Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave through U.S. photographer’s lens

Post date: 25/03/2014

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American photographer Ryan Deboodt has shot a striking photo collection of Son Doong Cave, the current largest cave in the world, located in central Vietnam.

Deboodt, who now lives in Ho Chi Minh City, did the collection late last year when he traveled to Hang En and Son Doong Caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, situated in Quang Binh Province, along with members of the British Cave Research Association, according to Daily Mail.

He arrived at the park after traveling by plane and car before taking treks of up to four hours through the jungle to reach the caves, Daily Mail said.

Son Doong Cave, which has a large fast-flowing underground river inside, was found by a local resident named Ho Khanh in 1991.

The cave became famous after a group of British scientists from the British Cave Research Association, led by Howard and Deb Limbert, conducted a survey in Phong Nha-Ke Bang which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in April 2009.

According to Limbert, Son Doong Cave is five times larger than Phong Nha Cave which was once considered the biggest cave in Vietnam.

The largest chamber of Son Doong is more than five kilometers long, 200 meters high, and 150 meters wide.

With such large dimensions, Son Doong has overtaken Deer Cave in Malaysia to take the title of the world’s largest cave.

Here are the dramatic images of Son Doong Cave provided to Tuoi Tre newspaper by Oxalis Co. which offers tour packages ranging from US$3,000 to $6,000 to the world’s largest cave.

Spiral stalactites in Soon Doong Cave look like a snail (Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co)

A caver is captured in a beam of light, which usually appears in one or two hours, as he stands and gazes at a looming rock in Son Doong Cave.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

In this photo, the path to reach the cave measures hundreds of meters long.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

A terraced lake is seen in Son Doong Cave as blocks of limestone are growing.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

A vast stalactite is seen in Son Doong Cave.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

Miraculous stalactites measuring dozens of meters tall are pictured in Son Doong Cave.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

Cavers go camping at a dry river bed in Son Doong Cave.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

There are many large chambers in Son Doong Cave.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

A large mouth of Son Doong Cave.
Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Co.

Source: Tuoitrenews 

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