I love the way the river is woven into everyday life in Can Tho. It also has some of the greenest landscapes. The people in...
Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Cao Bang Province in Northeastern Vietnam, Nguom Ngao Cave is considered as a hidden natural wonder, beckoning nature enthusiasts. This subterranean masterpiece, also known as Tiger Cave, boasts an intricate network of chambers, adorned with rock formations of various shapes. As you venture into its depths, prepare to be mesmerised by the spacious inner space, high ceiling, flat path and magnificent natural stalactite system. Let's discover this nature's artistry.
1. Nguom Ngao Cave Introduction
Starting from Cao Bang city, visitors travel about 90 km, pass Ma Phuc Pass, Khau Lien Pass, and follow provincial road 206 to see the directional sign to Nguom Ngao Cave. Nguom Ngao Cave is on the road to Ban Gioc Waterfall in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province. Therefore, many tourists choose this breathtaking cave as their first sightseeing spot, before exploring Ban Gioc waterfall.
According to the explanation of local people, Nguom Ngao originating from Tay ethnic language means Tiger Cave. There are two different explanations for this name. A legend said that, in the past, this cave used to be the living place of ferocious tigers, which then were killed by some hero villagers to keep peaceful life for local residents. However, another story explains that inside the cave there is water flowing in the rock arches, creating a sound similar to a tiger roar, so the cave was also called the roaring tiger cave i.e. Nguom Ngao Cave.
Stalactites are in the shape of the Ban Gioc waterfall inside Nguom Ngao cave.
According to published scientific papers, Nguom Ngao Cave was discovered in 1921 and is a limestone cave formed about 400 million years ago, with a total length of more or less 3 km.
In 1996, Nguom Ngao Cave was open to tourists. In 1998, it was recognized as a national scenic spot. Before 2021, tourists mainly visit nearly 1 km of the cave, which takes a total travel time of about 40 to 50 minutes. Now a new tourist route is being run to Ban Thuon cave branch, which has developed a system of lighting roads, pedestrian bridges and boats. This new sightseeing route has even more beautiful and majestic scenery, promising more attractive experiences for tourists about one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam.
2. Magnificent beauty of Nguom Ngao cave
Nguom Ngao Cave has a great variety of huge stalactites. There is still water on the ceiling of the cave that new stalactites continue to form.
On the first entrance to the cave, visitors are amazed by the astonishing beauty of the stalactites in the shape of ginseng roots.
Close-up of a corner of ginseng-shaped stalactites inside Nguom Ngao Cave.
In the heart of the cave, it is a large space where tourists are able to freely admire stalactites and stalagmites of all kinds.
The beautiful waterfall-shaped stalactites inside Nguom Ngao Cave. Water flowing from the ceiling of the cave over hundreds of millions of years creates magnificent golden sand stalactites.
Resembling an upside-down lotus flower, this stalactite is one of the impressive spots inside Nguom Ngao Cave.
Stalactites are like a swarm of jellyfish that is swimming around.
Because of the different calcium content in the water, the stalactites in Nguom Ngao Cave showcase various natural colours, some have the yellow colour of sand, others are grey.
See tours including Nguom Ngao cave:
>> Discover Bac Son - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - 06 Days
>> The Charming beauty of the North - East Vietnam - 08 Days
