1. Introduction to Phuc Long Cave
1.1 History of Formation
Phuc Long Cave is located in the Chua Mountain area of Chau village, within Kien Khe Mountain, Chau Son ward, Ninh Binh city, formerly part of the old Ha Nam province. On June 1, 1925, the French School of the Far East listed Chua Mountain as a historical and scenic site.
The origin of the name "Phuc Long" comes from the cave's peculiar shape - winding like a dragon's body in a tight coil. The cave is also locally known as the "bat cave" because many bats inhabit it. According to legend, Chua Mountain, where the cave is located, was where King Tran Due Tong established a temple, which was later destroyed by the Nguyen dynasty and rebuilt in Chau village in 1801. It is also popularly believed that this place is where spiritual energy converges, bringing good fortune to the land and people living around it.
The winding shape like a dragon's body being cinched of Phuc Long Cave. (Source: Collected)
1.2 Unique hidden beauty
Phuc Long Cave is likened to a masterpiece of nature. From afar, the mountain impresses with its shape resembling a winding dragon, its body cinched, sharp rock formations looking like horns, and its flowing dragon hair. This place is also called the “bat cave” by locals, because many bat colonies nest and cling to the rock walls, creating a unique feature and reflecting the richness of the mountain's ecosystem.
Upon entering, visitors are also impressed by the beauty of the stalactite system. Each stalactite column and stalagmite develops in myriad forms, reflecting light to create a shimmering, magical scene. When sunlight shines through the cave entrance, the entire space seems to be dyed gold by delicate, shimmering "silk threads", making the scenery even more vibrant. With a capacity of up to several hundred people, the space inside the cave is vast yet retains its mysterious and captivating allure.
What makes Phuc Long Cave an attractive tourist destination is not only its beautiful natural landscape but also its harmony with the spiritual space. Besides its geological beauty, the cave is also associated with a pagoda and a temple within the same complex, showing a delicate interplay between nature and religious traditions. Visitors here often feel a sense of tranquility, sacredness, and peace amidst the vast mountain and forest landscape.
The fascinating shapes of the stalactite system inside the cave. (Source: Collected)
2. Guide to convenient travel to Phuc Long Cave
The journey to Phuc Long Cave is quite convenient with many suitable means of transport from major cities. The distance from Hanoi center to Chua Mountain complex is about 70 km, equivalent to a 1.5-hour drive by car.
From Hanoi, visitors can travel by private car, bus, or tourist car. The most convenient route is along National Highway 1A or the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Ninh Binh expressway. Upon reaching Phu Ly city, continue along National Highway 1A towards Ninh Binh for about 2km, then turn right across Do Bridge and continue for another 4km through Chau Son to reach Phuc Long Cave.
For visitors starting from Ninh Binh city, traveling to Phuc Long Cave is even easier. You can take a taxi, motorbike, or use inter-provincial bus routes to Kien Khe area or Chau Son ward. The short distance and favorable roads help visitors save significant time and travel costs.
The travel route from Hanoi - Old Ha Nam is convenient for any vehicle. (Source: Collected)
3. Unmissable Experience Activities
3.1 Discover the Hidden Beauty of Phuc Long Cave
Starting the journey of discovery in Phuc Long Cave, visitors will follow the local guide deep into the mountain, where stalactites appear in various unique shapes. The further you go, the more astonishing the scenery becomes, as limestone formations from thousands of years have created a magical space, both mysterious and captivating.
What delights many people when visiting Phuc Long Cave is the mystical scenery when sunlight filters through the rock crevices. These rays create a magical atmosphere, much like a scene from a mythological film. This is also a favorite "photo spot" for many young people, because just by standing in the right place, the light and stalactites will blend into a stunning backdrop, creating unique and unforgettable photos.
The guide will tell stories and legends associated with each area in the cave, explaining the meaning of special rock formations. Old legends about dragon spirits, protective spirits, and blessings for the villagers have been passed down through generations, adding to the mystery and excitement of the tour.
Light shines into the cave, making Phuc Long Cave a beautiful check-in spot. (Source: Collected)
3.2 Visit pagodas and temples on Chua Mountain
After exploring the magical beauty of Phuc Long Cave, don't forget to visit Chau Pagoda at the foot of the mountain. This place preserves the unique cultural, historical, and architectural values of this land.
With ancient architecture in the Dinh style, the pagoda is a place to worship Buddha and deities respected by the local people. The serene atmosphere along with ancient trees in the pagoda yard will bring you a sense of peace and relaxation. This pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic and Scenic Spot by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1994. Notably, you can admire exquisite statues and worship items with intricate carvings and learn about the history associated with General Pham Ngu Lao, who is worshipped here.
Make your trip more memorable by taking time to participate in incense offering and Buddha worship rituals, or simply listen to stories about this ancient pagoda. Certainly, the combination of the natural wonder Phuc Long Cave and the solemnity of Chau Pagoda will bring an unforgettable experience.
Chau Pagoda - a place preserving the long-standing historical and cultural values of old Ha Nam. (Source: Collected)
4. Ideal time to explore Phuc Long Cave
Autumn from September to November and spring from February to April are considered the best times to explore Phuc Long Cave. The climate during these months is dry and cool, creating ideal conditions for travel and sightseeing. The pleasant temperature allows visitors to spend more time exploring both the cave and the surrounding pagoda area without feeling tired.
The time of day also significantly affects the sightseeing experience. Early morning or noon is when sunlight enters the cave most beautifully, creating wonderful lighting effects on the stalactites. This is also the most ideal time for photography, as natural light enhances the magical beauty of Phuc Long Cave.
Phuc Long Cave is stunning with rays of light shining into each stalactite. (Source: Collected)
5. 1-Day Itinerary to Visit Phuc Long Cave and Play at Sun World Ha Nam
Morning: Explore Phuc Long Cave – Chua Mountain
The journey begins at 07:30 with travel from Hanoi or the center of Phu Ly ward to Chau Son ward, Ninh Binh. The approximately 1-hour journey will bring visitors to this sacred land around 08:30, an ideal time to start the exploration journey.
From 08:30 to 10:30, visitors will have 2 hours to fully enjoy the beauty of Phuc Long Cave. Admire the unique dragon-shaped cave, explore the shimmering stalactite and stalagmite system under the morning sun. The guide will introduce in detail the legend and formation history of the cave, helping visitors understand more deeply the special cultural value of this landmark. This is also the golden time to take check-in photos with the most beautiful scenes in the cave.
Next, from 10:30 to 11:30, the program shifts to visiting Chau Pagoda and the temple at Chua Mountain. Visitors can perform incense offering rituals, praying for peace for their families. At the same time, learn about the profound cultural-spiritual values of the area, feel the sacred space amidst the vast mountains and forests.
Admire the wonderful natural beauty of the cave in the morning. (Source: Collected)
Lunch: Rest and enjoy Ha Nam cuisine
From 11:30 to 13:00, visitors will have time to rest and enjoy lunch at local restaurants near Chua Mountain or in the Bat Canh Son area. This is a great opportunity to explore the specialty cuisine of Ha Nam land with traditional dishes rich in hometown flavors.
Specialties to try include Vu Dai village braised fish with its rich flavor, the sweetness of the fish meat combined with traditional fish sauce. Rolled rice cakes with grilled pork sausage is one of the specialties that should be tried at least once, with its thin and chewy cake layers, delicious meat filling served with grilled sausage and a special dipping sauce. Sweet crucian carp soup and fragrant lotus seed sweet soup will be the perfect highlight for a meal full of hometown essence.
Enjoy Vũ Đại Village Braised Fish - a famous specialty of old Ha Nam. (Source: Collected)
Afternoon: Experience Sun World Ha Nam
From 13:30 to 16:30, the program transitions to Sun World Ha Nam - the most modern and famous water park in the province. With 3 hours of playtime, visitors can fully experience exciting water games, from adventurous slides to artificial wave pools. This is an ideal place for the whole family and groups of young friends to relax after a morning exploring Phuc Long Cave .
A 10/10 entertainment experience at Sun World Ha Nam. (Source: Sun World Ha Nam)
Evening: Concluding the journey
From 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM, visitors have time to shop for souvenirs and specialties of Ha Nam. Dai Hoang royal bananas with their distinctive sweetness, fragrant and savory peanut candy, and the famous Lang Voc wine are meaningful gifts to bring back for family and friends.
At exactly 5:00 PM, the group departs for Ha Noi, concluding a full day exploring Phuc Long Cave with unique experiences in the culturally rich land of Ha Nam. This journey not only brings beautiful memories but also helps visitors understand more about the historical value and unique culture of Northern Vietnam.
Royal Banana of Dai Hoang - Northern region's specialty 'fit for a king'. (Source: VOV)
Phuc Long Cave is not just a beautiful cave but also a bridge between people and nature, between the present and the historical past. Arrange your time to visit this place to fully appreciate the mystical beauty of the dragon-shaped cave and the pure spiritual space of Chua Mountain!
