung Cave says its area is 3,000 square meters (3,250 square yards).
Like Sung Sot, you will have to climb steps up to the cave entrance. The entrance sign also says that the distance from the accessible path at the entrance to the exit is 190 meters (205 yards).
As I mentioned before in my review of Sung Sot Cave, I originally thought the colourful lighting was natural (emanating from luminescent rocks) with some manmade lighting to illuminate the paths. After some research I found the colourful illumination was manmade - well placed coloured lights.
The stalactites and stalagmites form interesting shapes. In order to really appreciate the rock formations you may wish to hire a knowledgeable guide or if you’re lucky you might be able to tag along with a group that has a guide speaking your native language.
If you have a little difficulty walking; for example needing the use of cane/walker, you should be able to get by with some assistance from 2 persons, keeping in mind there are stone stairs to the cave entrance as well as at the exit. If you normally use a scooter or a wheelchair to get around I would say it is next to impossible to visit the cave. However, that’s only my opinion. You should do some research to find out what degree of mobility is required to enjoy the cave tour.
I didn’t think it was awe inspiring as Sung Sot but it was still very interesting. Maybe because I visited Sung Sot Cave first? Anyways, you can make your own assessment; go visit both of them! As a suggestion, if you’re planning to visit both caves, visit Thien Cung and then Sung Sot, because Thien Cung is the smaller of the two.
By the time we finished exploring Thien Cung cave, our second one, the group was “caved-out” and as a result I did not go explore Dau Go cave. In hindsight, I wished I did explore it by myself. If time permits, you should take in Dau Go as well as this cave is only 300 meters (325 yards) from Thien Cung.
As in the case of Sung Sot cave, I did not see any easy access for people with severe mobility issues. For this reason, l would rate it 1 out 5 for accessibility; 1 being very difficult and 5 being easy.
On the other end of the scale I would recommend visiting Thien Cung cave, giving it a rating of 3 plus out 5 for the WOW factor.
Notes & Tips
• There are lots of photo opportunities albeit in low light situations. If you’re really lucky you won’t have any blurry photos due to camera vibration. I would recommend bringing a tripod/monopod to prevent camera shake when taking photos in low light conditions as having the lens wide open may not solve the issue. Another option is to set the “film speed” at a higher value – 800 and above. The disadvantage of setting a higher film at 800 or 1600 plus is you will end up with potentially grainy pictures. A flash will help but on only in certain conditions. If you do end up with some blurry photos buy some postcards before you leave the island!
• In regards to persons with mobility issues, you can pose a question on the Trip Advisor website in the “travel forum”. I’m sure there are lots of people with mobility issues have gone and they can give you some insight as to how they handled the problem. You will get a response from the thousands of Trip Advisor users.
• We were there in December. Halong Bay was our first stop in Vietnam as part of a 14 day cruise of Vietnam and Bangkok aboard the Azamara ship “Journey”.
• Stop number 2 on our cruise was in Da Nang and Hoi An and stop number 3 was in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). Stop number 4 was in Bangkok where we spent 3 days. Review of various tourist sites to follow.
Like Sung Sot, you will have to climb steps up to the cave entrance. The entrance sign also says that the distance from the accessible path at the entrance to the exit is 190 meters (205 yards).
As I mentioned before in my review of Sung Sot Cave, I originally thought the colourful lighting was natural (emanating from luminescent rocks) with some manmade lighting to illuminate the paths. After some research I found the colourful illumination was manmade - well placed coloured lights.
The stalactites and stalagmites form interesting shapes. In order to really appreciate the rock formations you may wish to hire a knowledgeable guide or if you’re lucky you might be able to tag along with a group that has a guide speaking your native language.
If you have a little difficulty walking; for example needing the use of cane/walker, you should be able to get by with some assistance from 2 persons, keeping in mind there are stone stairs to the cave entrance as well as at the exit. If you normally use a scooter or a wheelchair to get around I would say it is next to impossible to visit the cave. However, that’s only my opinion. You should do some research to find out what degree of mobility is required to enjoy the cave tour.
I didn’t think it was awe inspiring as Sung Sot but it was still very interesting. Maybe because I visited Sung Sot Cave first? Anyways, you can make your own assessment; go visit both of them! As a suggestion, if you’re planning to visit both caves, visit Thien Cung and then Sung Sot, because Thien Cung is the smaller of the two.
By the time we finished exploring Thien Cung cave, our second one, the group was “caved-out” and as a result I did not go explore Dau Go cave. In hindsight, I wished I did explore it by myself. If time permits, you should take in Dau Go as well as this cave is only 300 meters (325 yards) from Thien Cung.
As in the case of Sung Sot cave, I did not see any easy access for people with severe mobility issues. For this reason, l would rate it 1 out 5 for accessibility; 1 being very difficult and 5 being easy.
On the other end of the scale I would recommend visiting Thien Cung cave, giving it a rating of 3 plus out 5 for the WOW factor.
Notes & Tips
• There are lots of photo opportunities albeit in low light situations. If you’re really lucky you won’t have any blurry photos due to camera vibration. I would recommend bringing a tripod/monopod to prevent camera shake when taking photos in low light conditions as having the lens wide open may not solve the issue. Another option is to set the “film speed” at a higher value – 800 and above. The disadvantage of setting a higher film at 800 or 1600 plus is you will end up with potentially grainy pictures. A flash will help but on only in certain conditions. If you do end up with some blurry photos buy some postcards before you leave the island!
• In regards to persons with mobility issues, you can pose a question on the Trip Advisor website in the “travel forum”. I’m sure there are lots of people with mobility issues have gone and they can give you some insight as to how they handled the problem. You will get a response from the thousands of Trip Advisor users.
• We were there in December. Halong Bay was our first stop in Vietnam as part of a 14 day cruise of Vietnam and Bangkok aboard the Azamara ship “Journey”.
• Stop number 2 on our cruise was in Da Nang and Hoi An and stop number 3 was in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). Stop number 4 was in Bangkok where we spent 3 days. Review of various tourist sites to follow.
Written September 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpecialK2012
Cancun, Mexico51 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Well worth the stop on your Ha Long Bay tour - probably the biggest cave I have walked through. Try to go early to avoid the crowds.
Written May 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AiNguyen
Arizona333 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
So amazing Cave. Don't miss it when you visit Ha Long Bay. I like the way that it was lighted. Make the Cave become so mysterious and beautiful. It challenges your imagination !
If you stand on the bridge to take picture, you will have a nice photo because the bridge is curve
At the exit gate, there is a nice area for photo, too. Take photo because you go down.
If you stand on the bridge to take picture, you will have a nice photo because the bridge is curve
At the exit gate, there is a nice area for photo, too. Take photo because you go down.
Written April 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purplepinay
Luzon, Philippines411 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
This was the first cave that we saw and, truly, it was amazing. That is, except for the colored artificial lighting that they attached. Cave formations of this size, magnitude and volume are amazing. The government has even made it easy for everyone to walk through the cave.
If only the government would remove the pink, blue and green lights, this would be much prettier. Stick to one (natural) color please!
If only the government would remove the pink, blue and green lights, this would be much prettier. Stick to one (natural) color please!
Written November 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yv
Singapore, Singapore359 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Mother Nature is simply amazing, it’s so fascinating witnessing the cave and how it looks like inside. The cave is actually quite big so you can take your time slowly admire the structures and the beauty of nature.
Written December 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OceanShark
Haarlem, The Netherlands6,307 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Likes:
Nice and impressive cave.
Steps good for a walk.
BIG dislikes:
This is an overcrowded tourist attraction. Thousands of tourists are crawling like ants on the stairs and taking pictures.
And the tourist guides are using laserpointers to show out the figures in the cave. Very annoying on your photographs and video.
Nice and impressive cave.
Steps good for a walk.
BIG dislikes:
This is an overcrowded tourist attraction. Thousands of tourists are crawling like ants on the stairs and taking pictures.
And the tourist guides are using laserpointers to show out the figures in the cave. Very annoying on your photographs and video.
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian T
Singapore967 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a MUST visit if you are in Halong Bay. One can spend hours just sitting in there & be taken in by the surrounding, lights, shapes & forms, truly amazing & impressive!
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can i get a 1 day tour from Bai Chay or is it better to go to Tuan Chau?
Thanks
Wendy
Written December 28, 2018
Yes, a lot of tours will offer pickup from the hotels in BaiChay. Just ask your tour company. The cruises generally leave from TuanChau.
Written December 29, 2018
Hola que tal, voy a estar de visita en crucero el día 29 de octubre llegando a las 7 am y saliendo a las 11 pm en long bay.
tienes algún tour para dos personas?
Saludos
RDM
Written June 29, 2016
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