Tourists embark on a journey to explore the Dragon Head Mountain cave complex - a national scenic site in Cao Phong commune.
Discovered by locals in the 1980s, the Dragon Head Mountain cave complex is a prominent local landmark that was classified as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2012. It is not only a valuable natural resource but also a space preserving the cultural and religious values of the local community.
From the top of Dragon Head Mountain, one can look down upon the fertile Cao Phong region.
Residents of Zone 5 in Cao Phong commune say that the mountain is called Dragon Head Mountain because the mountain range, over 1km long, resembles a giant dragon crouching, like a defensive wall guarding the southeastern part of the area. Inside the mountain is a system of 10 interconnected caves of varying sizes, conveniently located for sightseeing and exploration. Each cave possesses its own unique beauty and is named by locals according to its natural features, such as Hoa Son Thach Cave, Khong Day Cave, Nhan Long Son Cave, Nuoc Cave, Thanh Thuy Cave, etc. Among them, Hoa Son Thach Cave, located at the highest point, is considered the most beautiful and largest in scale.
Stepping into Hoa Son Thach Cave, visitors are overwhelmed by the forest of stalactites and stalagmites blooming in vibrant colors. The deeper into the cave, the wider it becomes, with numerous protruding rock pillars, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Measuring 500 meters in length, the cave is divided into five main chambers. Each chamber possesses its own unique charm: some resemble a royal garden, others a bridge between heaven and earth; some feature a year-round clear lake; and others boast curtains of stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of beautiful shapes and forms.
The dazzling, mysterious beauty of Hoa Son Thach Cave, part of a complex of 10 caves on Dau Rong Mountain.
Hang Nuoc features a clear, cool stream flowing from the heart of the mountain.
Mr. Nguyen Van Manh from Cau Giay ward (Hanoi) enthusiastically shared: "Each cave on Dragon Head Mountain has its own unique beauty, captivating me and making it impossible to look away. Most impressive is the Nhan Long Son cave, located above the left dragon's eye, resembling a Zen monastery with countless Buddhas and Saints peacefully residing in a divine world. Nhan Long Son cave also stands out with its thousands of majestic stalactites and stalagmites towering majestically in the heart of the cave, a timeless symbol of the past."
Bottomless Cave impresses with its sparkling stalactite formations and a natural well deep inside. Water Cave, on the other hand, has a gentle charm with a clear, cool stream flowing from the mountain's core, creating a unique highlight for the complex.
Dong Son Temple, with its beautiful architecture, attracts tourists during the spring festival.
On their spring excursions, exploring the scenic beauty of Dragon Head Mountain, visitors also have the opportunity to admire the architectural space, a blend of modern and sacred, ancient charm, of the Upper Bong Lai Temple and the Dong Son Temple located at the foot of Dragon Head Mountain. The Upper Bong Lai Temple worships the Second Immortal Maiden (also known as Co Doi Thuong Ngan) along with other deities of the Four Palaces, while the Dong Son Temple worships the Second Lord of the Muong Dynasty, Thien Su Dieu Tin Cao Son. Every year, during the festival season, these historical sites attract a large number of locals and tourists from all over to visit and make pilgrimages.
With its inherent potential, the Dragon Head Mountain cave complex is gradually receiving attention for exploitation and development, focusing on integrating conservation with sustainable tourism development, contributing to the socio-economic development of the locality, and promoting the image of Phu Tho province to friends near and far.