Tien Ca (Mermaid) Cave in Thung Nham tourist area (Ninh Binh) attracts visitors with its magical stalactite formations and the experience of walking on a 500m-long floating bridge through the limestone mountain. - Ninh Binh tours

Mermaid Cave is one of the most unique underwater karst (limestone) caves located within the Thung Nham ecological tourism complex in Ninh Binh province. With a length of over 500m, a widest point of 40m, and a ceiling height of up to 30m, it is an ideal destination for those who love exploring the pristine beauty of nature.

Unlike many underwater caves in Ninh Binh that require boat tours, visitors to Tien Ca Cave can experience a walking journey on a system of winding floating bridges close to the underwater surface. This approach allows viewers to observe each geological formation up close.

The interior of the cave is airtight, always cool, and carries a slight chill characteristic of the underground water flowing from the rocky mountains. Venturing deep inside, visitors will feel as if they have wandered into a magnificent palace at the bottom of the ocean.

The name "Mermaid Cave" originates from the rich system of stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by nature over hundreds of millions of years. These sparkling, diamond-like formations have bizarre shapes reminiscent of coral reefs, dolphins, or elephant heads. Particularly noteworthy is a meticulously carved statue of a mermaid inside the cave, commemorating the legend of the mermaid-shaped stalactites that once appeared there.

Furthermore, the cave's unique highlight lies in its alternating open spaces. Here, natural light from the outside filters through the crevices in the rocks, creating magical patches of light and shadow on the calm, emerald-green water. The harmonious blend of rock, water, and light makes this place a "precious gem" in the heart of the heritage site.

According to a representative of the tourist area, before being given its current elegant name, this place was simply called "Fish Cave." The reason is that it was home to two rare fish species: the royal snakehead fish and the Tong Truong perch. These fish live in the pure, cold waters of the Truong Yen - Thung Nham limestone mountain range and were once caught by locals to offer to the emperor.

Some notes about visiting Tien Ca (Mermaid) Cave
- You have to cross an iron bridge leading underground and conquer about 40 steep iron steps to get deep inside the cave.
- Clothing: Choose shoes with good grip as some sections of the stone steps may be wet. Some of the cave walls are quite low, requiring visitors to squeeze or bend down to pass through.
- Best time to visit: The cave is suitable for visiting year-round thanks to its sheltered space, which is warm in winter and cool in summer.

With its pristine yet magnificent beauty, Tien Ca Cave is not only a popular check-in destination for international tourists but also a unique cultural and geological space that helps visitors understand more about the wonders of Ninh Binh's nature.

Source: Walking through nature masterpiece at Tien Ca Cave.