New Caves Discovered in Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Its Vicinity in 2024

Where Are These Newfound Caves?

According to the British-Vietnam Caving Expedition Team and Oxalis’ members, the newly discovered caves are scattered across the vast and breathtaking landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and its neighboring areas in Quang Binh Province.

Within the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, situated in Thuong Trach, Bo Trach, 7 caves were unearthed, boasting a combined length of 1,377 meters.

Venturing further afield, the team uncovered 10 more caves in Lam Hoa, Tuyen Hoa, approximately 90 kilometers from Phong Nha-Ke Bang. These caves, spanning a total length of 1,294 meters, add to the region’s diverse subterranean wonders.

New caves were discovered in the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang and in Bo Trach, Minh Hoa, and Tuyen Hoa districts. Source: Internet.

The distribution of these caves showcases the vast potential for exploration within Quang Binh’s expansive network of karst formations.

Apart from the new caves discovered in Quang Binh, Vietnam, 7 others were found in Laos on an earlier expedition from February 18 to 29.

How Were the Caves Discovered?

The details of the 3 expeditions conducted by the British-Vietnam Caving Expedition Team and Oxalis in 2024 are as follows:

The expedition members were split into 3 groups focusing 3 different areas:

• Expedition in Thuong Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam.
• Expedition in Lam Hoa, Tuyen Hoa, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam.
• Expedition in Hin Nam No National Park, Khammouane Province, Laos.

Expedition in Thuong Trach, Bo Trach

This expedition centers on Thuong Trach Commune in Bo Trach District. From March 4 to 11, the team, comprising 6 cave experts—Tibor Dianovszki, Jackson Alan Ross, Lawson Rebecca, Spillane Adam Dominic, Caisley Elizabeth Frances, and Pham Hong Dai—embarked on their expedition into the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang.

The team was accompanied by a National Park Ranger, a dedicated chef, and a team of 10 porters, ensuring the expedition was conducted safely.

The caving team members who went on the expedition to Thuong Trach, Bo Trach.

Their itinerary unfolded over 9 eventful days, each with challenges and discoveries. Commencing their journey from Phong Nha town, the team trekked to km44, collaborating with local authorities before trekking to the first campsite.

Subsequent days saw them traversing rugged terrain, navigating rivers, and delving into the depths of newfound caves.

The team traversed rugged terrain, navigating rivers and delving into the depths of newfound caves.

Their exploration led them to Hang Dat Cave and Ba Cop Cave, revealing intriguing geological formations and unique characteristics. Going deeper, the team conquered the formidable Doi Trieng Cave, descending over 150 meters into its depths, facing challenges that demanded precise equipment and technical expertise. Undeterred by setbacks, the team continued their quest, searching the landscape for discoveries, ultimately unveiling the majestic Vuc Hung Cave and the enchanting Trieng Cop Doi Cave.

Hang Dat Cave reveals intriguing geological formations.

The journey concluded as the team returned to civilization, trekking from En Valley to Phong Nha town.

The dimensions of the caves found in Thuong Trach, Bo Trach:

Expedition in Lam Hoa, Tuyen Hoa

From March 12 to 15, Tibor Dianovszki, Jackson Alan Ross, Lawson Rebecca, Caisley Elizabeth Frances, Palmer John Derek, and Pham Duc Dung (four of whom from the previous expedition), accompanied by 2 porters and a local guide, conducted another journey in Lam Hoa Commune, Tuyen Hoa District, and Trung Hoa Commune, Minh Hoa District.

Unlike previous explorations, this expedition focused on mostly dry caves with narrow passages and hidden entrances obscured by dense foliage. The team faced challenges navigating through tight cave branches, some blocked by underground rivers. Without diving equipment, they could only swim through accessible wet branches. Trudging through narrow passages proved arduous, hindering equipment transport.

In Trung Hoa, the team identified a potential water cave near Ruc Mon Cave, which was, however, obscured by vegetation, preventing further investigation.

Despite obstacles, this expedition shed light on previously unknown cave systems, revealing the complexities of underground landscapes in the region.

The dimensions of the caves found in Lam Hoa, Tuyen Hoa:

The dimensions of the caves found in Laos:

What is the Significance of This Discovery?

Although research, accessibility, location identification, and a preliminary description of these new caves have been among the primary goals up to this point, there are many potential implications. The caves’ identification, which adds to the cave map in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, could be the discovery’s most tremendous significance.

The discovery holds promise for biodiversity conservation. These underground ecosystems could harbor unique species, some of which may be endemic or yet to be discovered, contributing to our understanding of regional biodiversity.

Furthermore, the newfound caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for conservation initiatives, as their protection becomes paramount to safeguarding fragile subterranean ecosystems and their inhabitants.

The newfound caves offer opportunities for conservation initiatives.

Lastly, the expedition could serve as an evaluation of the potential of promoting tourism within these newly discovered caves. If this potential materializes, not only will tourism in this region grow even more, but understanding of the value of cave conservation will rise as well.

The Oxalis Experience.