The Serendipitous Discovery of Lo Luu Lake
Located about 1km from the cave entrance, this lake has a surface area of approximately 100m2 and is surrounded by limestone pillars. What makes it unique is its elevation, sitting about 15m higher than the main underground river within the cave, giving it the appearance of floating on the cave wall, hence its name, Lo Luu Lake (Floating Lake).
Lo Luu Lake was discovered in May 2024. Image: Jungle Boss
When images of this lake were first released, they captivated audiences with their unique and intriguing structures. The story of how it was found is equally fascinating.
Caving expert Nguyen Van Uy (born in 1988), Safety Director at Jungle Boss, shared that the discovery of Lo Luu Lake was very different from their regular safety assessment trips to Hung Thoong. It was a special and emotionally charged experience.
According to Uy, he had been on numerous expeditions and had even swum in the underground river below but never noticed the lake above due to limited visibility.
Caving expert Nguyen Van Uy, Safety Director at Jungle Boss, on one of his expeditions. Image: Jungle Boss
In May 2024, Uy’s team decided to set off earlier than usual, and this change in schedule led them to the mysterious lake floating on the cave wall.
“On this trip, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cave was not significant, so the moisture environment was diluted, and our visibility was better. That’s when we noticed a ‘dark spot’ on the other side,” Uy recounted.
After some exploration, the team discovered a narrow passage, less than a meter wide, high up on the cave wall. They named this passage “Hem Lung Chuong” (Middle Back Passage).
The Rare and Breathtaking Lo Luu Lake
“As we ventured deeper into Hem Lung Chuong, we were astonished to find a deep emerald lake with no visible bottom, a rare sight among calcium lakes within cave systems. We unanimously named it Lo Luu Lake,” Uy added.
The only access to Lo Luu Lake is through Hem Lung Chuong. Image: Jungle Boss
What makes this lake even more unique is the presence of a stalactite hanging above its surface. This formation is rare and results from a combination of complex processes, including repeated cycles of formation and destruction.
Hem Lung Chuong is the only access point to Lo Luu Lake, and its narrow passage requires specialized safety equipment. “Our team has installed a safety rope system, making exploration easier and safer,” Uy assured.
The route from Hem Lung Chuong to Lo Luu Lake. Image: Jungle Boss
With the discovery of Lo Luu Lake and Hem Lung Chuong, Mr. Le Luu Dung, CEO of Jungle Boss, affirmed that the adventure tourism product “Exploring Hung Thoong” would become even more appealing. The captivating and authentic images of the passage and lake will surely attract adventurous travelers.
The surreal beauty of Lo Luu Lake. Image: Jungle Boss
Hung Thoong, located deep within the core area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, stands out for its unique structure and distinct characteristics, setting it apart from other cave systems.
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