Phong Nha–Ke Bang and Yorkshire Dales Strengthen Cooperation Through Cave Exhibition in the UK

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has long been known as the cradle of global cave exploration and the birthplace of many renowned expeditions. More than 35 years ago, cavers from Yorkshire, including Mr. Howard Limbert and his colleagues, first arrived in Vietnam to discover the magnificent caves of Phong Nha–Ke Bang. Since the early 1990s, Mr. Howard has built a deep bond with this land, spending much of his time with his team surveying, measuring, and mapping more than 300 caves. Among them are some of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, such as Son Doong, the largest cave on Earth, Hang En, and the Tu Lan cave system.

Since Oxalis began organizing cave exploration tours in 2011, British Vietnam Caving Expedition Team, including Howard Limbert, Deb Limbert, and Martin Holroyd, has played an important role in ensuring safety, studying geology, and training local guides. The strong partnership built through years of cooperation and shared knowledge has become a firm foundation for Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Yorkshire Dales National Parks to continue developing programs on biodiversity conservation, cave research, and sustainable tourism.

Oxalis representatives and experts from Yorkshire Dales National Park at the exhibition “Underground World.”

In 2023, a delegation from Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, accompanied by experts, conducted a two-day visit and field survey at the Yorkshire Dales National Park. During the trip, the team studied models of management, conservation, and sustainable tourism development while sharing practical experiences from Phong Nha. The visit was considered a great success and a turning point, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two world-renowned natural heritage sites. The Vietnamese side also invited the British delegation to visit the caves and work at Phong Nha–Ke Bang.

During the 2024 visit to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, the delegation from the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the United Kingdom was deeply impressed by the area’s natural beauty, cave systems, and sustainable tourism model. Following the trip, representatives from the Yorkshire Dales proposed launching a joint cooperation project between the two national parks. This initiative is expected to mark the beginning of a new era of collaboration in conservation and ecotourism.

Special Exhibition in Hawes Showcases Phong Nha to the World

From October 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the exhibition “Underground Worlds: From here to Vietnam” will take place at the Dales Countryside Museum in the town of Hawes, introducing Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park to visitors. This is the first time a national park from Vietnam has been featured in a long-term exhibition in the United Kingdom, marking an important milestone in international collaboration on conservation and tourism.

Hawes is a famous tourist town located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, known for its classic countryside scenery and renowned cheese factory. Every year, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world, offering an ideal opportunity to showcase the beauty of Vietnam to the international community.

The exhibition space at the Dales Countryside Museum.

Exhibition Highlights for Visitors

The exhibition offers international visitors a comprehensive view of the exploration, research, and long-standing collaboration between two renowned national parks, Phong Nha–Ke Bang in Vietnam and Yorkshire Dales in the United Kingdom. The displays combine scientific materials, artistic imagery, and modern technology to create an immersive and authentic experience.

1. Collection of Cave Images and Videos

The main exhibition hall features hundreds of photos, videos, and geological maps showcasing the famous cave systems of Yorkshire and Vietnam, including Son Doong, Tu Lan, and Hang En, as well as ancient caves in the Dales region. Visitors can observe detailed cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and the unique underground ecosystems of each site.

The display area featuring photos of the cave systems in Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.

2. Display of Vintage Expedition Equipment

A special section is dedicated to vintage exploration gear once used by British cavers during expeditions decades ago, such as ropes and helmets. These exhibits evoke the early days of cave exploration in both Vietnam and the UK.

The display area showcasing caving equipment used by exploration experts.

3. Research Documents, Books, and Articles

Visitors can explore a curated selection of field notes, survey maps, expedition journals, and cave research books written by experts from Yorkshire and Vietnam. These records not only hold historical value but also reflect the enduring scientific partnership between the two communities over the past 30 years.

Publications and magazines documenting the history of cave exploration in the Yorkshire Dales region.

4. Ryan Deboodt’s Special Showcase

A dedicated space showcases the breathtaking videos and artistic photographs of Ryan Deboodt. He is the photographer known for his stunning visual work on Son Doong Cave and the Phong Nha–Ke Bang cave systems.

5. Interactive Audio-Visual Display

An interactive area allows visitors to listen to exclusive interviews with explorers such as Deb, Martin, and Watto, as well as watch short films introducing both national parks.

6. Virtual Reality Experience of Son Doong Cave

One of the most striking highlights is the virtual reality experience organized by Oxalis Adventure. Through VR headsets, visitors can “step inside” Son Doong Cave, admire its underground river, ancient jungle, and enormous dome towering higher than skyscrapers, all recreated vividly with 360-degree technology.

Visitors experience a VR tour exploring Son Doong Cave.

During the exhibition, representatives from Oxalis and the Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park Management Board shared insights about the journey of collaboration, the importance of sustainable tourism, and the role of international conservation partnerships. The event also serves as a tribute to Yorkshire caving experts who have contributed greatly to the development of Phong Nha–Ke Bang for more than three decades.

This exhibition is not merely a cultural exchange event but also serves as a bridge connecting nature conservation and sustainable tourism development on a global scale. For Vietnam, particularly Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, the event holds great significance in enhancing international recognition, showcasing the country’s magnificent natural landscapes, and highlighting its ongoing cave conservation efforts. It is also an opportunity to attract more international visitors, especially from the UK, thereby promoting community-based tourism linked with heritage preservation.

By sharing experiences in management, research, and the promotion of natural values, the event helps deepen understanding of ecosystems and the distinctive geological and biological features of Vietnam. It also strengthens ties between the two nations and spreads the message about the importance of protecting nature and advancing sustainable tourism.

During 2024–2025, Oxalis cave experts had the opportunity to participate in practical training programs at the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the United Kingdom. Throughout their time there, team members exchanged valuable experience with international specialists in cave exploration and safety, while learning advanced techniques in surveying, rescue operations, and risk management.

The knowledge and skills gained from Yorkshire Dales are now being effectively applied in Phong Nha–Ke Bang, helping to improve safety standards in adventure tourism and reaffirming Oxalis’s commitment to developing world-class, sustainable, and safe adventure travel in Vietnam.

The Oxalis Experience.