Located just 5 kilometers from the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave is a natural wonder that offers you a glimpse into the fascinating geological history of northern Vietnam. This cave, also known as Tiger Cave, is a nice extra stop for travelers visiting the nearby waterfall..
Cao Bang’s Tiger Cave
The Origins and History of Nguom Ngao Cave
Nguom Ngao Cave is situated in Gun Village, within Cao Bang Province, not far from the Vietnam-China border. This region is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring lush mountains, serene valleys, and enchanting waterfalls. The cave itself is approximately 5 kilometers away from Ban Gioc Waterfall, making it a convenient stop to any traveler’s itinerary.
The formation of Nguom Ngao Cave began around 400 million years ago, shaped by water erosion, chemical reactions, and tectonic activity. Despite its ancient origins, the cave remained unknown until 1921, when it was first discovered. It wasn’t until 1996 that the cave was opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty.
The Name and Significance
In the Tay ethnic language, “Nguom Ngao” translates to “Tiger Cave.” Local legends offer two explanations for this name. One suggests that the cave was once home to many tigers, which led the villagers to name it after these fearsome animals. Another legend attributes the name to the roaring sounds heard within the cave, believed to resemble the growls of an angry tiger. These sounds are likely the result of water flowing through the cave’s chambers.
With a total length of 2,144 meters, including 1,000 meters open to the public, Nguom Ngao Cave is a great place for nature lovers. The cave features three main entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon, each offering a unique entry point into this natural marvel.
Exploring Nguom Ngao Cave
Entering Nguom Ngao Cave is like stepping into a subterranean wonderland. The cave, which is 2,769.6 meters long according to a 2016 survey by the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, has five openings at various altitudes. However, only 945.8 meters and two entrances are currently open to the public.
Walking through the cave is relatively easy, though there are no wooden paths, so you should be cautious on wet, potentially slippery areas. Once inside, you’ll be captivated by the strangely shaped stalactites that adorn the cave. Nguom Ngao is home to multiple limestone chambers, floors, stairs, and corridors, each filled with stalactites and stalagmites in diverse forms. Some resemble coral reefs, ships, waterfalls, overturned lotus flowers, and even terraced fields.
What makes Nguom Ngao unique is the distinct coloration of its stalactites, a result of the mixture of calcium with other minerals. The deeper you venture into the cave, the more enchanting it becomes, with small streams occasionally winding through the chambers.
Two of the cave’s most notable features are the upside-down lotus pedestal and the lonely stone pillar. Local lore suggests that catching drops of water from the “Buddha’s hand” stalactite and rubbing them on your face will bring good luck.
Is Nguom Ngao Cave worth visiting?
Nguom Ngao Cave is definitely worth a visit, especially since it is conveniently located near Ban Gioc Waterfall. While it may not rival the hidden gems like Phong Nam Valley, which is also nearby, the cave offers a unique experience that complements a trip to the waterfall. If you’re planning an itinerary that includes plenty of driving around Cao Bang, Nguom Ngao Cave provides a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy a completely different scenery. On hot days, the cool interior of the cave offers a refreshing break from the heat.
How to get there?
Although Nguom Ngao Cave is close to Ban Gioc Waterfall, the remote nature of the area means that your only practical option for visiting is by private transportation. The first step is getting to Cao Bang City, the capital of the province. From Hanoi, you can choose between sleeper buses at night or comfortable limousine vans during the day for your journey, which takes around 6 to 7 hours.
Once you arrive in Cao Bang City, you have several options for traveling to Nguom Ngao Cave and Ban Gioc Waterfall:
Driving Motorbike
Renting a motorbike in Cao Bang City is easy, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. Although traffic in Cao Bang is minimal, it’s important to have a valid license and some riding experience due to the mountainous terrain. The distance from Cao Bang City to Nguom Ngao Cave is around 80 km, which typically takes about 2.5 hours without stops.
Motorbike Tour
For those who love the idea of an adventurous motorbike journey but prefer not to drive themselves, a motorbike tour is an excellent option. Riding on the back of a motorbike allows you to fully take in the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating or road safety concerns. Additionally, your driver acts as a local guide who can show you hidden gems throughout Cao Bang.
Interested in this option? Request your custom itinerary here, and we can help you find a driver and plan a personalized adventure based on your preferences.
Car with Driver
Renting a car in Vietnam always comes with a driver, as foreigners are not permitted to drive themselves. This is a comfortable and convenient way to travel, offering better protection from the weather compared to a motorbike. A car can take you to most of the places accessible by motorbike, though it might lack the adventurous feel of a motorbike trip.
If this sounds like your ideal way to explore Cao Bang, we can arrange a car with a driver for you, and even create a personalized itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on any of Cao Bang’s hidden gems. Request your car with driver here.
Tips for visiting Nguom Ngao Cave
Overnight Stay Close to the Cave and Ban Gioc
While it is possible to drive from Cao Bang City to Nguom Ngao Cave and Ban Gioc Waterfall and back in a single day, this journey involves over 5 hours of driving. If your schedule allows, it is highly recommended to stay overnight near Ban Gioc Waterfall. Though there are no towns nearby, there are a few homestays along the river and a small village close to the waterfall with about 10 homestays. This area offers a more authentic and serene experience compared to staying in Cao Bang City, and it also allows you more time to explore the hidden gems we mention below in the “Other Sights Near Nguom Ngao Cave” section.
Good Walking Shoes
Nguom Ngao Cave requires a bit of walking, and some parts of the cave can be wet and slippery. It’s advisable to wear good walking shoes rather than flip-flops to ensure better grip and safety while exploring the cave.
Warm Clothing
Even on hot days, the interior of Nguom Ngao Cave can be quite cool. Bringing along a light jacket or sweater will help you stay comfortable as you explore the cave’s depths.
Charge Your Phone
Though the cave is well-lit, there are some darker areas where having a flashlight can be helpful. Since most travelers don’t carry a traditional flashlight, it’s a good idea to ensure your phone is fully charged so you can use its flashlight function. This will also allow you to explore the cave’s more shadowy nooks and crannies.
Other sights near Nguom Ngao Cave
Ban Gioc Waterfall
As mentioned several times, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the most famous attraction in the area and is just a short drive from Nguom Ngao Cave. This majestic waterfall straddles the border between Vietnam and China and is a must-see for anyone visiting Cao Bang.
Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda
Located near Ban Gioc Waterfall, this beautiful pagoda offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provides a peaceful place for reflection.
Phong Nam Valley
A hidden gem not far from Nguom Ngao Cave, Phong Nam Valley is a picturesque area filled with lush rice fields, traditional villages, and dramatic karst mountains. It’s a great place to experience the serene beauty of rural Vietnam.
Angel Eye Mountain
Although slightly farther from the cave, Angel Eye Mountain is worth visiting, especially if you’re traveling from Cao Bang City to the north. The mountain’s unique natural features make it a fascinating stop on your journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall.
