"Searching for the Gemstone": A new "must-try" tourism product in Quang Ninh.

On June 4, 2025, the "Searching for the Pearl" live performance officially launched to the public at Ngoc Rong Cave (Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province), marking a new direction for tourism development in the locality. More than just a typical show, this is a "must-try" cultural tourism product, offering a unique experience for visitors exploring the Quang Ninh tourism map.

Legends and folk beliefs within the cave

“Searching for the Pearl” is a journey of discovery into the legends, culture, and folk beliefs set against the magnificent backdrop of the Dragon Pearl Cave – a natural cave located in Vung Duc, at the border between Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Inspired by the legend of the Dragon Mother, the performance skillfully blends elements of water, rocks, flowers, the worship of the Mother Goddess, and the cultural identity of the Northeast region to tell a story rich in symbolism.

For approximately 40 minutes, the performance transports the audience into a fantastical world through a fusion of artistic languages: dance, circus acts, folk music, and light shows. Artist Le Thanh Phong wrote the script and directed the show, featuring dancers, circus performers, and young musicians from Hanoi, performing on a hundred-meter-long, real-life stage inside a cave.

The program also features the participation of veteran directors and advisors: Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Ky, Chairman of the Central Council for Literary and Artistic Theory and Criticism; Director, People's Artist Le Chuc; People's Artist Hoang Quynh Mai, People's Artist Tong Toan Thang; Music Director People's Artist Nguyen Huynh Tu; Dance Director Le Viet; Circus Director Meritorious Artist Ngo Le Thang.

The "continuous scene transition" performance guides visitors along a journey, skillfully showcasing the cave's beauty with its pristine stalactite formations creating a magical backdrop.

The show is built upon three main elements, blending together to create a captivating journey of discovery. First, the Dragon Pearl Cave – a thousand-year-old geological heritage site – is transformed into a vibrant stage with modern sound and lighting effects. Multicolored lights reflecting off the natural stalactites, combined with sounds echoing from within the cave, create a magnificent world where visitors can immerse themselves in an enchanting atmosphere and feel the grandeur of nature. The pristine beauty, enhanced by modern technology, elevates the visual and emotional experience for viewers.

Folklore elements, traditional cultural values, especially the worship of Mother Goddesses, are incorporated into the program. The worship of Mother Goddesses is one of the oldest and most deeply meaningful cultural practices in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is a highlight throughout the show, offering a spiritual experience and helping visitors, especially international guests, to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese identity.

And finally, the distinctive culinary experience, from Yen Tu golden flower tea to a hearty Quang Ninh seafood dinner, allows visitors to fully appreciate the flavors of this mining region. The menu, prepared with fresh local ingredients and seafood, not only awakens the taste buds but also tells the story of the life and cuisine of the people in this coastal area.

Mr. Nguyen Lam Nguyen – Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province – said: “This is the first time a program applying modern technology has been organized in the pristine space of a natural cave, opening up a new direction for tourism exploitation based on heritage preservation and cultural creativity." According to him, this product will contribute to extending the journey of exploring Quang Ninh, continuing from Ha Long to Bai Tu Long, Van Don, Co To and many other destinations in the province.

Potential for developing cave tourism products

APC Corporation collaborated with departments and agencies in Quang Ninh province to implement the program, focusing on conservation and sustainable exploitation. Mr. Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, stated that the implementation process was evaluated and adjusted multiple times with the consultation of experts in various fields. Instead of building fixed infrastructure, APC leveraged the topographical advantages and applied technology, flexibly utilizing the space and demonstrating maximum respect for the natural heritage.

Currently, "Searching for the Gemstone" is offered as an all-inclusive tour package combining culinary and cultural experiences. The afternoon tour (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM) includes enjoying Yen Tu golden flower tea, light refreshments, and a show, priced at 650,000 VND per adult. The evening tour (6:00 PM - 8:30 PM) offers the flavors of Quang Ninh's coastal region combined with a program, priced at 1,450,000 VND per adult.

Ms. Ta Thi Tu Uyen, Director of Product and Service at Vietravel Tourism Company, commented: "The 'Searching for the Pearl' is a product that connects Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, linking together tourism products: bay sightseeing cruises, exploring local craft villages such as fishing villages or pearl cultivation facilities, visiting one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam, and relaxing and pampering at Quang Hanh hot springs... The harmonious connection between cultural values, nature, and experiences helps to retain tourists longer and leave a deeper impression of Quang Ninh."

The emergence of "Searching for the Gemstone" at its strategic location between Ha Long and Bai Tu Long not only adds a new stop on the Northeast exploration route but also helps regulate the flow of tourists away from overcrowded areas during peak season. In the long term, this could be the foundation for developing short-day tours combining experiences, relaxation, and culture, targeting high-end domestic tourists and international visitors who appreciate products rich in cultural identity.

In the context of Vietnam's tourism industry striving to recover and reposition itself after the pandemic, new tourism products like "Searching for the Gemstone" demonstrate the potential of cultural tourism products in showcasing the country's image to the world. Tourists come not only to admire the beautiful scenery, but also to immerse themselves in the world of legends, heritage, and cultural creativity – something not every place can offer.

Looking out at the world:

In several countries, many caves have been developed for tourism, notably featuring underground cave dining: La Gruta Restaurant (Mexico), Jeff's Cellar (Malaysia), Grotta Palazzese (Italy)... and spaces for performing arts, concerts, and modern technology: The Caverns (USA), Cueva de los Verdes (Spain), The Cave by Ryan Clift (Bali)... In particular, the Cappadocia region (Türkiye) is a world-renowned destination for its cave hotels, allowing visitors to spend the night and enjoy folk art and cuisine inside caves.

These models serve as inspiration and suggestions for Vietnam's tourism development and sustainable exploitation. With its outstanding natural resources and diverse cultural heritage, Vietnam has great potential to develop cave tourism products by combining culture, technology, and cuisine, transforming natural heritage sites into unique destinations that attract tourists seeking in-depth experiences of Vietnamese identity.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao