Cable car planned for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has given the green light to a proposal from Quang Binh authorities to build a cable car in the central province’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
The 5.2km cable car will connect an outer road with the world’s third largest cave, En (Swallow) Cave, to boost tourism. En Cave, a feeder to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, stretches 1.645 km into the mountain and has been named one of the most captivating on the planet by National Geographic. It was selected as the scene of shooting for Good Morning America on the US’s ABC television, and Pan, a Hollywood blockbuster released in 2015.
The Prime Minister said that there was some controversy around the plan, but he nonetheless agreed. He requested that construction guarantee the environment at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will work with local authorities to prepare a more detailed plan for the project and seek consultation from UNESCO before reporting to the government for further consideration.
In 2014, local authorities first suggested the construction of a similar system at Son Doong Cave, but public opposition saw it shelved.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to over 300 caves and grottoes that date back 400 million years. Around 30 caves are now open to visitors, which has created a tourism boom and given a lift to the poor province.
A corner of the En Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
The 5.2km cable car will connect an outer road with the world’s third largest cave, En (Swallow) Cave, to boost tourism. En Cave, a feeder to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, stretches 1.645 km into the mountain and has been named one of the most captivating on the planet by National Geographic. It was selected as the scene of shooting for Good Morning America on the US’s ABC television, and Pan, a Hollywood blockbuster released in 2015.
The Prime Minister said that there was some controversy around the plan, but he nonetheless agreed. He requested that construction guarantee the environment at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will work with local authorities to prepare a more detailed plan for the project and seek consultation from UNESCO before reporting to the government for further consideration.
In 2014, local authorities first suggested the construction of a similar system at Son Doong Cave, but public opposition saw it shelved.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to over 300 caves and grottoes that date back 400 million years. Around 30 caves are now open to visitors, which has created a tourism boom and given a lift to the poor province.
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