Pu Sam Cáp Cave is known as the most beautiful cave in the northwest. — Photo laichau.tourism.vn

By Lê Mai

Pu Sam Cáp Cave in Pu Sam Cáp Commune, Sìn Hồ District, in the northwestern province of Lai Châu, is known for its wild, beautiful and mysterious beauty.

Known as the most beautiful cave in the northwest, it is about 6km west of central Lai Châu City at 1,700m above sea level.

To get to the cave, visitors have many means. However, passenger cars are still favoured because of their safety and low cost.

In Hà Nội, visitors can go to Mỹ Đình coach station or Giáp Bát coach station and take a car to Lai Châu. When reaching the centre of Lai Châu City, they can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Pu Sam Cáp.

In the Thái ethnic language, Pu Sam Cáp means three large mountains overlapping. This is a complex of more than 10 large and small caves that were just recently discovered, of which the three main caves are Thiên Môn (Heaven Gate), Thiên Đường (Paradise) and Thủy Tinh (Glass).

The wonder of the cave system is a sleeping beauty set deep in the forest.

According to experts, the cave’s pristine beauty can be compared to any previously recognised cave, such as Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng in Quảng Bình Province, Thiên Cung Grotto in Quảng Ninh Province, and Ngườm Ngao Cave in Cao Bằng Province.

Pu Sam Cáp is evidence of the spectacular formation and natural texture of the Earth's crust. — Photo dulichdemen.vn

With massive stalactites, cave arches and traces of tectonic lines on rock, Pu Sam Cáp is evidence of the spectacular formation and natural texture of the Earth's crust.

Visiting the cave, we were attracted by a variety of poetic, charming and magnificent scenes. Right from the first steps at the foot of the mountain, the scenery of the primaeval forest with ancient trees spreading widely covered with orchids and mistletoes, interlaced with roots and wildflowers evoked our curiosity to explore.

First, we entered Heaven Gate, with its profound depth and large archway. The closer to the centre, the higher and broader the cave arch becomes, with a relatively flat floor like an auditorium.

We were surprised by the unique shapes of the stalactites like umbrellas, terraced fields of the northwest mountains, and statues of Buddha. Crystallized stalactites of all shapes and sizes seem to be honed by nature and are in the process of being slowly perfected across the ages.

We were also overwhelmed when at the end of the cave, a magnificent palace with iridescent stalactites appeared as if they were inlaid with gold.

Walking in the mysterious darkness of Heaven Gate, we quickly felt the cool air emanating from the rocks. Sometimes cool breezes blow in, threading through the stalactite columns, and bouncing off the cliffs to create unusual sounds. From the end of the cave, a rare light shines in, opening out into a peaceful sky, and giving peace of mind.

Leaving Heaven Gate took us about half an hour trekking through ancient trees. Sometimes we had to cling to the vines or follow the cliffs to reach Paradise Cave.

Pu Sam Cáp Cave has many massive stalactites. — Photo triptrip.info

Paradise Cave, the name speaks of its beauty is truly splendid with green scenery and clear water on all sides. You can imagine fairies dancing among the floating clouds, and scenes of pounding rice and dancing.

Inside the cave, there are stalactites like tall glass columns with delicate, winding patterns which are arranged around a small and clear lake. There are wide and flat rocks to rest and watch the sun shine through the forest foliage and onto rocks in the cave.

After admiring the scenery of the mountains and hills, we seemed to be transported to a vast and distant sea with undulating "rocky waves" stretching from the foot of the cave to the middle, in the shapes of fish, shrimp, and pearls. The diverse shapes are both strange and familiar, only serving to stimulate our rich imagination.

Glass Cave was our last destination to relax after a long and thrilling adventure in this primitive cave system. It is a larger and lighter space, helping us enjoy the entire fantastic view of the inside.

This cave is in the most precarious position, creating a special attraction for people who love adventure. In recent years, the cave has been more strongly exploited for tourism, offering many exciting experiences.

Pu Sam Cáp Cave is known as the most beautiful cave in the northwest. — Photo laichau.tourism.vn

Along with the cave system, Pu Sam Cáp has a rich and diverse flora and fauna system. Vegetation forms across two floors with many rare products and valuable medicinal herbs.

There are more than 200 species of birds, and the forest resources have contributed to regulating the ecological environment and feeding generations of residents from the land.

The Pu Sam Cáp caves are a magical work of nature with formations, textures, and vibrations creating a series of vivid stalactites of different colours bringing us closer to human spirituality. A trip to this incredible cave system is enchanting indeed. VNS