Canh Cao Sinkhole, located in Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, has recently become a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts thanks to its "breathtaking natural wonders."
Below are photos of untouched beauty of Canh Cao Sinkhole:
Canh Cao Sinkhole is 150m deep, formed by the collapse of a large cave ceiling. This sinkhole is hidden within the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2018. According to the Cultural Center of Hoa An District (Cao Bang province), the sinkhole was only discovered and opened for adventure tourism in 2023.
Pham Van Manh, a 30-year-old tourist from Hai Duong, shared that he and his friends explored Canh Cao Sinkhole in December, 2022. He described it as a pristine area, untouched by tourism.
Manh's visit to Canh Cao Sinkhole was spontaneous. While exploring Thang Hen Lake, he heard locals mentioning a large, deep sinkhole nearby that was hard to access. Driven by his passion for adventure, his group decided to go for it. The weather in Cao Bang was quite cold, adding to the journey's challenges. They trekked 3 kilometers through Thang Hen Lake Nature Reserve to reach the sinkhole's entrance.
In February, Manh and his friends revisited Canh Cao Sinkhole, where they established a safety rope system and abseiled down for exploration. Each team member wore specialized equipment, including helmets, safety harnesses, ascending and descending devices, and various safety carabiners to ensure safe descent.
Abseiling is the technique of descending a rope from heights, such as cliffs, sinkholes, or caves, using safety equipment. According to Manh, the height of the abseil this time was over 80m from the top to the bottom of the sinkhole.
Upon reaching the bottom, Manh was awestruck by the massive underground caverns, with numerous passages leading to different exits. The sinkhole's floor is also home to a pristine forest ecosystem, making Manh feel "like stepping back into prehistoric times."
The sinkhole is part of the limestone mountain system of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, featuring large caverns, limestone ceilings, and stalagmites. Following the sunlight streaming into the cave, Manh's group emerged outside just as dusk fell. "The satisfaction of overcoming personal challenges was immense," Manh remarked.
Apart from the pristine forest ecosystem and the caves at the bottom of the sinkhole, Manh found the experience of abseiling from the top and hanging in mid-air over the sinkhole unforgettable. "It's definitely worth trying at least once in a lifetime," Manh said.
Manh's group completed the exploration in a day. He emphasized that the journey to conquer Canh Cao Sinkhole was challenging and filled with difficulties, suitable only for those with experience in using exploration equipment.
After the exploration, the group rested and enjoyed the scenery outside the sinkhole. Manh mentioned that visitors could also experience SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) in Thang Hen Lake, explore nearby underground caves, trek through mountains to discover Ky Rang Cave, and explore the valley of Mat Than Mountain.
The sinkhole is surrounded by streams and forests.
For those interested in exploring this area, it is advisable to travel in large groups or join tours for safety, with local guides. Visitors should also prepare physically for the trip, have experience in trekking, climbing, and abseiling with safety equipment, and wear appropriate clothing. Manh noted that visitors to Canh Cao Sinkhole should also bring enough food and water due to the absence of good tourist services.
The best time to visit and explore this area is from October to April. Although the entire valley is surrounded by lush green grass, the period from May to September usually sees rain, making the paths slippery and potentially dangerous.
Translated by Song Anh