Nguom Ngao Cave
A cave of several kilometres near Ban Gioc, found by local people and named for the sound of water in it.
Updated 30 August 2026
Nguom Ngao runs for something over two kilometres through the limestone near Ban Gioc, with about a kilometre of it opened on a lit walkway. The name is Tay and is usually translated as tiger cave, from the sound the water makes underground, which locals took for a growl. Inside are the standard karst formations at large scale - columns, curtains, terraced pools - along with some unusual ones, including a formation named the upturned lotus. It was known locally for a long time and opened for visitors in the 1990s. It forms part of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang geopark route.
The landscape
- Over two kilometres of cave - about one opened to visitors.
- A name from the sound of water - taken for a tiger's growl.
- Columns, curtains and terraced pools - at substantial scale.
- Part of the geopark route - between Cao Bang and Ban Gioc.
When to go
September to November and March to May. Two hours.
Practical notes
The lighting is coloured, which some visitors dislike. The path is wet and slippery. It is combined with Ban Gioc by nearly every visitor, so midday is busy. Air inside is humid.
Nearby
Ban Gioc waterfall is minutes away; Khuoi Ky stone village is between them.
What to pack for Nguom Ngao Cave
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Strong insect repellent - DEET or picaridin; the jungle is where bites and disease risk are highest. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
- Long, light, quick-dry clothing - Covers skin from insects and sun without cooking you in the humidity. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
