Description

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 ziplines.

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.

* Detailed time plan

07:45 – 08:00 Our car and tour guide will pick up guests at their hotel in Dong Hoi. From there, you will be taken to the Dark cave (located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park). -OR – 08:45 – 9:00: Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha village, then transfer you to Dark Cave (located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park).

Participate in the many adventure activities: zip line, mudbath, kayak, swimming, etc.  (65 km from the city, about a 60 minute drive).

Activities: mud bath, zip-lining, swimming, kayaking, adventure course, caving etc.

12:30 Lunch at local restaurant in Phong Nha village. Here you will enjoy a traditional vietnamese dish. Vegetarian option available. Please contact us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate you.

13:30 Depart for your exploration of the most impressive Phong Nha caves. You will then take a 25 minute ride to the cave via traditional dragon boat. This cave is called a water cave as it boasts an underground river. After going into the cave by boat, you will explore 300 meters into the cave on foot. Then, you will be taken back by boat. This cave  is famous for its spectacular rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”…

16:00 Back to Dong Hoi or Phong Nha Village. Tour ends when you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Please be sure to bring: swimwear and towel. Lockers for your belongings will be provided with a 50,000 deposit which will be refunded upon return of the locker key.

Using the zipline requires you to be 40-90kg. No exceptions.