A journey of over 35 years of cave exploration.

QTO - Over 35 years of surveying and researching the limestone mountain area of ​​Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, cave explorers have successfully discovered 472 caves with a total length of up to 254km. This result is largely due to the contributions of Mr. Howard Limbert, team leader of the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team, a member of the British Royal Cave Association (BCRA) and the Cave Rescue Organization. A reporter from Quang Tri Newspaper and Radio and Television had a conversation with Mr. Howard Limbert about this issue.

- Interviewer: We understand that in 1990, you began your journey to Quang Tri (formerly Quang Binh) to explore and discover caves. So, what led you to this land?

- Mr. Howard Limbert: I've participated in cave explorations in many places around the world, but I had never been to Asia before. At that time, getting to Vietnam wasn't easy. The Faculty of Natural Sciences - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, provided a lot of support to me and the exploration team in the process of obtaining survey permits. Because they are all geologists, they have a good understanding of the most promising limestone areas in Vietnam.

In particular, the Geology department of the university had two members from the former Quang Binh province, which allowed us to learn about the story of Phong Nha Cave. Therefore, we chose this area for our first cave exploration trip in 1990.

Mr. Howard Limbert introduces information about caves in Quang Tri to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hieu, Vice Director of Hanoi National University - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

- Interviewer: Over the past 35 years, how many caves have you explored and discovered in Quang Tri? And can you share some of the difficulties and dangers you encountered during your cave exploration journeys?

- Mr. Howard Limbert: Over the past 35 years, my expedition team and I have explored 472 caves in Quang Tri. The local people have always been very supportive of our expeditions, especially in the early stages, when we ventured deep into the forest to search for caves. At that time, the area was still very wild and isolated.

In the 1990s, tigers were still in the forest, and we encountered them many times. Once, a large tiger came within about 2 meters of us; it was a truly terrifying experience. The biggest challenge was always trekking through the forest for days on end. Without the support of experienced local foresters who knew the terrain well, my expedition team and I would have found it difficult to carry out these surveys.

Mr. Howard Limbert and his wife pose for a photo with employees of Oxalis Co., Ltd. - Photo: Provided by the company.

- Interviewer: Given the nature of your work, you've spent a long time connected to the natural environment of Quang Tri. How do you assess the potential of the natural resources there?

- Mr. Howard Limbert: With its diverse and abundant natural resources, Quang Tri has enormous potential for tourism development. In my opinion, it is crucial for the locality to diversify tourism types instead of focusing solely on caves. Besides cave exploration tourism, Quang Tri also has potential in other areas, such as mountain climbing, bird watching, and adventure tourism. Furthermore, the natural beauty and well-preserved ecosystem of Quang Tri will always be a factor attracting nature-loving tourists to this land.

- Interviewer: We understand that, in addition to your role as the team leader of the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team, you have also served as the Technical Director at Oxalis Co., Ltd., responsible for supervising daily cave exploration tours and providing safety training to all company employees. So, what is the significance of this work for you?

- Mr. Howard Limbert: I have been with Oxalis Co., Ltd. for 15 years. What makes me happiest is seeing many local people find stable jobs and develop their skills. Nowadays, many have become professional tour guides and can live in Phong Nha with their families instead of having to go abroad to work for a living.

Oxalis has truly brought about many positive changes to the lives of people in the area. Mr. Nguyen Chau A, General Director of Oxalis Co., Ltd., can be completely proud of his efforts in creating those changes.

Mr. Howard Limbert (fourth from the left) poses for a commemorative photo with leaders of the former Quang Binh province at the 2015 Third-Class Labor Medal awarding ceremony - Photo: LM

- Interviewer: For your contributions to Quang Tri over the years, what prestigious awards has the province given you in recognition? What is your most memorable experience during your more than 35 years in Quang Tri?

- Mr. Howard Limbert: I am honored to have been awarded the Third Class Labor Medal, and that is a great source of pride for me. The local authorities have also presented my wife, Debora Claire Limbert, and myself with numerous awards in recognition of our contributions to the development of tourism in the region.

For me, the discovery of Son Doong Cave was the most memorable experience. This discovery marked a major turning point for the region, helping to bring the image of Quang Tri province, as well as Vietnam, closer to the world. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to contribute a small part to that journey.

- Reporter: Do you have any plans for further cave exploration in the future, sir?

- Mr. Howard Limbert: I am 69 years old this year. I am currently in England for an extended break, as I have been working continuously for the past 15 years without a real long holiday. I also want to spend more time with family and friends in England.

In the coming period, I will continue to work with the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team and Oxalis Co., Ltd. We are planning a new expedition in March next year as there are still many new caves to be explored in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. I expect to return to Vietnam in October this year to prepare for the new tour season. The workload during this period is very heavy, especially coordinating with the safety experts to check and ensure all equipment and systems are ready to operate safely after the rainy season.

- Interviewer: Thank you for this very meaningful conversation.

Le Mai

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202605/hanh-trinh-hon-35-nam-kham-pha-hang-dong-ba00f9c/