Puông Cave, a mesmerizing masterpiece of nature, was formed as the Năng River flows through the heart of the Lung Nham limestone mountain. According to local legend:
“Long ago, the Năng River, originating from Phja En, surged powerfully downstream. Upon reaching the village of Vài, it was blocked by the mighty Puông Mountain, causing flooding that devastated the villages. The Jade Emperor sent Tài Ngào, a giant, to carve through the mountain and release the trapped waters, saving the people. This act created Puông Cave, while the rocks Tài Ngào threw behind him became what we know today as Đầu Đẳng Waterfall.”
From Buốc Lốm Boat Wharf at the gateway of Ba Bể National Park, visitors can sail along the tranquil Năng River for about 1 kilometer to reach Puông Cave. The journey itself is enchanting, with the serene river surrounded by lush scenery. Approaching the cave, travelers are welcomed by the majestic sight of towering cliffs adorned with diverse stalactites of various shapes and colors.
A Gateway to Mystery and Adventure
Puông Cave stretches 300 meters in length, with ceilings soaring 30 to 40 meters high and an average width of 30 meters. It resembles a grand gateway leading into an otherworldly realm. Drifting gently along the Năng River before entering the cave, visitors can soak in the pristine natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Inside the cave, the stunning stalactites take on fascinating forms, casting shimmering reflections on the calm water. The deeper one ventures, the dim and mystical lighting creates an almost magical atmosphere. Adding to the allure, Puông Cave is home to 23 species of bats, numbering in the tens of thousands. The fluttering sound of their wings and their playful movements overhead bring the cave to life, creating an unforgettable experience for explorers.
A Natural Masterpiece Untouched by Time
Puông Cave has been compared to the gaping jaws of a colossal shark, swallowing passing boats whole. Despite its growing popularity among visitors to Ba Bể National Park, the cave retains its untamed beauty and enigmatic charm. Every rock formation and stalactite within the cave is a unique natural sculpture, captivating all who step foot inside.
Visitors who explore Puông Cave are not only treated to an adventurous journey but also an intimate connection with nature’s artistry. This hidden treasure of Ba Bể offers an awe-inspiring experience, blending the mystical, the serene, and the majestic into a single, unforgettable destination.
FAQs about Puong Cave
1. Where is Puong Cave located?
Puong Cave is located in Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan Province, northern Vietnam. It lies along the Năng River, just 1 km from Buoc Lom Boat Wharf.
2. How long is Puong Cave?
Puong Cave stretches about 300 meters in length, with ceilings reaching 30–40 meters high and an average width of 30 meters.
3. How do you get to Puong Cave?
Visitors can take a boat trip from Buoc Lom Wharf along the Năng River for about 1 km to reach the entrance of Puong Cave.
4. What makes Puong Cave unique?
The cave is famous for its towering limestone formations, colorful stalactites, mystical river passage, and a large colony of bats.
5. Is Puong Cave connected to any legends?
Yes. Local legend says the giant Tài Ngào carved the cave to release floodwaters, saving villagers, and created Đầu Đẳng Waterfall.
6. What wildlife lives in Puong Cave?
Puong Cave is home to 23 bat species with tens of thousands of bats, making it one of the most ecologically rich caves in Ba Be.
7. When is the best time to visit Puong Cave?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (October–April), when the Năng River is calm and boat access is easiest.
8. Can boats go inside Puong Cave?
Yes. Small wooden boats and kayaks can drift through the cave, giving visitors a chance to admire its stalactites and bat colonies.
9. How long does a visit to Puong Cave take?
A visit usually takes 30–45 minutes by boat, often combined with other Ba Be attractions like Dau Dang Waterfall and Ba Be Lake.
10. Is Puong Cave suitable for all visitors?
Yes. Since access is by boat, visitors of all ages can enjoy the cave without strenuous trekking or climbing.
