What is Puong Cave like?
The setting: Cave, River & Landscape
Puong Cave is located within Ba Be National Park, a protected area in Bac Kan Province known for its lakes, limestone mountains, and tropical forests. The cave sits at the far end of Ba Be Lake, where the Nang River continues its journey by cutting straight through Lung Nham Mountain, forming a natural tunnel through the rock.
As you cruise through the park’s calm waters—past cliffs, stilt houses, and stretches of dense jungle—the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
Eventually, the dark mouth of the cave appears ahead: a wide limestone archway that seems to swallow the river as it disappears into the mountain.
Inside the cave
Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a cavern roughly 300 meters long and over 30 meters high. The ceiling towers overhead, with strange and beautiful stalactites hanging down and stalagmites rising from the riverbanks—some smooth, others jagged, all shaped by centuries of flowing water and mineral deposits. The atmosphere is cool and echoey, with dim light filtering in from each end of the tunnel and occasional drips from above.
At the midpoint, many boat tours stop briefly at a small landing area with a concrete path. From here, you can walk deeper into the cave to explore on foot, where the roof opens up even higher and you can spot additional rock formations and details. Archaeologists have even found ancient pottery here, believed to date back to the Mac and Later Le dynasties, adding another layer of intrigue to the experience.
Bats in the cave
Puong Cave is home to a large colony of bats—tens of thousands, according to some studies. They’re perfectly harmless to visitors, but you’ll often hear their high-pitched chatter or see them fluttering overhead. The smell of guano (bat droppings) can be strong in parts of the cave, especially deeper inside, but it’s manageable and part of what makes the environment so biologically rich. These bats play a valuable role in the local ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and disperse seeds across the surrounding forest.
How to get to Puong Cave
Getting to Ba Be First
Before visiting Puong Cave, you’ll need to make your way to Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan Province, about 230 km north of Hanoi. You can get there by local bus from My Dinh Station, a private car with driver, or by motorbike if you’re up for the ride. For full transport options and tips, check our detailed guide: How to get to Ba Be National Park from Hanoi.
Tip: Visit Puong Cave as part of a full Ba Be tour
Our Ba Be tours include transfers from Hanoi, boat rides to Puong Cave, and other highlights like waterfalls, local villages, and even combo trips to Ban Gioc.
Option 1: Visit by Boat (Most Common)
The easiest and most popular way to visit Puong Cave is by boat. Most Ba Be Lake boat tours include a stop here, often departing from Buoc Lom pier. From there, you’ll cruise along the scenic Nang River, passing cliffs, stilt houses, and forested banks before entering the cave itself. The boat floats directly through the cave from one end to the other, giving you great views of the towering interior and a chance to see the bats overhead. It’s a relaxed and scenic experience that fits perfectly into a standard day trip on Ba Be Lake.
Option 2: Access by Trail (Trekking Tour)
For something more adventurous, you can reach Puong Cave on foot via a trail from Road 279. The path takes you down through forested hills, across a bamboo bridge, and along a riverside track until you reach the cave entrance. It’s a beautiful hike through nature and a great choice for independent travelers or those on a guided trekking tour. This option also gives you more time inside the cave and a quieter experience without boat engines.
Option 3: Boat & Trek Combination
If you want a more complete experience, you can combine both approaches. Some custom or private tours offer a boat ride to the cave followed by on-foot exploration of its interior and surrounding trails. It’s ideal if you have extra time or want to enjoy the peaceful river cruise while still getting to walk deeper into the cave and enjoy the scenery up close.
What to bring & Tips for visiting Puong Cave
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp – useful for spotting bats and viewing cave formations more clearly.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – especially helpful if you plan to explore the cave on foot.
- Don’t be afraid of bats – they stay high above and won’t bother visitors.
- Prepare for the smell – the scent of bat guano can be noticeable in deeper sections.
- Protect your camera – occasional drips from the ceiling can catch you off guard.
- Bring water and sunscreen – especially important for longer boat rides during the dry season.
- Avoid touching formations – to help preserve the natural cave environment for future visitors.
Is Puong Cave worth visiting?
Absolutely. Puong Cave is one of the top highlights of Ba Be National Park. It’s a rare river cave you can actually float through, with towering limestone walls, echoing chambers, and a natural, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The mix of bats, rock formations, and jungle scenery makes it both scenic and memorable. While it’s not an extensive or technically challenging cave, it offers a unique and accessible experience that fits perfectly into any Ba Be Lake visit.
