Specialised forest protection officers from the Tuong Duong Protection Forest Management Board discovered the natural cave during a patrol in Tam Thai Commune.
The newly discovered cave in Tam Thai Commune seen from the entrance area (Photo: Lu Vien).
The cave lies deep in primary forest, far from residential areas. Reaching it requires crossing steep slopes, dense old-growth forest and narrow rocky passages.
Initial observations by officials suggest the cave has an interior area of 2,000-3,000 square metres, with an open layout, numerous sheer rock walls and a natural system of stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of shapes.
Under torchlight, many formations appear jagged, while some surfaces shimmer as the light catches them.
Torchlight highlights unusual stalactite formations deep inside the dark cave (Photo: Lu Vien).
Lu Sinh Vien, an officer with the Tuong Duong Protection Forest Management Board, said the cave is about 4km from the nearest village, with most of the route passing through forest and involving steep, rocky terrain.
“The cave has three or four levels, with many formations in different shapes. In some places, they form serrated strips, while some surfaces appear to sparkle like metal when illuminated by a torch,” Vien said.
The team explored several hundred metres into the cave but was unable to survey the entire system. The interior is completely dark, requiring visitors to use torches to move around.
There is no water inside the cave, although a water source is located about 150m from its entrance. The terrain inside is complex, with numerous steep sections and sheer rock faces.
“I have spent many years in the forest, but I have never seen a cave this beautiful and pristine,” Vien said.
Forest protection officers inspect uniquely shaped stalactite formations inside the cave (Photo: Lu Vien).
Lo Duong Khanh, chairman of the Tam Thai Commune People's Committee, said the discovery highlighted the area's largely unexplored natural resources.
The commune will work with the Tuong Duong Protection Forest Management Board and relevant authorities to conduct a detailed survey of the cave, examining its geological features, landscape and natural value, Khanh said.
Based on the findings, local authorities will develop appropriate protection measures to minimise impacts on the cave and preserve its current condition.
If conditions permit, the area could also be studied for potential ecotourism development linked to forest conservation, officials said.