Located in the Thung Nham eco -tourism area (Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province), But Cave is considered one of the most outstanding water-filled caves in the ancient capital region. With its pristine, unique beauty and stalactite formations imbued with mythical charm, But Cave is becoming a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurous explorers.
Unique scenery and location
According to information from the Vietnam Tourism Portal and many local tourism sources, But Cave is located at the foot of Tuong Mountain, a limestone mountain range connecting Hoa Lu and Nho Quan districts. The cave is approximately 500 meters long and is a rare underwater cave, accessible only by boat.
Boats carrying tourists enter the cave through a low rock arch, creating a fascinating exploration journey amidst pristine nature. Photo: Dinh Minh
The exterior of But Cave emerges from the turquoise waters. When the cave entrance opens, it reveals a tranquil scene, imbued with the mystical charm characteristic of the limestone mountain region. Inside, a system of stalactites and stalagmites has developed naturally over millions of years, creating many bizarre shapes. Prominent among them is a rock formation resembling "But" (a deity), considered by locals as a protective god bringing peace.
Many other stalactite formations are named according to visitors' imaginations, such as dragon silk ribbons, sleeping fairies, honeysuckle trellises, or peach blossoms – images that make the cave space more vibrant and captivating.
One of the factors that makes But Cave so attractive is its completely natural environment, untouched by artificial lighting or pathways. Therefore, visitors wishing to explore the cave must travel by boat, usually rowed by local drivers, along the underground river inside the cave.
Tourists travel by boat inside the dark cave, with lights illuminating the natural rock formations, creating a mysterious and impressive scene. Photo: Dinh Minh
The dim light from flashlights or headlamps makes the scene more mysterious, while also helping to preserve the cave ecosystem.
This unique stalactite formation resembles the image of Buddha meditating. Photo: Dinh Minh
As the boat ventures deeper inside, the stalactite formations become more apparent, creating various images associated with folk legends. Images like "the Buddha sitting by the river" or the stalactite formations resembling a "dragon's body" make the cave mysterious, appealing to tourists who enjoy experiences with a spiritual and cultural dimension.
Why is Hang But Cave worth visiting?
1. Rare and pristine natural beauty
According to Ninh Binh Tourism, But Cave is one of the few underwater caves that still retains its original natural landscape. The cave's interior is cool year-round, and the crystal-clear water reflects flashlight beams, creating shimmering streaks of light on the rock ceiling.
Its pristine beauty is what makes But Cave a highlight of the Thung Nham tour.
2. Spaces associated with myth and spirituality.
The image of "Ông Bụt" (a benevolent deity) is considered the soul of the cave. Local people believe it is a symbol of good fortune, bringing luck to the people's lives. Folk tales passed down orally, associated with the stalactite formations, make the visit not just a natural exploration but also a journey of cultural discovery.
3. A truly adventurous experience.
What makes But Cave unique is that it lacks artificial lighting. This allows visitors to fully appreciate the cool, humid, dark, and tranquil atmosphere inside the cave, truly embodying an adventurous journey. The gentle boat ride through the cave offers a thrilling yet safe experience, perfect for those seeking something new.
A tourist captured the moment inside the dark cave as the boat moved, reflecting light onto the water's surface, creating a spectacular scene. Photo: Dinh Minh
A few notes for tourists.
Since the cave does not yet have a lighting system, visitors are advised to:
Bring a personal flashlight or headlamp.
Wear soft, non-slip shoes because the boat, dock, and walkways may be wet.
Keep your hands inside the boat while moving to avoid hitting the rock arches.
Do not litter or damage the stalactites in order to protect the natural landscape in the long term.
Source: https://vtv.vn/ve-dep-huyen-ao-cua-hang-but-trong-quan-the-danh-thang-ninh-binh-100251130205831762.htm
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