About Nguom Ngao Cave
Nguom Ngao Cave is a large limestone cave located in Gun Village, Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, near the Vietnam-China border. Formed about 400 million years ago, the cave extends about 2,144 meters with three main entrances. Discovered in 1921 and opened to tourism in 1996, it is noted for extensive stalactites, stalagmites and karst formations within Cao Bang Geopark.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a walk through a large, illuminated limestone cave system with high chambers, narrow passages, and abundant stalactites and stalagmites in varied shapes. The interior has paved paths, steps and artificial lighting. Surroundings are karst mountains and rice fields near Ban Gioc Waterfall. Guided walks allow viewing of formations, underground streams and spacious galleries. The cave interior is cool and can be damp and slippery.
Key highlights
- 01
2,144-meter-long limestone cave with three entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom and Ban Thuon
- 02
Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites forming terraced, coral-like and lotus-shaped formations
- 03
Part of UNESCO Global Geopark Cao Bang and located about 3 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall
- 04
Surveyed in 1995 by the British Cave Research Association and opened to visitors in 1996
- 05
Central chamber with high ceiling and naturally formed stone pillars and curtains
History of Nguom Ngao Cave
Limestone cave formed approximately 400 million years ago in the karst plateau of Cao Bang. First discovered in 1921, it was surveyed by the British Cave Research Association in 1995 and officially opened for tourism in 1996.
Culture & Context
Name 'Nguom Ngao' means Tiger Cave in the Tay ethnic language, derived from a local legend that tigers once sheltered inside the cave. The cave is a significant natural heritage site within Cao Bang Geopark and holds cultural value for local Tay communities.
Route
| By road |
|---|