Located around 130km from the centre of Thanh Hoa Province, Kho Muong Valley lies deep within the core zone of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
The area is known for its cool climate, limestone mountains and vast primary forests, making it one of northern Vietnam’s most popular eco tourism destinations.
Among the main attractions is Hang Doi (Bat Cave), also known as Kho Muong Cave, hidden deep within the forested valley.
According to the management board of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the cave was formed from limestone around 250 million years ago and is connected to an underground river system stretching approximately 2.5km.
The cave belongs to a karst geological system, with its entrance rising more than 10 metres above ground level.
Further inside, the cavern opens into larger chambers filled with sparkling stalactites and limestone formations.
Due to the cave’s naturally humid environment, many of the rock surfaces are covered with moss, lichen and vegetation.
Foreign visitors have increasingly travelled to the site to explore the cave and surrounding landscapes.
Silvan, a tourist from Australia, said the forests, caves and rice terraces of Pu Luong made the area stand out from other destinations he had visited.
“Pu Luong is very beautiful and the local people are friendly. It feels different from anywhere else I have travelled,” he said.
Authorities at Pu Luong Nature Reserve said they are working with local officials to expand experience based tourism models combining visits to terraced rice fields in Don Village, exploration of Bat Cave and trekking activities to conquer Pu Luong Peak.
