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Dark Cave

Dark Cave Phong Nha: A wonder where epic adventures await

05/08/2024 747 views

Dark Cave Phong Nha is an enchanting destination within the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Binh. Renowned for its mysterious allure, this cave system offers visitors a unique blend of natural and cultural beauty.

1. Overview of Dark Cave Phong Nha

Dark Cave is a fascinating cave located in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, about 50 kilometers northwest of Dong Hoi City. Situated in the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Dark Cave showcases geological formations that are around 400 to 500 million years old.

The cave stretches 5,258 meters in length, rises to 80 meters high, and is 50 meters wide. It has two main entrances. The front entrance opens up to the Chay River and is 30 meters high and over 10 meters wide, while the rear entrance, leading into the forest, stands 50 meters tall and about 20 meters wide.

During the Vietnam War, Dark Cave was used as a shelter to escape bombings. In 1992, the Royal British Cave Research Association explored the cave and named it “Dark Cave” because of the thick darkness that envelops its inner chambers. This name perfectly captures the cave’s mysterious atmosphere.

Dark Cave

Dark Cave’s location is in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Source: Collected)

2. What to expect from a trip to Dark Cave?

2.1. Mysterious beauty of the cave

Exploring Dark Cave is like stepping into a hidden world of wonder. Inside, you will be greeted by a mesmerizing array of stalactites and stalagmites, each with its own unique shape and color. Some formations shimmer in shades of lemon yellow, pure white, and moss green, revealing the cave’s ancient geological history. 

A particularly rare and intriguing feature of Dark Cave is its stalactites that host living ferns—a sight not commonly found in other caves. These formations are remnants of a time when the earth was in the midst of intense geological activity.

Beyond its striking geology, Dark Cave is a haven for wildlife. You might spot bats and swallows flying overhead, and with a bit of luck, you could even catch a glimpse of the endangered Ha Tinh langur, a primate listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. 

2.2. Exceptional mud bath

One of the standout features of Dark Cave is its exceptional mud bath experience. The cave is home to several underground rivers and a natural freshwater lake called Thuy Tien, as well as a 20-square-meter mud pool rich in essential minerals beneficial for health. 

During the rainy season, the water level in the cave rises, leading to the accumulation of fresh mud, which creates an even larger mud bath. This seasonal feature makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and mineral-rich massages.

With a specialized helmet and flashlight, you will navigate through the cave’s dark passages to reach the mud bath. Even on scorching days with temperatures reaching 42°C outside, the mud bath remains pleasantly cool at around 20°C, ensuring a refreshing experience. After a 30-minute soak, you can rinse off at the Thuy Tien Lake.

Dark Cave tour

Take mud baths on your Dark Cave tour Phong Nha (Source: Collected)

2.3. Thrilling zipline adventure

Another great activity at Dark Cave is the exhilarating zipline experience. There are two zipline options that offer a unique blend of adventure and breathtaking views.

The first is a 400-meter zipline that takes you from a scenic observation deck to the entrance of Dark Cave. As you soar through the air for just over a minute, you will feel as though you are flying, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Chay River below.

The second zipline is a shorter route that stretches from the riverbank to a point in the middle of the Chay River, where you can enjoy a thrilling free fall into the water. This zipline in Vietnam provides a refreshing splashdown experience, adding an extra thrill to your adventure.

Dark Cave’s entrance

Dark Cave’s entrance (Source: Collected)

2.4. Other exciting activities

In addition to exploring Dark Cave and ziplining, there are plenty of other thrilling activities to experience in the area. You can try bungee jumping for an adrenaline rush or kayak on the picturesque Chay River.

After your adventures, savor local delicacies by the serene riverbanks. The surrounding landscape, including the majestic mountains of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and scenic cornfields, adds to the charm of your visit.

You will also have the chance to immerse yourself in local culture by visiting ancient villages along the river, such as Ha Loi, Na, Phong Nha, Tram, Me, and Chay Lap. On weekends, performances of Quang Binh’s traditional ca tru music, offers a unique glimpse into the region’s artistic heritage.

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3. General information about Chay River – Dark Cave tour

3.1. Itinerary

Here is a standard Dark Cave tour sample:

  • Zipline ride: Begin your adventure by zipping from the observation deck to the entrance of Dark Cave.
  • Cave exploration: Inside the cave, explore ancient fossils and enjoy the natural mud bath with slides and a mineral-rich pool.
  • Chay river activities: For those not seeking the extreme adventure, you can enjoy water sports and activities outside the cave, such as swimming and floating on inflatable rafts.
  • Kayaking: After the mud bath, kayak back to the boat dock.
  • Additional fun: The area near the boat dock features a short zipline, river swimming, and various water games like obstacle courses, basketball, and swinging.
Chay River - Dark Cave tour

Dark Cave tour Phong Nha’s sample itinerary (Source: Collected)

3.2. Price and booking guide

  • Standard Tour: 250,000 VND per person.
  • River Activities: 150,000 VND per person, which includes water activities on the Chay River but excludes the 400-meter zipline.

You can book tickets directly on site, contact 0918.841.455/0912.520.557, or email [email protected]. 

4. Tips for first-time visitors to Dark Cave

4.1. Directions

To reach Dark Cave, you have two main options:

1. Taking a boat: Start from the Phong Nha Tourist Center boat dock. Head upstream on the Son River for about 1 kilometers until you reach the confluence of the Son and Chay Rivers. From there, take a boat along the Chay River to arrive at Dark Cave.
2. Driving or cycling: Alternatively, you can drive or rent a motorbike or bicycle. Follow the Ho Chi Minh Highway (West Branch) to reach the Tro Mong Ranger Station’s boat dock.

4.2. Foods

To satisfy your appetite after exploring Dark Cave, you can visit the Dark Cave Restaurant located next to the boat dock. The restaurant offers a selection of traditional dishes prepared by a professional team. Here are some local specialties you might enjoy:

  • Ca leo um chuoi: Catfish stewed with banana, a savory and slightly sweet dish that highlights local flavors.
  • Ca khe chien: Fried small fish, crispy and flavorful.
  • Canh long ga la giang: Chicken giblet soup with sour-soup creeper, offering a unique and refreshing taste.
  • Xoi ba mau: Three-color sticky rice, a vibrant and delicious treat.
  • Ga nuong nguyen con: Whole roasted chicken, seasoned and cooked to perfection.
  • Tom cang hap: Steamed freshwater shrimp, known for its delicate and juicy texture.
Indulge in delicacies at Dark Cave

Indulge in delicacies at Dark Cave (Source: Collected)

4.3. Accommodations

Visitors can choose from several accommodation options available in Quang Binh Province: 

Homestays and farmstays:

  • Areca Bungalow: DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh
  • Chay Lap Farmstay: Thon Chay, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province
  • Phong Nha Farmstay: 1 Km East of Ho Chi Minh Highway, Cu Nam, Bo Trach, Quang Binh
  • Linh’s Homestay: DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh

Guest houses:

  • Oxalis Home: TDP, Phong Nha, Bo Trach, Quang Binh
  • Gecko Hostel & Bar: J866+327, DT20, Phong Nha, Bo Trach, Quang Binh
  • Van Anh Backpacker Hostel: J866+2CG, DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh

Hotels:

  • Heritage by Night Hotel: DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh
  • Saigon Phong Nha Hotel: DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh
  • Thien Thanh Hotel: DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh

4.4.  Extra notes

The peak tourist season at Dark Cave is from April to July and during major holidays. For a more relaxed experience, you might want to plan your visit outside of these busy periods.

When visiting, bring a headlamp, a life jacket, and follow these rules: no shoes, no food, and no unfamiliar items inside the cave. Do not take anything from the cave to help preserve its natural environment.

Dark Cave seamlessly blends natural beauty with adventurous activities. Whether you are marveling at the cave’s ancient formations, enjoying the thrill of ziplining, or relaxing in the revitalizing mud baths, Dark Cave offers an unforgettable Vietnam travel experience for every visitor. 

For those exploring Dark Cave Phong Nha and looking to extend their journey, Vietnam offers a plethora of stunning destinations and enriching experiences: Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc. 

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