Asian Geographic - 08.2018

WHEN

See the dates at

http://www.oxalis.com.vn

WHERE

Phong Nha Ke

National Park

HOW

From Nội Bài International

Airport, take a plane, bus,

or train to Phong Nha town

EXPERIENCE

CAVING

Phong Nha Ke
National Park
Situated in the heart of the central Quang Binh

province, Son Doong (Mountain River) Cave –

the world’s largest cave – was first discovered in

1991 by a local hunter seeking shelter from the

rain. At over 200 metres across, 150 metres

tall and 6,500 metres long, this cave was

formed from an underground river cutting

through layers of limestone along a geological

fault. It’s so big, it’s yet to be fully explored.

First opened to the public in 2013, this

three-million-year-old cave has its own

weather and ecosystem, including jungles,

clouds of mist, ancient lakes, and waterfalls. Its

treasures include rare cave pearls, passages lined

with ancient fossils, and the world’s

largest stalagmite. Permits are granted under

only one company, Oxalis Adventure Tours,

VIETNAM

Rappel into the

World’s Biggest

Unexplored Cave

and all visitors must be accompanied on the

five-day journey into the cave, which includes

abseiling, trekking, and swimming though

underground rivers.

Before the trip, fortify yourself with some

bò lúc lắc, or “shaking beef ” – meat vigorously

stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, garlic and

a savoury, slightly spicy sauce. Found on most

menus, this celebratory dish is either served

with rice or over a bed of tomatoes, pickled

onions, and watercress.

above and left A misty

entrance and limestone

formations inside the

Son Doong Cave

VIETNAM