Nam Eng Cave or Tham Kao Rao, is among the longest mapped underground labyrinths in northern Laos. Though no one has reached its finish, spelunkers once spent eight hours wandering some 1,000 meters, only to return claiming, “There is no end in sight.” The subterranean system includes “wet” and “dry” caves, both of which are fairly well lit. Limestone columns serve as geological gateways to chambers unveiling gours (dry floor pools), stalactites, stalagmites, and stone-rimmed wet pools with cave pearls. The network is generally narrow but easily passable, and acts as a natural air-conditioning system offering a cool respite from the heat outside.
The 30-hectare Nam Eng Cave area is currently being developed to include a small roadside market, and better lighting and interpreted walkways inside the caves. The project has also prepared preliminary architectural drawings for a restaurant and nature resort.
Well signed beside Rte 3, 1.5km east of Nam Eng village is this extensive, accessible cave system of which a 700m section is open to visitors. The main limestone formations include old stalactites encrusted with crystal deposits. Curious corrugations in the floor that now look like great old tree roots once formed the lips of carbonate pools like those at Turkey's Pamukkale. Local guides accompany visitors through the cave, but speak no English and have feeble torches. Extensive lighting is already wired up, but there are often power cuts, meaning a torch (flashlight) is a handy accessory. Allow around 45 minutes for the visit.
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