Vietnam opens Phong Nha cave exploration center with immersive VR experience
A cave exploration information center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam has opened to visitors with free entry from Sunday, offering an immersive experience combining science, history, and technology to showcase the region’s vast underground systems.
Cave exploration equipment used over the years is displayed at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, April 26, 2026. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
The Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center was built to honor more than 35 years of contributions by explorers including Howard Limbert, Debora Claire Limbert, and Ho Khanh.
Officials said the British Cave Research Association has so far surveyed 472 caves with a combined length of 254 km in the park.
Archival notes and photographs documenting early surveys of cave systems are displayed at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, April 26, 2026. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
Inside, the center presents archival photos, rare footage, and hand-drawn cave maps from early expeditions dating back to 1990, alongside displays of specialized equipment used in harsh underground conditions.
Exhibits also recreate exploration journeys to major caves such as En, Va, and Son Doong, the world's largest cave.
Visitors experience a virtual tour of Son Doong Cave using VR technology at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, April 26, 2026. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
A highlight of the facility is a 5D virtual reality system using 8K visuals, a 180-degree screen, and multi-sensory effects to simulate cave expeditions.
Operator Oxalis Adventure said the technology is designed to complement, not replace, real expeditions by widening public access to cave exploration.
Visitors learn about cave exploration activities at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, April 26, 2026. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
A 15-minute virtual Son Doong tour is priced at VND500,000 ($19), with proceeds directed to the Oxalis Foundation to support local community programs.
Tourism linked to the cave system currently provides stable jobs for more than 5,000 local workers and supports over 150 hotels and homestays in the area.
A visitor reads information about Ho Khanh, who played a key role in the discovery of Son Doong Cave, at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, April 26, 2026. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
Visitors watch a documentary on 35 years of cave exploration at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park at the Phong Nha Cave Exploration Information Center at Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, April 26, 2026. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
Bao Anh - Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre News
Link nội dung: https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnam-opens-phong-nha-cave-exploration-center-with-immersive-vr-experience-103260428115013164.htm