Hang Thẳm Phầy – A Mystical Beauty In The Ba Bể Mountains And Forests.

When mentioning Ba Bể tourism, many people often think of Ba Bể Lake, Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, or Hua Ma Cave. However, for those who love exploring caves and untouched destinations, Tham Phay Cave is a name worth noting. This place is likened to the “Son Doong” of Ba Bể due to its location deep in the mountains, the difficult access road, and the cave's interior, which features an underground river system, stunning stalactites, and magical stone formations. Tham Phay Cave was first discovered in 2016 by a group of Vietnamese cave explorers along with representatives from the British Royal Caving Association.

Unlike popular tourist spots, Tham Phay Cave still retains its pristine, mysterious beauty and a somewhat enchanting atmosphere. This destination is suitable for adventurous tourists who enjoy thrilling experiences, have good health, and wish to explore another aspect of the Ba Bể mountain region.

1. Address of Tham Phay Cave

Tham Phay Cave is located in the Ba Bể district, in the old Bac Kan province, within the ecological tourism space of Ba Bể Lake. The cave is quite deep in the mountains, and the road to the cave entrance is not as easy as the familiar tourist spots around the lake.

In the Tay language, “Tham Phay” means “Fire.” This name is associated with the cave's unique formation characteristics: it was created by volcanic eruptions, limestone mountain formations, and the long-term erosion of the underground river flowing through it. Over millions of years, mineral-rich water dripping has created a fascinating system of stalactites and stone formations within the cave.

2. Getting to Tham Phay Cave

To reach Tham Phay Cave, tourists usually need to travel to the Ba Bể area first, then continue along the routes of villages, mountain roads, or forests to approach the cave entrance. Since the cave is deep in the mountains and the access road is quite difficult, this journey is not suitable for spontaneous sightseeing or solo travelers.

Tourists should go with locals, local guides, or experienced tour operators. This not only ensures safety when navigating through mountain roads, streams, and slippery rocks but also helps you gain a better understanding of the terrain, stories, and natural values of the cave.

If starting from Hanoi, you can travel to Ba Bể by personal car, passenger bus, or tourist vehicle. After arriving in the Ba Bể Lake area, it is advisable to stay at familiar villages/homestays like Pac Ngoi, Bo Lu, or Coc Toc and then arrange a schedule to explore Tham Phay Cave according to local guidance.

3. Characteristics of Tham Phay Cave

The most prominent feature of Tham Phay Cave is its wild, mysterious beauty and minimal human impact. The cave entrance is covered by dense forest, creating a feeling of stepping into a space separate from the outside world. Inside, visitors will encounter large stone columns, rock walls, stone banks, and a system of stalactites with many unusual shapes.

Inside the cave, an underground river flows through, creating a very unique landscape. The cool water at your feet, the magical limestone blocks on either side of the path, and the deep dark space make Tham Phay Cave possess a beauty that is both poetic and mysterious. Some sections of the cave are wide, high, and airy; but there are also narrow sections with complex terrain, requiring explorers to be cautious when moving.

The deeper you go, the more stalactites appear. The strands of stalactites, stone formations, and natural rock blocks formed over millions of years create a very impressive scene. According to locals, Tham Phay Cave may be about 5–6 km long; however, this location is still being assessed for tourism development and is not yet widely open to mass visitors.

4. Enchanting beauty inside Tham Phay Cave

Tham Phay Cave attracts tourists with its somewhat different beauty compared to familiar caves in Ba Bể. While Puong Cave stands out with the boat journey through the cave, Hua Ma Cave impresses with its shimmering stalactite system open for exploration, Tham Phay Cave offers a more original and challenging experience.

Deep inside the cave, visitors can encounter stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stone formations rising from the cave floor, large stone columns, and beautiful natural rock patterns. The dark space, the sound of flowing water, the cool air inside the cave, and the appearance of bats in the deep cave arches give this place a mysterious color, very suitable for those who enjoy exploring nature in an adventurous way.

Especially, at a position more than 1 km from the cave entrance, two branches of the cave appear: one branch delves deep into the mountainside, while the other enters the heart of the mountain and has quite deep water levels. This is also the reason why the journey to explore Tham Phay requires a guide and appropriate equipment; it is not advisable to venture deep without experience.

5. Experiences when exploring Tham Phay Cave
5.1. Trekking through the forest to the cave entrance

Before entering the cave, visitors will undergo a journey through mountain roads, forest paths, or natural trails. This part of the experience is very suitable for those who love trekking and enjoy the feeling of exploration. The road to the cave may be difficult, but it compensates with lush mountain scenery, fresh air, and a clear sense of achievement.

5.2. Exploring the underground river inside the cave

A particularly attractive point of Tham Phay Cave is the underground river flowing inside the cave. The cool stream at your feet not only creates a unique landscape but also serves as an important water reserve for local people during the dry season, as the water in the cave is quite abundant and fresh year-round.

5.3. Admiring the natural stalactites and stone formations

The system of stalactites and stone formations in Tham Phay Cave is the biggest highlight of the journey. The stone blocks formed over a long time create many strange and beautiful shapes. The deeper you go, the more likely you are to encounter strands of stalactites, rock patterns, and unique geological structures.

5.4. Experiencing the thrill of adventurous exploration

Tham Phay Cave is not a gentle tourist spot for everyone. The terrain inside the cave has wide, high sections, as well as narrow, slippery areas with streams and darkness. Therefore, this experience is suitable for those who love adventure, have good health, and have prepared thoroughly before the trip.

5.5. Taking photos of the pristine cave

With its stone arches, underground streams, stalactites, and deep dark spaces, Tham Phay Cave offers many unique photo angles. However, due to low light conditions and complex terrain, you should prepare flashlights, waterproof equipment, and ensure safety when taking photos.