Phong Nha Cave – Dark Cave

Dark cave is an adventurous and action-packed experience. Visiting this cave includes harnessed zip-lining over a turquoise river, swimming into the mouth of the cave (life jackets included), walking through the dark with only the head torch on your mining helmet to illuminate the way, having a mud fight in the buoyant mud baths deep in the cave, washing clean with a swim in the lake inside the cave, then kayaking back across the river to test your strength on the hanging obstacle course and open zip lines.

The Dark Cave is named as such because it is one of the few caves that have had no artificial lighting installed. The cave is comprised of mostly basalt, in addition to limestone. Basalt is a black, hard rock; also contributing to the cave’s name. With this rock surrounding you, you squish through the narrow and muddy passage using only your headlamps to illuminate your path.

Phong Nha Cave is not only a natural legacy of the world. It also stands as a relic system of the historic Ho Chi Minh trail which, during the US war, served as a secret hiding place for floating bridges that were only brought out at night to avoid targeted bombings. These bridges were key components in the supply chain from the north to the south by allowing supply trucks to cross the rivers. It also once served as a hospital, with weapons installed at the entrance. Once its location was discovered, it was heavily bombed, resulting in the external scarring you see today. This area has now become the first section of the ever-popular Ho Chi Minh trail, as it showcases a lush, mountainous landscape.

Key Information

• – Free pick up service from 6:30 am to 7:30 am at the train or bus station; if required
• – Free luggage storage in our Dong Hoi office –or- take it with you in our van (limited quantity; contact us to reserve)
• – Pick up and drop off by van in Dong Hoi city or Phong Nha village
• – Vietnamese or English-speaking guide
• – Drinking water
• – Lunch (Vietnamese style dish)
• – Entrance tickets, dragon boat, golf cart transfer
• – Service fee (equipment, zip line harness, helmet, kayak etc.)
• – Travel insurance
• – First aid kit available