1. Overview of the Tiger Cave system in Quang Binh
Where is Tiger Cave located? The Tiger Cave system lies deep within the primeval forests of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, in Bo Trach and Minh Hoa districts of Quang Tri province (formerly Quang Binh province).
Discovered in 1997 by the British Caving Research Association with local support, the Tiger Cave system features three large interconnected caves: Dai A Cave, Over Cave, and Pygmy Cave - the fourth largest cave in the world.
Originally connected, these caves were separated over time due to geological changes, creating the Kong Collapse sinkhole and three distinct cave areas. Some sections are so large they contain entire forests with clouds floating inside. Since 2019, Jungle Boss Co., Ltd. has offered exclusive tours, allowing adventurers to explore this extraordinary underground world.
>>> Discover famous caves in Vietnam and embark on thrilling adventures!
2. What to explore on your Tiger Cave system adventure?
2.1. Dai A Cave
Your Tiger Cave system adventure begins with Dai A Cave, the gateway to this underground world. It has a length of 1,616 meters and a depth of 46 meters. Here, you will be amazed by three grand entrances framed by towering ancient trees. Inside, enormous rock formations guide you towards a hidden underground lake. To reach the back of the cave, you will need to swim across a 25-meter stream, fully equipped with life jackets, helmets, and lights for safety.
2.2. Over Cave
Next is Over Cave, located just 100 meters away from Dai A Cave. With a length of 3,244 meters and a height of 25 meters, this cave mesmerizes you with its giant stalactites, dry limestone wells, and sparkling pearls of various shapes and sizes. At its entrance lies a muddy pond teeming with tiny microorganisms.
Deeper inside, you will encounter spectacular flowstone formations and giant dried gours. Adventurous visitors can even reach deep sinkholes, including “Massive Attack”, a giant pit 125 meters deep. Exiting Over Cave, you will be greeted by a mystical scene of soft light filtering through dense jungles.
2.3. Pygmy Cave
The final highlight of the Tiger Cave system is Pygmy Cave, recognized as the fourth largest cave in the world. 845 meters long and 94 meters deep, it is home to thousands of swiftlets. Looking up, you will see long vines hanging from the ceiling, which the locals used to catch birds for food.
Pygmy Cave was once connected to Dai A Cave and Over Cave as part of one giant cave system. Now, they are separated by enormous sinkholes. For the ultimate thrill, you can rappel down steep cliffs around 50 meters high to explore “Giant’s Backbone” - the cave’s iconic stalactite.
2.4. Kong Collapse
Another unmissable wonder within the Tiger Cave system is Kong Collapse, one of the highest sinkholes in the world which plunges an incredible 450 meters deep. This massive natural pit was formed through geological movements over millions of years. Standing at the edge of Kong Collapse, visitors will feel dwarfed by its sheer size and depth, with rays of sunlight piercing through the lush greenery that clings to its vertical walls. For experienced adventurers, this is a thrilling destination for an expedition to witness the underground world at its most majestic.
>>> Don’t miss out on these exciting things to do in Phong Nha!
3. Information about tours to the Tiger Cave system
3.1. Popular tours
There are two main tours available for exploring the Tiger Cave system: a 3-day-2-night tour and a 5-day-4-night tour, both offered by Jungle Boss.
3-day-2-night tour
- Number of participants: Up to 30
- Departure days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- Difficulty level: High
- Age requirement: 15 years and above
- Highlights:
- Camping overnight at the Kong Collapse sinkhole
- Exploring Dai A Cave
- Admiring the magnificent stalactite formations in Over Cave
- Rappelling to conquer the Giant’s Backbone
- Camping inside Pygmy Cave
- Price: 12,500,000 VND/pax
5-day-4-night tour
- Number of participants: Up to 10
- Departure days: Tuesday and Friday
- Difficulty level: Extremely high
- Age requirement: 16 years and above
- Highlights:
- Rappelling down a 100-meter sinkhole
- Swimming to explore Dai A Cave
- Witnessing the spectacular stalactites and pearls in Over Cave
- Camping overnight inside Pygmy Cave
- Price: 35,000,000 VND/pax
*Note: The information in this guide is for reference purposes only and may change over time.
3.2. Included essentials
Due to the challenging terrain and activities like rappelling, rock climbing, and swimming, each expedition requires a large support team, including guides, safety assistants, cooks, and porters. Jungle Boss provides all of these, with local staff who know the routes well and have valuable survival skills to support you both physically and mentally.
Additionally, explorers are provided with essential gear for the tour, including helmets, headlamps, gloves, climbing shoes, life jackets, and travel insurance, as well as transport within Phong Nha and Dong Hoi to ensure a smooth journey.
3.3. Self-prepared essentials
To ensure a comfortable experience while exploring the Tiger Cave system, visitors should prepare the following items:
- Long-sleeved shirts to protect against plants and insects
- Swimwear
- Long socks
- A small backpack
- A bag (optional)
- Hiking shoes
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
>>> Read more: Phong Nha Cave tours: Top-rated options, prices, booking & packing tips
4. FAQs about the Tiger Cave system and its tours
4.1. When to visit?
The best time to explore Tiger Cave in Phong Nha is during the dry season, from April to August. This period offers clear skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for trekking and cave exploration.
4.2. How to get there?
Jungle Boss offers transfers from Dong Hoi and other areas to Phong Nha. You can contact their hotline at 0917 800 805 or 0859 100 222 to arrange transport. Specifically, the Tiger Cave system is about 10 kilometers away from Dong Hoi. The transfer will follow Ho Chi Minh Trail, turn left onto Provincial Road 20, then continue for about 3.5 kilometers to reach the cave system.
4.3. Can I explore the Tiger Cave system on my own?
No, you should not explore it alone. This cave system is hidden deep within the jungles of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Exploring it without a guide is very dangerous due to rough terrain, darkness, and risks like landslides.
4.4. Are the tours suitable for beginners?
No, the Tiger Cave tours are not suitable for beginners. These tours require good physical fitness, trekking experience, and comfort with challenging activities such as caving, abseiling, and hiking through jungles.
4.5. Are meals provided during the tours?
Yes, meals are prepared by Jungle Boss using fresh, flavorful ingredients. The menus may vary by season but typically include:
- Breakfast: Rice noodles, Vietnamese pancakes, and fruits
- Lunch: Spring rolls made of pork, vegetables, cucumber, and peanut salt (vegetarian options: boiled eggs, vegetables, vegetarian spring rolls)
- Dinner: Steamed rice, beef soup with betel leaves, tuna stewed in tomato sauce, braised pork ribs with carrots, fried eggs, chicken, and seasonal boiled vegetables
4.6. What to note while exploring the Tiger Cave system?
To make the most of your journey to the Tiger Cave system, here are some key things to remember:
- Be responsible with protecting the environment
- Avoid any illegal activities
- Stay with your group at all times
- Avoid jumping on rocks or rotten trees
- Walk carefully to prevent injuries
- Respect the local customs and traditions
- Avoid using shampoos or body washes with chemical ingredients
>>> Read more: Phong Nha weather: Essential insights and useful tips for travelers
The Tiger Cave system is a true hidden gem in Vietnam, offering thrilling adventures for experienced explorers. From swimming through underground streams to rappelling down giant sinkholes, each moment unveils the raw beauty of Vietnam’s caves. If you seek an unforgettable journey into untouched nature, Tiger Cave in Phong Nha promises an experience that will challenge and inspire you.
For a memorable Vietnam travel, you can explore other top destinations like Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, each offering its unique charm. For relaxation, consider staying at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which are renowned for luxurious rooms and professional services. During your stay, treat yourself to endless fun at VinWonders, a world-class series of entertainment complexes with roller coasters, water slides, and cultural shows for all ages.
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