The Uncharted Abyss: A New Adventure in North-Central Vietnam

The newly discovered sinkhole, nestled in the heart of Quang Tri Province in north-central Vietnam, presents a breathtaking spectacle. With a sheer vertical drop of approximately 100 meters, it reveals a hidden world within its depths. This colossal cavity, spanning nearly 5,000 square meters, unveils a pristine landscape untouched by human footsteps. A natural wonder, it beckons explorers and nature enthusiasts alike to venture into its enigmatic realm, offering a unique glimpse into the Earth's inner sanctum.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

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Exploring Vietnam’s Wild: Discovering a Hidden Sinkhole in Quang Tri Province

Over two years ago, the Quang Tri Discovery team, based in the provincial capital city of Dong Ha, made a fascinating discovery. Through satellite images, they spotted a sinkhole at the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve in Huong Hoa District.

This discovery, coupled with a proposition from a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter, led to a collaborative expedition. The nature reserve management board and the district’s rangers organized a two-day journey to explore this hidden gem on June 29 and 30.

Venturing into the Unknown: A Newly Discovered Sinkhole in Vietnam’s Wilderness. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

The expedition group set off from Tria Village in Huong Son Commune, hiking along a stream bank for an hour and a half to reach their campsite. From there, they embarked on a challenging five-hour trek through dense forests and steep terrain to finally lay eyes on the sinkhole.

Nguyen Tan Hieu, deputy director of the nature reserve management board, confirmed that this was the first recorded exploration of the sinkhole. Prior to this, neither the reserve nor the local rangers knew of its existence.

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Sinkhole: A Natural Wonder in Vietnam’s North-Central Region. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Perched nearly 800 meters above sea level, the sinkhole boasts a dramatic C-shaped top with a vertical cliff that soars over 100 meters high. The upper rim extends outward, creating a canopy that shelters thriving green plants.

The opposite side plunges sharply downward, inviting adventurers to embark on a steep descent into the heart of the sinkhole. The expedition team, navigating this challenging terrain, discovered a wealth of cave entrances and hollows along their route, promising further exploration in the future.

The Brave Explorers: Discovering the Uncharted Territory of the Sinkhole. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Within the sinkhole lies a hidden world. Towering trees, their circumferences larger than a person’s embrace, stand tall and proud. The presence of civet footprints, stump-tailed macaque feces, and bird nests bear witness to the rich biodiversity of this secluded habitat.

A Remnant of the Past: An Unexploded Bomb from the American War in Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Perhaps one of the most intriguing discoveries within the sinkhole is the presence of five unexploded American MK81 bombs, remnants of the American war in Vietnam. Dr. Le Tuan Anh, from the MienTrung Institute of Scientific Research, who joined the expedition, emphasized the area’s rich biodiversity and the need for further investigation to uncover new species and enhance the ecological value of Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve.

A Tranquil Sanctuary: Towering Trees and Rich Wildlife Within the Sinkhole. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Recognizing the area’s potential, the nature reserve management board is proposing an ecotourism development project. With the newly discovered sinkhole, diverse flora and fauna, rivers, streams, and caves, the region offers endless opportunities for adventure tourism and trekking in Vietnam’s north-central wilderness.