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Boasting a pristine and majestic beauty, Va Cave is not only a place to challenge your limits but also a journey that takes you into a magical world of stalactites, underground rivers, and crystal-clear streams. This 2-day, 1-night trip is not only a journey of nature discovery but also an opportunity to connect with new friends from all over the world.
An exciting adventure awaits you at Va Cave.
Tours to explore Va Cave are organized from February to August each year, with only 700 to 800 visitors, and are not operated during the remaining months of the rainy season. Following a survey and exploration of caves within the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park area in Minh Hoa and Tuyen Hoa districts, on April 14, 2024, the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board announced the discovery of 22 new caves with significant geological and geomorphological value and great potential for tourism development, including Va Cave.
At the entrance to Nuoc Nut cave
Waking up on a sunny morning in the paradise of Phong Nha caves, I eagerly prepared for my journey to explore Va Cave – one of the newly discovered and magnificent natural wonders of Quang Binh, Vietnam. From the resort, I traveled to the Oxalis office meeting point. Upon arrival, I was surrounded by foreign tourists, which only increased my excitement. This was sure to be a very interesting trip!
Before departure, the tour guide provided an overview of the two-day, one-night trekking itinerary, important notes, and safety rules throughout the journey. In particular, we were thoroughly warned about dangerous animals and plants to avoid. Oxalis was also very thoughtful from the moment of registration, inquiring about dietary preferences and food allergies, and requiring fitness assessments and training to ensure sufficient health for the trip. A maximum of 10 tourists are allowed, along with more than 10 company members, including the guide, safety assistant, and support staff to carry equipment during the expedition.
Magnificent nature
After completing the necessary procedures and receiving the required equipment, I was officially ready for my journey to explore Va Cave. Located deep within the core of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, at kilometer 28 on the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the cave is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, creating a wild and majestic landscape.
The first steps
As we boarded the vehicle, a mix of excitement and nervousness overwhelmed me – this was my first time trekking, and I was even accompanying international tourists. On the vehicle, Mr. Ho An, our guide, told us about the history of the discovery of Va Cave. In 1992, the "king of caves," Ho Khanh, first discovered the cave, but it wasn't until 2012 that the British-Vietnamese expedition officially surveyed and measured it. Interestingly, Ho Khanh was also the one who discovered the back entrance of Son Doong Cave in 2010. Due to time constraints, the expedition team couldn't thoroughly examine Va Cave at that time, but upon returning later, they were utterly amazed by its unique beauty.
Fish live in "lakes" created by nature.
Mr. Ho An, the nephew of Mr. Ho Khanh, recounted the story with pride. “Uncle Khanh discovered Son Doong, the world's largest cave, and after that, tourism here gradually developed. From then on, the locals also found work as porters guiding expedition tours.” Listening to those stories, I became even more eager to explore. The whole group got acquainted, chatted happily, and soon arrived at the starting point. Each person carried a backpack containing personal belongings, water, and trekking equipment.
Climb over the highest rock outcrop to reach the conical stalactite.
As for me, besides my backpack, I also carried two cameras and a tripod – ready to go like a "warrior" entering the battlefield. My first steps on the forest trail opened up a whole new world, with endless green trees and strange creatures that constantly amazed me. I was practically running because my tall, foreign companions walked as fast as the wind, while I had to take three steps to keep up with them! Luckily, the porters were very enthusiastic and helpful, even helping me carry my tripod when they saw me struggling with my heavy luggage.
After a trek through the forest, we reached a dry stream bed, following the water to reach the Cracked Water Cave. This was our first stop. What surprised me was that the group had prepared a very thoughtful meal; each dish was not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious.
The whole group sat together, enjoying every mysterious sound in the cave.
Go deep inside the cave.
After resting, we put on our helmets and gloves and ventured into the cave. The sparkling stalactites and strange little creatures amazed everyone. The group had to squeeze through narrow crevices, sometimes crawling through tiny gaps, and other times wading through a cool underground river. Each time we needed to swim across the stream, I carefully put my equipment in its waterproof case, then quickly took it out again to capture the beautiful moments once we were back on shore.
One memorable experience was when the whole group sat in a circle in the darkness, turned off their flashlights, and listened to the sounds of the cave: the flapping wings of bats, the dripping water from stalactites, the gurgling of the underground stream. All of these blended together to create a mesmerizing natural symphony.
Continuing our journey, we crossed the stream to reach Va Cave. At this point, the porter instructed us on how to use the safety harness, carabiners, and ropes to climb to the cave entrance. After leaving some of our luggage at the campsite, the whole group returned to the stream to immerse ourselves in the crystal-clear water.
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water.
Conical stalactite
What I liked most about this trip was that all activities took place right inside the cave. In the evening, we gathered around the campfire, enjoying a delicious meal prepared by the porters themselves. In the quiet space, free from phone signals and the noise of the city, my mind was completely relaxed. Each person had a small, cozy tent, and we were carefully instructed to prevent insects from crawling in. That night, I slept soundly after a long day full of experiences.
The final challenge
The next morning, we did some light warm-up exercises before continuing our journey to conquer the magnificent stalactite formations. One of the most impressive spots was the conical stalactite lake area – breathtakingly beautiful but also challenging. The path was narrow, the rocks sharp, and many sections slippery. With the help of a porter, we carefully climbed to the highest level of the cave, where small waterfalls formed from underground streams, creating a picturesque scene.
After resting, the group began to retrace their steps, crossing rocky valleys and shallow streams. The final leg was a steep climb; everyone was exhausted but remained energized. Upon reaching the finish line, everyone erupted in joy. The group's vehicle was waiting with bottles of cold water. We celebrated together and received badges for completing the challenge of conquering Va Cave.
Returning to my daily life, I still can't forget the emotions the trip left behind. A part of me remains in Va Cave, where I experienced challenging moments but also moments filled with wonder. What I cherish most is the tranquility I found throughout the trip. No city noise, no social media, just pristine nature and the mysterious sounds of the cave.
Commemorative badges were presented to the "warriors" who completed the journey to conquer Va Cave.
This trip not only helped me understand more about the majestic beauty of nature, but also taught me about inner strength and overcoming my own limitations. Despite the fatigue, I feel proud to have completed a journey I never thought I could. And I know this is just the beginning – I will continue to explore many new lands and embark on more exciting adventures in the future.
