Without doubt, Nguom Ngao Cave is a must-see natural wonder in the northern province of Cao Bang. It is considered as one of the most beautiful caves in northeast of Vietnam. The numerous formations found inside makes it unique compared to other caves in the country. Nature is clever to create amazing rock formations within of which some look like human bodies, some look like forest plant, mythical animals, a fairy combining her hair or a lotus bulb.

Nguom Ngao literally means “tiger’s cave” in the language of the local Tay ethnic minority. Legend has it that in the past there were many dangerous tigers living in this cave. Some people say that the name of the cave originates from the fact that the sound of a running stream in the cave sounds like the roar of a tiger.

The main entrance to the cave is 2km from Ban Gioc waterfall, just off the road to Cao Bang. The wonderful beauty of Nguom Ngao spreads throughout the cavern. A British study in 1995 found the grotto to be 2,144m long, reaching heights of up to 60m, with three main entrances known as Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom and Ban Thuon.

At its main entrance you can feel the fresh, cool air from the natural filtering inside. The cave was formed due to the weathering process of limestone mountains by wind and water over many years. As a result, numerous sparkling multi-colored stalactites hang from the high stone walls throughout the cave system, adding greatly to the cave’s charm. One of the most impressive stalactite clusters is one that forms an upside-down lotus chandelier, featuring fairies with flowing long hair on the corners. Stalagmites appear to grow from the ground, but in fact are fed by dripping stalactites that vertical or horizontal.

The cave is divided into different sections, such as the “four highest-ranking court officials” section with stone pillars looking like they are propping up heaven. The central section has a large space and the treasure section has stalactites that sparkle in gold and silver colors. According to scientific research, Nguom Ngao is a karst cave formed nearly 300 million years ago.

The colors of the stalactites and stalagmites in Nguom Ngao Cave are quite different from those of other caves because the calcium in the stone has many impurities. The most outstanding features of the cave are stalactites and stalagmites in the shapes of a ship, a golden waterfall, a silver waterfall, an upturned lotus-shaped pedestal and a lonely stone pillar. The main cave is enormous, in which a full tour would take around 2 hours. One branch reaches almost all the way to the waterfalls, where there is a 'secret' entrance. Nguom Ngao is truly a masterpiece, an invaluable gift that nature has given to the local people.