EXPLOITATION PROJECT OF PHONG NHA CAVE, SON DOONG CAVE AND PHONG NHA- KE BANG CAVE SYSTEM FOR TOURISM

1. Location for the project

The project area is planned in the core zone of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province.

Geographic location:

+ Located in the west of Quang Binh province

+ About 500km from Hanoi Capital to the south

+ About 40km from Dong Hoi City to the northwest.

+ Borders Hin NamNo National Conservation Area (Laos) to the west and southwest.

2. Purposes of the project

- To establish a tourism area to be deserving of the position as a World Natural Heritage Site.

- To introduce and spread the image of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (PNKB NP), especially Son Doong Cave (the world's largest cave which is located in the strictly-protected zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP) to domestic and international tourists, aiming to exploit its tourism potentials.

- To create jobs to local people.

- To attract foreign investment in tourism - the potential of the province, accelerating socio- economic growth rate.

3. Scale and contents of the project

The total area of the project will be identified based on specific surveys, including some items:

- Construction of central station.

- Construction of transportation system:

+ Waterways (to and from Phong Nha Cave)

+ Pipeline (to and from Tien Son Cave)

+ Air travel (to and from Son Doong Cave)

+ Technical equipment system for exploring cave.

- CCTV operational control center.

- Visitor center.

- Health and insurance center.

4. Total estimated investment capital

2,000 billion dong

5. Expected effectiveness of the project

-  Have the potential to bring high profits.

- Introduce and spread the image of the world natural heritage site.

- Contribute to effective use of tourism potential of cave system of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang region.

6. Major natural characteristics and current status of the project area

Topography:

The location for the project is mainly characterized with high mountains, rivers and streams, belonging to agricultural land of Son Trach Commune.

Technical infrastructure:

There are currently Road No. 20 and Ho Chi Minh Highway with two branches to the East and the West crossing the area and infrastructure of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang Tourism Center to provide services to tourists to PNKB NP.