Nguom Ngao cave is one of the majestic caves in Vietnam, located in Cao Bang province. Nowadays, this cave is a part of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark since its recognition by UNESCO in 2018, over 400 million years ago. Nguom Ngao cave attracts travelers due to its enchanting limestone formations and cultural legends. If you travel to North Vietnam, visit this destination. 

Nguom Ngao cave Overview

• Address: Gun village, Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province
• Entrance fee: 45,000 VND/person, If you book a tour guide, the fee is 200.000 VND for 1 hour of in-depth insight
• Opening hours: 07:30 AM to 05:00 PM

Nguom Ngao cave is nestled into the towering limestone mountains of Cao Bang and formed over 400 million years. There is an enchanting array of stalactites and stalagmites with intricate formations and fascinating legends. Surely, if you have the opportunity to see this cave, you will be overwhelmed due to its natural beauty. 

Nguom Ngao cave is about 5km away from Ban Gioc Waterfall, located in Gun village, Dam Thuy commune, Cao Bang province. The cave stretches over 2,144m and has several branches running through the limestone mountains. 

Nguom Ngao Cave, Cao Bang

The cave was discovered in 1921 and officially opened to tourists in 1996. In 1998, Nguom Ngao cave was recognized as a national-level natural relic. 

The formation of the cave was from 400 million years ago, when the water and geological forces slowly carved out a subterranean system under the karst mountains in Cao Bang. 

Taking a photo at Nguom Ngao cave

In addition, the erosion and mineral create majestic limestone formations with crystal-clear stalactites to towering stone pillars.

The name of Nguom Ngao cave originated from the Tay language; "Nguom" means "cave," and "Ngao" means "tiger." To the local, this cave is known as a Tiger Cave. In the past, tigers lived in this cave and often preyed on livestock in local villages.  However, the other people hear the flowing water inside echoes like a tiger's roar or a large rock shaped like a crouching tiger. So, the cave is named Tiger Cave. 

Illuminated cave bridge winds past colorful stalagmites and textured rock

Nguom Ngao cave brings a cultural significance for ethnic minority communities, a living testament to Cao Bang's rich heritage. 

The unique beauty of Nguom Ngao cave 

There are 03 main entrances into the inside of Nguom Ngao cave, including Nguom Lom, Nguom Ngao, and Ban Thuon. Each leading will take tourists exploring and unveil different aspects. This cave extends over 2,144 meters, attracting tourists with its spectacular underground landscape. 

The climate in the cave is always stable. Although the sky is hot in summer or breezy in winter, the cave offers a cool, refreshing atmosphere and is warm. 

How to get to Nguom Ngao cave?

Nguom Ngao cave is far to Hanoi city, about 8 hours to drive. Tourists get to the scenic mountain roads and stunning rural landscapes in Vietnam. There are many vehicles to transfer to Nguom Ngao cave such as sleeper buses, motorbikes, and private cars. 

The most budget-friendly way to get to Cao Bang is a sleeper bus. The price is from 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND depending on the quality and type of bus service. If you are seeking more freedom, you should choose a motorbike. Depart from Hanoi city toward Nhat Tan bridge, then follow National Highway 3 to Cao Bang province. 

Besides, you can rent a private car with a driver if you are traveling with a large group. The driver will pick up on time. You will feel comfortable and safe and not share the space with other passengers. 

After getting to Cao Bang city, you come to National Highway 4A for about 60km to Trung Khanh town. Continuing to drive 29 km to Nguom Ngao cave. 

If you rent a driver, the driver will go ahead to Nguom Ngao. If you transfer by public vehicle, you should consider hiring a local driver to Nguom Ngao cave. Besides, you can rent a motorbike from Cao Bang city. This is a way to explore many famous attractions in Cao Bang like Ban Gioc Waterfall and Pac Bo Historical Site.

From Cao Bang city, continue on National Highway 4A for about 60km through Ma Phuc Pass and Khau Lieu Pass until you reach Trung Khanh town. From there, drive another 29km to Nguom Ngao Cave in Gun Village, Dam Thuy Commune.

What to do in Nguom Ngao cave?

Explore the beauty of stalactites at the cave

Colorful cave formations illuminated, stalactites and stalagmites creating surreal scenery

Nguom Ngao cave attracts with its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, with natural sculpted pillars and striking colors and shapes shaped by the cave’s karst landscape and calcium sediments.

The rock formation is beautiful, with stunning colors.

Travelers admire stones with several shapes like people, lotus buds, waterfalls, and animals. Strolling along the route of the cave, you can visit some attractions like “Golden Waterfall,” “Silver Waterfall,” and “Sky Pillar”. The light illuminates the stone, creating enchanting beauty

Admire the sacred symbols

There are 02 iconic features in the cave are  the upside-down lotus altar and the lonely stone pillar, attracting for their distinctive shapes and their mystical significance. In the legend, a monk came to the cave to meditate with the hope of reaching enlightenment. 

However, he did not succeed and was disheartened. So, he overturned the stone lotus altar, which is used for prayer. Meanwhile, the monk turned a solitary stone pillar beside the altar. Many people believe that dripping the water from these stalactites and rubbing them on the face may bring good fortune and health. 

Step deep into the cave, you must stoop low or squeeze through tight gaps. Remember to visit the limestone terraces, which are the most unique geologically and formed by erosion and weathering over millions of years.

Tourists will feel the gentle stream wind and hear the soft sound of the flowing water. 

Best time to visit Nguom Ngao cave

Nguom Ngao cave brings a primitive beauty for each season, which includes a dry season and a wet season. 

From October to April is a dry season and is the best time to visit Nguom Ngao Cave, Cao Bang. The weather is dry, hot and cool, allowing you to explore many outdoor activities and easier to move inside the cave. 

From May to September is a wet season. Getting to the cave at this time, you can see the shimmer of flowing water and small underground streams. However, the path is quite slippery and harder to traverse. You should be careful. 

Man relaxing inside rocky cave entrance, resting casually on stone

Tourists should visit Nguom Ngao cave from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM. Due to its cool and pleasant temperature, this is a perfect time for trekking and photography. 

Nguom Ngao Cave is the best destination for tourists. Exploring surreal stalactites, cool underground air and the significant meaning of heritage sites. Let's connect the journey with the Ban Gioc Waterfall and other nearby attractions to create an interesting experience.