New cave with rare stalactites, cave pearls discovered in Phong Nha – Ke Bang

Located between Voi (Elephant) Cave and Ma Da Lake in the Ma Da Valley, within the park’s strictly protected zone, the cave measures about 3,000 metres in length and 70 metres in average width, with several chambers extending beyond 100 metres. It has two entrances leading to separate branches. While the main entrance covers about 5 sq.m, the exit is narrow, allowing passage for only one adult at a time.

The cave, Thang (Victory) Cave, is named after a local resident who first identified its location. (Photo: Published by VNA)
The cave, Thang (Victory) Cave, is named after a local resident who first identified its location. (Photo: Published by VNA)

Quang Tri (VNA) – A newly discovered cave stretching approximately 3 kilometres has been found in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in the central province of Quang Tri, featuring a spectacular system of stalactites and an unusually large concentration of cave pearls, according to Jungle Boss Co., Ltd.

The cave, named Thang (Victory) Cave, was named after a local resident who first identified its location. Following the receipt of information about the site on June 3, Jungle Boss, in coordination with the management board of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, conducted a six-day field survey.

Located between Voi (Elephant) Cave and Ma Da Lake in the Ma Da Valley, within the park’s strictly protected zone, the cave measures about 3,000 metres in length and 70 metres in average width, with several chambers extending beyond 100 metres. It has two entrances leading to separate branches. While the main entrance covers about 5 sq.m, the exit is narrow, allowing passage for only one adult at a time.

Survey team members descended some 20 metres by rope to reach the cave floor. Inside, they discovered a vast underground space filled with impressive geological formations created over hundreds of thousands of years. Massive stalactites line nearly the entire length of the cave, including columns rising up to 50 metres from the cave floor, alongside giant stalagmites, flowing stone curtains and other striking formations.

phong-nha.jpg
Rare cave pearls found inside Thang Cave (Photo: Published by VNA)

Particularly noteworthy was the discovery of numerous clusters of cave pearls – rare geological formations formed by mineral deposits. The pearls are round, smooth and bright white, accumulating in natural rock basins throughout the cave. Representatives of Jungle Boss said even experienced cave exploration specialists have rarely encountered such a high density of cave pearls.

Following the survey, Jungle Boss proposed incorporating Thang Cave into the two-day, one-night Ha Ma Da Valley – Tra Ang Cave ecotourism route. The proposal has received in-principle approval from the national park’s management board.

According to the survey team, with its pristine landscape, remarkable scale and unique geological features, Thang Cave has the potential to become a new highlight of adventure tourism in Quang Tri and further enhance the value of the UNESCO-recognised Phong Nha – Ke Bang World Natural Heritage Site./.

VNA

See more

Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches two new routes to Chengdu

Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches two new routes to Chengdu

As the first airline to operate scheduled nonstop flights between Phu Quoc and Chengdu, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is also introducing launch offers of up to 20% off fares, complimentary Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car tickets, and exclusive privileges across the integrated Sun Group ecosystem.

Secretary of the Party Committee of Khanh Hoa province Tran Phong (right) meets with Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa. (Photo: VNA)

Khanh Hoa looks to draw more travellers from India

Indian arrivals to Vietnam have risen sharply from around 100,000 before 2016 to 750,000 in 2025, 4.5 times higher than in 2019, driven by expanding direct air routes. The number of Vietnamese visitors to India has also maintained an average annual growth rate of 17–20%.

From Da Nang, tourists can easily access attractions such as Sun World Ba Na Hills with its iconic Golden Bridge. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang emerges as hub for multi-destination travel

Da Nang’s appeal has been further strengthened after being ranked second on Lonely Planet’s list of Asia’s most attractive summer destinations. The recognition underscores the city’s growing role as a tourism and leisure hub in the region.

Con Dao tops Travel + Leisure’s list of the world’s 30 hidden islands around the world for off-the-grid adventure and seclusion. (Photo: VNA)

Con Dao named world’s top hidden island destination

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Con Son, the largest island in the Con Dao archipelago, is renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters off Vietnam’s southeastern coast.

Visitors explore the Hue Imperial Citadel. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam shines as Southeast Asia’s “gem”: French daily

The publication said Hanoi often leaves visitors with an immediate impression of energy and vitality, marked by its busy streets and constant movement. Beneath the bustling urban rhythm, however, lies a city rich in history and culture, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Seen from above, Hue Imperial Citadel glows brilliantly at the heart of the heritage city. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Heritage resources fuel Hue’s new growth ambitions

Hue is simultaneously stepping up efforts to attract investment into tourism, services and cultural industries. In the first five months of 2026, the city secured more than 19 trillion VND in newly registered investment capital, with projects planned in coastal tourism, lagoon-based ecotourism, cultural spaces along the Perfume River, convention and exhibition centres, night-time economy projects and cultural innovation hubs.

With its crystal-clear waters and majestic scenery, Hoa Binh lake, located within the reservoir area of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, has become an unmissable destination for visitors to Phu Tho province. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Tho moves to unlock tourism potential after administrative mergence

With coordinated efforts in planning, infrastructure development, product diversification, human resources training, digital transformation and destination branding, Phu Tho is well-positioned to transform tourism into a spearhead economic sector and a new engine of sustainable growth in the years ahead.

The Eye Mountain, one of the signature attractions of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. (Photo: VNA)

Cao Bang seeks to boost sustainable tourism

During the first five months of 2026, Cao Bang welcomed nearly 1.3 million visitors, generated 1.43 trillion VND (54.3 million USD) in tourism revenue, and recorded an average accommodation occupancy rate of 53%.

The natural beauty of Kem Beach, one of the world’s 50 most beautiful beaches, helps Phu Quoc captivate visitors from around the globe (Photo: Fabl Belek)

Phu Quoc surpasses Bali among Asia’s best islands in Travel + Leisure ranking

Phu Quoc, also called Pearl Island, rose to second place on the list of Asia-Pacific’s best islands, moving up one position from 2025 and surpassing many renowned destinations such as Bali (Indonesia), Palawan (the Philippines), Langkawi (Malaysia), and Sumba (Indonesia). Ranked only behind Koh Samui (Thailand), Pearl Island was also the sole representative from Vietnam to appear in this year’s ranking.

Vietnam tourism – A journey of endless discovery

Vietnam tourism – A journey of endless discovery

Vietnam possesses an exceptionally rich tourism offering. From the mist-covered mountains of the North to the turquoise beaches of the central region and the fertile waterways of the South, each destination presents its own distinctive charm, attracting both domestic and international visitors and contributing to the diverse appeal of the country's tourism sector.

Vietravel Airlines is prioritising efforts to enhance operational capacity and efficiency, with particular emphasis on fleet expansion. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietravel Airlines expands route network during peak summer season

Flight VU1213, operating the Hanoi–Buon Ma Thuot service with 220 passengers on board, landed at Buon Ma Thuot Airport at 2:20 pm on June 15. The flight marked Vietravel Airlines’ inaugural service on the new route linking the capital with the Central Highlands’ largest city.