Vai Gioi Cave: 3 levels of earth, hell, heaven

Located on a high mountain in Thung Nham, Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province, Vai Gioi Cave takes you through a short but impressive journey: climbing 439 stone steps hugging the mountainside to reach the cave entrance halfway up, entering a space of about 5,000m2 divided into three floors symbolizing the earth - hell - heaven. According to local documents, the cave was formed around the 10th century and is associated with the traces of worshiping the sky to pray for favorable weather.

To reach Vai Gioi cave, visitors must climb 439 stone steps around the mountainside.

Explore inside the cave

The small cave entrance is located halfway up the mountain. The space inside is cool and dark, with layers of stalactites hanging down, sparkling, many of which have shapes that evoke folk tales.

Earthly level

From the main entrance is the floor that is likened to "earth", where flat stalactites and gentle surfaces evoke a peaceful rhythm of life.

Inside the cave, about 5,000 square meters wide, are many stalactites that date back thousands of years.

On the left side of the cave entrance is an iron staircase. Visitors climb 88 precarious steps to reach the "heavenly" floor.

Hell

Continuing down is the “hell” level. Two large stalactites, the size of mastiffs, stand guard at the gate. The space is cold and dark, the stalactites evoke the Naihe Bridge, the throne of Hades, the blade of death, the Three-Life Stone or the oil cauldron… creating a picture of the world below the 18 levels of hell.

The "hell" level symbolizes birth, aging, sickness, death, and the cycle of cause and effect.

Heaven

From the left side of the cave entrance, follow the 88-step iron staircase to the “heavenly” floor. Here, there are many stalactites and rocks that are likened to nirvana, bodhisattva, and heaven; a solemn place to worship Buddha. In particular, this floor has a “heavenly gate” leading outside, opening up a panoramic view of the valley below.

The small, narrow cave entrance is located halfway up the mountain.

In the cave there are many stalactites with strange shapes.

The story associated with the ancient capital

In the past, the people of Hoa Lu capital built an altar to worship the sky here to pray for favorable weather, bountiful crops, and peace and prosperity for the country. The cave is also known as a paradise, a place where heaven and earth meet according to folk beliefs. Currently, Vai Gioi Cave is a tourist attraction visited by many domestic and international tourists thanks to its diverse stalactite system and historical relics.

Practical information

Location: Thung Nham, Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province.
About 100m above ground; the cave entrance is located halfway up the mountain.
The cave area is about 5,000 square meters, divided into 3 floors: earth - hell - heaven.
Journey: 439 stone steps to the cave entrance; 88 iron stairs to the "heavenly" floor.
Viewpoint: Heaven's Gate on the "heavenly" floor overlooking the valley.

Suggested experiences

The stone steps hug the mountainside and the iron ladder is quite steep; wear grippy shoes and light clothing for easy movement.
The cave is dark and damp; follow the signs, paying attention to your steps.
In the worship area on the “heavenly” level, keep quiet and respect the rules of the attraction.