Destination guide

Nguom Ngao Cave

The “tiger cave” in the Tay language, with some of the most unusual formations in Cao Bang’s karst.

2,144 mlength of the cave system (1995 survey)

950 msection open to visitors

1 hourto walk the visitor route

3 – 4 kmfrom Ban Gioc Waterfall

Nguom Ngao Cave, in Gun village, Dam Thuy commune, was discovered in 1921, opened to visitors in 1996 and has been a National Scenic Site since 1998. It formed in limestone some 400 million years old that still holds coral and crinoid fossils.

A 1995 British caving survey measured the system at 2,144 m with three main entrances – Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom and Ban Thuon. A 2016 survey recorded about 2,770 m, two levels and five entrances. To protect the cave, only about 950 m is open to visitors.

An underground stream runs through the cave before flowing into the Quay Son River. Its echo inside the mountain sounds like a tiger’s roar – one explanation for the name “tiger cave”.

Don’t miss

Named formations

Calcite mixed with impurities gives the formations unusual colours. They are named for their shapes: a coral tree, a ship, golden and silver waterfalls, a sky-supporting pillar, rice terraces and an upside-down lotus.

The lit visitor route

The visitor section has upgraded walkways and lighting; it takes about an hour, with some steps up and down.

The Ban Thuon branch

Since 2021 a nearly 3 km adventure route follows the Ban Thuon branch, climbing rock walls and wading streams in darkness. Go only with an experienced operator.

Khuoi Ky stone village

On the road between the falls and the cave – stop to see the Tay stone stilt houses.

Getting there

From Ban Gioc Waterfall, about 3 – 4 km along provincial road 206, past Khuoi Ky stone village.
About 85 km from the provincial centre, roughly 2.5 hours; usually paired with Ban Gioc in a single outing.

See the place card and directions →

When to go

All year

The cave stays cool all year, in the rainy season and in winter.

Rainy season

Floors are damper, so wear grippy shoes; the Ban Thuon adventure route may pause when streams rise.

Time of day

Visit the cave around midday, when it is hot outside, and the falls in the afternoon.

Practical tips

Before you go

Bring drinking water and shoes with good grip; some sections are damp and slippery.
Do not touch the formations or carve on the rock: stalactites take thousands of years to grow a few centimetres.
The Ban Thuon adventure route requires good fitness; go only with a licensed operator and proper safety gear.
Young children and older visitors should take the steps slowly.