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Renowned for its World Natural Heritage Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Quang Binh's 'Cave Kingdom' boasts a collection of over 300 caves large and small, rich and magnificent. This is considered a paradise for adventure and travel enthusiasts. This article by Camping Vietnam will summarize the experiences from Kenly Truong's camping journey at the world's largest cave system, including Kong – a famous location in the blockbuster film of the same name directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts.
Things You Might Not Know About This Cave System
Discovered by the British Cave Research Association Royal Caving Association during a survey and study trip in 1997, nestled in the deep mysterious forest of Phong Nha – Ke Bang is the Tiger Cave system with 3 large caves connected in succession: Pygmy Cave, Over Cave, and Tiger Cave. Undergoing changes in geology, topography, and the creations of time, nature has created large sinkholes, including the Kong sinkhole or previously known as Enclosed Doline, divided into 3 caves with magnificent, splendid, and distinct characteristic landscapes.
Image Source: Internet
What to Prepare Before Camping
As part of the 5N4D tour exploring Quang Binh with Fit Tour and Jungle Boss, all you need is your health. The company takes care of everything from gloves, hiking boots, to drinks, food, and transportation. Since the trip involves climbing, stream crossing, and trekking through forests, pack light. Some essential items:
Check the Weather Before Camping
Image Source: FB Kenly Truong
Journey of Camping and Exploring the World's Largest Cave System
This is the camping site at Kong Collapse. At a depth of 450m, Kong is currently one of the deepest sinkholes in the world. Despite being discovered since 1997, it wasn't until early 2020 that the explorers from Jungle Boss Tours found a way out for this mysterious sinkhole and began bringing the first tourists here. The name Kong comes from the panoramic view of the sinkhole from above, resembling the head of King Kong. This place contains a diverse green vegetation carpet all year round, and the majestic scenery will surely captivate you. - Kenly Truong shared.
Kong Collapse Sinkhole - Image Source: FB Kenly Truong
After stopping at Kong Collapse sinkhole, the group will move on to Tiger Cave. 'The biggest challenge in approaching Tiger Cave is to climb over a steep mountain about 150m high before entering the cave. The path becomes steeper, with wet moss-covered rocks and extremely narrow passages. Finally, you have to swim 300m through a cold underground river to enter Tiger Cave, with water temperature at that time only about 17 to 18 degrees Celsius.' - Kenly Truong shared.
Next on the journey is to visit Over Cave. 'Over Cave is only about a 15-minute trek from Tiger Cave. It is formed from a large cave, undergoing geological changes over thousands of years, creating a giant sinkhole. Here, there is a layer of lush vegetation sparkling under the sunlight. After leaving Over Cave, we came to another sinkhole connecting Over and Pygmy, hiding a vast primeval forest inside.'
Hang Pygmy is the camping spot for the whole group after a long journey exploring the world's largest cave system, and it's also the endpoint of this tour.
Hang Pygmy - Image Source: FB Kenly Truong
The lush green vegetation carpet at Pygmy Cave – Source: FB Kenly Truong
Ranked as the 4th largest cave in the world, it's no wonder Pygmy Cave is hailed as one of the most beautiful camping sites on the planet. About 800m from the camping site, there's a small stream where the tour guides will filter and fetch water for use.
Image Source: FB Kenly Truong
Because it's part of the tour, you'll have attentive guides and porters to cook and prepare meals for the entire group during camping. 'Compared to many other trips, this trip is definitely VERY SAFE (from our perspective). Despite having only 04 people on the trip, there are 07 Team members serving the trip, including 01 Guide, 01 Safety Assistant, 01 Main Cook, and 04 Porters. Safety equipment is fully equipped, including: Helmets, flashlights, life jackets, inflatable boats, rescue equipment (when swimming in caves). Specialized equipment for traversing through various sections during the expedition. Some sections in the cave are fixed with safety ropes.'
Activities at Pygmy Cave – Source: FB Kenly Trương
Refer to your travel itinerary, camping in Quang Binh with your group
With heartfelt insights from Kenly Trương, hope you'll gather the essentials for exploration and camping at the world's largest cave system in Quang Binh. Vietnam offers countless majestic travel destinations awaiting you, so pack your bags, gather your friends, and let's go!
Image Source + Article: FB Kenly Trương
Posted by: Hạ Phạm Nguyễn Minh
Keywords: Camping experience review at the world's largest cave system in Quang Binh
