In 2020, photographer Nguyen Hai made a second visit to explore Hang Tien Cave with his team. Starting from Tan Hoa Commune, they traveled by motorbikes towards Cao Quang commune, Quang Binh. When the team reached the hill, Hai had to trek across the forests, mountains, and streams to get to the meadow.

After hours of walking on the rocky path, the photographer entered the Hang Tien camping site, which is located next to a cool, emerald stream.

One of the most significant characteristics of this destination is the vortex-looking shape that resembles the eye of a storm. Photo: Nguyen Hai

Hang Tien (Fairy Cave) is the largest dry cave in the Tu Lan cave system, Tuyen Hoa district, Quang Binh province, about 70 km west of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. It is about 70 m high and 50 m wide.

The best time to visit this outdoor attraction is in the dry season which runs from April to August. One of the most significant characteristics of this destination is the vortex-looking shape that resembles the eye of a storm. Going deeper into the cave, tourists will find the lost world of ancient rock configurations dripping from the ceilings, and spending a night under the net of a thousand stars is truly a unique experience of a lifetime.

The name "Hang Tien" is derived from the legend that the fairies from the sky come to roam and enjoy the scenery. Local people consider Hang Tien a sacred place. It is often chosen as a place to celebrate important rituals such as praying for rain and peace. The vegetation in Hang Tien is diverse with ferns, mosses, and fungi, creating a rich ecosystem that is different from other caves.

The entrance to Hang Tien Cave. Photo: Nguyen Hai

With formations rising up like a layer cake of rimstone pools and lush ferns, this cave is truly a unique specimen. As you explore, travelers will reach a small skylight in the cave, created from a shaft that overspills sunlight from the cave’s entrance.

According to the tour guide, the vortex shape on the ceiling of the cave was embellished over millions of years by the ocean currents.

“The Eye of the Storm” is the name that the netizens gave to the most famous photography work of Nguyen Hai (Photo: Nguyen Hai0

“This is one of the most complicated stories of tectonic movement that I have ever heard, and I stood there looking at the vortex, unable to describe my emotions,” Nguyen Hai said, adding he was very happy that his work was loved by many people.

Nguyen Hai lives and works in Quang Binh. With his passion for photography, he has received up to 30 photography awards.

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