Exploring Nguoi Xua Cave in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Discover the enigmatic Nguoi Xua Cave, locally known as Đắng Cave. It gets its name due to its abundance of bats and harbors a fascinating archaeological secret with ancient graves.

A ranger from Cuc Phuong National Park, Pham Phu Cuong, revealed that archaeologists unearthed three ancient graves inside the cave, each containing fossilized human skeletons arranged in a fetal position.

The cave, stretching 300 meters, consists of three parts. The entrance faces southwest, with the outer section being spacious and suitable for human habitation. The middle part is dark and damp, housing bats, while the innermost section features stunning stalactites.

Visitors must embark on a 4-kilometer trek from the forest edge, cross a 100-meter bridge, and climb over 200 stone steps to access the cave entrance, which is 10 meters wide and 20 meters high. Inside, visitors can hear sounds from stalactites that resemble the traditional instruments of the Muong people.

Historical records from Cuc Phuong National Park show that the cave was excavated in 1966 by the Vietnam Institute of Archaeology along with German experts and park officials.

Artifacts like stone tools, bone fragments, shells, and animal bones were uncovered during the excavation, indicating prolonged human occupation in the cave.

Notably, three ancient graves holding intact fossilized human skeletons, estimated to be 7,500 years old, were found buried in a fetal position at varying depths and surrounded by stone boundaries, gravel, and ochre.

The unique burial style observed, associated with the Hòa Bình culture, suggests early spiritual practices and rituals. Archaeologists suggest that binding the deceased before burial was a precaution against vengeful spirits haunting the living.

Among the three skeletons unearthed, two are housed at the Vietnam Museum of Archaeology, while one is on display at the Cuc Phuong Museum.