Tours to Son Doong Cave in north-central Viet Nam will be suspended from now until the end of February next year, the firm that operates the tours announced on Friday.

“Fast-flowing rivers can be very dangerous for visitors during this rainy season,” Nguyen Chau A, director of Oxalis Co., which is currently the sole agency bringing tourists to the grotto, explained the reason for the suspension.

Son Doong Cave is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province.

A man is seen discovering Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh Province

“Moreover, our break time also allows the forest ecosystem to recover its flora and fauna as well as water resources,” A added.

In 2014, there were 243 tourists visiting the cave. At the end of August this year, this number reached 482, including 47 Vietnamese.

There are currently nearly 500 awaiting visitors who wish to explore Son Doong Cave, filling the 2016 tour schedule.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)