Phong Nha Cave
Location: Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province and the cave is also a part of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
Characteristics: The cave was recognized with “seven best”: the longest subterranean river, the highest and widest entrance, the most beautiful sand and rock banks, the most beautiful subterranean lake, the widest and most beautiful dry branch cave, the most magnificent and fanciful stalactites and stalagmites, and the longest water cave.
Phong Nha (Wind Teeth) Cave, also known as Nuoc (Water) or Lower Phong Nha Cave, is located in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District. The cave lies inside the area of limestone mountains covered with tropical jungles of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. In the late 19th century, French priest Cadière explored the cave and praised it “the most beautiful cave in Indochina.” He was also the first person who discovered inscriptions by Cham people on the cave's walls.
Phong Nha Cave’s mouth is 20m wide and 10m high, with numerous stalactites. In front of the cave is a breath taking scenery of mountains and rivers. In rainy season, water from the Son River rises up and floods the cave entrance.
The inside is spacious with 7,729m in length and 83m in height. The river is limpid and tranquil as if it is a large mirror. Deep inside the cave, the light fades out and disappears.
The main part of the cave consists of 14 “chambers” linked together by a 1,500m-long “water corridor.” From the 14th “chamber”, there are narrow corridors leading to branch caves, such as Bi Ky, Tien, Cung Dinh, in which limestone continues to be weathered. Here, visitors have the opportunity to admire the stalagmites and stalactites in strange shapes. Especially, many characters of ancient Cham people are also preserved on the walls of Bi Ky Cave.
