Động Ngườm Ngao cave is a beautiful and surprisingly large cave near Ban Gioc waterfalls. It is not that well know, and located at the end of a little dirt road off TL206. Even though it is not on everybody’s radar, I would highly recommend adding a visit to this cave when heading to Ban Gioc.
Động Ngườm Ngao Cave
The entrance of the cave is in a valley surrounded by karst hills, with fields dotted around them. From the ticket booth you follow the path through an “opening” between hills, and then reach the cave’s entrance. They check tickets here, and you can buy some water from some of the vendors (you need it). However, it is not as busy with vendors as Ban Gioc is.
Entering the cave, you can enjoy the sudden drop of temperature after coming in from the May heat. Tough, you can feel the humidity very quickly. No torches are needed for this cave. There are lights on the walls throughout the cave, providing enough light to walk safely. But at least it is not cheesy as other caves I visited. You just follow a path, and I doubt you could really get lost here. It has a nice set-up for visitors.
From the entrance a first steps are the first indication that you go downhill for a bit. The ceiling of the cave is not too high, but not low either. Stalactites and stalagmite providing some interesting sights, and you pass some interesting rock formation. After a while the ceiling suddenly looks much lower, seemingly offering less space. Here is the first time you have to pass through some smaller openings, where you either have to watch your head, or even crouch through some smaller openings. If you have mobility issue, the cave isn’t really for you.
The path continues leading you through the inside of the mountain, bringing you further down, before climbing a few stairs up again. With the different sizes of the chambers and beautiful rock formation it would be difficult not to enjoy this cave.
Cave chamber with the Cactus Stones
Soon enough you will reach one of the highlights of the cave – a massive chamber with a large ceiling, and in the middle two rocks looking like a cactus tree. A human really looks tiny in comparison to these rocks. For me this is the most impressive section of the cave. it is just stunning, beautiful. This is a time where you can just wonder how this was all created.
From the massive chamber you continue following the path with the high ceiling. The path suddenly narrows, with both walls coming closer together, offering an impressive site with the beautiful stalactites and stalagmite.
The path leads to another famous part of the cave – the silver tree. It is a single rock with a shape of a tree standing in the middle of the path. The silvery colour of the rock gives it the name. Surrounded is the tree by several rocks that look like mushroom, giving the area the suitable name of the Garden. Looking around you really can let your imagination run away. Some rocks look like vegetables, others like a dog.
From here the path continues to ascend, and soon enough leaving the cave. You come out of the mountain above the entrance area, providing a nice view of the fields. Stairs will lead you down to the valley, where you can make your way out.
Overall, it is a very impressive cave, and I didn’t expect it to be that large. It took me over 45 minutes to walk through it. I didn’t rush through and enjoyed the view inside the mountain. But it highlights that this is not a small cave. A visit to the cave should be a must when you are in the area. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Food & Drinks
While you can buy some drinks and some fruit, I didn’t see many food options near the entrance of the cave. It might be busier during the day. Otherwise you need to head to Ban Gioc falls or to the village in the west.
