Known as the largest natural cave in the world, Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh province contains many hidden secrets that scientists still can’t decode. This is a destination which Western tourists are willing to pay $ 3,000 (about 63, 6 million) for a tour but they have to book and wait after 2016 because this tour was fully booked from now till 2016.
1. The cave was discovered in a rainy day
In 1991, Ho Khanh a local resident accidentally discovered Son Doong cave when he went into the cave’s entrance to avoid rain. By 2009 when the expedition of the British Caving Association went to this area, Ho Khanh told them about the Cave.
He rediscovered the cave with difficulty because it is located deep in the jungle with rugged terrain, away from the main road and not be seen with Google Earth. Thanks to the guidance of Ho Khanh, the expedition went deep into the cave to take photographs, measure and collect scientific data.
2. Hang Son Doòng can contain a 40 storey building
Hang Son Doong has a width of 150 m, height 200 m and 5 km long. The actual length of the cave may be even deeper than scientists had measured. However, the explorers of the British Caving Association can not go to the end of the cave because of limitation of modern science and technology.
With measured dimensions, Son Doong cave still has passed Deer Cave in Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia (120 m high, 150 m wide, and 2 km long) to be recognized as the largest natural cave in the world.
In addition, there are a number of sections within Son Doong cave size to 140 m x 140 m, which have stone columns up to 14 m high. Photographer Carsten Peter used to take a photo recorded cave section width of about 91.44 m , 243.84 m -high roof of the cave , which means it can contain a 40 -storey high building inside.
3. Hang Son Doòng is formed from 5 million years ago
According to scientific literature, Son Doong cave formed when river water flows through Limestone Mountains were buried. Over millions of years, erosion and water currents create a giant tunnel in the ground below the mountains.
4. Diversity of animals and plant’s world
Do Son Doong cave which is formed centuries ago have a beautiful rainforest. This forest is inhabited by monkey, bats, and crows along with a wide variety of ferns, palms, vines from outside and inside the cave.
The lakes, waterfalls, rivers inside also create diversity of plants.
In particular, the explorers also discovered species of pearl is formed in the process of dripping water,
5. Why just few tourists can visit Son Doong cave
The reason why just a few numbers of visitor can visit Son Doong cave is to protect the landscape and environment. Currently, the mysterious world of animals and plants within the cave has not yet to be deciphered. So Son Doong cave only welcome explorers, researchers or biology rather than tourists.
