Huyen Khong Cave in Da Nang – Lost in a Fairyland Amidst the Marble Mountains

July 17, 2020 7 mins to read
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Huyen Khong Cave in Da Nang is a spiritual tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors yearly. The surreal and sacred scenery will give you moments to reconnect with your spiritual roots and indulge in relaxation and happiness. Let’s explore the mysterious beauty of this place with Vietnampeace.com!

1. General Introduction to Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

1.1 Huyen Khong Cave – Enchanting and mysterious cave on the peak of Marble Mountains

Address: on the peak of Marble Mountains, 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City

Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm, every day of the week

Ticket prices:

– Adults: 40,000 VND/person
– Students: 10,000 VND/person
– Children under six years old: Free

Elevator ticket: 30,000 VND/round trip

Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang is situated on the summit of Thượng Thai – the highest peak in the majestic Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains consist of 5 limestone hills above the sandy beach: Kim Son, Moc Son, Thuy Son, Hoa Son, and Tho Son. With its picturesque landscape and large moss-covered ancient rocks, this place was chosen by ancient scholars to construct unique architectural structures with historical value for Da Nang.

With a circumference of nearly 25 meters, the cave is likened to a giant inverted bell with spiritual, geological, and archaeological significance that many tourists are eager to explore. In the late 19th century, the French named this scenic spot “The Marble Mountains” because the caves were entirely stone.

This place holds spiritual value and bears many historical imprints from the resistance against foreign invaders. During the resistance against the French, Huyen Khong Cave served as a secret base for local leaders and guerrilla fighters. In the Vietnam War, the cave was transformed by the U.S. military into a training ground for special forces and a refuge for many U.S.-South Vietnamese units. In 1968, the liberation forces successfully drove them out, simultaneously launching attacks on nearby bases and the Saltwater Military Airfield. Huyen Khong Cave became a medical station and a hiding place for the wounded of the liberation forces, marking the glorious battles of the people of Quang Nam-Da Nang.

A distinctive feature of Huyen Khong Cave compared to caves across the country is its extraordinarily cool and non-humid interior, with cracks allowing sunlight to mix with the glow of yellow lights, creating a mystical and sparkling atmosphere.

1.2 How to Get to Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

Currently, there are various convenient means of transportation from Saigon to Da Nang, such as airplanes, buses, cars, sleeper buses, and trains. It would be best if you considered choosing the most suitable mode of transportation for yourself.

Located approximately 11 km from the city center, you can follow the route to Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang. From Dragon Bridge, turn left onto Ngo Quyen Street, continue straight, and turn left onto Ho Xuan Huong Street. After that, turn right towards Vo Nguyen Giap and Truong Sa Streets. Continue straight until you reach Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street.

From here, you can climb the stone steps to reach the cave. Alternatively, you can take the elevator to the mountaintop to ensure your health during this cave exploration journey.

1.3 Best Time to Visit Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

The best time to explore Da Nang with favorable weather is in the Gregorian calendar during the summer, from early April to the end of August. During this period, Da Nang experiences less rain and more sunshine, making it highly convenient to travel to various attractions in Da Nang and participate in outdoor activities.

You should check the weather forecast in advance and choose sunny days to fully enjoy the exquisite beauty of this place.

2. Explore the Uniqueness of Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

2.1 Entrance to Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

The entrance gate to the cave is a slightly narrow and deep archway. Three Chinese characters, “Huyen Khong Quan,” are beautifully carved on the gate in an artistic calligraphic style. On both sides of the gate stand statues of Mr. Thien and Mr. Ac, situated in the middle of the cave entrance, as a reminder for visitors to abandon worldly desires when entering this sacred Buddhist place. Pay careful attention as you descend over 20 deep stone steps behind Hoa Nghiem Cave to reach Huyen Khong Cave.

Upon reaching the mountain top, the entire panoramic view of Da Nang City and the majestic Marble Mountains unfolds before you.

2.2 Ancient Beauty and Mystery Inside Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

Upon entering the cave, you will immediately feel the cool and sparkling atmosphere thanks to sunlight reflecting through stalactites on the walls. The cave has a round vaulted shape with five openings, allowing sunlight to penetrate.

To the right is the small Trang Nghiem Pagoda, surrounded by small dripping stalactites – a scene that blends reality and the illusion of the Buddhist spiritual realm. Trang Nghiem Pagoda has three compartments: the central compartment worships Avalokiteshvara Buddha; the compartment on the left honors the three Saints Quan Cong, Quan Binh, and Chau Xuong, symbolizing virtue, courage, and loyalty; and notably, the compartment on the right worships Mr. To and Mrs. Nguyet, representing couples who often pray to Nguyet Lao for a thread of red happiness lasting a hundred years.

The tallest statue here is the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, sculpted by the renowned artist Nguyen Chat – a master in the Non Nuoc stone sculpture, created in 1960. Below the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is the altar of Earth Store Bodhisattva. It is advisable to light incense, express gratitude, and seek Buddha’s protection for health, prosperity, and peace.

Exploring the left side of the main cave is the shrine dedicated to Lady Ngoc Phi (Fairy Goddess), which bestows prosperity, and the shrine of Lady Loi Phi (Supreme Goddess), offering protection, health, and peace. Huyen Khong Cave also houses the statue of Thiên-Y-A-na – the Jade Deity. Legend has it that in the past, many people came to the temple to seek heavenly favor, praying for fertility. They would devoutly worship, bow down, and request blessed water from the sacred stalactites on the rock wall bestowed by the Buddha. However, these customs are no longer practiced today, but somewhere, many people still believe in the sacred and benevolent blessings of the Buddha.

Furthermore, when you visit Huyen Khong Cave, you can admire some inscriptions engraved in Han-Nom characters on the cave walls. Particularly notable is the poem by Quang Loc Tu Khanh Linh – Principal Ambassador of Quang Nam Le Huu Dao, engraved in 1889.

3. Tips for Visiting Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang

To ensure a fascinating and complete tour, take note of the following tips:

– Dress modestly and neatly; consider wearing an áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress), long-sleeved shirt, long pants, or a knee-length dress, as there are many Buddha statues in the cave for worship.

– Bring water and some light snacks to avoid hunger, as no dining services are available at the site.

– You can light incense and pray for health, peace, and prosperity before the Buddha altar.

– Dispose of trash in designated areas, maintain general hygiene, and preserve the beauty of Huyen Khong Cave.

With the insights shared by Vietnampeace.com, you’re undoubtedly captivated by the surreal beauty, spiritual significance, and historical value of Huyen Khong Cave Da Nang. Gather your family and friends, check in at Da Nang, and stop to explore this incredible place.

Động Huyền Không (Ảnh: ST)

Huyen Khong Cave (Image: ST)

Marble Mountains (Image: ST)

Huyen Khong Cave (Image: ST)

Dynamic domed light (Image: ST)

Huyen Khong Cave (Image: ST)

The cave is cool and well-lit (Image: ST)

Thuy Son (Image: ST)

Marble in the cave (Image: ST)

Dynamic entrance (Image: ST)

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