Am Tien cave, recently known as in Vietnamese name Tuyet Tinh Coc, a cave with a shrine inside, is located about 10km from Ninh Binh city, it is located between the ancient Trang An and Hoa Lu ancient capital. In the past, the only way to get inside was to climb the mountain as it was surrounded by high limestone karst mountains, and in the middle is a lake of green, clear water, the scenery looks mysterious, imposing and mesmerizing.
Legend has it that This was the location where King Dinh Tien Hoang (who reigned from 968 to 979) raised tigers and built execution grounds. It was also where the dowager empress Duong Van Nga (reign 979-980) led a religious life in her old age.
Am Tien cave is located halfway up the mountain, most of the cave is surrounded by high erect mountains. You must climb through 205 stone steps through the cliff in order to reach the cave. To the right of Am Tien Cave is a pagoda dating back more than 1,000 years. Dowager Empress Duong Van Nga chose the pagoda as a place to lead a religious life after she had helped the Dinh and Le kings fight against Chinese invaders.
From the Am Tien cave you can watch sunset and see a large lake that called Ao Giai (turtles), looking down from the Am Tien pagoda, you will see the vast expanse of the majestic landscape here with high mountains and spacious clear lake. This lake was used to raise giai (turtles), which is also the name of the pond – Ao Giai. The water is crystal clear, allowing visitors to see to the bottom with lots of water plants that give it its unique green colour.
With unspoiled natural scenery and unique terrain, Am Tien cave is a separate world hidden which you can come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the mysterious beauty while in Ninh Binh.
