EuroSpeleo 2016
Vietnam, '25 years of exploration'
Oral|Mr Martin Holroyd

Abstract
The magnificent Hang Son Doong cave was explored in 2009 by the British caving expedition. Not only is the unbelievable scale of the cave that remains with you but the vast number of unique and diverse situations you find yourself in.
The stunning discovery was the culmination of many expeditions which began in 1990. The early expeditions were faced with a Communist country still affected by a trade embargo.Vietnam was a difficult and challenging country to visit the team were faced with challenging travel, abject poverty and limited information.By building friendships and links with Hanoi University and local people the expeditions thrived and continue today exploring many fantastic caves often in remote areas of the jungle. Today Vietnam is a must visit destination for many and is benefiting from a booming tourist industry with many travel restrictions lifted.
The expeditions have focused on the World Heritage protected jungle of the Ke Bang massif which stretches across the border into Laos. This sensitive area is still protected and access is severely restricted which still requires permits to visit. With some of the oldest limestone in the world this densely jungle covered limestone has revealed many large and beautiful caves.
More from 2016
Oral|Mr Vanyo Gyorev
The Unexplored - documentary film
Field|Mr John Webb
Field Trip: White Scar Cave - 14th August 2016
Oral|Mr Michael Ross
The Fuchslabyrinth Maze - a speleogenetic obstacle?
Field|Mr Andy Hall
Field Trip: Lancaster Hole to County Pot in Ease Gill Caverns through trip. Through Trip in either direction on Sun 14th August
Oral|Mr Nigel Steel
Caves and photogrammetry
Film|Mr A & A Freem
Caver's Cinema - Thursday
Poster|Mr David St. Pierre
Poster: Norwegian Cave Index and Bibliography (Founded 1963)
Field|Mr Mike Bedford
Demonstration of Electronic Equipment for Caving
Oral|Dr Rostam Namaghi
A brief (fictional) history of Speleomusic
Film|Mr A & A Freem
Caver's Cinema & Video Salon - Tuesday