Researchers discover large cave containing rare cave pearls in Vietnamese national park

In Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, scientists have discovered a cave which they have named Thang (Victory Cave). Its distinctive feature is a large concentration of unique geological formations – cave pearls. This was reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.

According to preliminary data, the cave is approximately 3,000 metres long, with an average width of around 70 metres, although in some sections it exceeds 100 metres.

The cave, situated between Voi (Elephant) Cave and Ma Da Lake in the Ma Da Valley, was discovered by a local resident, in whose honour it was named. A few days later, the national park administration organised an expedition. Fieldwork continued for six days.

To descend, the expedition members had to use mountaineering equipment to negotiate a vertical section about 20 metres deep.

It turned out that the cave has two entrances and is divided into two separate galleries. The main entrance measures around 5 square metres; the second entrance is considerably narrower and allows only one adult to pass through.

At the bottom of the cave, the explorers discovered a vast underground space featuring a system of stalactites that had formed over hundreds of thousands of years.

Massive karst formations are found throughout virtually the entire cave. Here, stalactite columns rise to a height of up to 50 metres, stone "curtains" hang down, and there are giant stalagmites and numerous unique geological formations, creating a striking natural landscape.

Photo: Vietnam News Agency (VNA)

Of particular interest to experts was the discovery of a large number of unusually large cave pearls: round formations with a smooth white surface, found in natural rock recesses.

According to experts, this discovery is of great geological value and confirms the area’s high potential for scientific research and the development of caving tourism within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The researchers have proposed including Thang Cave in a two-day tourist itinerary as part of an environmental project to explore the Ha Ma Da Valley and Tra Ang Cave. The national park administration has supported this initiative.