Locals in Trỉa Village, Hướng Sơn Commune, Hướng Hóa District in the central province of Quảng Trị have informed the local authority about the discovery of a new cave in the area. — VNS Photo Ngọc Vũ

QUẢNG TRỊ — A large cave has been discovered in Trỉa Village, Hướng Sơn Commune, Hướng Hóa District in the central province of Quảng Trị, according to Đỗ Văn Bình, the director of provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Speaking to Việt Nam News, Bình said he was informed by phone by a local about the cave. However, it was unclear by whom and when it was discovered.

He said the department has contacted Hướng Sơn Commune People’s Committee to collect more information as well as request a report be sent to Hướng Hóa District People’s Committee.

The report will serve as a foundation to establish an exploration team and invite specialists to investigate the newly-found cave once the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled.

According to locals, the new cave lies in a rocky mountain in Trỉa Village. To enter the cave, they have to follow a small stream and climb vertical cliffs of about 50m high.

Inside the cave are many arge intact stalactites. — VNS Photo Ngọc Vũ

Some images taken inside the cave reveal many large intact stalactites inside and a crystal clear stream in the bottom.

Locals said that few have dared to venture inside as there was so specialised equipment to ensure safety.

According to Associate Professor Trần Tân Văn, director of the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, the discovery of a new cave in Quảng Trị is not a surprise due to the geological structure of the area.

However, he suggested local authorities should not be too hasty to promote the cave to prevent people from entering while safety has not been guaranteed.

Instead, they should invite scientists to participate in research on the cave to evaluate its value and come up with a specific exploitation direction, he added. — VNS