Thien Canh Son Cave: Quiet Cave & Beach near Bai Tu Long Bay
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Thien Canh Son Cave (Hang Thiên Cảnh Sơn), officially listed as Hang Co, is a small limestone cave on Hon Co island on the quiet north-eastern side of Halong Bay towards Bai Tu Long Bay. It sits about 40 m above a curving white-sand beach, about 19 km from Tuan Chau port, and is visited on route VHL4 cruises; the route fee is 200,000 VND.
Status (checked October 2026): open as normal on official Ha Long Bay route VHL4, mainly on overnight Bai Tu Long cruises. Boats do not sail when storm or strong wind warnings are in force.
Why Thien Canh Son Cave is worth seeing:
- Cave plus beach: explore the cave, then swim from the white sand below.
- Few visitors compared with the big caves on routes VHL1 and VHL2.
- Bay views from the cave mouth over the islands of Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Kayaking around nearby limestone islets in calm, clear water.
Thien Canh Son Cave at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Hang Thiên Cảnh Sơn (official name: Hang Cỏ / Động Cỏ) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hon Co island, north-east Halong Bay towards Bai Tu Long Bay, Quang Ninh |
| Distance | About 19 km from Tuan Chau International Port and 14 km from Ha Long International Passenger Port |
| Known for | Small cave with a narrow entrance and low ceiling, white-sand beach, quiet setting |
| Official route | Ha Long Bay route VHL4 (Hang Co – Hang Thay – Cap La – Vung Vieng – Cong Do) |
| Entrance fee | Route VHL4: 200,000 VND per day visit; 500,000 VND for 1 night; usually included in cruise prices |
| Time needed | 20–30 minutes in the cave, plus beach time |
| Best time | April–June and September–October; morning or late afternoon |
| Nearby | Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Cap La, Cong Do |
| Find it | Google Maps · Tripadvisor |
Is Thien Canh Son Cave Worth Visiting?
Yes, as part of a Bai Tu Long or route VHL4 cruise. It is not a destination in itself: the cave is small and takes less than half an hour, but the combination of cave, beach and empty bay is one of the nicest stops on the quieter routes.
- Best for: travellers on an overnight Bai Tu Long cruise who want a short walk and a swim.
- Skip if: you want huge chambers; choose Sung Sot Cave or Thien Cung Cave on routes VHL1–2.
- Short on time: a day cruise on route VHL1 or VHL2 shows the classic caves more efficiently.
Background of Thien Canh Son Cave
Thiên Cảnh Sơn means roughly “heavenly scenery mountain”, the name used by many cruise operators. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the cave as Hang Cỏ (Co Cave) on Hon Co island and includes it in route VHL4 together with Hang Thay, Cap La Cave, the Vung Vieng area, the Tung Ang – Cong Do eco-area and Hon Xep. Like the rest of the bay, it was formed in limestone dissolved and shaped by water over millions of years.
What to See at Thien Canh Son Cave
1. The Cave Chamber
The cave mouth is about 40 m above sea level and reached by a narrow path and steps. Inside, the ceiling is low and the chamber modest, with stalactites lit for visitors. Take care on uneven floors.
2. The Beach Below
A natural white-sand beach curves around the foot of Hon Co island. The water in front is usually clear and calm, so it is a pleasant swim stop in the warm months.
3. Views over the Bay
From the entrance you look out over limestone islets and boats moored in the sheltered water, a good photo spot in the late afternoon.
4. Kayaking Around Hon Co
Many cruises offer kayaks here so you can paddle close to the cliffs and small coves nearby.
Tickets and Opening Hours
| Item | Price / detail |
|---|---|
| Route VHL4 day visit | 200,000 VND per adult (about US$8) |
| Route VHL4 overnight | 500,000 VND (1 night), 650,000 VND (2 nights) |
| Children | Under 1.2 m or under 7 free; ages 7–16 discounted |
| Hours | Daytime visits on cruise schedules |
Prices are set by Quang Ninh province and published by the Ha Long Bay Management Board; check the official fee list. Cruises normally include them.
How to Get to Thien Canh Son Cave
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Shuttle or private car to Ha Long cruise ports, then cruise on route VHL4 | About 2.5–3 hours by road + 1.5–2 hours sailing |
| Ha Long International Passenger Port | Cruise or chartered boat | About 14 km by sea |
| Tuan Chau International Port | Cruise or chartered boat | About 19 km by sea |
See our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide for road transfers.
Best Time to Visit Thien Canh Son Cave
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–June | Warm, good for swimming at the beach |
| July–September | Hot; storms can cancel cruises |
| October–November | Clear, comfortable days |
| December–March | Cool and sometimes misty; cave visit fine, swimming chilly |
Local Expert Tips for Thien Canh Son Cave
These tips come from years of arranging Halong and Bai Tu Long tours for international travellers.
- Wear shoes with grip; the steps and cave floor can be damp.
- Bring swimwear: the beach is the best part of the stop in summer.
- Ask your cruise for the exact route; not every “Bai Tu Long” cruise stops here.
- Combine with the bamboo boat at Vung Vieng on the same day.
- Read our Halong Bay cruise guide to compare routes.
Thien Canh Son Cave vs Sung Sot Cave
| Thien Canh Son Cave | Sung Sot Cave | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | VHL4 | VHL2 |
| Size | Small, low ceiling | One of the largest caves in Halong Bay |
| Crowds | Few | Very busy |
| Extras | White-sand beach, kayaking | Near Ti Top Island and Luon Cave |
Our view: Sung Sot is more impressive; Thien Canh Son is more peaceful and pairs a cave with a beach.
Nearby Attractions
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village – floating homes and bamboo boats.
- Cap La Island – a two-level cave and kayaking.
- Cong Dam Area – quiet lagoons further into Bai Tu Long.
- Halong Bay – the classic caves and islands.
Halong Bay for First-Time Visitors: Where Thien Canh Son Cave Fits
First-timers usually spend one or two nights on a cruise after Hanoi. Choose a Bai Tu Long (route VHL4) cruise if you want quiet stops like Thien Canh Son; read our Halong travel tips before booking.
Plan your trip with our Halong Bay travel guide and Halong Bay tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thien Canh Son Cave
1. Where is Thien Canh Son Cave?
Thien Canh Son Cave is on Hon Co island in north-eastern Halong Bay, towards Bai Tu Long Bay, Quang Ninh.
2. Is Thien Canh Son Cave the same as Hang Co?
Yes. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists Thien Canh Son Cave as Hang Co (Co Cave) on route VHL4.
3. How far is Thien Canh Son Cave from Tuan Chau?
Thien Canh Son Cave is about 19 km from Tuan Chau port and about 14 km from Ha Long International Passenger Port.
4. How much is the ticket for Thien Canh Son Cave?
Thien Canh Son Cave is covered by the route VHL4 fee of 200,000 VND per day visit, or 500,000 VND for one night.
5. Is Thien Canh Son Cave big?
No. Thien Canh Son Cave is small, with a narrow entrance and low ceiling; a visit takes about 20–30 minutes.
6. Can I swim at Thien Canh Son Cave?
Yes. A white-sand beach lies below Thien Canh Son Cave and is a common swim stop in warm months.
7. How do I visit Thien Canh Son Cave?
Most travellers visit Thien Canh Son Cave on an overnight Bai Tu Long or route VHL4 cruise from Ha Long.
8. Can I visit Thien Canh Son Cave on a day trip?
Day trips to Thien Canh Son Cave are possible on route VHL4 boats, but most visits are on overnight cruises.
9. How high is Thien Canh Son Cave?
The entrance of Thien Canh Son Cave is about 40 m above sea level, reached by steps.
10. Is Thien Canh Son Cave suitable for elderly travellers?
Thien Canh Son Cave involves steps and a narrow, uneven path, so it suits travellers with reasonable mobility.
11. What is the best time to visit Thien Canh Son Cave?
April–June and September–October are the best months for Thien Canh Son Cave, when the beach is pleasant and storms are less frequent.
12. Is Thien Canh Son Cave crowded?
No. Thien Canh Son Cave receives far fewer visitors than the caves on routes VHL1 and VHL2.
13. What is near Thien Canh Son Cave?
Near Thien Canh Son Cave are Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Cap La and the Cong Do area.
14. Is Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay?
Thien Canh Son Cave lies on the boundary area between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay and is often included in Bai Tu Long cruises.
15. Can I kayak at Thien Canh Son Cave?
Yes. Many cruises offer kayaking around Hon Co island near Thien Canh Son Cave.
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