A 150-million-year-old limestone cavern in northern Vietnam has been unveiled as the stage for a new cultural and culinary experience combining folklore performance and fine dining. The 2.5-hour event, developed by Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, officially launched on 30 May at the expansive Dragon Pearl Cave, located around 30 minutes from Halong City.
Set 45 metres above sea level within the Ban Co mountain range, Dragon Pearl Cave is one of the largest in the Bai Tu Long area of Cam Pha district. Covering 4,000 square metres, it forms part of a five-cave complex in scenic Vung Duc, overlooking Bai Tu Long Bay. The cavern’s natural architecture includes dual chambers and dense formations of stalagmites and stalactites, which have earned it the local nickname, “a theatre inside a mountain”.
The new experience begins with a 45-minute cultural production titled The Quest for the Dragon Pearl, directed by Le Thanh Phong. With the cave’s natural features forming the backdrop, the performance incorporates music, dance, acrobatics, puppetry, props and lighting to depict a Vietnamese folktale that explores the themes of power, peace, and cosmic unity.
Following the performance, guests are served a multi-course Vietnamese dinner by candlelight. Created by Head Chef Nguyen Gia Thien, the menu is rooted in Quang Ninh’s regional ingredients and culinary traditions, referencing the Dragon Pearl legend throughout.
Appetisers include pomelo and giant river prawn salad, grilled Van Don oysters with scallop sauce, and hand-pounded Co To squid cakes. Main dishes range from crispy roasted Tien Yen chicken to lobster with Tiến Vua imperial sauce, along with grilled sea bass in dzong leaves, stir-fried asparagus with cordyceps mushrooms, and Gat Gu rolls with braised Khau Nhuc pork. The meal concludes with a Golden Dragon Pearl dessert and Yen Tu golden flower tea.
Commenting on the launch, Nguyen Hong Nhat, General Director of APC Corporation, stated:
“‘The Quest for the Dragon Pearl’ diversifies Quang Ninh’s tourism, offering more for travellers to discover beyond famed Halong Bay and repositioning our province as a leading cultural and experiential destination. This ancient cave is a new cultural landmark that, through storytelling, natural wonder, and refined hospitality, promotes sustainable, heritage tourism and creates lasting economic and cultural impact for Quang Ninh.”
The immersive event adds a new dimension to Quang Ninh’s tourism portfolio, traditionally dominated by Halong Bay excursions. It also builds on APC Corporation’s broader portfolio, which includes Ambassador Cruise, a boutique luxury line operating in the same region.
By leveraging a natural heritage site and integrating cultural storytelling and gastronomy, the Dragon Pearl Cave experience seeks to draw a new demographic of visitors looking for in-depth, locally rooted encounters.
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