Ta Nam Long, hailing from a prestigious medical family in Hanoi, achieved outstanding results in the graduation exam of Hanoi Medical University. However, he made the unconventional choice of pursuing a career in the technology industry, while spending his free time exploring caves.
Long has enhanced his caving skills through online research and connecting with global caving associations. Being a graduate of a medical university, he also prioritizes physical fitness, enabling him to overcome challenges such as swimming in frigid water and navigating fast-moving waterfalls in order to reach the deepest caves. Additionally, Long is equipped with the ability to provide first aid to himself and his teammates in the event of accidents during their expeditions.
Drawing upon his extensive experience of exploring hundreds of caves across Vietnam, Long founded the Vietnam Caving Association (VCA), which now boasts over 4,000 young members. The VCA serves as a non-profit organization where cave explorers can exchange experiences and embark on long exploration trips together.
 Ta Nam Long in his caving attirePhoto: Tran Thanh Giang
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Joined by the members of VCA, Long has embarked on numerous expeditions to caves all over Vietnam, encountering unforgettable experiences such as hunger, extreme cold, injuries, and getting lost.
Long has tackled challenging destinations like Suoi Can cave in Thanh Hoa, Dia Nguc cave in Ha Giang, and Hut cave in Son La. To reach Suoi Can cave, Long had to traverse multiple mountains and enter through one entrance, then exit at a location 15km away. Exploring Dia Nguc cave required Long and his team of four to spend 36 hours in deep water, enduring cold and hunger. Long successfully explored the perilous Hut cave, where a team of foreign spelunkers once went missing for four days. Hut cave’s swift-flowing water even swept away dozens of houses belonging to local residents.
One of Long’s most challenging journeys took place in 2016, when he ventured into Cong Nuoc cave in Chu Xai Phin village, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau. With a vertical depth of 600m and containing 14 layers, Cong Nuoc is considered the deepest cave in Vietnam. During this expedition, Long fell from a height of 50m and remained immobilized at the bottom of the cave for two days with a broken leg, injured spinal cord, and sprained ankle. It took him two years of relentless physical therapy to recover from this accident.
 Long and his team in Dong Lach cave in Thanh Hoa. Photo: Files
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After nearly a decade of undertaking countless trips, Long has amassed a valuable collection of thousands of photos and hundreds of impressive videos captured inside deep caves.
Currently, Long is planning a project to develop a hot spring in Son La, which will serve as an ideal tourist destination and the headquarters for VCA members in the northwest region of Vietnam.
Story: Bich Van – Photos: Thanh Giang
