Dark Cave, also known as Hang Toi, is one of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s most thrilling attractions, offering a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Known for its unique mud cave experience, ziplining, and underground river swimming, Dark Cave is a playground for adrenaline seekers. Unlike the other more serene caves in the park, Dark Cave invites visitors to dive into a muddy, wet, and unforgettable adventure.
- Dark Cave Tour
- Highlights of Dark Cave
- Visiting information
- How to get there
- What to bring
- Tips for visiting
- More adventurous caves
The Dark Cave Tour in Phong Nha
Dark Cave, also known as Hang Toi, offers a thrilling and adventurous experience unlike any other cave in Phong Nha National Park. What sets this cave apart is its transformation into an adventure-filled playground for visitors. From ziplining across the Chay River to wading through mud-filled passages, swimming in underground rivers, and kayaking, the tour is full of activities that engage visitors in a hands-on exploration of nature. The combination of these interactive elements and the cave’s natural beauty makes the Dark Cave a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
Highlights of Dark Cave
1. Zipline to the entrance
The adventure begins with an exhilarating zipline ride. From a tall tower, you’ll zipline 400 meters over the Chay River, the longest zipline in Vietnam, straight to the entrance of Dark Cave. The breathtaking ride across the river offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle and water below, giving you an unforgettable start to the tour.
2. Crawling in the mud
Once inside the cave, you’ll turn on your helmet light and begin walking barefoot through the narrow passages. The further you go, the narrower and muddier it gets. Eventually, the path disappears, leaving only deep, mud-filled footprints from those who went before you. If you’re claustrophobic, this part of the tour may be challenging, as it involves navigating tight, muddy spaces.
3. Bathing in the mud
At the heart of Dark Cave is a giant mud pool, resembling a bath of thick chocolate. Here, you’ll experience the unique sensation of floating in the mud. Thanks to the density of the mud, you can’t sink and will float effortlessly, much like in the Dead Sea. This mud bath is a highlight of the tour and provides a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Swimming in an underground river
After your mud bath, the fun continues with a small mudslide that ends in the cave’s underground river. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the cave to wash off the mud. As you swim through the dark, quiet river, you’ll have the chance to explore this eerie yet peaceful part of the cave.
5. Kayaking over the river
After exiting the cave, kayaks are available for the return journey across the river. Paddle your way back, passing the scenic views of the Chay River that you earlier crossed by zipline. It’s a peaceful way to finish off the adventurous part of the tour.
6. Ziplining fun
For those who can’t get enough of the zipline, there’s also a fun obstacle course above the Chay River. This adventure course features ropes, nets, and small ziplines over the water, perfect for cooling off while you enjoy the green-blue waters of the river. On warm days, it’s a great way to extend your stay and relax in the cool waters after the cave tour.
Visiting the Dark Cave
Location
Dark Cave is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, in the central region of Vietnam. Dark Cave is about 25 kilometers from Son Trach Town, which is the main hub for visitors to Phong Nha National Park. The journey from Son Trach to Dark Cave takes around 45 minutes by road.
Entrance Fee
There are two different packages available for visitors:
Full Access Package
Cost: 450,000 VND (approximately $19 USD) for adults and 150,000 VND (approximately $6 USD) for children (1m-1.3m tall). This package includes:
- Guided tour
- Zipline
- Kayak/boat ride
- Caving gear: helmets, headlamps, life jackets
- Insurance
Limited Access Package
Cost: 250,000 VND (approximately $11 USD). This package includes:
- Zipline
- Kayak/boat ride
- Insurance
Opening Times
The Dark Cave is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Keep in mind that the full tour takes around 2 hours, so if you arrive late in the afternoon, you may not have enough time to complete the full tour. It’s best to plan your visit for the morning or early afternoon.
How to get there
1. Getting to Son Trach Town
Son Trach Town serves as the gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and is the main base for exploring Dark Cave and other nearby attractions. Here are the main ways to reach Son Trach:
- Direct Buses: There are direct bus routes to Son Trach from cities like Hue and Ninh Binh. These buses are a convenient option for travelers heading straight to Phong Nha without needing to stop in Dong Hoi.
- Via Dong Hoi: If you’re traveling from other parts of Vietnam, you will first need to reach Dong Hoi, the nearest major city to Phong Nha National Park.
- Flights: Dong Hoi has a domestic airport with flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This is the quickest way to reach the area.
- Train: Dong Hoi is connected to the Reunification Express railway, with regular trains running between major cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang.
- Buses: Many long-distance buses traveling along the Hanoi-Da Nang route stop in Dong Hoi, making it easy to reach the area by bus.
From Dong Hoi, you can take a local bus or arrange a private car or taxi to reach Son Trach. The journey from Dong Hoi to Son Trach takes about 45 minutes.
2. Getting to Dark Cave from Son Trach Town
Once you’ve arrived in Son Trach Town, there are several ways to reach Dark Cave:
By Tour
The easiest and most convenient way to visit Dark Cave is to book a tour. Many tours combine Dark Cave with other popular attractions like Paradise Cave or Phong Nha Cave. These tours usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and often lunch. Group tours are affordable and ideal if you don’t want to drive yourself.
Check our Phong Nha Tours here, including tours to the Dark Cave.
Driving a Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a popular and budget-friendly way to explore Phong Nha. The roads are relatively quiet, and the drive to Dark Cave offers beautiful views of the national park. Motorbike rentals typically cost between 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day. Be sure to check out our guide on renting a motorbike in Phong Nha for more details.
Car with Driver
If you prefer more comfort, hiring a car with a driver is a great option. Unlike taxis, a car with a driver will wait for you at the cave and can take you to other attractions in the park after your visit. This option is perfect if you plan on visiting multiple sights in a single day.
What to bring
To fully enjoy your Dark Cave adventure, here’s a list of essential items to bring:
Cash: Be sure to bring cash to pay for the entrance fees, zipline, and any food or drinks you might want to buy at the restaurant on-site. ATMs are not readily available at the cave, so it’s best to come prepared.
Swimming Gear: Since you’ll be swimming in the underground river and kayaking, it’s essential to wear or bring swimwear. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the water during the tour.
Clean Clothes and a Towel: After your mud-filled adventure, you’ll appreciate having clean clothes to change into. There are showers at the site, so bringing a towel is a good idea to dry off after rinsing the mud off.
Water Shoes: It’s best to wear water shoes or shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. Regular shoes may get heavy and uncomfortable when full of mud, and flip-flops won’t work at all.
Tips for visiting Dark Cave
Use the lockers
Lockers are available on-site to store your valuables safely while you’re on the tour. It’s highly recommended to use them, as you’ll be getting muddy and wet during your adventure, and you don’t want to carry anything valuable into the cave.
Rinse off your gear after the tour
The mud in Dark Cave can get into every corner of your clothes and gear. It’s a good idea to rinse your belongings as soon as possible to prevent the mud from drying and becoming harder to clean.
Take advantage of the showers
After the mud bath and underground swim, you’ll want to clean up before heading back. Showers are available at the site, so make sure to bring clean clothes and a towel to freshen up before leaving.
Grab lunch at the restaurant
There’s a restaurant on-site, so you can enjoy a meal either before or after your tour. The restaurant offers local dishes, perfect for refueling after your adventurous experience.
Pro Tip: Try the Abandoned Valley Jungle Trek Tour
For those wanting even more adventure, consider the Abandoned Valley Jungle Trek Tour. This day-long trek takes you through jungle paths, rivers, and valleys, with a visit to Dark Cave and the Hang E Cave.
Combine with other sights
Dark Cave is located along the main road that loops through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, making it easy to combine your visit with other attractions in the area. Here are a few nearby sights worth visiting:
- Botanical Gardens: Located within the park, the Botanical Gardens offer beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s a peaceful spot to explore before or after your visit to Dark Cave.
- Paradise Cave: Known as one of the most impressive dry caves in Phong Nha, Paradise Cave is a must-see. With its massive chambers and stunning formations, this cave offers a completely different experience from Dark Cave.
- Phong Nha Cave: Another iconic wet cave in the park, Phong Nha Cave is accessible by boat and offers beautiful views of the underground river and limestone formations. Combining this with Dark Cave gives you a full day of contrasting cave experiences.
- Mooc Stream: A perfect place to cool off on hot days, Mooc Stream offers a series of natural pools and streams set against the backdrop of the jungle. You can relax, swim, or kayak in the clear blue waters after your adventure at Dark Cave.
Even more adventurous caves
If you’re seeking more extreme adventure, here are some of the most thrilling caves to explore in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park:
- Hang En Cave: The world’s third-largest cave, requiring a two-day jungle trek and overnight camping inside.
- Tiger Cave: An intense cave expedition that includes jungle trekking, climbing, and exploring remote areas of the park.
- Tu Lan Cave System: A multi-day adventure involving swimming through underground rivers and challenging jungle treks.
- Hang Pygmy: The fourth-largest cave in the world, offering a rewarding expedition through stunning rock formations.
These caves provide unparalleled adventure for those ready to push their limits. Check out our guide to the best caves in Phong Nha for more details on these epic experiences.
