The cave system is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, 60 km north of Dong Hoi Town in the central province of Quang Binh.

The complex of magnificent caves impresses tourists and researchers alike with its mystical, colored stalactites (conical hanging pillars), created over thousands of years by the Chai River.

Even to the most seasoned adventurers, several of the cave’s underground chambers remain a mystery.

The system stretches tens of kilometers with one main passageway, several secondary passageways and more than 20 smaller caverns inside.

The smaller caves open up to reveal even more splendid stalactites.

Among tens of thousands of the hanging pillars, one called Dai Kim Chung (Grand Golden Bell) is particularly special because when struck, it produces the sounds of a bell.

It is also the second largest stalactite in Southeast Asia.

A study by the British Cave Research Association in 1997 showed that the Phong Nha Cave system has seven unique features.

It is the longest water cave in the world; has the highest and widest entrance; it boasts the most beautiful and largest sand and rock yard; it has the most beautiful lake situated in a cave; it holds the most unique stalactites; it contains Vietnam’s longest river in a cave; and it also boasts the largest and most beautiful dry cave.

From central Dong Hoi Town (accessible by road or rail), Phong Nha Cave can be reached in about an hour by car and boat.

Phong Nha is a stop on some central coast tours, which leave from Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Hanoi and vary in price and duration.

The Saigontourist Travel Service Company (www.saigontourist.net) and Peace Tour Co. (www.peacetourco.com) are two local tour operators offering trips to the renowned natural heritage site.