Vai Gioi Cave: Three levels of the mortal world, hell, and heaven.
Climb 439 steps to the cave entrance on the mountainside; the 5,000m2 space is divided into three levels: earth, hell, and heaven, plus another 88 iron steps to the "Heaven's Gate" overlooking the valley.
Located high on a mountain in Thung Nham, Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province, Vai Gioi Cave takes you on a short but impressive journey: climbing 439 stone steps along the mountainside to reach the cave entrance halfway up, stepping into a space of approximately 5,000 square meters divided into three levels symbolizing the earthly realm, hell, and heaven. According to local records, the cave was formed around the 10th century and is associated with the ritual of praying to the heavens for favorable weather and rain.
Explore the inside of the cave.
The small cave entrance is located halfway up the mountain. The interior is cool and dark, with layers of glittering stalactites hanging down, many of them shaped to evoke folk tales.
The earthly realm
Stepping through the main entrance, you'll find yourself on a floor likened to "the earthly realm," where flat, gentle stalactite formations evoke a tranquil rhythm of life.
Hell's Layer
Further down is the "hell" level. Two large stalactites, like mastiffs, stand guard at the gate. The space is cold and dark, and the stalactites evoke images of the Nai Ha Bridge, the throne of Yama, the blade of death, the Three Lives Stone, or cauldrons of boiling oil… creating a picture of the world below the 18 levels of hell.
Heaven
From the left of the cave entrance, following the 88-step iron staircase leads to the "heavenly" level. Here, numerous stalactites and rock formations resemble the realm of Nirvana, Bodhisattvas, and the celestial court; a solemn place of worship for Buddha. Notably, this level features a "gateway to heaven" leading outside, offering a panoramic view of the valley below.
The story is connected to the ancient capital city.
In the past, the people of Hoa Lu capital city erected an altar here to pray to heaven for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and national peace and prosperity. The cave is also known as a paradise, a place where heaven and earth meet according to folk beliefs. Today, Vai Gioi Cave is a popular tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors thanks to its diverse stalactite formations and historical relics.
Fact-checking information
- Location: Thung Nham, Nam Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province.
- Located approximately 100 meters above ground level, the cave entrance is situated halfway up the mountain.
- The cave covers an area of approximately 5,000 square meters and is divided into three levels: the mortal world, hell, and heaven.
- The journey: 439 stone steps to the cave entrance; 88 iron steps to the "heavenly" level.
- Viewpoint: the "heavenly gate" on the "paradise" level overlooking the valley.
Suggested experiences
- The stone steps and iron ladders along the mountainside are quite steep; wear grippy shoes and comfortable clothing for easy movement.
- The cave is dark and damp; follow the signs, paying attention to your steps on the stone steps.
- In the worship area on the "heaven" level, please maintain quiet and respect the rules of the tourist attraction.
