Archiwa: Cave - Adventures No Limits

Vatnajökull Ice Cave

Adventures No Limits — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:41:42 +0000

12.12.2025

VATNAJÖKULL ICE CAVE

Iceland is called by some the land or kingdom of fire and ice. Fire alludes to the volcanoes located on the island, and ice alludes to the glaciers that cover the local terrain. There are approximately 269 of them. But there is something else that this beautiful land is famous for. Namely, the wonderful ice caves with their unusual winding shapes and blue color. In this guide, we will focus on the Vatnajökull ice cave and the glacier of the same name.

DESCRIPTION

The Vatnajökull ice cave is one of the largest natural ice caves in Iceland. It amazes tourists with its size, beautiful blue colors, enchanting structure, and the peace that reigns within it. The play of light that takes place inside it creates a surreal atmosphere, making it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.

The Vatnajökull glacier, sometimes called the “Vatna glacier,” is one of the largest ice caps in Europe, covering approximately 7-8% of Iceland’s surface area (data varies depending on the source). Its area is 7,700-8,300 square kilometers (data depending on the source), and the average thickness of the ice is about 380-400 meters. Its landscape is very diverse, consisting of mountains, valleys, canyons, waterfalls, glacial rivers, and even volcanoes, which are located beneath the thick layer of ice. Grímsvötn, Bárðarbunga, and Öræfajökull are volcanoes that are still active. At the southern end, you can see the majestic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, part of the Vatnajokull National Park, one of the most visited nature reserves in Iceland. The lagoon consists of icebergs that break off from the glacier and drift towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Glacier Vatnajökull is classified as an ice cap, meaning that the ice mass covering a given area often has a relatively flat surface with bulges at the tops of the mountains and volcanoes it covers. Ice caps such as Vatnajökull form in polar or high mountain regions where snow accumulation is greater/faster than melting, leading to a gradual accumulation of ice over time. Such glaciers are in relentless “motion” because the ice frequently crumbles under its weight, which means that ice canyons and the edges of the glacier never look the same and their form often changes. In addition, Vatnajökull has numerous outlet glaciers that extend from its center and flow down valleys, sculpting the landscape there. The outlet glaciers in Vatnajökull are responsible for the formations that make up the local glacier tongues and amazing ice caves.

HOW VATNAJÖKULL WAS FORMED

The Vatnajökull glacier was shaped by geological factors over thousands of years. Its formation began during the ice ages, especially during the last glaciation, approximately 110,000 years ago, and ended about 12,000–14,000 years ago. During the ice ages, snow accumulated in central Iceland, where it gradually turned into ice under the influence of very low temperatures, thus creating a huge ice sheet. Over time, the layer of snow and ice became thicker and more extensive, forming a large glacier covering an increasingly larger area of the island.

Under the weight and pressure of the accumulating ice and snow (which contributed to the growth of the glacier and its “movement”), the glacier under its cover began to comprise U-shaped valleys and canyons. About 20,000 years ago, the ice sheet began to melt and gradually retreated inland, and 10,000 years ago it covered only the highest mountains in the central highlands of the island. Since then, Vatnajökull has been the largest glacier in Iceland and the second largest in Europe (after the Severny Island ice cap on Novaya Zemlya in Russia).

HOW ICE CAVES FORM IN ICELAND

In some countries, ice caves look almost the same year after year because temperatures don’t fluctuate significantly. However, caves in Iceland are different. Ice melts in the summer due to rising temperatures and sunlight, which contributes to the formation of water channels that form within the glacier or at its base. Water then flows through the glacier, creating crevasses, tunnels, chambers, and passages that together form the local caves. In summer, these caves are usually filled with water and inaccessible to visitors. When temperatures drop in autumn and the glaciers stop melting, the water flow in the caves begins to decrease and often stops completely in winter, when temperatures drop below freezing. This is how ice caves are formed. Then the guides start looking for new caves, large and safe enough so that they can be made available to tourists. However, when winters are warmer, rainier, and with strong winds, the caves may still be partially flooded with water, and in such a case, for safety reasons, such caves are not open to tourists.

WHY IS THE ICE IN A CAVE “BLUE”?

One of the most distinctive features of Iceland’s ice caves is undoubtedly their beautiful blue color. Glacial ice appears blue, and the main factor contributing to this is its density, which is much greater than ordinary ice, such as that taken from a freezer. This ice is also significantly thicker. This is the result of a process standing thousands of years, in which snowflakes that first fell on the frozen ground and then on the ice, snowflakes are compressed by the next snowfall, which fell and then refreezes, turning into ice. When under the influence of masses of ice and snow striking compression, air bubbles are stuffed to the surface, whereby the ice becomes thicker and thicker. When a block of ice is too dense to contain air, light can penetrate deeper. And the deeper light penetrates such ice, the more red color (and other colors) it loses along the way, except blue, giving the ice such incredible color. That’s why glacial ice in Iceland has this magical shade of blue, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere inside caves.

LOCATION

Vatnajökull glacier is located in the southeast of Iceland, and the Vatnajökull cave itself is located on its rim, concretely in the area of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which is the outlet glacier for the much larger Vatnajökull glacier.

The drive from Reykjavík to the ice cave takes about 5 hours, and the road follows the beautiful coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The meeting point for most tours, whether to Vatnajökull glacier or the cave, is the parking lot at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

It’s recommended to book your tour in advance to ensure that we will book the date that suits us best.
Before setting off, check the weather and conditions in the glacier area.
If you want to drive yourself or explore other beautiful places in Iceland on your own, recommended car rental sites include: Iceland Cars, Cars Iceland, Lotus Car Rental, Reykjavik Cars, Star Car Rental, and Zero Car.
Always take a guided tour of a cave or glacier.
Avoid touching the cave walls and leaving garbage.

WHAT TO BRING

Hiking boots, insulated and waterproof, are essential for exploring ice caves. If you don’t have such footwear, travel agencies that organize cave and glacier hikes often offer equipment rentals for a fee.
Remember to wear warm and waterproof pants, a jacket, and gloves. It’s best to dress in layers.
If possible, it’s recommended to bring a helmet with the possibility of attaching a headlamp to it.
Photographers will need a tripod, because low light makes it difficult to take sharp photos.
You can bring snacks like energy bars or nuts. A thermos of hot tea is also a good idea.
Bring your camera 😊, but don’t use a flash.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAVES?

Ice caves in Iceland are best explored in winter, specifically from mid-November to mid-March. Outside this period, higher temperatures cause glacier melt, which makes exploring the caves dangerous due to the flowing water in the crevices and glacier corridors.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR VATNAJÖKULL CAVE

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions on the route to Vatnajökull. This beautiful glacial lake formed in the 1920s and continues to grow. Currently, it is the deepest lake in Iceland, with a depth of 248 meters (814 feet). Icebergs from the tongue of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift across the lake’s surface, eventually reaching the North Atlantic.

Diamond Beach is a spot near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where pieces of drifting icebergs that break off from them settle on the beach. But this is no ordinary beach. The sand is black because it is of volcanic origin. This creates a beautiful sight of diamond ice cubes scattered across the black beach, and that’s where the name comes from.

USEFULE LINKS

Vatnajökull ice cave trips:

https://www.cafevatnajokull.is/tour/vatnajokull-premium-ice-cave-tour

https://ice-guardians.com/tour/crystal-ice-cave-adventure/

https://crystalcavetours.is/our-tours/

bit.ly/g1wet9

bit.ly/zq37lw

TIDBITS

Vatnajökull is pronounced as “Vat-nah-yer-kutl.”

Eruptions beneath the ice can lead to so-called jökulhlaups, that is, violent glacial floods.

In summer, boat and amphibious vehicle tours take place on the Jökulsárlón Lagoon. The offer can be found on the official websites of companies that provide this type of service. These are: Ice Lagoon and Glacier Lagoon.

SUMMARY

Vatnajökull Ice Cave is undoubtedly a beautiful place on the map of Iceland. Thanks to its incredible labyrinths and the blue color of the ice, visitors to this cave will certainly be mesmerized by its charm, and photographers will spend long moments here capturing beautiful shots. Considering the fact that there are organized hikes to the Vatnajökull glacier and boat trips on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon nearby, this is certainly not a place that can be ticked off your travel list in just one day of sightseeing.

Author David Phan, source flickr.com.

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CUESTA DEL LIPÁN

LORD HOWE ISLAND

HALLASAN VOLCANO

Artykuł Vatnajökull Ice Cave pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Cat Ba Island

Adventures No Limits — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:27:48 +0000

31.10.2023

CAT BA ISLAND

Cat Ba Island, which belongs to Vietnam, is considered one of the most beautiful islands of this Asian country. Despite its small area, which is about 350 square kilometers, we can find here many wonderful and beautiful places, such as the Hospital Cave, Monkey Island and Cat Ba National Park. Certainly visiting this place, it is worth reserving at least a few days to visit the local attractions, which will provide us with amazing memories for many years.

DESCRIPTION

Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 367 islands that make up the Cat Ba archipelago and is located in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is located about 50 kilometers (32 miles) from the city of Hai Phong in northeastern Vietnam. Cat Ba is also by far the largest island in all of Ha Long Bay, which is a 2004 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cat Ba, is also known as the “Pearl Island.” It is divided into six communes: Hien Hao, Phu Long, Xuan Dam, Tran Chau, Gia Luat and Viet Hai. It is inhabited by 13,000 people, of which 4,000 people live in floating “villages” off the islet’s coast. The Cat Ba area has a karst topography characterized by limestone mountains, stunning caves and white sandy beaches, contributing to the unique beauty of the island and which makes it unique. The island is known for its natural beauty, with high cliffs, lush forests and crystal clear waters. Most of it, along with the archipelago, is within the National Park, which was established in 1986. The reserve’s territorial scope includes subtropical evergreen forests on the hills, swamp forests at the base of the hills, coastal mangroves, small freshwater lakes and coral reefs. Cat Ba Island has three main beaches (Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3) where visitors can sunbathe and enjoy swimming in the South China Sea. For those who prefer a physical activity, activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and snorkeling are available. One of the recommended activities for visitors to the area is hiking up Ngu Lam Peak. Being on the island, you should also try the local seafood.

Due to its growing popularity among visitors, the island has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, with hotels and hostels available to potential tourists in Cat Ba and an efficient ferry terminal. There are also many tourist agencies selling boat cruises and other tours that are organized on the island. Regarding transport, visitors can rent motorcycles to explore the island and see as much as possible during their visit. The city is crowded for most of the year, but outside the city boundaries we can enjoy more peace and open spaces. The roads in the city are quite narrow, and it’s worth remembering, (especially when we will be traveling by car), but in good condition. Outside the city, on the other hand, there are many more potholed roads.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLAND

Archaeological evidence suggests that people lived on Cat Ba more than 6,000 years ago, and the earliest settlements were found in the southeastern part of the island, near the area where Ben Beo port is now located. In 1938, a group of French archaeologists discovered human remains belonging to the Cai Beo people, who began to inhabit the island as early as 4,000 to 6,500 years ago (data dependent on source). In “recent history,” Cat Ba Island was inhabited mainly by Vietnamese-Chinese fishermen. Cat Ba was of strategic importance during the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. During the bombings, local troops hid among the local caves. Since 1997, the town of Cat Ba has grown rapidly and has become the tourist center as well as the island and Ha Long Bay.

Cat Ba Island means “Island of Women” in Vietnamese. One local legend has it that many centuries ago, three women of the Tran dynasty were killed in a battle with fugitives from the sea. Their remains were found on the beach, and local people built three temples on the island to honor them. Later, a local fisherman named the island Cat Ba to thank these heroines.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Cat Ba Island can boast an extremely diverse ecosystem with a wide choice of unique flora and fauna. 1,561 plant species from 186 families have been identified here. In addition, the island is home to 279 animal species, 23 of which are classified as endangered or critically endangered. The fauna consists of 53 species of mammals, 160 birds, 66 amphibians and reptiles, and 274 species of insects. However, the aquatic environment, is home to 900 species of fish, 178 corals, 21 seaweeds, seven sea snakes and four species of sea turtles.

WEATHER ON THE ISLAND

The weather on Cat Ba Island is influenced by the tropical monsoon climate that dominates the region. The average annual temperature is about 23-26 degrees Celsius, and the hottest months are June, July, and August where the temperature reaches 25–33 degrees. This period is the best for water sports, diving, kayaking, or snorkeling. Milder weather and lower temperatures occur from October to November and February to May. In February, March, October and November, average temperatures are between 20-25 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius.

August is the rainiest month, with rainfall exceeding 300 mm per square meter and with more than fifteen rainy days per month. There is also a lot of rainfall in June, July, and September where the average rainfall is 250 mm per square meter. March and April are characterized by wet and foggy times of day. Keep in mind that Cat Ba has four seasons, there is here still a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to September, and the dry season from November to March.

From May to September, visitors can expect cloudless skies and warm, sunny days. If you prefer cooler temperatures, you should come to Cat Ba between December and January, when temperatures average 15 to 19 degrees Celsius. It’s worth keeping this in mind, the fact that there may be occasional typhoons or tropical storms in July and August.

The island can be visited at any time of the year, but the most favorable weather for tourism is usually in summer and autumn, from April to November. This period coincides with the peak tourist season in Ha Long Bay, including Cat Ba Island. As a result, the beaches are crowded with tourists, so it’s worth arriving early to “dibs” on a good spot. Keep in mind, that during this period hotel prices often increase, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. Prices start to drop in September, when the number of tourists decreases.

WHAT’S WORTH SEEING

Cat Ba rock climbing

The limestone karsts in Cat Ba National Park are perfect for climbing. The mountains here are part of an ancient coral reef that stretches all the way to Guilin province in China and Krabi in southern Thailand, where you can see the same rock formations. For the active, companies such as Cat Ba Climbing offer half-day and full-day climbing trips.

Watching the coral reefs

The island is well-known for its beautiful, colorful coral reefs. These reefs are under strict protection, which helps stimulate the development of the local ecosystem and thus contributes to the development of tourism. In the town of Cat Ba, you will find many agents that organize tours to the local coral reefs.

Night squid fishing during cruises

Night squid fishing is a unique type of entertainment in Cat Ba. A short fishing trip costs about 500,000 VND (about 25 USD). It is an interesting experience, as we can learn fishing skills from experienced fishermen and spend an unforgettable nighttime at sea.

A visit to Cai Beo fishing village

Cai Beo fishing village is one of the largest ancient fishing villages in Ha Long Bay, dating back to about 6000–7000 years ago. Today, the village is home to about 450 families. Heading south, about 2 kilometers from Cat Ba Island, tourists can find hundreds of houses lined up close together, which resemble a miniature city. The area’s main sources of income are shellfishing and mussel and clam farming, and many tour companies offer night cruises that include squid fishing. Arriving here, tourists can admire the lovely scenery, enjoy fresh seafood and experience local life. It is also worth mentioning that there is much more calm here than in the city of Cat Ba.

Exploring Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is located in Cat Hai district, about 30 kilometers south of the city center. The reserve was established in 1986 and covers an area of 263 square kilometers, of which 173 kilometers are land ecosystems (islands) and 90 kilometers are marine ecosystems. The national park is located in the heart of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and combines the characteristic beauty of the Ha Long Bay Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is a sanctuary for various wildlife, including 32 species of mammals, most notably the critically endangered golden-headed langur otherwise known as the Cat Ba langur. The Cat Ba Reserve is a tourist attraction that brings millions of visitors from home and abroad. Arriving here, travelers can enjoy the beauty of the vast landscapes and seascapes. Visitors can relax on sequestered beaches in Lan Ha Bay, hike through the original tropical rainforest or mangrove forest, and immerse themselves in local culture. The park offers several hiking trails, such as a two-hour hike to the top of Ngu Lam and a day trip to Viet Hai village. In addition, visitors can take part in rock climbing at terrain in the park and snorkel in the local turquoise waters.

Cat Co beaches

Cat Co beaches with white sand (called Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2 and Cat Co 3) are a great place to relax. They are located about 1 km southeast of Cat Ba town. All three beaches, are separated from each other by small headlands. There is a small path along the coast that connects the beaches. From the path there are great views of the bay. Each of the beaches is, about a 15-minute walk from each other. It is worth bearing in mind that the beaches are usually crowded during the season. Another famous beach is Tung Thu, which is not far from the city center to the northwest. Of all the beaches, Cat Co 2 is the most beautiful, with soft white sand and blue water. Cat Co 1 and 3 were once as attractive, but now both beaches have been developed for local resorts, and it’s hard to find more peace and quiet here. Littering on these two beaches in the high of the season is unfortunately the norm here. From the city center, tourists can get to either beach by cab, motorcycle, or electric car for a fee of 10,000 VND per person (about $0.5 USD). If you forget to bring a swimsuit with you, you can rent one at the beach. In the experience of many locals here, it is advisable to return from the beach before 7 p.m., as this is the time when the seawater level begins to rise and the waves start to pick up.

Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

The island was formerly known as Cat Dua Island. Large quantities of wild pineapple can be found here, but the fruit is not suitable for eating. Local people use them to make traditional medicines for, among other things, diabetes. Monkey Island is also an ideal place for swimming and sunbathe. The island gets its name from being inhabited by weight number of monkeys. The primates snatch food from hands and can bite if provoked. Therefore, be on guard while in their company. To reach Monkey Island, take a 10-minute boat ride from Beo Wharf through the fishing village of Cai Beo. Most cruise ships have stops on the island, also there are always plenty of tourists there.

La Regina Legend cruise

The La Regina itinerary has been carefully devised to provide the best and most unusual experience for travelers wanting something truly unique and unforgettable aboard the ship. These cruises also provide transportation and accommodations. Spending the night aboard a cruise ship adds to its charm with stunning sunsets and starry skies. You can book a cruise here.

Fort Cannon

It is located on High Point 177 at 177 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Cat Ba Island. Originally built by the Japanese during World War II in 1942, the fort was later used as a defensive position by Vietnamese forces during the Indochina and also the Vietnam Wars (1945-1975). The hike up to the fort provides spectacular views of the thick Cat Ba forest, rolling hills and a picturesque landscape of fishing boats moored at sea. The entrance gate is just a 10-minute walk from the town of Cat Ba, and the fort can be reached in less than 30 minutes. Here you can still see the cannons, trenches, tunnels, and artifacts left by soldiers. Nearby on the left side of the fort is another viewpoint that offers a view of the port in Cat Ba town. There is also a bar nearby. Admission costs 40,000 dong per person (less than $2) and 10,000 dong for motorcycle parking.

Visiting Lan Ha Bay during a canoe trip

Lan Ha Bay is located on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island and borders Ha Long Bay. Geologically, Lan Ha is largely an extension of Ha Long Bay, but geographically the islands are in a different province of Vietnam. It is a peaceful arc-shaped region with about four hundred small islands and islets that form an amazing archipelago. Versus to Ha Long Bay, all the islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered with green trees and vegetation. A unique feature that differs from Ha Long Bay, is that here there are many of narrow channels, between islets with beaches, where the color of the sand is practically white and there are no strong currents, making it an ideal place for kayaking trips. Lan Ha Bay is home to about 200 species of fish, 500 mollusks, about 400 arthropods and numerous hard and soft corals. Larger marine animals found in these waters include seals and dolphins. Canoeing is best organized in the town of Cat Ba. A recommended spot while kayaking in the local bay is around Vai Bon Island, where there are not many tourists, and it is quiet. Here you will also find several sandy and empty beaches.

Hospital Cave

There are several impressive caves on Cat Ba Island, but the most interesting is an underground, three-level bombproof hospital and shelter that served as a hideout for Vietcong leaders during the Vietnam War. Built between 1963 and 1965, the cave served as a hospital until 1975. Today, you can hire a guide to show you around the 17 rooms, including an operating room and a natural cave that functioned as a movie theater. There was also a swimming pool for soldiers. The cave is located about 10 kilometers from Cat Ba town near the main road. A guide costs about 15,000 VND (less than 1 USD) and admission costs 40,000 dong per person (less than $2 per person). It’s worth taking a guide with you because there is no information in place, for example, in the form of boards on the topic of this cavern.

Trung Trang Cave

This is a small cave 300 meters long, located in the central part of the island. It was discovered by Vietnamese and French archaeologists in 1938.

Ngu Lam Peak

Ngu Lam is an amazing vantage point from which you can enjoy the wildlife of Cat Ba Island and see hundreds of other peaks located on the island. To get there, you have to, drive up to the entrance to Cat Ba National Park. It is marked by a large arch on the main road. After parking at a nearby parking lot, the trail leads along the road. Then you need to walk towards the restaurant. The path winds through the jungle and is quite rolling. There are no very steep climbs on the trail, and the path is well-maintained. Along the way, you will come across an observation tower. Admission to the park costs 40,000 dong per person (less than $2). It takes about 1 hour to get to the top and about 45 minutes to descend. In total, you have to walk shy of than 4 kilometers, and the summit rises 225 meters above sea level. Remember to get water, decent shoes and possibly some snacks out.

HOW TO GET THERE

One option is, to get to Cat Ba Island, is to take a bus from Hanoi, which will take us to the islet in 4–5 hours (the time depends on the traffic on the road and the time it is necessary to cruise the ferry). The bus arrives at Got Ferry Terminal, from where the ferry transports us to the island. The ferry sails outs every hour between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. During peak season, it shuttles every 30 minutes. Fares are about $13 per adult. Buses leave several times during the day, usually at 7.30, 10.30-11:00 i 14.00-14.15.

A recommended company to buy bus tickets is Catbaexpress.com. The address from where the buses depart: 106 Đ. Trần Nhật Duật, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam, or Good Morning Cat Ba, 9B P. Chợ Gạo, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam.

There are three ferries a day from Ha Long Bay to the island, specifically from Tuan Chau. The ferry trip takes about an hour, and the cost is about 200,000 VND (about 20 USD) if we want to take our or a rented motorcycle with us on the island. From there it’s about a 40-minute drive, to the town of Cat Ba. There is a bus that shuttles there, which costs about 30,000 VND per person (about 3 USD). You can also take a cab, but keep in mind that such services are expensive in Cat Ba.

Another option is to travel from Hai Phong where you should get to Ben Binh pier. This is the main point from where boats and ferries shuttle to Cat Ba Island. The cruise takes about 1 hour. You can get to the pier by cab or local bus.

Another way is to take a private car/van from Hanoi to Cat Ba, which we can rent at the local airport. The price for a private car for one day is about $20.

It is also possible to get from Hanoi city to Hai Phong city by train. The trip takes about 2.5 hours, and ticket prices range from $3 to $4.

Cat Ba cable car

An interesting alternative is, getting to the island by cable car, which is one of the longest cable cars in the world. Its length is 4 kilometers. The project is owned by Sun Group, and it opened on June 6, 2020. It consists of 60 carriages, and one carriage accommodates a maximum of 30 passengers.

Opening hours (daily except Tuesdays):

Morning: 9 am – 11:30 am.

Afternoon: 1:30 pm – 4 pm (weekdays) or 1:30 pm – 6 pm (Saturday, Sunday).

Ticket price: 150,000 VND / adult.

Children: 100,000 VND / from 1 to 1.4 meters high; Free for children under 1 meter.

ACCOMMODATION

The undermentioned list includes recommended accommodations on Cat Ba Island.

Cat Ba Mountain View – a 2-star hotel located on the border of Cat Ba town and the reserve. The resort on its terrain has a swimming pool with a beautiful view of the entire bay. Private rooms are equipped with air conditioning.

Cat Ba Lucky Family Hotel – a 1-star friendly hotel. Rooms are spacious with air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Victor Charlie Hostel 2 – a cheap hostel with small rooms, with laundry and scooter rental in place. It’s worth taking a room on the top floor for a view of the bay and the city.

Secret Garden Hostel – a small hippie-style hostel. The apartment is slightly away from the center, so the area is more peaceful. In the evenings, the local pub plays regional music. A good choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Sea Pearl – a 3-star hotel located near the port in Cat Ba.

Cat Ba Eco-Lodge – 3-star hotel located on a reserve, about 13 km from Cat Ba port.

Flamingo Lan Ha Bay Resort – a hotel located near the center of Cat Ba with sea views and a swimming pool. It is located on Cat Co 2 beach.

Hôtel Perle D’Orient – 5-star luxury hotel located near Cat Co 3 beach.

Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa – 4-star hotel connective local architectural style with French

TIDBITS

Ha Long Bay, is visited by more than 10 million tourists annually.

One of the most recommended restaurants in Cat Ba city is Quiri Pub Cocktail & Restaurant.

USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION

For more information about the weather in Cat Ba, is here.

If you plan to travel to Vietnam and visit places where you are likely to encounter wild animals, it is a good idea to get vaccinated against rabies.

The cost of renting a motorcycle for a full day in Cat Ba is about $5.

If we do not want to organize a tour of Ha Long Bay on our own, we can use the services of Vietnam Travel.

ATTENTION! All prices quoted in this article are with October 2023.

SUMMARY

Cat Ba is certainly a special and unique place. While in Vietnam, it is definitely worth staying here, even if only for a few days. Thanks to its biodiversity and diverse landscapes, which include mangrove forests, islets, white sandy beaches and coral reefs, we are guaranteed that what we see here will not be encountered anywhere else. Because more than half of the island is protected as a national park, this will give us the opportunity to constant contact with nature. In addition, don’t forget about the activities which we can do here, such as, among others, kayaking, scuba diving and rock climbing.

Author BORIS G, source flickr.

Author Domino, Ha Long Bay, source Unsplasch.

Author BORIS G, source flickr.

Author Ashim D’Silva, Ha Long Bay, source Unsplash.

Author Ammie Ngo, Ha Long Bay, source Unsplash.

Author Rowan Heuvel, source Unsplash.

Author Nathan Cima, source Unsplash.

Author Marco Verch Professional Photographer, source flickr.

Author Binh Ho Image, source pxhere.

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AL QUDRA LAKES

THAM LOD CAVE

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Artykuł Cat Ba Island pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Tham Lod Cave

Adventures No Limits — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:06:27 +0000

10.10.2023

THAM LOD CAVE

Tham Lod Cave is one of the most famous caves in Thailand. This wonderful place, about 880 kilometers from the country’s capital Bangkok, attracts crowds of tourists who, in addition to exploring this cavern, want to take a canoe trip on the local river. While in the country, it is definitely worth adding this point on the map to your touring repertoire in this region of Asia.

DESCRIPTION

Tham Lod is one of the most impressive and accessible caves for tourists in Thailand. It is located in the province of Mae Hong Son. It owes this to its size and underground passageways, its limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the so-called “coffin cave”, which is hidden in its deepest part.

Tham Lod is a system of three caves with a total length of 1,666 meters. The caverns are home to colonies of bats and common swifts, which can be seen in the cave’s vault. For almost its entire length, the Lang River (Nam Lang) flows through its center. Inside the cave, you will see more than 20-meter-high limestone formations in the form of columns, which were formed from the joining of stalagmites with stalactites. There is no lighting in the cave, and the only source of light when visiting this place is the guide’s lamp/flashlight. This makes the cave even more mysterious to visitors, and artificial light (if it had been installed) would probably take away from the charm of the place.

To get into the cave, we need to purchase entrance tickets with a guide. It is not possible to purchase the entrance ticket alone without a guide. Groups are limited to a maximum of three people. The limitation on such a number of people is because, at the beginning, the guide has to transport us on a bamboo raft to the cave so that we can explore the rest of the cavern. First, we will have to take a 15-minute walk from the ticket office, then cross several wooden bridges to get to a makeshift platform inside the cave, from where we will then take a raft along the river to walk down later into the depths of the cave. The parking lot is less than 500 meters from the ticket office.

At the beginning of the cave is a huge “entrance” hole, which is almost 50 meters high. This is where most common swifts are, and there is usually quite a lot of noise, but the effect is spectacular. The first cave is the so-called “Column Cave”. It owes its name precisely to the columns formed of stalactites and stalagmites. In addition, we can find limestone pillars and fossilized “waterfalls”.

To get to the next, second cave, the so-called “Dolls’ Cave”, we have to walk through a narrow and long corridor. There, in turn, we will encounter various rock formations, some of which may resemble the creatures of dolls or animals. In addition, we can see here faded cave paintings that show deer.

The last cave is the “Coffin Cave”. It got its name from the teak coffins found there, which are about 1000–1400 years old. In addition, bronze jewelry and metal tools were also found, suggesting that there was a tribal settlement in the area. This section of the cave is called “Pi Man” in Thai. Locals believe that these caves were created by spirits. If we want to go back to where we started the tour, we have to go over the bamboo bridge to the left of the entrance, and within fifteen minutes we will reach the first part of the cave.

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS PLACE

Tham Lod cave was inhabited by the Hoabinhian tribe in ancient times (9,700 BC–5500 BC). However, some scientists claim that it may have been inhabited by representatives of Homo sapiens as early as 40,000 BC. The tribe was a community of Stone Age hunters and gatherers who used primitive tools such as short axes, stone hammers, tools made from animal bones, etc. The caves were first discovered in the 1960s by Chester Gorman, an American anthropologist and archaeologist. According to him, Hoabinhians learned to cultivate legumes and many other fruits or vegetables, such as almonds, betel, pepper, and lagebaria.

LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE

Cave Tham Lod is located about 11 kilometers north of the Pang Mapha District Office. Driving from Pai (which is less than 50 kilometers away) on road 1095, just at the entrance to Pang Mapha, turn right, heading for Cave Lodge and Tham Lod. In Pai, we can rent a car (about 1,200 THB for a full day), a scooter (about 150 THB for a full day), or a motorcycle (about 800 THB for a full day). However, due to the rather steep climbs and sharp turns, it is not recommended to rent a scooter for such a trip. The reason is that there is not much engine power in such a vehicle, so we may have a problem driving up the mountain itself (road No. 1095) in addition to our luggage. On the other hand, much lower rental prices, reaching about 20–25%, are in Chiang Mai. However, in this case, we must remember that this town is almost 180 kilometers away from Tham Lod. On the way, it is worth stopping at the beautiful viewpoint of Doi Kiew Lom.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVE

The best time of year to visit Tham Lod Cave is during the dry season (January–July). During this period, there are bamboo boat tours to the inside of the cave. During the rainy season (August–December), boat tours may not be available due to high water levels, and some deeper parts of the caves may not be accessible. Pending the rainy months, of course, you can still explore the caves on foot.

During the rainy season (July–August to December, depending on the river level), Cave Lodge organizes interesting canoe trips. Some canoe routes pass through Tham Lod and then continue downstream for 6–12 km. On some tours, you can visit other deserted caves along the way.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TOUR THAM LOD?

The Tham Lod cave tour takes about 2 hours, including the time it takes to walk from the parking lot to the cave and return from the cave back to the point where the ticket office is located.

PRICE LIST AND OPENING HOURS

If you plan to visit Tham Lod cave on your own without any tourist bureau, then the cost is 650–800 THB (about £15 or $20 for 2023). This amount includes:

Entrance ticket: 200 THB per person for entry to the first cave (column cave), 250 THB per person for the two caves (column cave and doll cave), and 500 THB per person for all three caves (column cave, doll cave, and coffin cave, including rafting).

Rafting: 400 THB (up to 3 people if you choose the option to visit one or two caves).

Guide: 150 THB (you cannot enter the cave without a guide).

Each person must purchase an entrance ticket, but the price of the guide and boat can be shared among the group. Example: If a group of three people wants to visit Tham Lod Cave, the total price is as follows: 600 baht (for three entrance tickets), 400 baht for the boat, and 150 baht for the guide. A total of 1150 baht for the group (about £24 or US$30).

Tham Lod Cave is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m.

Please note: the cave is inaccessible to wheelchair users.

If you would rather not take care of organizing the trip yourself, you can look for a tourist office in Pai town along the main road that organizes trips to Tham Lod.

ACCOMMODATION

If we would like to stay longer in this place, the best option would be to look for accommodation in Pai village. The village is a beautiful little locality located in the jungle. Pai has many places to stay, plenty of charming little restaurants and cafés, and a market selling food, clothing, and souvenirs. The village also has a very picturesque river with bamboo bridges.

Recommended apartments:

Oia Pai Resort – a tidbit, we move around the hotel in canoes.

Reverie Siam Resort – is a 5-star hotel.

Golden Hut Chill Bungalows – bungalows next to the bank of the river.

Pencave Homestay, Jungle Guesthouse, Pai Village Boutique.

USEFUL INFORMATION

We will mainly walk around the cave on slippery rocks and wooden bridges. It is advisable to wear footwear with a good sole/lug (not athletic shoes).

Be sure to check and monitor your fuel level before traveling, as there are no gas stations near the cave. Gasoline in Thailand costs about 40–50 THB per liter (2023).

If you plan to stay there for a longer period of time, don’t forget to take some essentials such as snacks, drinking water, sunscreen, headgear (a hat, cap), sunglasses, and, of course, a camera 😊. You can take a flashlight with you into the cave, BUT we only use it if we will be walking through the cave to shine under our feet as we walk. We do NOT shine it on the walls or the vault to avoid scaring the birds there and the bats.

Remember to tell the ticket agent at the checkout what kind of ticket we want to buy (how many caves we would like to see). If you forget to do so, don’t be surprised if you get an entrance ticket for only one cave when, for example, you wanted to visit all of them.

Plan your visit around 5:00–6:00 p.m. because at this time hundreds of bats fly out of the cave for their nightly insect hunt and about 300,000 common swifts return to their nests.

TIDBITS

There are plenty of fish to feed in the shallow waters of the cave. Food for them costs 50 THB per bag.

If we would like to get from Pai village to Tham Lod cave by cab, it is possible. The price per person is about 800 THB.

Several scenes for the movie “Thugs of Hindostan” (filmed by Bollywood) were shot in this cave.

More than 100,000 people visit this cave every year.

SUMMARY

In conclusion, Tham Lod Cave is a must-see for anyone visiting the northern part of Thailand. Its natural beauty, cultural significance, and rafting on the river that flows through its center make it an unforgettable experience. In addition to exploring the cave and marveling at the local limestone formations and paintings, let’s not forget that every evening a fantastic spectacle takes place here in the form of bats flying out to hunt at night and common swifts returning to their hiding places.

Author Vyacheslav Argenberg, source commons.wikimedia.org.

Author icon0com, source pxhere.

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Artykuł Tham Lod Cave pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Baredine Cave

Adventures No Limits — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:31:07 +0000

19.04.2022

BAREDINE CAVE

Near the town of Nova Vas in Croatia is the Baredine Cave, where we can see magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites. One of the attractions during a visit to the cave is an underground lake located at the foot of a 66-meter gorge. The guided tour includes five rooms that are connected by stairs and paths.

WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM

The name Baredine means the area that surrounds the cave, so the Baredine Cave was given this name. Most likely, it comes from the word “Bared”, which in the local language means uncultivated land. Today, this term does not reflect reality in any way. Over the centuries, the industrious people of the region have transformed the surrounding land into fertile fields and removed rocks. The area that surrounds the cave are located olive gardens and vineyards.

ORIGIN OF THE CAVE

The karst terrain in which the cave was formed is marine sediments from the Cretaceous period (100 million years ago) covered with red soil called terra rossa. The underground part of the cave was formed by water movements during karst processes about 3.5 million years ago.

LOCATION

The cave is located in Croatia, in the northern part of Istria, near Nova Vas, between Poreč, Višnjan and Tar, about 5 km from the coast. The road leading from these places to the cave is marked with signs. There is a large parking lot for cars and buses next to the cave. The cave is surrounded by historical forts, ancient villas and medieval monasteries.

DESCRIPTION

The entrance to the cave has a conical shape that widens at a depth of 15 meters and enters to the first hall. The cave is a treasure trove of stalactites, stalagmites and underground formations that were formed millions of years ago. In this way they formed spectacular crystalline formations, the most characteristic are the 10-meter “curtains”, the figure of the Virgin Mary, the shepherdess Milka, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Snowman, a “sculpture” that has become a trademark of the cave.

The Baredine Cave is 132 meters deep, with underground lakes at the bottom that are up to 30 meters deep. It consists of five large halls 60 meters deep and a crater 66 meters deep that leads to several underground lakes.

The cave is a protected geomorphological nature reserve.

The tour is with a guide (included in the price) speaking languages such as Croatian, Italian, German, English and Russian. The tour lasts about 40 minutes and consists of walking about 300 meters of trail through five illuminated by lamps “halls”.

Rules of the cave:

No smoking inside the cave.

Photography is allowed only without using the flash.

Animals are not allowed.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

elevation: 117 m above sea level
total depth of the cave with lakes: 132 m
depth of touristic point: 60 m
total length of the cave route: 300 m
number of rooms: 5
air temperature: 14 °C
groundwater temperature: 13,2 °C

FIRST EXPLORATION

The first documented descents into the cave were made by speleologists from Trieste at the beginning of the 20th century. Then speleologists descended to the depth of 80 meters.

In 1973 the members of Proteus speleological club from Porečany went to the lower part of the cave. There they discovered a corridor that allowed them gain to the underground lakes. Today this place is considered to be the total depth of the cave. On their initiative, the Baredine Cave was declared a natural monument in 1986 because of its special qualities and beauty.

The first concrete actions to “prepare” the cave for visiting by tourists began in the early 1990s. In May 1995 the cave was opened for tourists. Since the first surveys in 1973, explorations have been carrying out to find new, corridors and “halls”.

LEGEND

The legend of Baredine cave comes from the 13th century. The legend says that a nobleman from Poreč named Gabrijel fell in love with a beautiful shepherdess. She lived in Nova Vas, and her name was Milka. The mother, who did not want to allow her son to marry the shepherdess, decided to give the local bandits three gold coins to kill the beautiful Milka. The thugs did not kill the shepherdess, but threw her into a cave. When the noble Gabrijel found out about this, he got on his horse and disappeared. The horse was only found by a nearby cave. Legend says that the fossilized body of the unfortunate shepherdess gradually, year after year, slipped down into the depths of the cave in search of her beloved, but whether she found him no one knows.

UNUSUAL CAVE DWELLER

The Baredine cave is inhabited by an unusual animal. It is the olm that lives in the underground waters of the vast area of the Dinaric Karst, in parts of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has a long, soft, eel-like body. Adults usually reach a length of 20 to 25 cm, whereby males being slightly shorter than females. The coloration is white (no pigmentation) with yellowish and pinkish hues coming from the surface capillaries. The olm is also called the “human fish” because of its skin is similar to human. Its eyes are completely retracted and covered with skin due to living in constant darkness. With younger individuals, however, the eyes are still visible. The flattened tail, shorter than the rest of the body, has a leathery fin. This amphibian has small limbs with three underdeveloped front toes, and the hind feet have two toes. Its respiratory system includes gills, skin, and lungs as accessory organs when oxygen levels are very low.

The olm feeds underwater crabs, insect larvae, and mollusks. These animals live in underground caves. It has been scientifically proven that of exceptional conditions, this amphibian can survive even a year without food.

This amphibian reproduces sexually by laying eggs. They reach sexual maturity around the age of 15. If ensue fertilization, females lay eggs 2 or 3 days later. Each female can lay a total of 70 eggs.

Olm is the amphibian about the longest lifespan. It is assumed that they can live even 100 years. The reason so a long life is reduced activity, slow metabolism and lack of enemies in their environment.

TIDBIT

Ceramic vessels were found during the exploration of Baredina cave. This indicates that people lived in the cave in the old days.

WHAT WE CAN FIND NEAR THE CAVE

– Information booth

– Covered terrace with gastronomic offer

– Collection of old agricultural machinery: www.traktorstory.com

– The Konobon Gallery

– Speleological climbing center “Speleolit”: www.speleolit.com

– A place with tables and benches next to the cave for picnic lovers

USEFUL INFORMATION

Opening hours:

01.01. – 31.03.2022: by appointment

01.04. – 30.04.2022: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 14:00 (Saturdays, Sundays 10:00 – 16:00)

01.05. – 30.06.2022: 10:00 – 17:00

01.07. – 31.08.2022: 10:00 – 18:30

01.09. – 30.09.2022: 10:00 – 17:00

01.10. – 31.10.2022: 10:00 – 16:00

01.11. – 31.12.2022: by appointment

Entrances approximately every 30 minutes.

Entrance tickets:

Children (5 – 15 years): 45 kn (children under 5 years have a gratis entrance)

Adults: 75 kn

Students: 60 kn

Seniors (over 65 years old): 65 kn

Current price list can be found here on the official website.

Current opening hours can be found here on the official website.

SUMMARY

A trip into the Baredina cave can be a nice treat from, for example, sunbathing on Croatia’s beautiful beaches. The cave tour lasts less than an hour, and with a bit of luck you will be able to photograph the olm (which is an endangered species). Nearby is an exhibition of old agricultural machinery, or speleological climbing center “Speleolit” where you can try cave climbing. By the way, you can also taste the local wine, bread and olive oil.

Shadowgate, source flickr.

Bernhard Wintersperger, source flickr.

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Artykuł Baredine Cave pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Archiwa: Cave - Adventures No Limits

Vatnajökull Ice Cave

VATNAJÖKULL ICE CAVE

DESCRIPTION

HOW VATNAJÖKULL WAS FORMED

HOW ICE CAVES FORM IN ICELAND

WHY IS THE ICE IN A CAVE “BLUE”?

LOCATION

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT TO BRING

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CAVES?

ATTRACTIONS NEAR VATNAJÖKULL CAVE

USEFULE LINKS

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

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CUESTA DEL LIPÁN

LORD HOWE ISLAND

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CAT BA ISLAND

DESCRIPTION

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLAND

FLORA AND FAUNA

WEATHER ON THE ISLAND

WHAT’S WORTH SEEING

Cat Ba rock climbing

Watching the coral reefs

Night squid fishing during cruises

A visit to Cai Beo fishing village

Exploring Cat Ba National Park

Cat Co beaches

Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

La Regina Legend cruise

Fort Cannon

Visiting Lan Ha Bay during a canoe trip

Hospital Cave

Trung Trang Cave

Ngu Lam Peak

HOW TO GET THERE

ACCOMMODATION

TIDBITS

USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION

SUMMARY

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THAM LOD CAVE

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Tham Lod Cave

THAM LOD CAVE

DESCRIPTION

BRIEFLY ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS PLACE

LOCATION AND HOW TO GET THERE

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVE

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TOUR THAM LOD?

PRICE LIST AND OPENING HOURS

ACCOMMODATION

USEFUL INFORMATION

TIDBITS

SUMMARY

SHARE AN ARTICLE

SEE ALSO

AL QUDRA LAKES

MARTVILI CANYON

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Baredine Cave

BAREDINE CAVE

WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM

ORIGIN OF THE CAVE

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

FIRST EXPLORATION

LEGEND

UNUSUAL CAVE DWELLER

TIDBIT

WHAT WE CAN FIND NEAR THE CAVE

USEFUL INFORMATION