Chay River – Dark Cave: A Playground for Nature Lovers

Location of Chay River – Dark Cave: A Perfect Destination for Adventure Enthusiasts

Chay River – Dark Cave is located in Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, in the central region of Vietnam. It is about 50 km from Dong Hoi City and approximately 20 km from Phong Nha Town. The area is home to the emerald-green Chay River, which flows through a picturesque valley. Lush forests and majestic limestone cliffs on both sides of the river create an ideal setting for adventure lovers.

A special highlight of this location is Dark Cave, situated on the opposite bank of the river. Here, visitors can explore its fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations and enjoy a natural mud bath inside the cave.

Chay river flows through a limestone mountain valley with crystal-clear water

Additionally, its proximity to other famous attractions, such as Hava Valley (17 m), Mooc Spring (2.8 km), Paradise Cave (6.5 km), and Phong Nha Cave (27 km), makes Chay River - Dark Cave a must-visit destination for nature exploration enthusiasts.

How to Get to Chay River – Dark Cave

- From Dong Hoi City:

• From Dong Hoi Airport, you can travel by car, taxi, or motorbike (about 50 km) via the Ho Chi Minh East Branch (QL16).
• At Km 0 of the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road (Km 0 at Khe Gat intersection), turn left onto the Ho Chi Minh West Branch (QL15) and continue for another 15 km to reach Chay River – Dark Cave.

- From Phong Nha Town:

• From Phong Nha Town, you can rent a motorbike or car and travel along DT20 for about 6km.
• Turn left onto the Ho Chi Minh East Branch (QL16) and continue for 10 km to reach Km 0 of the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road (Km 0 at Khe Gat intersection).
• Turn left onto the Ho Chi Minh West Branch (QL15) and drive another 15 km to Chày River – Dark Cave.

Additionally, guests staying at Chay Lap Farmstay can cycle to Chay River – Dark Cave (approximately 3 km) and explore nearby attractions such as Chay Village, Tram Me Village, and the Chay Lap suspension bridge.

Best Time to Visit Chay River – Dark Cave

The ideal time to visit Chay River - Dark Cave is from March to July when the weather is dry and warm, perfect for outdoor exploration. The peak season, from April to July, offers the most vibrant natural scenery, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the fresh air and the pristine beauty of the area.

From September to November, it is the rainy season, so travelers should check the weather forecast to ensure a pleasant trip.

From December to February, Quang Binh experiences colder temperatures, averaging from 18 to 22°C. Visitors should wear warm clothes when traveling during this time.

3 Exciting Activities at Chay River – Dark Cave

1. Thrill-seeking zipline adventure to Dark Cave

One of the most memorable experiences here is a 400–meter zipline that takes visitors across the Chay River to get closer to the entrance of Dark Cave. Feel the thrill of launching from the starting platform, the wind rushing past your face, and your feet suspended in mid-air. From above, visitors can take in the vast expanse of primeval forest, the smooth limestone cliffs covered by a lush green carpet of trees.

In just a few seconds, the beauty of the blue sky, white clouds, and overlapping mountains is all captured in your eyes and shining brightly under the sunlight. This zipline trip not only creates a feeling of exhilarating flight but also offers a great way to admire the majestic natural scenery of Quang Binh.

The 400-meter-long zipline at the Chay River - Dark Cave will launch visitors soaring across the river to reach the entrance of the Dark Cave

2. Exploring Dark Cave – Where the Soul Shines in the Darkness

After soaring on the zipline across the crystal-clear Chay River, visitors will continue their challenging journey by swimming across the river to approach the cave entrance. The cool water embraces the body, creating a feeling of refreshment and excitement for the upcoming exploration.

The cave entrance looms ahead, standing majestically amidst the towering limestone cliffs, covered in a mysterious mossy green. As visitors step onto the wooden walkway leading into the cave, they will feel a distinct change in the environment, where the sunlight gradually fades to give way to endless darkness.

Deeper into the cave, the space becomes unusually quiet, with only the sound of water droplets from the cave ceiling and footsteps echoing off the rock walls. The journey continues with a section crossing an underground river, where visitors must wade through the cool water, feeling the underground current flowing beneath their feet. Stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years with unique shapes appear under the light of headlamps, creating a mesmerizing scene.

After crossing the wooden walkway leading into the cave, the adventure in the darkness officially begins

To reach the mineral mud pool, visitors must pass through a narrow cave section formed by rock walls which is just enough space for one person to walk through. The rock surface is smooth from water erosion over millions of years, making each step more cautious.

The final destination of the journey is the natural mineral mud pool, located deep within the cave. Here, the smooth and mineral-rich mud helps the body fully relax. Not only is it a natural therapy that makes the skin become smoother, but bathing in the mud in the pristine, tranquil space of the cave also brings a completely different feeling as if you are immersing yourself in the most primal elements of nature.

3. Conquer Exciting Water Activities

- Kayaking on the Chay River: Kayaking on the Chay River is an ideal experience for those who want to explore nature more actively and intimately. Each gentle paddle propels the boat through the winding sections of the river, allowing visitors to hear the birds singing, the sound of water lapping against the boat, and feel the tranquility of the space. With its wide riverbed, the kayaking area extends through calm stretches of water, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Especially during peak season, the area also hosts exciting kayak races, creating a lively and exhilarating atmosphere for participating visitors.

Visitors paddle kayaks on the cool and crystal-clear water

- The short zipline drops into the river: If the high-altitude zipline has thrilled you, then the zipline that plunges straight into the cool water is just as exciting! This short zipline takes you flying out over the river before dropping freely into the refreshing Chay River. This is the perfect challenge for those who love thrills and want to try a "bridge jump" from mid-air.

- Cycling on the river: Unlike cycling on land, this special vehicle is designed with a system of floats and water-pedaling wheels, allowing riders to move on the river surface without worrying about sinking. Visitors can cycle on the water, enjoy the cool breeze, and admire the blue sky, clear water, and the bustling scenery around them.

- Challenge yourself with floating obstacle courses: If tourists are looking for a challenging physical activity, they can join the water obstacle course. Participants need to balance on floating platforms, climb over wooden bars, and jump over obstacles to avoid falling into the water. This is an exciting game that strengthens the bond among group members and creates plenty of laughter.

The river obstacle course game adds a lively and energetic atmosphere for groups of young travelers

Ticket prices and operating hours of Chay River – Dark Cave

Chay River - Dark Cave operates daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Chay River - Dark Cave offers three ticket options, depending on the number of activities and services included:

1. Entrance Ticket Prices

- Adults (Height from 1.3m, weight from 40-90kg): 450,000 VND/person.

- Children (Height from 1.1m - 1.3m): 150,000 VND/person.

- Includes: Zipline into Dark Cave, cave exploration, mud bath, kayaking, short zipline, wooden bridge, water sports, and safety equipment. Children are not allowed to participate in adventure activities such as ziplining. Parents must accompany their children in kayaking.

Visitors are required to wear two-piece bikinis or tight-fitting swimwear when bathing in the mud to avoid harming the natural environment

2. Limit-access ticket (no cave access)

- Adults (Height from 1.3m, weight from 40-90kg): 250,000 VND/person.

- Children (Height from 1.1m - 1.3m): 110,000 VND/person.

- Includes: Ziplining across Dark Cave (does not include cave exploration and mud bath), kayaking, short zipline, wooden bridge, water sports, and safety equipment.

3. River-only ticket

- Adults (Height from 1.3m, weight from 40-90kg): 150,000 VND/person.

- Children (Height from 1.1m - 1.3m): 110,000 VND/person.

Important tips when visiting Chay River – Dark Cave

When exploring Chay River and Dark Cave, safety is the top priority. During activities such as ziplining, kayaking, or floating obstacle courses, visitors should always wear helmets and life jackets to ensure safety. Besides that, when trekking to explore the caves, visitors should drink enough water and rest properly to maintain health.

Furthermore, visitors should respect nature, keep the environment clean, avoid littering, and stick to designated paths. This not only protects the natural beauty but also helps preserve the local ecosystem, ensuring a sustainable tourism experience for everyone.

Suggested essentials for visitors:

- Comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying clothing.

- Sports shoes or water shoes.

- For those wishing to enjoy a mud bath, it's recommended to bring a two-piece bikini (for women) or tight-fitting swim trunks (for men).

- Sunscreen and insect repellent to protect the skin from sunlight and insects.

- A waterproof bag to protect electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and camcorders is essential.

Services and amenities at Chay River – Dark Cave

Chay River – Dark Cave offers visitors a comfortable and fully equipped experience. At the entrance, visitors will find ticket counters, information desks, and a team of guides ready to provide detailed information about activities and safety guidelines.

This area is also equipped with facilities, such as changing rooms, restrooms, and lockers, making it easy for visitors to store belongings before participating in water sports or exploring the cave. To ensure visitor safety, protective equipment such as life jackets, helmets, and harnesses are always available for activities like ziplining and kayaking. Professional staff and rescue teams are on hand to assist and protect visitors throughout their journey.

Some must-try specialties at Chay River – Dark Cave restaurant

After a challenging day exploring Chay River – Dark Cave, visitors can enjoy the famous local specialties of Quang Binh. Here are some must-try dishes:

- Grilled chicken with cheo salt (Gà nướng muối cheo): Delicious grilled chicken cooked over charcoal, combined with the distinctive "cheo" salt of the Quang Binh people. It offers a rich and sweet flavor in every fiber of the meat.

- Stream fish (Cá suối): Fresh stream fish, caught directly from the Chay River, grilled or fried until crispy, creating a crispy skin and tender, sweet fish meat.

- Quang Binh Pancake (Bánh xèo Quảng Bình): A distinctive version of the Central Vietnamese pancake, with a golden, crispy crust, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh raw vegetables and a flavorful dipping sauce.

After an action-packed day, visitors can relax and enjoy local specialties

As the sunset signals the end of a day at Chay River – Dark Cave, you will realize that you have not just traveled, but truly experienced nature in its fullest form. From the thrilling zipline, the tranquility of the caves, and the laughter echoing during the mud bath, to the excitement while kayaking, these moments will create unforgettable experiences. This is where stories are made!

Plan your adventure today, prepare for an unforgettable journey, and let nature here captivate your soul in its unique way!