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The
Tam Cung Grotto or Three-palace Grotto is
situated in the centre of Hạ Long Bay, 5 km from
Sửng Sôt 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 Mây Đèn, a luxuriant island
nearly isolated from other islands. Mây Ðèn’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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