Heartbreaking: Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay is turned into a restaurant by concrete

In recent days, public opinion in Quang Ninh has been stirred up by the fact that a natural cave in Bai Tu Long Bay , a priceless gift that nature bestowed upon Quang Ninh province, has been turned into an event center.

Many meetings and drinking parties have taken place here with the participation of thousands of people. Witnessing the images of natural caves being concreted, many people cannot help but feel sad and question the responsibility of the management of the authorities.

Xót xa hang bên vịnh Bái Tử Long bê tông hóa thành nhà hàng - Ảnh 1. — Natural cave in Bai Tu Long Bay becomes event center

Natural cave becomes event center

Observation at the scene, Vung Duc cave complex consists of 5 caves located in Ban Co mountain: Thien Dang, Long Van, Ngo Ngang, Kim Quy and Doi cave. These caves have special natural and historical value, but have been brutally interfered with for business purposes.

In particular, Bat Cave - the largest cave in the system, once home to many species of bats, has now been completely changed. In the past, when coming to the cave, people could clearly hear the echoing chirps of bats, but tourism exploitation and concreting activities have caused this species to almost disappear. The mysterious, pristine space of the cave is now replaced by artificial colored lights and bricks and stones covering the path.

Xót xa hang bên vịnh Bái Tử Long bê tông hóa thành nhà hàng - Ảnh 2. — Caves are paved and concreted for business purposes.

Inside the cave, hundreds of tables, chairs, sound systems and stages are set up for parties and meetings. Many events even bring together thousands of people, including children, to participate in fun activities and eat right in the cave.

Ms. T., an employee at Vung Duc tourist area, said that previously, this area was located in the middle of the sea and visitors had to row a boat to enter the cave. However, the process of reclaiming land from the sea has brought this mountain closer to shore, creating conditions for commercial exploitation.

Xót xa hang bên vịnh Bái Tử Long bê tông hóa thành nhà hàng - Ảnh 3. — The cave's surface is completely concreted, creating a very large area for dividing into business lots.

With the natural cave with such beautiful landscape being concretized like that, the question is whether the Cam Pha City government has planned this area to be an event center or not? Is the encroachment and concretization of the cave licensed by the competent authorities?

Request to move tables and chairs out of the cave

Regarding the case of Vung Duc cave belonging to the historical relic and scenic spot complex of Vung Duc being turned into a restaurant, recently the People's Committee of Cam Pha City and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province conducted an on-site inspection.

Xót xa hang bên vịnh Bái Tử Long bê tông hóa thành nhà hàng - Ảnh 4. — Businesses bring cars into caves to transport equipment

Speaking with Thanh Nien reporter, a representative of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province said that the authorities of Cam Pha city are clarifying regulations and procedures related to land leasing and land allocation at Doi cave, where the enterprise is using it as an event center.

Also according to the representative of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, recently, a business has proposed the idea of doing tourism business in caves, including: sightseeing, art performances, tea parties, dining and souvenir sales.

However, local authorities have confirmed that they have not granted permission for any such activity. Authorities have asked the business to move all tables and chairs out of Bat Cave.

A representative of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh affirmed that they will carefully review to ensure that the environment, landscape and original values of this area are not affected.