Part of Ban Pa Thom, the magnificent Pa Thom Cave is located in the west of Dien Bien district, bordering Vietnam and Laos.

Photo: baodantoc.vn

Local people often call the cave Tham Nang Lai, which means Cave full of fairies in Vietnamese. Along with the legend of love and loyalty, Pa Thom Cave is not only a natural wonder but also a holy place in the beliefs of Dien Bien people. Perched precariously on the mountainside, the cave has a dome-shaped mouth of 12m high and 17m wide. In the middle of this particular entrance is a giant rock resembling an elephant’s head. Along the 350m length of the cave, there are 9 different large and small arches. Impressive rocks, stalactites, and stalagmites are ubiquitous. Immediately after entering the cave, you will see a block of three huge rocks that look like a giant snake. Stalactites and stalagmites come in all sizes and shapes, glittering mysteriously in the candlelight. Extremely spacious. Decorated with majestic stone blocks, the ceiling looks like an opulent palace. The beautiful curtains are made of colorful stalactites that look soft and hang over the silver waterfalls inside the cave.

Apart from its magnificence, the love stories of the locals make Pa Thom Cave a romantic and attractive destination for visitors from all over. When you have the opportunity to come to Dien Bien, do not forget to visit this wonderful natural place. Sure, it will never let you down.

Useful information

• Location: Pa Thom Cave

• Best for: All Visitors

• Free admission

• Hours: Recommended to visit during the day

• Distance to city center: 15.9km (9.9 mi)