An unforgettable adventure

Nguyen Thi Minh Hieu, a Hanoi resident, described her experience exploring Khuon Bong Cave on December 15 as awe-inspiring.

“I’ve visited many caves in Vietnam, but Khuon Bong truly stands out. The majestic landscapes and unique features of the cave system overwhelmed me,” Hieu shared.

The one-day expedition included activities like rope climbing, crawling through narrow crevices, swimming across the subterranean river, and traversing sections underwater to reach the cave’s exit in Thai Nguyen Province.

For Hieu, the adventure was not just about exploring nature but also about self-discovery, survival skills, and mental rejuvenation.

The majestic Khuon Bong Cave

Located in Vu Le Commune, Bac Son District, Lang Son Province, Khuon Bong Cave is part of the Lang Son Geopark’s second tourist route.

Spanning nearly 4,900 square kilometers across several districts and cities, Lang Son Geopark was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in September 2024.

Visitors typically begin their Khuon Bong Cave journey with a 120-meter rope climb at "Yen Son Heaven Gate," also known as Hang Hong in Huu Lung District, Lang Son.

To reach the cave entrance, explorers trek through forested trails. The entrance itself is a narrow, 60-centimeter-wide limestone crevice, requiring climbers to use ropes and safety harnesses to descend into the cave.

Once inside, a 3-meter-deep hole and a steep 60-meter vertical drop lead to the cave floor, where the trek begins.

Adventurers navigate diverse terrains, from trekking and kayaking to swimming and crawling, through Khuon Bong Cave’s underground river and unique geological formations.

Hieu recalled stopping for lunch inside the cave before continuing the 3-kilometer journey, which included paddling on SUP boards and crawling under low ceilings.

"The cave feels like an underground palace, with extraordinary landscapes and terrains," she said.

Potential for adventure tourism

Pham Van Manh, director of a professional exploration tourism company, highlighted Khuon Bong Cave’s untapped potential.

“The cave’s stunning natural formations, including pristine stalactites, crystal-clear pools, and cascading waterfalls, make it ideal for adventure tourism,” Manh said.

The company is preparing documents to obtain permits for guided tours of the cave.

However, challenges remain, particularly at the cave’s exit in Thai Nguyen’s Suoi Mo Ga area, where low ceilings and submerged paths require expert guidance for safe passage.

According to Pham Thi Huong, deputy head of the Lang Son Geopark Management Office, developing the cave will require close collaboration between Lang Son and Thai Nguyen provinces.

Plans for Lang Son Geopark include four tourist routes featuring 38 attractions, accessible via major highways like National Routes 1A, 1B, 4B, and 279. Each route will offer diverse experiences ranging from cultural heritage to geological wonders.