Minh Hieu, a Hanoi native, had long dreamed of flying the national flag at a uniquely special place in Vietnam - a desire born from her profound patriotism and love for the country.

Though she had conquered many destinations across varied terrains, Minh Hieu remained excited about one particular challenge: Son Doong - the world’s largest cave, located in Thuong Trach commune, Quang Tri province (formerly Tan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province).

“To prepare for this extraordinary journey, I had to complete multiple prior treks on diverse terrains. I trained consistently, combining multiple sports to build stamina, endurance, and physical strength,” she shared.

Minh Hieu spent months training and improving her fitness to prepare for the Son Doong expedition.

Her expedition took place in mid-August. Among her gear, she carried the Vietnamese national flag, hoping to do something meaningful within this natural wonder.

“This red flag with a yellow star represents honor, blessings, and deep emotion,” Hieu said, her voice trembling.

Upon reaching the cave’s entrance, she felt like she was stepping into a dream. Especially when she raised the flag high and captured the moment amid the majestic surroundings, her emotions surged with indescribable intensity.

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Expedition members signed the Vietnamese flag brought by Minh Hieu during the Son Doong journey.
Minh Hieu excitedly waves the flag near the cave’s wedding cake-shaped stalagmite.
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Minh Hieu holds the national flag and poses with her fellow adventurers inside the world’s largest cave in Quang Tri.

Minh Hieu proudly holds the national flag in a priceless moment at the mouth of Son Doong Cave.
Photos: Minh Hieu

“Amid the magnificent and mystical setting - where sunlight pours through sinkholes like silver waterfalls and a lush forest rises proudly underground - the image of the red flag with a yellow star fluttering became even more vibrant and sacred.

Holding the flag in my hands, I was carrying not just a national symbol, but also the pride of a Vietnamese soul, leaving my mark on a global natural wonder.

It was a moment when my heart beat in sync with the rhythm of the Earth, filled with emotion, pride, and love for my homeland,” she recalled.

Minh Hieu was also moved by the support she received from her fellow travelers. Though they had only just met, everyone from international tourists to guides, safety assistants, and porters warmly signed the flag she had brought along.

“These were more than just ink marks. They were symbols of friendship, unity, and connection. Each signature carried a message, a bond that transcended borders, joining hands to celebrate the beauty of nature and spread a spirit of peace and camaraderie,” she expressed.

With the national flag in her pack, she felt a surge of motivation and strength to overcome the cave’s many challenging terrains.

The moment she scaled the “Vietnam Wall” at the cave’s end and raised the flag was the emotional climax of her expedition. Every drop of sweat, every rapid heartbeat on the difficult path turned into a powerful wave of national pride.

For Minh Hieu, conquering Son Doong was not only a personal triumph, but also a symbol of Vietnamese determination, unity, and aspiration. The image of the red flag waving inside the world’s largest cave illuminated a sense of national pride and eternal love for the homeland.

“This journey to Son Doong wasn’t just about conquering a natural wonder, but also a heartfelt pilgrimage filled with pride for my country,” she reflected.

Do An