Cave systems in Phong Nha - Ke Bang area

Abstract

After 22 years with 13 colỉaborative research expeditions between the Faculty of Geography, VNƯ University of Science, and the BCRA, many eaves in the great limestone blocks of Phong Nha Ke Bang have been explored and surveyed with a total length of 163km. Most of them are river caves, connected together to form three main systems: Phong Nha cave system, Hang Vom system and Nuoc Moc system. Phong Nha cave system starts from Hang Khe Ry - the world’s longest river cave, to Hang Thung, En, Tra Anh and finally, Phong Nha cave, with a total length of 79.1km. Hang Vom system starts from Rue Ca Roong cave and ends with Hang Vom with a total length of 44.3km. Nuoc Moc system which has a large basin located in the west of Chay River flowing through caves Vuc Ky, Nuoc Lan and Ha Lau is 14.1km long. Most recently, Son Doong Cave of the Phong Nha system was discovered and is the world’s largest cave passage. Some caves have been developed for tourism activities such as Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave more recently. However, tourism activities have a large effect on the caves. Beside the research results of the cave systems in Phong Nha Ke Bang, this report will provide the following analyses: evaluation of the impact of tourist activities and environmental changes in the caves, and propose solutions for the effective management and sustainable development of this valuable resource.