(Photo credit: Bien Nguyen)

Outlandish stories of Son Doong Cave quickly emerged, describing a pristine geological paradise of verdant underground rainforests, chambers large enough to accommodate an entire New York block, and soaring stalagmites that would tower over London’s Big Ben.

Eager onlookers were recently treated to spectacular visual confirmation, with CNN, BBC and National Geographic all broadcasting astonishing footage of the world’s newly discovered great natural wonder.

Son Doong Cave may still get most of the media attention, but the vast majority of visitors to Phong Nha are there to see other caves in the area. At $3000 USD per visit for a 5-7 day expedition, exploring the world’s largest cave doesn’t come cheap, nor is it for the inexperienced.
Currently, the Vietnamese company Oxalis has exclusive rights to carry out tourist activities in Son Doong Cave. The company’s founder and director, Nguyen Chau A, explained that in 2015 less than 10% of his customers visited Son Doong Cave, with the majority opting for cheaper, shorter and more available tours to other caves in the area.

Phong Nha isn’t a one-trick pony, and new caves ripe for tourist exploration are still being discovered. With a growing list of excellent products, Oxalis has done well to take advantage of these new discoveries by offering tours in the new cave systems, which includes Tu Lan, Hang En, and, most recently, Hang Va. “With this plan we can provide a variety of choice for tourists to join our adventure tours,” explains Mr. Chau A.

Phong Nha Countryside (Photo credit: Michael Rowbottom)

With so much attention given to the magnificent caves of the region and a rapidly developing tourism industry, it should come as no surprise that other successful enterprises have blossomed. One such company is Phong Nha Farmstay, which was established in 2010 by Australian Ben Mitchel and offers boutique, rustic accommodation deep in the stunning countryside.

“Tourism is taking off in Phong Nha,” explains Lesley Arnold, general manager of Phong Nha Farmstay. “There are many new homestays and hotels operating and many more are under construction.”

Caves may still be the focus, but the success of Phong Nha Farmstay demonstrates through their popular motorbike trips, jeep tours, cultural experiences and wildlife sightseeing tours that there is plenty more to do than just underground expeditions.

Private Shi’s Phong Nha Adventure Cycling started in 2013 and has seen rapid growth over the past two years, according to the company’s founder, Dang Dinh Shi. A Quang Binh native, Mr. Shi arranges customized mountain bike tours through the lush countryside that can be adapted to suit different fitness levels. “Our tours give visitors the opportunity to discover more about the local area including the history, people and culture,” says Mr. Shi. “And there are also chances to explore the beautiful landscapes a little bit off the beaten track.”

(Photo credit: Bien Nguyen)

These beautiful landscapes invite other promising adventure tourism opportunities, which still remain mostly uninvestigated. The sheer cliff faces of the karst structures would make for fabulous rock climbing, while the dense jungles and winding rivers below welcome zip line and kayaking potential.

Phong Nha has undoubtedly seen a phenomenal increase in international visitors since 2009, but perhaps this is just the beginning.

“Phong Nha has everything it takes to become the next adventure tourism capital in Asia,” affirms Mr. Chau A.

Theo dulichable.com