Discover Tien Canh cave
The people of 1 Thau village, Xuan Thuong commune, Bao Yen district always proud to tell us about the cave landscape that not only has the beauty but also has a close connection to the life of the Dao ethnic group here.Tien Canh Cave has a rich and beautiful stalactite system.
Knowing our intention of exploring Tien Canh cave, Mr. Ban Van Tai, the Dao ethnic group, Head of 1 Thu village enthusiastically arranged and called a few more women in the village to lead the way. Mr. Tai said that: “Tien Canh Cave has been associated with the Dao ethnic group for a long time, therefore, if you want to have an interesting experience, you must go with us”
From 1 Thau village, Mr. Tai led us along a small road covered with gravel and rocks. After more than 300 meters, he stopped his motorbike and walked across a newly opened road which still smells of land, leading to Tien Canh cave, which was just socialized by Xuan Thuong commune. Even though it was just opened, the road was still very difficult to pass-by because the steep slope made those who go up feel breathless. The road lead to the edge of the forest, then through more than 100 m of mang hoc forest (a species of bamboo) is leading toTien Canh cave. In front of the cave, there is a large banyan tree with long roots like a girl's hair in the deep green forest. Under the canopy are indigo bushes with purple and poetic flowers.
According to the elderly in 1 Thau village: Tien Canh cave is located on The mountain range, formerly known as The cave. The reason that the mountains and cave are called that name is because here, people have united, discussed the plan of resistance, against invaders, to protect the homeland. Mr. Ban Van Tai said: “In 1946, my grandfather, Mr. Ban Van Gao, was hiding in a cave to get away from French invaders and organized the first general election for the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam together with the revolutionary officials. At that time, anyone who wanted to go to the mountain or to the cave must have a "card" issued by the organization. After, people called "The Cave" meaning card cave. In Dao ethnic group language, "The ngam" also came from there. The General Election event held at Tien Canh cave elected Mr. Cao Duc Chinh to be the Chairman of the Resistance Committee of Dan Chu Commune, Luc Yen town, Yen Binh city; Mr. Ban Van Chuong was a member, later became Chairman of the People's Committee of Dan Chu Commune. During the war against the US, this cave was also chosen by the people to be the evacuation and shelter to avoid the US imperial B52 aircraft bombs...
According to Mr. Ly Minh Giau, 1 Thau village (former Secretary of the Party Committee of Xuan Thuong Commune), during the war on the northern border, Tien Canh Cave still played a role in keeping the safety of local people. In those years, people in the area brought food, stayed in the cave for 1 month to preserve their lives and forces.
According to a survey by the Research and Collection Department (Museum of Lao Cai province), Tien Canh cave has a total length of 158 m, the road is quite difficult because it has not been invested and embellished. The cave has 3 areas that converge separate and unmixed exclusive features of Stalactite and beauty that are created by nature, creating an attraction for visitors who prefer adventure tourism.
Tien Canh cave entrance has the shape of a natural sinkhole that is protected by a wide, solid rock roof. The roof of the cave has many shapes that are naturally created, such as a beetle, a dinosaur's teeth, and a thick pointed blade in the shape of a comb. In this area, the stalactites are connected from the arch to the bottom like long hair, the left side of the cave wall is very bright, hanging down like a curtain, where thick roots of trees overlap smooth stalactite layer like vivid lacquer painting. In general, the roof of cave entrance is like a dragon's jaw expanding, yawning after centuries of sleeping in the middle of majestic nature.
Step through the cave entrance, you will reach Son Trang cave with a brown cave circle, gentle cave background and veinstone like terraced fields of miniature high mountains, this is the area with the most stalactites, forming the majestic mountains. Sitting on the largest rock arranged by nature in the middle of the cave, watching the panoramic view of stalactites like magnificent castle of Europe; Many stalactites are like giant crystals, emitting magical light whenever a ray of light shines on. This is the first stop to see the most magnificent and beautiful things of Son Trang cave. Standing at each different angle, each person is immersed in his own emotions, but there is an undeniable common point that the wonder of this landscape can be seen by everyone.
Tien Canh Cave is connected to the life of the Dao ethnic group in Xuan Thuong commune.
Next area is narrowed, a small path with many stalactites grew from the ground, like a coral reef, makes people feel like they are under vast ocean, so the locals named Thuy Cung (meaning ocean world). On the coral reef, stalactites are cleverly shaped like a mother holding her baby in front of her chest, below there are 3 stone pillars connecting to the top of the cave like a gate before entering Thuy Cung, gate automatically opens a wonderful and unique natural scene.
Completing the walk to Thuy Cung is to the bottom of the cave with a wide, flat base, where many stalactites fall from the ceiling to the bottom of the cave. The cave wall is formed by a solid rock covered with a dark brown land powder layer. It is the ground cover that makes the vibrations not resonate with the sound. In this area there are stalactites rising from the cave floor forming a tea table with 3 stalactites protruding around like people enjoying afternoon tea. All create a sparkling picture, especially when there is light on...
As a person with nearly 30 years in the profession of researching and collecting relics, Mr. Phan Chi Cuong, Head of Research - Collection Department of Museum of Lao Cai province shared: In addition to the aesthetic beauty bestowed by nature, Tien Canh Cave also has historical value, scientific research, and is very suitable for tourism development. The attraction here not only comes from the wide bottom of the cave, the rich and diverse stalactite system, beautiful ecological environment, but at the foot of The Mountain is also the residence of the Dao ethnic group with unique culture and the tradition of growing cotton and weaving fabrics. If properly invested, Tien Canh Cave will surely become an attractive and interesting experience for tourists on the journey to discover Bao Yen land.
With values of history, aesthetics, tourism economics, science, national defense and security, in October 2019, Tien Canh Cave has been ranked by the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee as a famous monument and beauty spot at provincial level.
In the coming time, when it is invested, Tien Canh cave can become an attractive tourist destination with characteristics of Xuan Thuong in particular and Bao Yen in general. Thanks to that, values of nature, culture, people can be effectively promoted, helping the people of Xuan Thuong commune to develop economy and increase income