Hung Thoòng - Unveiling the Hidden Treasure Beneath the Earth

Fortunate to be among the first to leave my mark on the new pathway, following in the footsteps of photographers venturing to Hung Thoòng Cave, I discovered that Phong Nha still holds many hidden treasures beneath the ground waiting to be explored.

Trekking to Unveil a New Pathway

Hung in the language of the Phong Nha people means valley. Thoòng Valley is situated within the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

The valley comprises numerous caves such as Round Cave, Hung Cave, mountain lakes, Thung Cave, Nightmare Sinkhole... evaluated by experts as a highly unique and distinct cave system compared to those previously discovered. The names of the caves are given by the discoverers themselves based on their names or the morphology and prominent features of the caves.

Our exploration journey includes 3 caves: Hung Cave, Thung Cave, and Round Cave. Trekking through primeval forests, swimming inside the caves, crossing rocky cliffs on ropes... will be the challenges you need to overcome when visiting Hung Thoòng Cave.

Surrounded by the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Hung Thoòng Cave is embraced by limestone mountains millions of years old and ever-changing primeval forests.

The only way to enter is by trekking through small trails in the ancient forest. Since it's a pre-trail journey, the path is nearly untouched, with no trails yet established. Local porters (people carrying equipment, guiding the way) carve through the foliage as they proceed. Later, when tours are organized, the porter team will clear vegetation, construct wooden staircases at slippery points to ensure safety for visitors.

The terrain of Hung Thoòng Cave is not excessively steep but mainly consists of jagged rocks covered in slippery moss. There are sections where you trek alongside the stream, with one side rushing water and the other a stacked stone path constantly sprayed by water, keeping everything damp. You can't afford to be inattentive for even a minute.

This is a vastly different experience compared to trekking northern peaks and southern caves. Nature has showered Phong Nha with an abundance of diverse vegetation and such rich topography.

Unveiling the 'treasure trove' beneath the earth's surface

When asked about my favorite trekking destination, without hesitation, I'd say Quang Binh, specifically Phong Nha. Not only does Phong Nha boast Phong Nha Cave, but Quang Binh is also likened to the 'Kingdom of Caves' with a magnificent system of caves large and small yet to be fully explored.

Alongside Son Doong, the collapsed Kong Hole... already renowned among domestic and international tourists, I believe Hung Thoòng will also showcase the beauty of Quang Binh to the world.

The first spot we explored upon reaching Hung Thoòng Cave is the Hung Chamber. The group had to traverse three rugged limestone peaks, braving treacherous jagged rocks. But once inside the cave, a different world unfolds before our eyes.

The vast space overwhelms like a grand plaza of ancient civilization. The stalactite formations, millions of years old within the Hung Chamber, resemble giant statues of ancient goddesses. Captivated by this enchanting and magnificent scenery, photographers in the group dubbed this area the 'Enchanted Realm'.

Apart from the Hung Chamber, the Round Chamber features a circular mouth-like entrance resembling a colorful magical gate leading to another world. As the Round Chamber houses a 1.2km-long water lake, the entire group uses paddles to navigate the emerald green waters, admiring the intricate stalactite formations in the deep and vast cave.

Moving on to the Thung Chamber, we swam across a large 80m-long water lake from the cave entrance. Subsequently, the entire group climbed up a slippery high rock wall to reach small interconnected water lakes nestled beneath massive stalactite formations.

Beneath the azure underwater lake, there are small white blind fish species. Due to prolonged lack of light within the cave, the fish's eyes have degenerated, compensating with heightened other senses.

Thanks to the safety assistant team from Jungle Boss accompanying us, we overcome swimming cave challenges, rope swings to reach new marvels. It's truly moving to witness these landscapes, formed millions and millions of years ago before humans discovered them. It's only when you venture out that you realize Vietnam has such miraculous natural resources!

A 'fairy tale garden' amidst the jungle

It was quite serendipitous that while searching for a bathing stream, we immediately noticed near the campsite there's a section of stream resembling a 'fairy tale garden'. The crystal-clear stream allows you to see the bottom, surrounded by large moss-covered rocks, words can't fully describe the beauty of this place.

Also at this campsite, I had the opportunity to converse more with the local porters, to better understand and appreciate the land of Phong Nha.

'We're all 'reformed forest bandits', without tours, we wouldn't know how to survive' - One of the candid shares I heard.

During our days in the jungle, I observed the locals to be enthusiastic, kind-hearted, experienced in forest navigation but still somewhat reserved in communication. I understand, with the expansion of tourism in Phong Nha, there have been many positive changes in the lives of the locals.

Exploring information about Hung Thoòng Cave

Hung Thoòng Cave has been open for tourism since 01/01/2023 under the exclusive management of Jungle Boss Tours. Currently, the Hung Thoòng Discovery Tour is priced at 10,000,000 VND per person. For more information, please contact the Jungle Boss Tours Hotline: 0917 800 805.

Discovering Hung Thoòng Cave 3 days 2 nights:

Hung Thoòng Cave is one of the most untouched places where no tourist has set foot before. With diverse terrain ranging from trekking through forest trails, crossing jagged rock formations, swimming in underground caves, navigating through dry caves, camping amidst the wilderness... Welcome to the world of adventurous travel!

Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualified article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For more information about the program, visit:https://trv.lk/golocal