CBS News noted that in the mid-21st century, humanity once again discovered a natural wonder with a stature comparable to Mount Everest or the Grand Canyon.
This special discovery became a reality in 2009, when a cave identified as the longest and largest in the world was officially discovered. This natural wonder is located in Vietnam, named Son Doong cave.
The scenery is magnificent. Sun rays piercing through a gap on the cave ceiling at a height equivalent to 120 floors shine down to the ground. Underground water flowing through the light area is like raindrops falling down, while the rocks reflect the only sound that echoes in the absolute quiet space of the cave," CBS News described.
In this journey to explore and conquer the cave, a group of explorers led by Mr. Howard Limbert, who spent more than 30 years researching in Vietnam and discovered about 500 guided caves, made a trip to explore Son Doong Cave, bringing many memories.
Journey to Son Doong cave
The only way to get to Son Doong cave is to walk, with a trekking trip lasting about a day and a half.
“Our group consists of 53 people, moving in groups, mainly carrying tents and filming equipment, along with safety and mountain climbing experts. We have to cross 20 streams, where water flows through limestone, one of the two essential elements forming the cave,” journalist Scott Pelley shared on 60 Minutes from 2004.
Meanwhile, also on the journey, Mr. Peter MacNab said I see exploration as an adventure and cannot know what is waiting behind the turns.
Mr. MacNab recalled his first visit to Son Doong cave: "It was simply finding his own way. And then everything gradually appeared: large halls, wide corridors, or narrow and cramped sections, along with beautiful stalactites.
The highlight of the journey is the moment of being here, transcending the concept of time and experience. This is considered a worthy reward for the journey of discovery that started many days earlier.
Howard Limbert and Scott Pelley joined the expedition
Besides, in the report, the story of the expedition team's exploration journey becomes particularly valuable when fully depicting the rare majesty of Son Doong cave, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world.
When journalist Scott Pelley commented that on Earth, there are not many places to explore for the first time. And explorer Peter MacNab replied: Yes, you have to search very carefully to discover such a wonderful wonder.
That strange feeling is like a gust of wind blowing from underground. Cave explorers understand that it is the "breath" of a giant cave.
Journalist Scott Pelley continued to share: "The scene is spectacular, like the entrance where we just got off the rope. Two men are hanging themselves in the middle of the cliff, holding lamps; upstairs is the cave entrance and also the last daylight we have seen for a long time".
The group carried out a 3-day 2-night journey to explore Son Doong Cave, with a length of about 5.6 miles, equivalent to 65 floors, and about 1.5 football fields.
Even a Boeing 747 can fly through the widest section without touching its wings. However, there are sections just enough for people to pass through. In large caves, according to journalist Scott Pelley, it feels like we are no longer underground. Life without telephones, without satellites makes us completely isolated from the world.
