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Tu Thuc Cave has long been a favorite destination for many travelers thanks to its pristine beauty, mysterious atmosphere, and the emotional story of meeting a fairy. Nestled in the Tam Diep mountain range, the cave opens up to a vast interior filled with countless unique stalactites, leaving everyone in awe. This is a place where people can experience a part of the cultural and spiritual beauty of the heroic land of Thanh Hoa.
Tu Thuc Cave, also known as Bich Dao Cave, is one of the natural masterpieces gifted to Thanh. The cave is formed from limestone located on the Tam Diep range and stretches along the poetic Ngo Dong River. The entire interior space of the cave is about 200m long and thousands of m² wide. There are sections with ceilings rising up to 40m, creating a breathtaking feeling.
Tu Thuc Cave is part of the Tam Diep range
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The territory of Tu Thuc Cave is located in Nga Thien commune, Nga Son district, Thanh Hoa province. Because it is close to Phat Diem Cathedral (in Ninh Binh province), travelers can conveniently follow National Route 10 to reach the cave entrance. The road is flat, with clear signposts helping travelers save time on their journey.
Not only possessing unique geological and ecological beauty, Tu Thuc Cave is also associated with long-standing cultural and historical values. The legend recounts that this is where Tu Thuc - an official during the Ly-Tran dynasty - had a fateful encounter with a fairy and entered the fairy realm. Today, this place has become a famous tourist attraction in Thanh Hoa, attracting a large number of visitors thanks to the harmonious combination of enchanting landscapes and captivating legendary stories.
The legend of Tu Thuc meeting the fairy in “Truyen Ky Man Luc” by Nguyen Du is linked to this cave and is based on a real historical figure. Tu Thuc lived in the 14th century, during the reign of King Tran Thuan Tong, and was from Hoa Chau (Thanh Hoa). He once held the position of district chief in Tien Du (Bac Ninh), known for his kindness, often using his salary to help the poor.
This site is associated with the legend of Tu Thuc Giang Huong
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During the peony flower festival in 1396, while wandering near the temple close to the district road, Tu Thuc encountered a scene where a young girl was held back for accidentally breaking a precious peony branch. Feeling sympathetic, he took off his brocade robe to make amends for her. After that, enchanted by the beautiful scenery and the joy of poetry, he resigned from his official position and wandered across the land.
On one occasion, while stopping in Tong Son, he saw colorful clouds rising at the Than Phu beach. Captivated, Tu Thuc rowed his boat to the entrance and stepped into a magical cave. This is also the sixth cave in the Phi Lai complex - the dwelling place of the fairy Giang Huong from years ago. Remembering their old bond, she married him.
Living in the fairy realm for a year, Tu Thuc began to miss his homeland. When he returned to the human world, he was shocked to realize that times had changed, and no one remembered him in his old hometown; it was now the year 1459 under the reign of King Le Nhan Tong. The vehicle that brought him down transformed into a phoenix and flew away, and the path back to the fairy realm was no longer there. In despair, he retreated to Hoanh Son mountain and disappeared from then on.
Tu Thuc Cave is a witness to the emotional love story
The journey to discover Tu Thuc Cave offers travelers very interesting experiences. Stepping over the stairs entwined with vines, the shimmering stalactite scenery will transport you to a new, mysterious world.
From the foot of the mountain, you will need to climb about 100 steps to reach the cave entrance. These steps are made of solid concrete, ensuring easier movement. Along the way, lush greenery covers the area, with thick vines curling into a unique hammock shape. Take slow steps, breathe deeply, and enjoy the tranquility that nature provides.
The steps leading up to the entrance of Tu Thuc Cave
Before the cave entrance, visitors can admire two poems in classical Chinese praising the beauty of Tu Thuc Cave. One poem is engraved on a stone slab at the base, marking the imprint of Lord Trinh Sam. The other was carved by Le Quy Don on a high rock wall, bringing poetic emotions to poetry lovers.
In front of the cave, there is also a sacred mountain god shrine for visitors to pay their respects. Not to be missed is the ancient Gam tree hundreds of years old, with its trunk entwined around a jackfruit tree, crossing the path. This is also an ideal stop to take photos and admire the scenery.
Two poems in classical Chinese placed at the cave entrance
Entering inside Tu Thuc Cave, visitors will be overwhelmed by the vast space. The shimmering stalactites and the rugged ground stretching about 200m make your exploration journey even more fascinating. The management has arranged soft lighting in red, green, and yellow to further highlight the enchanting beauty of the cave.
Tu Thuc Cave attracts visitors with its shimmering stalactite formations
At the end of the cave, two mysterious paths open up before visitors. One path leads up straight stone steps, which, according to legend, is the way to the fairy realm. The other path is a winding spiral leading down into the mountain with rugged, dark, and damp stone steps. The ancients whispered that this path leads to the underworld, making anyone who steps in feel both curious and apprehensive.
Two separate paths at the end of Tu Thuc Cave
Exploring Tu Thuc Cave is not only a journey to admire the scenery but also a cultural experience combined with history and local cuisine. To make the trip more complete, travelers should pay attention to the following important points:
The Tet holiday or festival season is the best time to visit this attractive tourist destination in Thanh Hoa. Every year, the Tu Thuc festival takes place on the 15th - 16th of the 3rd lunar month at the cave area. Visitors attending will immerse themselves with the local people in two main parts: The ceremony part includes the opening ceremony, incense offering, and worship; the festival part includes folk games, cultural exchanges, and other interesting community activities.
In the 3rd lunar month, visit the cave to participate in the festival
Airplane is the most suitable means of transport for those travelers who want to visit Tu Thuc Cave from Ho Chi Minh City. You can depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport and land at Tho Xuan Airport, then take a taxi to Nga Son, which is about 70km away.
If departing from Hanoi, there are many bus companies to choose from such as Mai Hau, Tien Tien, Viet Xo, Mai Son, Ky Sinh with prices ranging from 150,000 - 200,000 VND. Travelers can stop at Phat Diem or Nga Son town, then take a taxi to Tu Thuc Cave, which takes only about 15 minutes to reach.
You can reach Tu Thuc Cave by various means of transport
In addition to the beautiful scenery and interesting legends about Tu Thuc Cave, travelers visiting Nga Son should not miss delicious dishes such as: Wrapped fish, Nga Son fermented pork roll, thick-shelled mountain snails, straw-wrapped goat meat, fragrant sticky rice wine… These are all unique specialties full of cultural identity of the locals, making the sightseeing journey even more complete.
Delicious dishes to enjoy in Nga Son district
Exploring Tu Thuc Cave offers both a mysterious and poetic experience; making each step even more memorable. Come to NVK Travel, the journey travel to Thanh Hoa your trip will be planned in detail, safely and conveniently. Contact us now for great discounts this month!
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