Inauguration of tour to Chay River - Hang Toi (Dark Cave) in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park World Natural Heritage on June 5 is opening activity for Quang Binh Culture and Tourism Week 2011. After coming into operation, this tour will be linked with other tourist spots in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park to become a closed tour with itinerary as follows: Phong Nha Grotto - Tien Son Grotto - Chay River – Hang Toi – Nuoc Mooc Spring Eco-trail - Paradise Grotto - Tam Co (Eight Ladies) Cave and temple of commemorating heroic martyrs on Road 20 - Quyet Thang.

Participating in this tour, visitors will have opportunities to contemplate pristine and impressive beauty of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, learn more about species of animals and plants living here, visit historical relics which have made legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail; and experience unique culture of local people’s daily life.

On the evening of June 11, a programme entitled “Discovering the Magnificent Beauty of the Caves and Grottoes in Quang Binh” will be held at Thien Duong (Paradise) Grotto located in the middle of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District). The programme will be broadcast live on VTV2 and VTV4. This is not only an important highlight of the Quang Binh Culture and Tourism Week 2011 but also the key activity of the tourism development plan for Quang Binh Province this year. The programme content includes direct exchange with scientists about geological and geomorphological values, biological diversity and other unique values of the cave and grotto system in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park; cultural and art performances combined with effects of video clips to highlight splendor of the cave and grotto system in Quang Binh, especially the Paradise Grotto.

The Quang Binh Culture and Tourism Week 2011 aims to promote the global values of cave and grotto system, special cultural value, and tourism potential of Quang Binh Province as well as attract investment to contribute to socio-economic development of the province.

Phuong Anh – Thanh Hai (TITC)