250 Million Year Old Cave in Thanh Hóa Closed Due to Falling Rocks

Thanh Hóa Province's Dơi Cave, a natural wonder estimated to be 250 million years old, has been temporarily closed to visitors due to safety concerns arising from falling rocks. The decision was made after a tourist reported observing loose soil and small rocks scattered inside the cave, with some larger boulders posing a risk of free fall from above. According to the Pù Luông Nature Reserve Management Board on September 12, the Pù Luông xã People's Committee will conduct a safety assessment and formulate a remediation plan before reopening the cave. Until then, all visiting and exploration activities are suspended. During the closure period, the Pù Luông xã People's Committee will enhance monitoring to prevent unauthorized access to Dơi Cave. Local residents and tourism businesses will also be informed and urged not to guide visitors into the cave until an official reopening announcement is made. While Dơi Cave is located within the Pù Luông Nature Reserve's special-use forest area, the reserve has not yet formally developed it for tourism. Currently, the Kho Mường village community manages visitor access and collects fees, though this operation has not yet been officially licensed. Dơi Cave, formed within limestone, is approximately 2.5 km long with an entrance height exceeding 10 meters. It is connected to an underground river system, characteristic of the karst topography found in the Pù Luông limestone mountain region. In recent years, the Kho Mường community has been khai thác (developing/utilizing) Dơi Cave as a tourist destination. Entrance fees range from VND 20,000 to VND 50,000 per person, with local guide fees set between VND 100,000 and VND 200,000 per group.