Introduction
Quảng Bình province in Vietnam is renowned for its stunning caves, including the world-famous SÆ¡n Äoòng Cave. However, another captivating system of caves, known as Tú Là n, has recently gained attention from adventurous travelers. Notably, Tú Là n served as the filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster "Kong: Skull Island."
Location and History
The Tú Là n cave system is located in Tân Hoá Commune, Minh Hoá District, Quảng Bình province. Situated within a pristine forest connected by eight valleys and various mountain ranges through the Rà o Nan underground river, Tú Là n is accessible via a 70km journey northwest from Äá»"ng Há»›i City.
The cave system was first discovered in 1992 by a joint British-Vietnamese cave exploration team. Further exploration in 2010 by local residents unearthed additional caves, including Tú Là n, Má»™ Tổ Lá»›n, and Má»™ Tổ Nhá».
The Name: A Reflection of Nature's Beauty
The name "Tú Là n" originates from the Nguá»"n ethnic language. "Là n" signifies a flowing stream or current, representing the branch of the Rà o Nan River flowing into the valley and eventually reaching the cave entrance. This is the sole river branch connecting the various caves. "Tú" translates to "beautiful" or "refined," symbolizing the majestic limestone mountain ranges and the intricate beauty of the caves, adorned with glistening stalactites, crystal-clear lakes, and a breathtaking underground river system.
A Diversity of Caves
The Tú Là n cave system boasts numerous captivating caves, including Hung Ton Cave, Ken Cave, Chuột Cave, Tú Là n Cave, and Tổ Mộ Cave. Each cave distinguishes itself not only in size but also in its unique natural features and formation processes.
Chuá»™t Cave, a prominent cave, has appeared in various films like "Immortals," "Legend of the Tavern," and notably, as Kong's abode in "Kong: Skull Island."
Natural Wonders Unveiled
Like most caves worldwide, the Tú Là n caves originated from limestone, a sedimentary rock formed on the seabed millions of years ago. The system comprises two types of caves: water caves and dry caves. Water caves, dating back approximately 3 million years, are distinguished by their dry cave branches, featuring stunning stalactite formations, underground streams, and internal waterfalls.
Dry caves, with an age exceeding 5 million years, occupy higher elevations. They showcase a variety of magnificent and unique stalactite shapes, formed during a period of geological uplift.
Despite their age differences, most Tú Là n caves exhibit remarkably unique stalactite formations. The Ken Khô Cave, Sơng Oxalis Cave, and caves containing sinkholes, like Hang Kim and Chuột Cave, are illuminated by dazzling sunlight, showcasing mesmerizing natural beauty.
A Waterfall Oasis
The Tú Là n cave system further captivates visitors with its cascading waterfalls, both large and small. Each cave exit features a waterfall plunging into a vast lake, surrounded by a pristine forest and limestone mountain ranges.
Exploring the Tú Là n Underground
Visitors can embark on a memorable journey through the cave system by boat, navigating the underground river. Tour guides encourage visitors to switch off their flashlights, allowing them to experience the profound stillness and darkness surrounding them.
Planning Your Tú Là n Adventure
Similar to SÆ¡n Äoòng Cave tours, accessing the Tú Là n cave system requires prior registration with a tour operator. These tours operate annually from November to September and primarily involve trekking through pristine forests and exploring the caves.
Tour durations range from one to six days, catering to individual preferences and time constraints. Tour operators offer customized itineraries, encompassing specific caves or the entire Tú Là n cave system.
Local Hospitality
The tour guides, primarily locals and qualified professionals, ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Upon completing the tour, visitors can choose to dine with local families or stay at local homestays.
A Booming Destination
Tân Hoá, considered the epicenter of Quảng Bình, has witnessed a significant economic transformation driven by the growing popularity of cave exploration tours. Locals actively participate in various roles, including guiding, providing directions, operating equipment, assisting with safety, and offering food and accommodation services.
The Tú Là n cave system is poised to become a prominent destination in Quảng Bình tourism, attracting an increasing number of visitors. From 2012 to 2022, the Tú Là n-Hang Tiên cave exploration tourism route welcomed 52,393 visitors, with 38,666 visiting Tú Là n and 13,727 visiting Hang Tiên. The total revenue generated surpassed 153.289 million VND.
Summary
The Tú Là n cave system, nestled in the pristine forests of Quảng Bình, Vietnam, offers a captivating blend of natural wonder and historical significance. This hidden gem, featuring diverse cave formations, cascading waterfalls, and a captivating underground river system, served as the filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster "Kong: Skull Island." This unique destination provides visitors with an immersive and unforgettable adventure through breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into the local culture. As Quảng Bình's tourism industry continues to flourish, Tú Là n is poised to become a prominent destination, attracting visitors from around the globe.