Chay River – Dark Cave (Song Chay – Hang Toi) is a prominent ecotourism destination in Quang Binh, attracting visitors with its pristine beauty and challenging experiences.
Visitors to Chay River – Dark Cave often enjoy adventurous activities such as ziplining from a high point down to the refreshing Chay River. They can also explore Dark Cave, a pristine cave with a diverse system of stalactites. Here, experiencing natural mud baths inside the cave is a unique activity that helps with relaxation and health improvement.
Join phongnhainfo.com to discover interesting activities and useful travel tips when visiting this place in this article.
Overview of Chay River – Dark Cave
Chay River – Dark Cave is an ecotourism destination offering water sports activities, located within the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park World Heritage Site.
Location and directions
Chay River – Dark Cave is located in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, about 60 km northwest of Dong Hoi City. To get here, visitors travel along the Ho Chi Minh East Branch (QL16) for over 50 km to the Km0 Khe Gat intersection, then turn left onto the Ho Chi Minh West Branch (QL15) and continue for about 10 km more.
Chay River
Chay River, a tributary of the Son River, originates from Chay Waterfall – where the sound of the waterfall resembles the pounding of rice mortars (“chay” in Vietnamese refers to the mortar). The river, though only about 10 km long, boasts magnificent beauty and unique biological value. The river’s water has a mysterious jade green color, flowing through undulating rocky rapids, ancient limestone mountains, and lush cornfields along both banks, creating a poetic natural picture. In some places, the Chay River is up to 20 meters deep, with a riverbed composed of limestone sediments accumulated over millions of years.
Dark Cave
Dark Cave was surveyed by the British Royal Expedition in 1990. The cave has an entrance 20 meters wide, 40 meters high, with a length of 5,258 meters and a height of up to 80 meters. This cave features both water and dry sections. The name “Dark Cave” originates from the British explorers’ perception of the cave’s unique darkness. The cave remains pristine with thousands of stalactites in various shapes. Due to the high humidity from the nearby Chay River, the stalactites here are covered in lush green moss.
Jade green hue
The strange jade green color of the Chay River is explained by the dissolution of calcium from limestone mountains or the presence of a special type of algae that thrives in limestone-rich environments. All of this creates a unique charm, making Chay River – Dark Cave an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers.
Best time to visit Chay River – Dark Cave
Phong Nha – Ke Bang has four distinct seasons:
- Spring (March to May): The weather gradually warms up during this period. The average high temperature ranges from 24°C to 32°C, while the average low is between 19°C and 26°C. Some days may become chilly due to cold air masses moving in.
- Summer (June to August): The weather is hot and humid, with some days reaching the highest temperatures of the year, especially in June. The average high ranges from 30°C to 33°C, while the average low is between 25°C and 26°C.
- Autumn (September to November): This period sees frequent storms, often bringing heavy rain and prolonged flooding for several days. Daily temperatures are similar to those in spring, but rainfall and the number of rainy days increase significantly. September has the most rainy days in the year, averaging 18 days.
- Winter (December to February): The weather turns colder, with significantly reduced rainfall. The average high temperature ranges from 22°C to 24°C, while the average low is between 18°C and 20°C. January is typically the coldest month of the year.
So when is the best time to visit Chay River – Dark Cave?
The best time to visit Chay River – Dark Cave is during spring (March to May) and early summer (June) when the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for activities such as kayaking, ziplining, and swimming.
It is best to avoid autumn (September to November) due to frequent storms and heavy rains that may cause flooding, impacting safety and overall experience. While winter has less rain, the colder temperatures are not suitable for outdoor activities like swimming or cave exploration.
Where to stay near Chay River – Dark Cave
In the area surrounding Chay River – Dark Cave, visitors can easily find numerous hotels and homestays in Phong Nha Town, which is just a short distance away. As a popular tourist hub, Phong Nha offers a wide range of accommodations, catering to various budgets and preferences, from high-end retreats to more affordable options.
One excellent recommendation is Chay Lap Farmstay, located just over 3 km from Chay River – Dark Cave along QL15. This farmstay is well known for its peaceful atmosphere, blending harmoniously with nature. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields, it is an ideal retreat for fresh air and relaxation. The accommodations are designed in a rustic yet comfortable style, ensuring a cozy and well-equipped stay.
Another great option is Commander Lodge (formerly known as Son Doong Bungalow), situated in the center of Phong Nha town. This hotel boasts breathtaking views of the mountains and the picturesque Son River. Combining modern comforts with a natural, rustic touch, its rooms offer an elegant yet cozy experience, complemented by professional services that meet all traveler needs.
Things to do at Chay River – Dark Cave
Chay River – Dark Cave is not only renowned for its pristine natural beauty and history but also for its thrilling activities. So, what are some exciting experiences that await at Chay River – Dark Cave?
Ziplining across the river
The zipline adventure across the river is often the first activity visitors experience and is a signature attraction at Chay River – Dark Cave. The zipline is 400 meters long, taking guests from one riverbank to the entrance of Dark Cave. It was once recognized as the longest double-cable zipline in Vietnam. As you glide over the water, surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, the experience is exhilarating and unforgettable.
Exploring Dark Cave and mud bathing
Dark Cave remains in its pristine, natural state. Without artificial lighting, the cave exudes a mysterious and magical aura. Equipped with headlamps and specialized helmets, visitors can step into the role of an explorer, navigating underground rivers and admiring the cave’s sparkling stalactites. A unique highlight is the natural mud bath inside the cave, formed by mineral-rich mud during the rainy season. This experience is not only fun but also deeply relaxing, helping to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Swimming and kayaking on the Chay River
Unlike the more adventurous activities, swimming and kayaking on the Chay River offer a relaxing yet exciting way to enjoy the scenery. The kayaks here are typically inflatable two-person models, with life jackets provided for safety. After exploring Dark Cave, visitors can hop onto a kayak and paddle through the emerald-green waters of Chay River. Imagine immersing yourself in the cool river, breathing in the fresh air, and being surrounded by breathtaking nature—it’s a truly refreshing experience.
Exploring the wooden walkways and water games
The area around Chay River – Dark Cave features elevated wooden walkways, resembling small bridges that connect different sections of the attraction. Visitors can stroll along these paths, taking photos with a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs and the tranquil river. Additionally, the site offers exciting water games, including a short zipline drop into the river, rope-climbing challenges, and inflatable water playgrounds, providing fun and thrilling moments for all ages.
What to eat at Chay River – Dark Cave
Chay River – Dark Cave offers dining services for visitors who book in advance, featuring local specialties in Quang Binh. So, after hours of exciting activities, what are the must-try dishes here?
One of the highlights is the assorted platter, which includes a variety of rustic yet delicious dishes. Some standout dishes are grilled stream fish wrapped in banana leaves, grilled chicken, grilled pork belly, grilled ribs, sticky rice balls with sesame salt, boiled vegetables, salad, and omelet. These dishes are not only nutritious but also rich in the authentic flavors of the countryside. After a day of swimming and adventure, nothing beats indulging in these flavorful dishes to recharge your energy.
Note: Visitors may not be allowed to bring outside food and beverages.
Ticket prices for Chay River – Dark Cave
There are three different ticket options at Chay River – Dark Cave, depending on the number of activities and services included:
Full-access ticket
- Adults (Height from 1.3m, weight from 40-90kg): 450,000 VND/person
- Children (Height from 1.1m to 1.3m): 150,000 VND/person
Includes: Zipline to Dark Cave, cave exploration, mud bath, kayaking, zipline across the river, wooden walkways, water sports, and safety equipment (Children are not allowed to participate in extreme activities).
Limit-access ticket (no cave access)
- Adults (Height from 1.3m, weight from 40-90kg): 250,000 VND/person
- Children (Height from 1.1m to 1.3m): 110,000 VND/person
Includes: Zipline to Dark Cave (cave exploration and mud bath not included), kayaking, zipline across the river, wooden walkways, water sports, and safety equipment (Children are not allowed to participate in extreme activities).
River-only ticket
- Adults (Height from 1.3m, weight from 40-90kg): 150,000 VND/person
- Children (Height from 1.1m to 1.3m): 110,000 VND/person
Includes: Kayaking, zipline across the river, wooden walkways, water sports, and safety equipment.
Chay River – Dark Cave is a fantastic ecotourism destination for adventure lovers. With exciting activities and breathtaking natural scenery, this is undoubtedly an ideal place to fully experience the beauty of Quang Binh.
