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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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