Dark Cave is located in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Dark cave is the only cave in Vietnam where travelers can enjoy mud baths. Besides, this is also an interesting sight for those who would like to experience zip line adventure.
Lying in the core area of Phong Nha-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 5.258 meters, the height of 80 meters, and the width of 50 meters. 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 Tinh langur – 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 Phong Nha 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 zipline services (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.
Other attractions in Phong Nha: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Paradise cave, Phong Nha Cave, Son Doong cave, Swallow cave.
