Vietnam’s Bat Cave tours temporarily suspended over safety concerns

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve management board said visitors recently reported small rocks and soil falling inside the cave in Kho Muong village, with larger rocks appearing unstable and at risk of dropping from above.

Officials warned that continuing tours without a full safety assessment could endanger lives.

Following an on-site inspection, the management board concluded that conditions inside Bat Cave posed direct threats to visitors.

It requested the administration of Pu Luong Commune to halt all tours and fee collection until geological surveys and safety measures are completed.

The board also asked local officials to work with Kho Muong village to identify hazardous zones, install warning signs, and restrict access until solutions are agreed upon.

Community-run tours and ticket sales at Bat Cave have not been officially authorized, Le Dinh Phuong, the reserve’s director, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Friday.

Phuong said that Bat Cave is located within protected forest land under the reserve’s jurisdiction and has never been formally opened for tourism.

He urged local residents and businesses not to bring visitors into the cave until authorities issue clearance.