Fairy Cave – Na Rì: the mysterious beauty amidst the mountains and forests of Bắc Kạn.

Coming to Na Rì, Bắc Kạn, visitors not only get to explore the pristine, fresh natural scenery but also have the opportunity to visit the Nàng Tiên Cave – a famous landmark associated with many mysterious stories passed down by the local people through generations.

Nàng Tiên Cave is located in Yến Lạc town, Na Rì district. This place has long been an attractive destination for those who love the magical beauty of natural caves and want to learn more about the culture and folklore of the Bắc Kạn region.

The legend of the seven fairies

According to legend, long ago, seven fairies flew down from the sky to the earthly realm to bathe and play. Captivated by the beauty of the earthly realm, the fairies were so engrossed in admiring the mountains, trees, and streams that they lost track of time. When night fell, they could not return to the sky.

Seeing that his daughters had not returned, the Jade Emperor compassionately created a cave for the fairies to rest overnight. Since then, this cave has been called Nàng Tiên Cave by the local people. This story makes the place not only beautiful for its natural landscape but also more poetic and mystical in the minds of visitors.

The story of the man watching the fairies play chess

In addition to the legend of the seven fairies, the local people also tell another story associated with Nàng Tiên Cave. The story goes that there was once an ancestor of the Lý clan in the Lương Hạ region, now part of Yến Lạc town, who took a hammer into the forest to find wood to make a plow.

As he passed by the cave, he saw the fairies sitting and playing chess. Fascinated by the game and enchanted by the beauty of the fairies, he lingered to watch. He used the handle of his hammer as a seat, engrossed in following each move to the point of forgetting the time.

When the chess game ended, he picked up his hammer to leave and discovered that the handle had been eaten by termites. When he returned home, he was very surprised to see his family and relatives gathered together. At that moment, he realized that everyone at home had thought he had been attacked by a tiger, and they had held a funeral for him three years ago and were now holding a memorial service. This story adds to the sacred and mysterious nature of Nàng Tiên Cave in the spiritual life of the local people.

The pristine beauty of the cave

Nàng Tiên Cave, also known by the local ethnic people as Ngườm Nàng Tiên, is a large cave that extends deep into the mountain about 60 meters. The cave entrance is about 6 meters high, and inside, the cave dome rises from 30 to 50 meters, creating a spacious, airy yet mysterious atmosphere.

Surrounding the cave are lush green trees, bringing a refreshing and peaceful feeling. From the moment visitors set foot at the cave entrance, they can feel the fresh air emanating from the heart of the mountain. The interior of the cave is quiet and cool, contrasting with the lively pace of life outside.

The magical stalactites inside the cave

Upon entering, visitors will encounter a spacious area with many small caves surrounding it. These passages make Nàng Tiên Cave both mysterious and poetic, evoking a feeling of being lost in another world.

The cave dome is covered with uniquely shaped stone slabs. The stone columns and stalactites formed over a long time create many eye-catching shapes, some resembling stone flowers, while others resemble soft curtains hanging down from the cave ceiling. Under the dim light, each stone block shimmers, making the scene even more majestic.

Fairy pond, fairy rice field, and the idyllic scenery

The end of the cave is considered the most poetic and mystical place. Here, there is an area called the fairy pond, which is said to be where the fairies used to bathe and play. In addition, there is also a fairy rice field, where it is said that the fairies cultivated and harvested to serve their daily lives.

These names not only enrich the legend of Nàng Tiên Cave but also make the scenery here softer, closer, and more poetic. In the heart of the rocky mountain, the fairy pond, fairy rice field, and magical stalactites create a beautiful natural picture like a fairyland.

Tourism and cultural value

Nàng Tiên Cave was recognized as a National Scenic Site in 1999. This is a recognition of the landscape, cultural, and legendary values of this landmark.

Currently, the transportation route to the cave has been invested to be more convenient, allowing cars to travel easily. The staircase leading to the cave entrance has also been built solidly, helping visitors access the attraction more conveniently.

Not only is it a natural scenic spot, but Nàng Tiên Cave is also a place that preserves the rich legendary folklore of the people of Na Rì. With its pristine beauty, fresh atmosphere, and deep local culture, this place deserves to be an unmissable destination when exploring Bắc Kạn.