Situated in My Duc Commune, around three kilometers from Ha Tien and next to the No.17 National Highway, Thach Sanh grotto, also known as Thach Dong or Van Son grotto, is one of the region’s most magnificent and awe-inspiring landscapes.

It is set in a majestic limestone mountain that resembles a cavalryman’s feathered hat from afar.

The grotto is said to be where Thach Sanh, a poor, orphaned but valiant young man in the eponymous fairytale rescued a princess from the claws of a monster eagle.

It has four entrances aligned along the cardinal points.

Its western entrance overlooks Xa Xia, Ha Tien’s border area with Cambodia, and its eastern entrance faces Ha Tien.

Its northern entrance faces Da Dung limestone mountain (or “straight” stone due to its large cliff face) and its south side offers a stunning view of beautiful Mui Nai beach.

These entrances keep the place well-ventilated and cool.

The grotto, situated at a height of 50 meters on the mountainside, was dubbed Thach Dong thon van, meaning “the stone grotto that swallows the clouds,” by Ha Tien’s governor Mac Thien Tich (1706-1780), also a famous poet.

He was probably inspired by the awesome spectacle of fluffy clouds gathering around the grotto’s entrances in the early mornings.

The grotto boasts several small caverns in the roof, some of which are believed to lead up to the sky.

In the opposite direction, there are holes that are believed to go all the way down to the Ha Tien Sea.

The countless stalactites with their mysterious and magnificent beauty stimulate the beholder’s imagination.

Several of these hanging pillars are believed to resemble characters from the tale of Thach Sanh.

Water constantly dribbles from the roof.

Believing it to be a precious gift from the gods, local people have placed a container in the grotto to collect it.

Locals and visitors wash their faces with the water to invoke divine blessings.

(Source: Thanhniennews)