Swallow Cave is the third largest cave in the world behind Son Doong Cave (Vietnam) and Deer Cave (Malaysia). Located in the core area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Swallow Cave was discovered in 1994 and has become an impressive attraction in Quang Binh Province.
Hang En, which is also known as Swallow Cave by foreigners, is one of the most majestic caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The cave has the total length of 1,645 meters with three entrances, in which, the largest entrance is 120 meter high and 140 meter wide. According to researchers, Swallow Cave was formed around three million years ago. This is the result of a process when the water of Rao Thuong Stream has flowed through Annamite Range, then gradually eroded and created different breaks in Phong Nha-Ke Bang limestone mountain – one of the oldest massif in Asia, about 400 – 500 million years old. Accordingly, Swallow Cave is formed in a fault zone of this massif. Currently, the erosion of limestone mountain is still ongoing and increases the size of the cave.
Swallow Cave is an ideal sight for adventure enthusiasts who do not have much time because it takes only two days and 1 night to fully explore the cave. To get to Swallow Cave, travelers will pass through a beautiful primeval forest where you can listen to bird songs, see colorful butterflies, and admire natural scenery. After 4 kilometers of trekking in the primeval forest, travelers will arrive in Ban Doong (Doong Village) – a very small village of approximately 40 people living in isolation in the core area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. With the hospitability and the friendliness, villagers in Ban Doong have left strong impression for visitors.
After leaving Ban Doong, an excursion to Swallow Cave will be continued by passing through some forests and fording several streams. Rao Thuong Stream will take visitors to the entrance of Swallow Cake. Getting inside the cave, you will have a great opportunity to realize how magnificent the Mother Nature is! The emerald and refreshing water of lakes inside Swallow Cave will captivate anybody who has a chance to see it. You also can see thousands of swallows and bats on the ceiling of the cave, may be this is a reason why the cave was named Swallow Cave. Last but not least, the beautiful stalactites, which were formed hundreds of millions of years ago, make the cave more fanciful.
Other attractions in Phong Nha: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Paradise cave, Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave, Son Doong cave
