Mysterious and interesting things discovered when exploring the deepest sinkhole in Vietnam

Kong Collapse is located in the core area of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a World Natural Heritage site in Quang Tri province. This location not only boasts a magnificent and awe-inspiring geological formation but also holds mysterious stories steeped in adventure. (Photo: Le Luu Dung).

Kong Collapse is located near the end of the Tiger Cave system, which consists of three large interconnected caves: Pygmy Cave, Tiger Cave, and Over Cave. According to experts, this sinkhole is the result of long-term geological erosion that caused the cave ceiling to collapse, forming a large hole. The sinkhole was first discovered by the Royal British Cave Association in 1997 when explorers swam through the entrance of Tiger Cave. At that time, the sinkhole was called a "dead end" because no exit had been found.

In 2019, during a survey trip, experts from the adventure tourism company Jungle Boss accidentally discovered a strange sinkhole in the middle of the forest while flying a drone. From an aerial view, the sinkhole resembled the head of the giant gorilla character Kong from the famous Hollywood movie, and that's how the name "Kong Sinkhole" came about.

With a measured depth of approximately 450 meters from the center of the sinkhole to its mouth, Kong Collapse is recognized by the British Royal Cave Association as the deepest sinkhole in Vietnam and among the deepest sinkholes on the planet.

Because Kong Collapse is located deep within the primeval forest, accessing it requires hiking dozens of kilometers along treacherous trails teeming with insects, thorns, poisonous leaves, leeches, and more.

Remarkably, beneath the Kong Collapse lies an isolated ecosystem, boasting lush green forests and many species of flora and fauna characteristic of Phong Nha.

In addition, the cliffs also contain fossilized fish and coral. All of this creates a space that is both rich in scientific value and connected to the local culture.

To date, exploring Kong Collapse is one of the most challenging cave adventure tours in Vietnam. After being assessed and licensed by the authorities, the Kong Collapse zipline tour officially began operating in late 2021. This is where the unique experience of ziplining 100 meters from the "eye socket" down to the bottom of the sinkhole, at a height equivalent to a building over 30 stories high, originated.

The night sky as seen from the bottom of the Kong Collapse crater.

In addition to the experience at Kong Collapse, adventure travelers can explore the mysteries of a system of three adjacent caves stretching over 7km, including Tiger Cave, Pygmy Cave, and Over Cave.

Those who love exploration will be amazed by the mysterious and magnificent scenery of the cave system, a perfect creation by the hand of nature.

Explorers can also experience overnight camping by the underground river, gazing at the shimmering starry sky through the Kong Collapse crater. Or "blindly swim" about 500 meters in the pitch-black, icy water inside the cave...

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nhung-dieu-huyen-bi-thu-vi-duoc-phat-hien-khi-kham-pha-ho-sut-sau-nhat-viet-nam-169251025222946309.htm