The beauty of Hang En (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) – Exploring Hang En (literally Swift cave) - the world’s 3rd largest cave in the central province of Quang Binh, visitors will have a trip back in time to the prehistoric period.
Located in the central area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hang En is the 3rd largest cave in the world after Son Doong cave of Vietnam and Deer cave in Malaysia.
Discovered in 1994, Hang En quickly becomes an attractive destination for holiday-makers worldwide.
Following slopes surrounding limestone mountains through dense forests, and following the Rao Thuong river with thousands of white butterflies flying all the way - the path to Hang En, is one of the experiences you will never forget in life.
Discovery
Discovered in 1994 by cave experts from the Bristish Caving Association, Hang En has been known for decades by ethnic minority locals living in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
Its name comes from millions of swallows who nest and live in the cave.
A group of foreign tourists on the way to Hang En (Photo: Oxalis Adventures/VietnamPlus)
Previously, ethnic minority communities living around Hang En such as Bru-Van Kieu people (Doong village) used the cave as a storm shelter and a gathering place for locals who used ropes to climb cliffs to catch swallows.
At present, on steep cliffs in Hang En, there are traces of solid forest ropes previously used by locals.
Geology and dimension
Hang En ranked 3rd in the world for its majestic size. The cave stretches over 2 km through a giant limestone block in the core area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. There are three entrances to the cave, with the largest and most famous one 120m high and 140m wide.
The pristine and dense primeval forests surrounding the cave create a wonderful scenery that if you see it with your own eyes, then you believe it is real.
In some other areas of Hang En, the arch of the cave is up to 100m high and 180m wide, so large that the intense light from professional headlights cannot reach the cave’s walls.
Doong hamlet
To reach the cave, you will have to pass through Doong - a small hamlet inhabited by Bru-Van Kieu people, where about 40 people are living separately in the core area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The life of locals here is very difficult because the area is completely isolated from the outside society.
At present, the only way to Ban Doong is walking through the forests.
The operation of sightseeing tours to Son Doong cave and Hang En through this hamlet has opened up opportunities for locals to earn additional income.
With their hospitality, local residents have left many visitors with good impressions. The destination is an unforgettable highlight during their trips.
The Doong hamlet is a typical example in keeping intact cultural and spiritual values of ethnic minority communities over decades.
Hang En has appeared in international media such as National Geographic, the New York Times, Lonely Planet, Good Morning America, and the blockbuster Pan in 2015 by Hollywood Warner Bros.
Two-day tour to discover Hang En
In two days and one night, the tour will bring you an interesting experience at one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.
The journey includes a trip to Doong ethnic minority village in a jungle, which spends a night at a beautiful campsite beside a sandy beach right inside the cave. You will join a 22-km trek through jungles and streams, and climb hills to explore the 4km stretch of the cave./.
