In order to continue diversifying tourism products in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, from January 2018, Quang Binh province allowed to open tourist routes to Pygmy cave – the fourth largest cave in the world located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Dai A Cave and Over Cave.
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Location of three caves
Dai A Cave, Over Cave and Pygmy Cave are located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. They are part of the underground system connecting more than 150 other caves in Vietnam near the border with Laos.
The new tour was opened for visitors exploring these three caves
Trip Advisor has announced the list of 10 most attractive destinations in Vietnam which were voted by tourists, including Quang Binh ranked fourth, after Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.
Mr. Dang Dong Ha, deputy director of Quang Binh Tourism Department, said that Quang Binh was named the cave kingdom of the world, a paradise for exploring and experiencing with routes and destinations such as: Son Doong cave, Tu Lan system, Da Nhay beach, Thien Duong cave, Phong Nha – Tien Son cave, Chay river – Toi cave… and now 3 more beautiful caves open to tourists.
Dai A Cave, Over Cave and Pygmy Cave belongs to the dome cave system, located in the ecological rehabilitation zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, having a beautiful natural landscape, the natural forest type on limestone mountain, high biodiversity and especially attractive cave system.
In order to explore the route of Dai A Cave, Over Cave and Pygmy Cave, visitors will have to walk about 20 km under the canopy of primary forest. With the length of the trip about 3 days 2 nights, visitors will experience exciting activities such as: wading streams, claiming steep slopes, staying overnight in the cave… Especially, visitors will admire the magnificent and majestic cave system; and learn about diverse ecosystems of flora and fauna.
Specific schedule of the trip
On the first day of the journey, visitors depart at Jungle Boss headquarters and transfer by car to km 24 of 20 Quyet Thang Street. Here, visitors walk about 5 hours to reach the Ho cave. On this trip, you can swim 300 meters in the cave if you would like. This is also the place where you will stay in the first night.
On the second day, visitors explore the Over Cave. This cave is higher than 90 m, and 3.2 km long. Over Cave has a beautiful and impressive stalactite system. Especially, there are many lakes having stair shape and jade color water in the cave.
Leave the Over Cave and walk one more an hour through the forest, visitors reach Pymy Cave. The Pygmy Cave is about 100 meters wide, 845 meters long, being the fourth largest cave in the world. Over Cave and the Pygmy Cave were discovered in 1997; later they were explored and published by British Royal Caves Association experts.
Pygmy Cave has sunshine through deep inside so many ferns grow green. There is a stream of water flowing down from the ceiling of the cave, used for drinking water, cooking and other activities. Visitors stay at the entrance of the Pygmy Cave on the second night. At the entrance of the cave, visitors can see many vines and bamboo which were tied together to help the local climbing up cliff to exploit bird nest and honey. However, the way back is diferent from the way come; tourists should take advantage to enjoy the beauty of the cave.
On the third day, visitors walk about 5 hours to return to 20 Quyet Thang Street, ending of the tour.
Price and conditions
The tour exploring three caves: Pygmy cave, Ho Cave and Over cave has price at nearly 10 000 000 VND, applied for tourists from 12 years old and above. Each tour lasts for 3 days with a maximum of 14 guests. In order to explore this cave system, visitors must have enough health to trek in the forest, wade in the stream or swim in the cave.
You should meet the following criteria: jogging, trekking, or climbing (at least once a month). Other outdoor activities may be acceptable. You have healthy feet and keep balance well. You have joined in the long trekking tour in many days. Good health and physical condition.
Over Cave is located about 100 m from Ho cave, which has a length of 3,244 m, a depth of 104 m, the cave entrance is about 30 m wide, about 25 m high, the widest point is 125 m. Over Cave has a beautiful stalactite system, many lakes have stair shape and jade color water.
Pygmy cave is 845 m long and 94 m deep. During the day, the light can penetrate the cave. The entrance of the cave is also the place where the campers sleep on the second night during the trip three days and two nights.
Inside the Pygmy Cave, there is a stream of water flowing down from the ceiling of the cave, used for drinking water, cooking and other activities. The light shines deep into the cave, helping the ferns grow green.
The Pygmy Cave was discovered in 1997 by the local people; the British Royal Caves Association announced as the fourth largest cave in the world.
At the entrance of the cave, visitors can see many vines and bamboo which were tied together to help the local climbing up cliff to exploit bird nest and honey. This is no longer due to forest protection regulations.
