Forest rangers have discovered an untouched cave with vibrant stalactites in the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam.
The cave was located last Tuesday during a routine patrol, the Southern Quang Tri Special Forest Management Board said, as cited by VnExpress International.
Its entrance leads into a spacious chamber measuring nearly 70 meters across.
About 200 meters inside, the passage divides into four large branches extending deep into the mountain.
The interior is filled with uniquely shaped stalactites.
Under flashlight beams, the mineral deposits shimmer in a range of striking colors.
Full survey planned
Surveyors believe the cave may extend further, with additional stalactite formations and a shallow underground water source.
However, a full assessment was delayed because the team lacked the specialized equipment needed to safely access all four branches.
Authorities plan to collaborate with cave exploration specialists to conduct a comprehensive survey and produce detailed maps of the cave system.
Officials say the discovery could strengthen conservation efforts while also helping evaluate the site’s potential for ecotourism.
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Possibly more karst caves in the area
The newly found cave is located near Van Tien Cave in Huong Son Commune, where another impressive stalactite and stalagmite system was discovered about 10 years ago.
Researchers cited by VnExpress International believe the area’s geological features indicate a vast underground karst network with interconnected cave passages.
Karst caves are formed over millions of years as water slowly dissolves limestone, creating underground chambers, sinkholes, rivers, and intricate mineral formations
These cave systems are widely recognized for their geological importance and rich biodiversity.
An additional beauty for Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve
Spanning more than 23,000 hectares in western Quang Tri Province, the Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve is characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a dense network of rivers and streams.
The reserve supports a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, including many listed in Vietnam’s Red Book and international conservation records.
Its varied elevations, ranging from 150 to 1,700 meters above sea level, provide habitats for numerous endemic species.
According to conservation officials, the reserve is home to 109 mammal species, 207 bird species, 81 reptile and amphibian species, 33 fish species, and 283 plant species, including 59 considered rare.
The latest discovery comes just months after a British-Vietnamese expedition uncovered 26 previously unknown caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in April.
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Newsjustnews writers 
Lucia Caporalini 
Tyler Lai Sai