Vai Gioi Cave is a tourist attraction with its fascinating system of stalactites and stalagmites. Many of the stalactites and stalagmites in Vai Gioi Cave resemble the remnants of animal teeth, fish bones, and more.
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| The picturesque path leading up to Vai Gioi Cave, Ninh Binh . |
Vai Gioi Cave, located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, sits atop a high mountain within the Thung Nham ecological tourist area. Reaching the cave requires climbing 439 stone steps. The cave, approximately 5000 square meters in size, has three hidden levels containing numerous stalactites and stalagmites in shapes symbolizing Nirvana, Bodhisattvas, and the heavenly realm.
"Vái" is a verb referring to the act of bowing one's head to show reverence, while "Giời" is an ancient Vietnamese word synonymous with "heaven." The Vái Giời Cave was formerly the place where people of Hoa Lu capital erected altars to worship heaven, praying for favorable weather. Today, it is renowned as a paradise, encompassing "hell, earth, and heaven" in the ancient capital. Each level offers visitors a different experience: the simple everyday life of the "earth," the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, the karmic consequences of reincarnation in the "hell" level, and a transcendent feeling in the "hell" level.
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| The cave features a system of stalactites and stalagmites in diverse shapes. |
Vai Gioi Cave is a popular tourist attraction with its fascinating stalactite formations. Many of the stalactites in Vai Gioi Cave resemble animal teeth, fish bones, and other features, creating the feeling of being in an archaeological site with ancient artifacts. The "hell" level of Vai Gioi Cave features numerous stalactites associated with ancient legends, such as the Nai Ha Bridge, the Three-Life Stone, and the throne of Yama (King of Hell). The "earthly" level, on the other hand, offers flat rock formations, reflecting the simple and rustic life of the present.
The "hell" level has two stalactite formations resembling mastiff dogs, marking the boundary between hell and the mortal world. "Milestone Zero" signifies the transition between heaven, earth, and hell within the Vai Gioi Cave. Many visitors often take souvenir photos with this unique landmark.
From the top entrance of the cave, one can observe the entire landscape of Thung Nham mountain range, with its rolling hills dotted with stilt houses, creating a beautiful and vibrant picture.
Come to Ninh Binh and admire the breathtaking beauty of the Vai Gioi Cave, a place like a heavenly paradise; it will surely leave an unforgettable impression on you.
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