I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
If you have visited all the places such as Nhat Le Beach, Jumping Rocks Beach, Quang Binh City Gate, Quang Phu Dunes, and Kong Collapse, then don't worry, Quang Binh always has plenty of beautiful landscapes. Chay River - Dark Cave is always listed among the most popular places for all tourists coming to Phong Nha. Now let's explore the next interesting place with IZItour.
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Chay River - Dark Cave
1. Introduction To The Chay River - Dark Cave Quang Binh
Located in Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, the Chay River - Dark Cave is located in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, about 50 km from downtown Dong Hoi.
1.1. Origin Of The Name
Chay River is named after the Chay waterfall. According to locals, the sound of flowing water of this waterfall is like the sound of a pestle (Chay) beating rice. This river is 10km long but has very diverse flora and fauna.
Dark Cave: This cave has the same name as a famous cave in Trang An-Ninh Binh, but also has a slight difference. According to many, the name comes from the dense "dark light" inside the cave entrance, which makes you feel that you can touch it.
2. What To Do In Chay River - Dark Cave?
2.1 Kayak
During your trip to the Chay River - Dark Cave in Phong Nha, you should take part in the activity of rowing and enjoying the beautiful scenery at the same time. The beautiful scenery on both sides of the Chay River is created by the limestone banks mixed with the green forest. Over time, the limestone rocks here have been made into unique and strange shapes. In addition, this place also has a pristine ecosystem of centuries-old fig forests.
Meanwhile, the water has a beautiful emerald blue color. According to some research papers, the blue color is created by the erosion process of the limestone mountains and dissolved calcium for millions of years. Another explanation for the blue color of the water here is due to a type of algal bacteria that corrodes the river's limestone, creating nitrogen that makes the water blue.
2.2. Zipline
Zipline is not a new game, but the feeling of excitement it brings has never faded. The Chay River - Dark Cave in Quang Binh has a beautiful zipline zone with a clear river with green trees on both sides.
2.3. Enjoying the Masterpiece of Stalactites inside the Dark Cave
Besides the interesting activities on the river, the Chay River-Dark Cave is also attractive with wild stalactites varied in shapes. They have been considered the standard sample of the emulsified form since ancient times.
Compared with many caves in Quang Binh such as Ruc Mon Cave, Kieu Cave, or Paradise Cave, Dark Cave is a bit more "pristine" because there has not been too much tourist exploitation here. The cave is about 5258km long and up to 80m high, and it is both a water cave and a dry cave. This is also home to many rare animals such as the langur Ha Tinh (listed in the Red List of Vietnam), bats... and a diverse ecosystem with green mosses and fossils from ancient times.
2.4. Take A Mud Bath
Don't forget that the Chay River-Dark Cave still has a mudbathing area in the Dark Cave. The mud is good for your health and will put your body at ease after so many hours of walking. In addition, you can soak in the cool waters of Thuy Tien Lake or Bong Lai Lake.
2.5. Enjoy The Delicious Dishes
In addition to the scenery, the food is also a thing that makes people love this place. Coming to the Chay River - the Dark Cave, you have the opportunity to enjoy many specialties such as Quang Binh grilled chicken with Cheo salt, wild vegetables, river fish... There's nothing better than filling your stomach with local specialties right after bathing in the river.
3. Notes When Coming To The Chay River - Dark Cave
- The way to Chay River - Dark Cave is quite easy to travel because it is located in the famous tourist area of Phong Nha. You can travel by car, cab, or motorcycle.
- You should bring personal items such as sunscreen, swimsuits, waterproof bags to protect your phone.
- Check the ticket price in advance as the ticket price will vary by time, from 270,000 VND to 450,000 VND/person depending on the activities.
See more about Phong Nha tours:
>> Discover Phong Nha and the 17th Parallel (Hue - Quang Binh) - 03 Days
>> The Phong Nha cave and the famous 17th Parallel (Hue - Quang Binh) - 02 Days
