Chom Ong Cave
Oudômxai
Chom Ong Cave is an extensive cave system located in Oudomxay Province in northern Laos, stretching over 16 kilometers, making it the longest cave in the region and among the top ten in Laos. The cave features impressive geological formations including vast halls, towering stalagmites and stalactites, and sparkling sinter deposits. It runs along a 4 km mountain ridge with parallel fossil and river passages connected by two massive overlaying halls. The cave is accessible from the nearby Khmu village of Ban Chom Ong, which has traditionally used the cave for bat hunting and guano collection. Since its discovery by the Tourism Department in 2006, efforts have been made to develop the site for ecotourism, involving the local community through training and infrastructure improvements. Visitors can explore the cave’s remarkable natural beauty, including high balconies overlooking the Nam Kaang river flowing through the lower levels. The cave’s remote location and challenging access add to its allure as an adventurous destination.
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Tip: The best time to visit Chom Ong Cave is during the dry season when the dirt roads to Ban Chom Ong village are accessible by motorcycle or car. Visitors should consider booking guided tours in advance to benefit from local knowledge and support the community. The first 450 meters of the cave are illuminated, but exploring the full length requires proper equipment and physical fitness. Ecotourism initiatives mean that visitors can stay overnight in the village guesthouse and experience local culture. Purchasing tickets on site is possible, but pre-arranging tours can enhance the experience and ensure availability.
Interesting facts
- •Chom Ong Cave is the longest cave in Northern Laos and ranks among the top ten longest caves in the country.
- •The cave features two huge overlaying halls each about 100 meters long, 30 meters wide, and up to 50 meters in height.
- •Local villagers call the cave 'Tam Chia' or Bat Cave due to traditional bat hunting and guano collection.
- •The cave system includes both fossil passages and active river passages with the Nam Kaang river flowing through the lower level.
- •Exploration trips through the full length of the cave can take up to 15 hours, including return walking time to the village.
History
Although known to the local Khmu community for generations as a source of bats and guano, Chom Ong Cave was officially documented by the Oudomxay Tourism Department in 2006 during a search for tourist attractions.
Following its discovery, the village was prepared for ecotourism development with support from the German Development Service and the Schmitz Foundation, including training and infrastructure improvements.
Scientific explorations in 2009 and 2010 mapped the cave to a preliminary length of over 16 kilometers.
The cave was opened to tourists in 2010 with informational signage and partial lighting installed.
Place Guide
Main Entrance and Stream Inlet
The northern entrance of the cave accessible after a 45-minute walk from Ban Chom Ong village, featuring the stream inlet where exploration equipment is typically used to enter the cave.
Overlaying Halls
Two massive halls connecting the fossil and river passages, each approximately 100 meters long, 30 meters wide, with ceiling heights reaching 50 meters, showcasing impressive natural architecture.
Upper Level Balconies
Elevated ledges approximately 15 meters high inside the cave offering vantage points to look down onto the lower river level where the Nam Kaang river flows.
Stalagmites, Stalactites, and Sinter Formations
Various impressive mineral formations including towering stalagmites and stalactites, as well as sparkling sinter deposits that decorate the cave interior.
