The magical Cua Buong cave of Thanh land

The Cua Buong cave system is located on two limestone mountain ranges, Tuong Son and Ky Son, in which the Tuong Son range has the shape of a reclining elephant. This is also where Emperor Quang Trung planted his flag when he stopped.

When visiting the young industrial town of Bim Son ( Thanh Hoa province), tourists cannot miss Cua Buong cave, a historical relic and famous scenic spot of Thanh land. Cua Buong cave not only has a mysterious beauty but also contains many thrilling historical stories, including the event of Emperor Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue stopping on his way to the North to defeat the Qing army in 1789.

Cua Buong Cave is a cave system including Dao Nguyen Cave, Trinh Cave, Nguoi Xua Cave, Co Tien Cave and the most sacred Quang Trung Cave, located in Ba Dinh Ward (Bim Son Town).

In addition, there is also Khoi Thuy stream - a stream flowing down from the peak with cool and clear water that never dries up, which is likened to the spirit of determination to win of the Tay Son army.

The way up to Cua Buong cave

The first cave when visiting Cua Buong cave is Trinh cave. The cave entrance is not too high but visitors have to follow a path of hundreds of stone steps. Trinh cave has a modest space of just over 40m2, private, solemn, especially cool in summer and warm in winter.

In front of the cave entrance there are two large stalactites like two curtains covering the cave.

Regarding the name of Trinh cave, some local people said: Legend has it that when Emperor Quang Trung stopped, he chose this place to meet with his generals and discuss military affairs. The generals often came to pay their respects and report to the emperor about the situation of military provisions and to receive new soldiers to prepare for the march to Thang Long citadel to defeat the enemy. Therefore, it is possible that based on the "reporting", the people called this place Trinh cave.

Trinh Cave - the first cave that visitors will explore

Dao Nguyen Cave is located about 400m from Trinh Cave, connected by a long alley. In the middle is a flat, spacious area where people often hold festivals.

Dao Nguyen Cave is the cave with the most beautiful stalactites, and has long connecting paths in the cave. Many stalactites are shaped like elephants, crouching tigers, spreading eagles, or even a majestic sitting Buddha. Going deeper into the cave, you will encounter smaller caves forming a system.

Dao Nguyen Cave has many beautiful stalactites. Photo: Khanh Loc

In the caves, there are altars to worship the gods. According to the locals, the altars have been around since ancient times to worship Cao Son and Cao Cac – two mountain gods who reign and govern the sacred mountains.

Moving from the Dao Nguyen cave junction, visitors will pass through quite narrow ravines to reach the Ancient Cave on the right, and the Fairy Cave on the left. These are two caves with many beautiful scenes, and you can see many surrounding landscapes.

The final destination is the most dynamic Quang Trung cave. To reach this cave, visitors must cross a dangerous and bumpy road. Local people said that Quang Trung cave is where Emperor Quang Trung set up an altar to worship heaven and earth and pray for the protection of the gods, so that the Tay Son army could march quickly to Thang Long, repelling the 290,000 invading Qing troops.

Legend has it that on the night of December 30, 1788, in Bim Son, Emperor Quang Trung ordered the army to divide into 5 groups and quickly advance to Thang Long citadel. Emperor Quang Trung promised that on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, 1789, the three armies would sweep the Qing army out of Thang Long, and the Tay Son army would celebrate Tet in Thang Long citadel.

Natural stalactites remind people of different scenes.

But sooner than expected, within just 6 days, the 5 Tay Son armies defeated 290,000 invading Qing troops. And at noon on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, Emperor Quang Trung entered Thang Long citadel amidst the joyful welcome of the people of Bac Ha...

In recent years, Cua Buong Cave has attracted more tourists , partly due to the care, construction and restoration of many items in the relic, partly due to the work of promoting the local image. Cua Buong Cave was recognized as a national historical and scenic relic in 1993.

An altar in the cave. Photo: Khanh Loc

Cua Buong Cave is located about 120km south of Hanoi city center. To visit Cua Buong Cave, visitors go from Hanoi along National Highway 1A to Bac Son Ward, Bim Son Town, then turn left onto Ly Nhan Tong Street, go about 3km more to reach the historical site of Cua Buong Cave.

A beautiful picture of nature

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