 The Tam Cung Grotto or Three-palace Grotto is
situated in the centre of
Halong 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, Halong
boat tours.
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