The Tam Cung Grotto or Three-palace
Grotto is situated in the centre of
Ha Long Bay, 5 km from Sung Sot
Grotto to the northeast. The grotto
itself is divided into three parts;
after threading the stone cracks,
you find the first chamber. Many
beautiful forms can be garnered from
the rocky shapes.
Continuing on to the second chamber,
the bumpy way leads to a spring with
fresh water. The last room contains
further incredible stone depictions.
Tam Cung Grotto lies in May Den, a
luxuriant island nearly isolated
from other islands. May Den’s cliffs
are extremely vertical, while its
forest is flourishing.
Entering its first chamber, one can
hear the sound of t'rung or stone
musical instrument from near and
far. Pushing further inside,
tourists meet a "fairy" whose white
beard flies in the wind climbing the
mountain. High in the wall of the
chamber there stand three statues
representing prosperity, happiness
and longevity, looking down at the
earthly world. From the ceiling
falls down a stalactite which
resembles the bud of a hydrangea
among a garden of stone flowers.
Going through a narrow passage, one
comes to a natural museum of lively
animals, including lions, seals,
even god of the sea. In the middle
of the second chamber lies a stream
murmuring all year round, making the
two surrounding cliffs rustle. In
the last chamber, tourists can find
an imposing bas-relief in which are
carved elaborate strange images,
lying layer after layer in a
harmonious layout. One can figure
out flowers, bamboos, stone
curtains, or sleeping elephants.
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