The MAG Vietnam Vol 2 Oct 2016 | Page 13

the most beautiful underground lake , the most magnificent miraculous stalactites , and the largest and most beautiful dry cave . Should you be the a more adventurous traveler ( and fit ) the ideal opportunity would be to investigate the Tu Lan Cave system , which was opened to visitors in 2011 by Oxails , the sole tour operator and investor of Son Doong and Tu Lan . The cave system spans over more than ten caves , some of which were only discovered in the last 2 or 3 years . As expected , a keen explorer will need to trek through remote dense jungle , some fields with wild buffalo , rather large limestone mountainous country , some deep cool underground rivers and valleys . This is not for the faint hearted and as you swim , yes swim , through the magnificent river caves , you are totally surrounded by spectacular limestone formations , make sure your miner ’ s light has a full charge as the natural light fades very quickly behind you . Even though Hollywood has used these areas for the basis of some movies including Peter Pan , many viewers don ’ t realise they actually exist and you can explore them first hand , again the professional guides that Vietnam Tourism Centre provide on site . Tourism in this “ Sanctuary of Caves ” has increased dramatically with more than 3 million visitors including a substantial number of international adventurers . Oxails Tours have a number of other new caves that have been opened to the public on their itinerary in Quang Binh for the enthusiasts including the six km mysterious Dark Cave and Va and Nuoc Nut Caves . The information we have provided in this article is all but a sample of what is available , to the point where I am going to write a follow up article to explore the many wonders of this seemingly
unknown , especially to international travelers , enchanted area . Together with the discovered outstanding cave systems there are many others throughout the north in areas such as Lan Son , Hoa Binh , Phu Tho , Cao Bang , and Ha Giang with secrets yet to be revealed . Vietnam definitely has a massive potential to further develop Eco based Cave Tourism .