Exploring the sinkhole in Non Nuoc Geopark

The Canh Cuo sinkhole is 150 m deep,   formed from the collapse of the ceiling of a large cave. The sinkhole is hidden in Cao Bang Non Nuoc Global Geopark - which was recognized by UNESCO in 2018. According to the Hoa An District Cultural Center, the new sinkhole was discovered and put into operation for adventure tourism in 2023 after more than millions of years of sleeping peacefully in the deep forests of Cao Bang. Pham Van Manh, 30 years old, from Hai Duong, said that he and a group of friends had come to explore the Canh Co sinkhole in December 2022 (photo). According to him, the Canh Cao sinkhole is a pristine area that has not been exploited for mass tourism. The trip to the Canh Cuo sinkhole at that time with Manh was very accidental. When he arrived at the Thang Hen lake area to explore, Manh heard people say that there was a sinkhole near the lake   deep and big, few people can access. With a passion for exploration, his group decided to organize an expedition. The weather in Cao Bang at that time was quite cold, making the expedition   difficult. Manh and his group trekking 3 km of forest road in Thang Hen Lake Nature Reserve to reach the crater. In February this year, Manh and a group of friends decided to return to the Canh Cau sinkhole. His team set up a safety mooring rope system and released the rope to go down to explore. Each member of the delegation must bring specialized equipment including: helmets, expedition belts, equipment for descending and ascending on the rope   and safety keychains to ensure the abseiling swing down the hole. Abseiling is the movement of moving in a rope from the top, which can be from a cliff, sinkhole or cave through the use of safety devices. According to him, the height of Abseiling this time is about more than 80 m from the top to the bottom of the sinkhole. When he arrived, he was overwhelmed by the system of large caves in the ground, many nooks and crannies leading to different exits. The bottom of the sinkhole is also a primeval forest ecosystem with many types of ferns and doc trees (coconut family)   making Manh feel "lost in prehistoric times". The sinkhole is part of the limestone mountain system of the Geopark, in the pit there are many caves, limestone ceilings and stalactite columns. Following the sunlight shining in the cave, Meng's group went out at the same time as it was dark. "It feels satisfying to overcome my challenges," Manh said. In addition to primeval forest ecosystems and caves at the bottom of sinkholes, with Manh   The experience of swinging from the top as well as floating on the rope in the middle of the hole made him unforgettable. "It's worth trying once in a lifetime," Manh said. Meng's group completed the expedition for the day. He emphasized that the journey to conquer the Canh Co sinkhole is difficult and challenging, only for experienced people who know how to use safe exploration equipment. After exploring Canh Chao, the group of tourists stopped to rest and admire the landscape outside the sinkhole. Manh said that visitors can experience more SUP paddling activities in Thang Hen lake and explore nearby underground caves, go through the mountains to explore Ky Rang cave, explore Mat Than mountain valley. The natural scenery has streams and forests looking close to the sinkhole. If you want to experience, visitors should follow a large group or tours to ensure safety, have a guide who understands the area. In addition, visitors need to practice physical fitness before the trip, so they should have experience in trekking, climbing, swinging with safety equipment, prepare suitable clothes, trekking shoes. Manh note   due to the lack of developed tourism services in the Canh Cao sinkhole, visitors need to prepare enough food and water for the exploration process. The best time to visit and explore this place is around October to April next year. Although the entire valley is surrounded by green grass, the period from May to September every year is often rainy, slippery and wet, which is potentially dangerous. Photo: Pham Van Manh According to VnE