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Nguom Ngao Cave, located in the Cao Bang province of northern Vietnam, is a natural wonder and a popular tourist destination. This cave system is renowned for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as its remarkable geological formations.
Nguom Ngao Cave is situated in the Gun village, Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province. It is nestled within a majestic mountain and is approximately 3 kilometers away from Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Outside Nguom Ngao Cave
In the Tay language, "Nguom Ngao" can be translated as "Tiger Cave," with "Nguom" meaning cave and "Ngao" meaning tiger. According to local oral tradition, the cave earned its name due to the presence of numerous tigers that used to inhabit the cave. These tigers would venture into the nearby villages to prey on the local livestock, prompting the villagers to set traps to capture them, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Another legend suggests that the name "Nguom Ngao" stems from the sound of water flowing within the cave, resembling the growling of tigers. These intriguing tales, combined with the pristine and untouched natural beauty shaped by Mother Nature, make the cave an even more captivating and enchanting place to explore.
The Nguom Ngao Cave features an incredibly diverse and intricate system of stalactites.
According to researchers, this limestone cave was formed approximately 400 million years ago. The stalactites within the cave exhibit a distinctive coloration compared to other caves due to the high concentration of calcium mixed with impurities. It is truly awe-inspiring when you step inside the cave and witness a vast, magnificent space with a system of stalactites of various shapes, sizes, and a stunning shimmer under the lights.
Upon entering Nguom Ngao Cave, travelers will be overwhelmed by the majestic natural scenery within the cave. The sight of captivating limestone formations, bizarre shapes, and glistening under the lights has captured the hearts of countless tourists, both domestic and international.
Inside Nguom Ngao Cave, there are four central pillars that serve as essential support structures, akin to colossal sky-reaching columns.
The central section of the cave is the most expansive, while the final treasure chamber is adorned with numerous glistening stalactites, resembling hidden gem vaults concealed within the cave.
The interior space of Nguom Ngao Cave is both majestic and poetic
Nguom Ngao Cave is a unique natural wonder, graced by an intricate system of limestone formations that grow both downwards from the cave ceiling and upwards from the cave floor in various sizes and shapes. Interweaving with one another, these formations create a mesmerizing labyrinth.
The structure of Nguom Ngao Cave encompasses numerous chambers, multiple levels, staircases, and passageways of varying sizes. The cave is adorned with an array of limestone features, such as draperies, curtains, pillars, and rimstone pools, each taking on different forms scattered throughout the cave like coral reefs, ships, silver waterfalls, golden waterfalls, and terraced fields...
Inverted lotus-shaped pedestal
Prominent among the limestone formations within Nguom Ngao Cave is a solitary rock pillar and an inverted lotus-shaped pedestal. Legend has it that in ancient times, a monk meditated atop the lotus pedestal within the cave but, despite prolonged efforts, did not attain enlightenment. Overcome with boredom and despair, the monk upended the lotus pedestal, while he himself transformed into the solitary rock pillar right beside it.
Light shines through the skylight into Nguom Ngao cave
During the rainy season, water from the small lotus petals creates a picturesque and melodious scene. It is believed that if you catch a few drops of this water in your cupped hands and then gently stroke your face, you will encounter abundant good fortune.
Even though it has been opened for exploration and sightseeing for just over 1 km, Nguom Ngao Cave remains a renowned destination that you cannot afford to miss when visiting Cao Bang province.
