Interesting Pu Sam Cap grottoes

Published: 10:38 Tuesday - September 06, 2011

While Pu Sam Cap is not very different from other grottoes in terms of position, beauty or size, what sets it apart is its simplicity and isolation

Pu Sam Cap Grottoes in Lai Chau

Pu Sam Cap Grottoes in Lai Chau

The Pu Sam Cap Grottoes in Lai Chau province, named after the nearby village or the homonymous mountain, ar noted for fine speleothems. This very young show cave which attracts many domestic tourists as well as foreign tourists in Vietnam travel to come here and visit.

The cave is located high up on the 1,700m asl high Pu Sam Cap Mountain. It is reached from the parking lot on a short but strenuous walk uphill, which is rewarded by the extraordinary views of the valley and Nam Ron River, and the beautiful cave.

Luckily, the road that winds alongside the valley and up the mountain offers terrific views. Though the chill grows stronger as one nears the destination, the climb up the mountain to the grotto’s entrance leaves one considerably warmer.

Upon arrival, visitors can cast their eyes back over the valley. The whole village is often obscured by clouds, though shafts of sunlight pierce through, leaving bright spots on the overcast landscape. Below, the waters of Nam Ron River are barely visible as they snake their way through the mountains.

For tourists in Vietnam travel, touring the entire grotto takes at least one day if they are feeling strong enough to undertake the two-way climb. The area contains over 10 caves of varying sizes which all converge around the three largest: Thien Mon, Thien Duong and Thuy Tinh.

Given a limited time frame, guides advise visiting the lowest cave, Thien Mon, as it is the easiest climb, instead of trying to reach all three.

Their advice is well-heeded. Standing among the stalactites in Thien Mon, stress and weariness melt away and imaginations wander over the shapes of the stalactites. In the front, one resembles an elephant statue, another, a group of fairies dancing.

While Pu Sam Cap is not very different from other grottoes in terms of position, beauty or size, what sets it apart is its simplicity and isolation.

It allows so much privacy that in addition to guiding visitors through Pu Sam Cap. In the middle of the cave there is a large, flat area where they play football.

Six months after the discovery of the caves, more than 10,000 tourists have visited Pu Sam Cap, and the number is increasing year by year. Yet the simplicity of the services is posing problems for the area’s reputation.

Small steps have been added to each cave to prevent tourists from getting lost and lights have been suitably arranged throughout.

With much effort, Pu Sam Cap Grottoes will be more and more attractive for tourists in Vietnam travel, one of Vietnam attractions for tourism.