Cao Bang, located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, appeals to tourists through its majestic natural landscapes. Traveling to Cao Bang, you can visit many attractive spots, in which Nguom Ngao Cave is an impressive cave that you should not miss. Let’s explore the cave with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this blog post, you will find these pieces of information below.

General information about Nguom Ngao Cave

Nguom Ngao Cave is located in Gun Village, Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province. It is hidden in a majestic mountain and about 3 kilometers from Ban Gioc Waterfall. This 2,144-meter-long cave has three entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon. The cave is a limestone cave with a long history of formation about 300 million years ago. However, it was only discovered by explorers in 1921 and put into tourism exploitation in 1996. In 1998, the cave was recognized as a national scenic spot. Because it has not been exploited for tourism for a long time, Nguom Ngao cave still retains its inherent wild and majestic beauty. 

Nguom Ngao Cave

In the Tay people’s language, “Nguom” means cave, and “Ngao” means tiger. Thus, Nguom Ngao means “the cave of the tiger”. Local people in Cao Bang say that in the past, many tigers lived in the cave, so the cave got its name. Another explanation is that when standing in the cave, you can hear the sound of water flowing in the cave mixing together like a tiger's roar.

There are two active cave floors, one floor is at stream level and one fossil floor is at about 50 meters high above the stream surface. Nguom Ngao cave is a limestone cave containing many fossils of corals and crinoids. The stalactites in the cave have a different color than other caves due to the amount of calcium mixed with many impurities.

Nguom Ngao Cave's stalagmites

The cave has five entrances at an altitude of about 420 - 507 meters above sea level, scattered around the length of the cave. However, only 3 main entrances are operating. They are Nguom Ngao Gate, about a few hundred steps from the foot of the mountain; Nguom Lom Gate under the rock at the foot of the mountain; and Ban Thuon Gate located behind the mountain, next to Thuon village of the Tay ethnic group. 

How to get to Nguom Ngao Cave?

To get to Nguom Ngao Cave, you will have to go through many high and dangerous roads. However, you will feel excited by the surrounding scenery. From the center of Cao Bang City, you will first travel along the road over Ma Phuc Pass and Khau Lien Pass for about 60 kilometers. You can admire a magnificent landscape and enjoy a fresh atmosphere when passing through the Ma Phuc Pass. The pass is considered the most beautiful pass in Cao Bang, with a length of more than 3.5 kilometers, and a height of about 700 meters above sea level. 

Ma Phuc Pass

Arriving at Trung Khanh town, you will continue to travel a distance of nearly 30 kilometers and will encounter Ban Gioc Waterfall. Following the direction of Provincial Road 206, you will see a sign pointing to Nguom Ngao Cave, then turn there and you will arrive here. 

The ideal time to visit Nguom Ngao Cave

There are two distinct seasons in Cao Bang: wet season and dry season. Each season brings a unique beauty to Nguom Ngao Cave. Each season brings a unique beauty to the cave. So, the ideal time to visit the cave depends on your schedule and itinerary. 

The water season starts from May to September. At this time, the cave has many flowing water streams. When light shines on it, the entire cave is extremely sparkling. Setting foot inside the cave, you will feel the extremely airy, fresh, even chilly atmosphere. 

Underground pond inside Nguom Ngao Cave

From October to April of the next year, Cao Bang comes to the dry season. Nguom Ngao Cave now has no water left, so it will be much more convenient and easier for you to walk and explore the cave. 

Exploring the Nguom Ngao Cave

Visiting the cave, you will be amazed by the magnificent scenery inside the cave. Besides a vast space, Nguom Ngao Cave also possesses a unique stalagmite system in different sizes and shapes protruding from the ground or falling from above. The cave has many chambers, floors, stairs, and corridors of many different sizes. There are many areas inside the cave. The four-pillar area has four stone pillars. The center area is the largest with diverse stunning stalactites and stalagmites which have unique shapes, helping you to promote your imagination. There are many stalactites, stalagmites, stone fringes, columns, curtains, etc., of all shapes scattered throughout the cave such as coral trees, ships, silver waterfalls, golden waterfalls, and terraced fields. The treasure area has many sparkling stalactites looking like gold and silver treasures hidden in the cave. 

A lotus-shaped stalagmite inside Nguom Ngao Cave

When you move inside the cave, you can see small streams with a gurgling sound. The path in the cave sometimes makes you feel difficult with many narrow cliffs that can only fit one person. Besides, there are stalactites blocking the way; therefore, you will have to have to bend over to pass. However, the deeper you go into the cave, the more excited you will be, as you will have a chance to admire the natural masterpiece inside the cave. So, don’t give up and keep going to explore this wonderful cave. 

The path inside Nguom Ngao Cave

Impressive stalagmites inside Nguom Ngao Cave

Things to note when visiting Nguom Ngao Cave

Like other caves, when visiting Nguom Ngao Cave, you will also have to prepare carefully and respect the natural environment and local culture. Here are some things to note when you visit the cave. 

Preparing essential items

Before visiting Nguom Ngao Cave, you will have to prepare flashlights and lighting equipment. One of the important factors when exploring Nguom Ngao Cave is light. Especially, when you enter deep areas of the cave, bringing a flashlight or strong enough lighting device will help you see more clearly. Besides lighting equipment, you may want to wear a pair of comfortable and slip-resistant jungle shoes to easily travel on the rocky surface and difficult terrain of the cave, and reduce the risk of falling. In addition, remember to bring a first aid kit in case your limbs get scratched during travel. Also, you can equip sleeping bags, tents, multi-purpose knives, and lighters for emergencies. Don’t forget to take your camera, phone, battery, and backup charger to save memorable moments during the trip. 

Note about safety

When visiting Nguom Ngao Cave, you will have to follow the instructions of the local guide. They will guide you on how to navigate safely in canyons and difficult terrain. Besides, cave areas are usually quiet and noise can affect the creatures living in the cave, while also hindering the experience of others; therefore, you should limit noise and maintain quiet. 

In conclusion, Nguom Ngao Cave is a special highlight that you should not miss on your trip to Cao Bang. Exploring the wild and majestic beauty of Nguom Ngao cave will definitely bring you many wonderful experiences. Let’s come here and explore the cave on your own! Further you want to book a Cao Bang tour package or tailor your tour, don’t hesitate to contact our team.