After carefully studying data on the cave, a report was released announcing the new findings, stated Dr. Howard Limbert, from the British Royal Cave Research Association, on May 23. It is likely to be the longest dry cave in Asia, said Libert.

First found in 2005, Thien Duong Cave is within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang park’s conservation area. The cave, 191m above sea level, has the most beautiful and spectacular stalactites in the park. Despite the robust geological tectonic process, the whole of the cave’s structure has been preserved intact.

At that time, the explorers only discovered about 5km of the cave due to technical factors, then on their return, they discovered the remaining 26km section.

The explorers also came across a number of small creatures in the newly found section, but the species have yet to be classified and their presence in the cave is unusual. The cave is well ventilated and is expected to be an attractive tourist destination in the near future thanks to its beautiful limestone formations.
Source VNA

Location:

Dong Hoi is located on the National Road 1A, North-South Railway and Ho Chi Minh Highway, at the coordinates 17.21’ N and 106.10’ E. This city is situated in the heart of Quang Binh Province. It has a coastline of 12 km. Nhat Le River is the only river that runs through the city. Tro Lake is the source of fresh water for the city-dwellers. The Nhat Le Beach is endowed with fine and white sand.

Climate:

Like all provinces in north and north central of Vietnam, there are four distinct seasons in Dong Hoi. In the spring, it is cool, humid and foggy. The average annual temperature is 24.40C, average rainfall varies from 1,300 – 4,000 mm, total sunshine hours per year is 1,786 hours, average annual moisture is around 84%. The city has monsoon climate with three types of wind: southeast wind, southwest wind, and northeast wind.

Tourism:

Dong Hoi is endowed with beautiful beaches with fine sand and clean water of Nhat Le. The Da Nhay and Ly Hoa beaches (60 km north of the city) are popular tourist destinations. The Bang Spa (hot mineral spring) is ideal for those who enjoy spa baths. The city is situated 50 km south of the World Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park which is ideal for cave and grotto exploration and biological research activities. Dong Hoi is also included in former battlefield tours where travelers can visit several once dangerous fields along Annamite Range and Ho Chi Minh Trail. Dong Hoi is accessible by road (National Highway 1A, Ho Chi Minh Highway), by rail at Dong Hoi Railway Station on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City Railway, or by air from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City at Dong Hoi Airport.

The city provide tourists with 98 hotels and guest-houses from 1 to 5-star hotels like Cosevco Hotel, Saigon-Quang Binh Hotel and especially the 5-star resort of Sun Spa Resort. The available cuisine includes seafood, the traditional “hot pot”, Vietnamese and European-style meals

A delegation of 30 overseas Vietnamese will return home to take part in the celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Truong Son Trail, scheduled to take place in central Quang Binh Province on May 16.

The celebrations, entitled “The Legend of a Path,” are being jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the provincial Quang Binh People’s Committee to honour the hundreds of thousands of soldiers and volunteers who scarified their youth and their lives on the historic road.

During their visit, from May 13-17, the overseas Vietnamese will burn incense in respect for the fallen soldiers who now rest in peace at the Truong Son and Road No. 9 Cemeteries and the ancient Quang Tri Citadel, said the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese.

They will offer incense at the Tam Co Cave and visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage site.

On May 18, the delegation will join others in ceremonies to pray for peace and welcome the arrival of the giant jade statue of Buddha at the Phat Tich Pagoda in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

These activities are intended to give the overseas Vietnamese an insight into the nation’s glorious history as well as the patriotic spirit, bravery and sacrifices their elders made during the past struggles for national reunification.