When referring to Quang Binh - the “kingdom of caves”, almost everyone thinks about the magnificent cave of Son Dong. However, few people are aware that there is also a beautiful cave at the foot of a limestone mountain in Cay Sung hamlet, Ngan Thuy commune, Le Thuy district. Lying near the Phong Nha - Ke Bang world natural heritage, Cha Loi cave was a base of the late General Vo Nguyen Giap and soldiers during the war.
Before reaching the cave, visitors need to cross a trail running through the stilt houses of the Van Kieu ethnic minority. They have to walk through a dry stream lined with hot rocks. When visitors reach the cave, a huge space greets them with imposing stalagmites and stalactites.
Before reaching the cave, visitors need to cross a trail running through the stilt houses of the Van Kieu ethnic minority. They have to walk through a dry stream lined with hot rocks. When visitors reach the cave, a huge space greets them with imposing stalagmites and stalactites.
 The cave is located at the foot of a limestone mountain in Cay Sung hamlet, Ngan Thuy commune, Le Thuy district. Photo: Ly Hoang Long  Visitors are equipped to explore every corner and are able to see stalagmites inside the cave. Photo: Ly Hoang Long  Camping near a stream inside the cave. Photo: Ly Hoang Long 
With a stable temperature of 200C, visitors can swim in the underground river in Cha Loi cave. Photo: Ly Hoang Long
 The cave attracts numerous photographers. Photo: Ly Hoang Long |
Inside the cave, there is an underground river with cool, blue water and small lakes which are inhabited by special species of shrimp and fish. The stalactites which contain a lot of silicon look sparkling and beautiful when visitors shine flashlights on them.
Coi Hamlet which is outside Cha Loi cave has vast grasslands. Camping overnight here, visitors can breathe fresh air, explore unique cultural identities and enjoy the local specialties of the Van Kieu ethnic minority.
By Ly Hoang Long
