Tours of Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, will begin this August, now that a pilot program has been approved by government officials.

Located in the heart of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province, Hang Son Doong, first found in 1991, was only explored in 2009/2010 by the British Cave Research Association. Since then very few people have been allowed to enter the amazing cave, as visitation is restricted for conservation purposes.

The government of Quang Binh Province has now granted Oxalis Adventure Company a permit to conduct pilot tours in Hang Son Doong from August 2013 to March 2014.

Oxalis Adventure Company, with the help of some of the original British cave explorers as safety guides, will be holding a limited number of five and seven-day tours in August, then taking a break for the rainy season, before re-starting again in February 2014.

The trips, although likely not very difficult for experienced cavers, are reasonably strenuous and involve spending one or more nights camping in the cave. One day of training will also be provided, as will all the necessary technical equipment such as harnesses and ropes.

For more information or to register to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity, visit the Oxalis Adventure Company website.