Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang cave system will be left undeveloped for tourism, at least until 2030, Plans for a cable car to the area and extensive facilities have been canceled.
The cave system, where so far over 300 caves and grottos have been identified, is a UNESCO heritage site. It was unknown until the 1990s, when portions were discovered.
As well as being one of the world’s largest cavern systems, it is one of the deepest, and includes Son-Doong, the only part that has been open to visitors. Son Doong is also huge; it’s big enough to contain an entire 747.
Although Son Doong has been open since 2013, few licenses to visit have been given. Local authorities had planned to open more, to build the cable car and access roads. Also included were roadways and shelters within the caverns.
After widespread protest when the plans were announced, the local mayor agreed that none of it would happen—at least for the next 15 years.
MORE details from Telegraph (UK). )
