Dark Cave – miniature version of Son Doong

The Phong Nha – Ke Bang tourism centre has launched a programme to explore Toi (Dark) Cave in the world heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park as part of the Quang Binh Cave Festival 2015.

Director of the centre Le Thanh Loi said Toi Cave is not as big as Son Doong Cave, but that its natural features are as valuable as a miniature version of Son Doong – the world’s biggest cave in the central province of Quang Binh.

Through the two-day and one-night tour, visitors travel through the forest and explore Sinh Ton (Survival) Valley, E cave and Thuy Cung (Aquarium palace) Cave while crossing through the 6-kilometre Toi Cave.

The tour begins with the exploration of E Cave, located deep in the park’s thick forest and covered by a unique stalactite system. Visitors have the option of swimming in the cave’s river.

The next stop is Sinh Ton Valley, which is well-known for its century-old trees and unique flora and fauna such as flowers, mushroom, monkeys and multi-coloured butterflies.

Arriving at Thuy Cung Cave – the back gate of Toi Cave – visitors set up tents, have dinner, rest and experience an exciting night in the forest with games and art performances.

On the second day, visitors cross through Toi Cave. With necessary equipment, especially a lighting system, participants admire the breathtaking scenery of the cave with its long-wide underground river segments and spectacular stalagmites.

Guests take a mud-bath and observe the magnificent fossils dating back millions years. Only Toi Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang boasts these unique features.

After exploring Toi Cave, visitors turn to the poetic Chay River to enjoy a quiet space or join underwater adventure games, take on a thrilling zip line and taste traditional Vietnamese dishes.-VNA