Mo So Cave forms a natural ring with a green-covered valley of over 1,000 square meters at its center. Researchers believe this unique cave system was created millions of years ago, when the area still lay beneath the sea.
Recognized as a national historical site in 1995, Mo So Cave (located in Kien Luong commune, An Giang province) is part of a dramatic limestone mountain range that boasts mysterious caverns and rugged terrain.
More than just a scenic destination, Mo So holds traces of Vietnam’s revolutionary past and remains a draw for visitors fascinated by both history and unspoiled nature.
Aerial view of Mo So Cave complex. Photo: N.H
In Khmer, “Mo So” means “white stone.” The mountain range rises dramatically from the low-lying Mekong Delta landscape, its wild forests and intriguing caves forming both a natural landmark and a living monument to Vietnam’s two great wars of resistance.
According to Kien Luong’s Cultural and Sports Center, during the First Indochina War, Mo So served as a base for Engineering Workshop 18 (under Military Zone 9) and Cambodian volunteer forces.
Here, revolutionary troops produced and modified weapons seized from the French, supplying the Southern battlefront with vital arms.
Mo So features over 20 interconnected caves. Photo: T.T
Every step inside the cave is a journey into Vietnam’s proud history and untouched natural beauty. Photo: T.T
In the following Vietnam War, Mo So once again became a critical strategic base, acting as a command post on Route 1C - a key transportation route for moving weapons and supplies from the North to the South.
Despite repeated raids by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces aiming to destroy the base, Mo So endured, thanks to its treacherous terrain and the ingenuity and bravery of local fighters. It played a crucial role in securing revolutionary victory in the region.
Geologically, Mo So takes the shape of a ring, enclosing a green valley in its center. Experts say the caves were formed millions of years ago, when the area was submerged beneath seawater. Ancient marine erosion left behind dramatic cave walls, deep hollows, and fantastical stone formations.
The range contains over 20 caves - some so narrow only one person can squeeze through, others vast enough to shelter hundreds.
Within the mountain lie cold underground streams and shimmering stalactites, illuminated by beams of sunlight that filter through skylight holes. The result is a subterranean cathedral sculpted by nature’s hand.
A cool underground stream winds through Co Yeu Cave. Photo: T.TA commemorative plaque at the entrance to the Medical Cave honors revolutionary fighters who gave their lives for national reunification. Photo: T.TLocal students take part in “back to the roots” activities at Mo So Cave, learning about Vietnam’s revolutionary legacy. Photo: N.H
A must-see stop on any visit to Mo So is the cluster of caves known as Military Medical - Communications - Logistics, located on the western side of the mountain. These are among the largest and most striking formations in the entire complex.
The main cave plunges over 20 meters deep and broadens as you go further in. A stream flows through the cave year-round, crystal clear during the rainy season. Schools of small fish dart along the water’s edge, as if guiding visitors on their way.
Under dim light filtering in from rock crevices above, glistening stalactites sparkle like chandeliers, creating a dreamlike atmosphere - as if stepping into a mythical realm.
During the Vietnam War, the Medical Cave served as a field hospital where wounded soldiers were treated.
Temperatures inside are consistently comfortable - cool in the dry season, warm in the cold months.
The deeper one ventures, the more mesmerizing the rock formations become: UFO-shaped stones, cat-ear rocks, toad-shaped statues, and wall ridges that resemble ancient Chinese calligraphy.
Today, Mo So Cave is not only a sacred site for historical education but also one of An Giang’s premier destinations for eco-tourism and cultural exploration.
Thousands of visitors arrive each year to explore its spectacular cave systems, uncover its wartime stories, and breathe the clean, crisp air of the surrounding mountains.
Local youth groups and students often organize “Back to the Roots” excursions to the cave - paying tribute to the sacrifices of earlier generations, while deepening their love for country and pride in national heritage.
Vietnamnet.vn
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