Dong Hoi

Lying in the core area of PhongNha-Ke Bang National Park, on the banks of Chay River, Dark Cave is a typical example for the geological formations around 400 – 500 million years ago. The Cave was explored in the early of the 90s. Because the whole cave is completely under cover of darkness, British Caving Association decided to name it Dark Cave. Dark Cave has the length of 5.258meters, the height of 80meters, and the width of 50meters. It has two entrances: the front entrance (30 meters in height and 10 meters in width) borders Chay River, meanwhile, the rear entrance (50 meters in height and 20 meters in width) is contiguous with a forest.

Dark Cave has a variety of stalactites in diverse shapes and sizes. Situated right on the banks of Chay River, the cave is under the influence of the high humidity, therefore, the stalactites have been covered by a fancifully green color of a large amount of moss and fern. Dark Cave is impressive for deep underground rivers, a natural fresh water lake Thuy Tien, and a mud pool with the area of around 20 square meters. This is also home of many species such as bats, swallows, and Ha Tinhlangur – a primate species listed in Vietnam Red Book.

After a 5-kilometer-boat ride in Chay River, travelers will arrive in Dark Cave. Chay River has extremely green water. The combinations of thick jungles, imposing limestone cliffs, and peaceful river have created a picturesque setting. Since September 2014, under the investment and the management of PhongNha Travel Center, zipline services have been put into the operation. Visiting Dark Cave, travelers have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy adventurous experiences in which you can try ziplineservices (400 meters in length) and jump down from the zipline to enjoy refreshing and cool waters. This activity promises to bring tourists a little bit scary but tremendously thrilling experiences. Besides, if you don’t like zipline, you can engage in water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, or mud bathing. Especially, in rainy seasons, when the water level rises, a large mud pool is created with many essential minerals. Enjoying mud bath will help tourists relax and improve health and beauty.