Exploring the Canh Cao Sinkhole

The Canh Cảo sinkhole is a new destination that has recently attracted the attention of adventure enthusiasts because of its "stunning natural wonder".

The Canh Cảo sinkhole is 150 meters deep. Formed from the collapse of the ceiling of a large cave, the sinkhole is hidden within the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2018.

According to the Hoa An District Cultural Center, the sinkhole, named Kong Collapse, was discovered and opened for adventure tourism in 2023 after lying dormant in the deep forests of Cao Bang for millions of years.

Pham Van Manh, 30 years old, from Hai Duong province, said that he and a group of friends explored the Canh Cao sinkhole in December 2022 (photo). According to him, the Canh Cao sinkhole is a pristine area that has not yet been developed for mass tourism.

Manh's trip to the Canh Cao sinkhole was purely coincidental. While exploring the Thang Hen lake area, Manh heard locals say there was a sinkhole near the lake. Deep and vast, it was inaccessible to most people. Driven by a passion for exploration, his group decided to organize an expedition.

The weather in Cao Bang at that time was quite cold, making exploration difficult. It was difficult. Manh and his group trekked 3 km through the forest in the Thang Hen Lake Nature Reserve to reach the mouth of the sinkhole.

In February of this year, Mạnh and his group of friends decided to return to the Canh Cảo sinkhole.

His team set up a safety anchor system and lowered ropes to explore. Each member of the team had to wear specialized equipment including: a helmet, an exploration harness, and equipment for descending and ascending on the rope. along with various safety harnesses to ensure the safety of rappelling down into the pit.

Abseiling is a rope-based descent from a cliff, sinkhole, or cave using safety equipment. According to him, this abseiling was over 80 meters high, from the top to the bottom of the sinkhole.

Upon descending, he was overwhelmed by the vast underground cave system, with numerous passages leading to different exits. The bottom of the sinkhole was also a pristine forest ecosystem with many types of ferns and palm trees (family palms). This made Mạnh feel "like he had wandered into prehistoric times".

The sinkhole is part of the limestone mountain system of the Geopark, and inside the sinkhole there are many vaulted caves, limestone ceilings and stalactite columns.

Following the sunlight shining into the cave, Mạnh's group emerged just as darkness fell. "It felt satisfying to have overcome a personal challenge," Mạnh said.

Besides the primeval forest ecosystem and the caves at the bottom of the sinkhole, with Mạnh, The experience of rappelling down from the top and then hanging suspended on the ropes over the pit was unforgettable for him. "It's definitely worth trying at least once in a lifetime," Mạnh said.

Manh's team completed their expedition that day.

He emphasized that the journey to conquer the Canh Cảo sinkhole is difficult and challenging, only suitable for experienced individuals who know how to use exploration equipment safely.

After exploring Canh Cao, the group of tourists stopped to rest and admire the scenery outside the sinkhole. Manh said that tourists can also experience SUP paddling in Thang Hen Lake and exploring nearby underground caves, trekking through the mountains to explore Ky Rang Cave, and discovering the Eye of God Mountain Valley.

The natural scenery includes streams and forests visible up close from the sinkhole.

For a truly immersive experience, tourists should join large groups or organized tours to ensure safety and have guides familiar with the area. Additionally, tourists should prepare physically before the trip, ideally with experience in trekking, mountaineering, or rappelling, and should bring appropriate clothing and trekking shoes.

Please note Since the Canh Cảo sinkhole does not yet have developed tourism services, visitors need to prepare sufficient food and water for the exploration process.

The best time to visit and explore this place is from October to April of the following year. Although the entire valley is surrounded by lush green grass, the period from May to September each year usually has rain, making the roads slippery and wet, posing potential dangers.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/tham-hiem-long-ho-sut-canh-cao-3312114.html