Hang Con Moong


Useful Information

Location: South of Mo village, Tlianh Yen commune, Thaih Thanh district, Thanh Hoa province. In the area of Cuc Phuong National Park.
(20.2875, 105.605)
Open: not yet open.
[2008]
Fee: not yet open.
[2008]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Con Moong Cave, Cuc Phuong National Park, Tel: +84-30-848006, Fax: +84-30-848052. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

1974 cave discovered by archaeologists.
1976 cave excavated.
21-JUN-2006 added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Description

Hang Con Moong (Con Moong Cave) is not really a tourist site, at least not at the moment. But this may change soon. There were plans to submit the site to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This would create international attention and growing tourism. The main idea was of course, that funding from the UNESCO would protect the unique historical and scientific value and encourage more study of the site. The Archaeological Institute planned submitting a preliminary dossier in JUN-2008 and a complete scientific dossier in JUN-2009. So far the cave made it on the tentative list.

The Hang Con Moong contains sedimentary layers preserving evidence of human evolution from the Palaeolithic Era to the Neolithic Era. This equals the development of humankind from hunter-gathers to farmers. The cave provided shelter to the people of three separate prehistoric cultures: the Son Vi, the Hoa Binh and the Bac Son. This cave is a key for the understanding of Vietnam and South East Asia prehistory.

Con Moong means Cave of the Beast in the language of the Muong people, who make up 99% of the local population. The cave has two entrances, who look like two gaping mouths, which gives the rock the look of an animal head, hence the name. The cave is rather small, but dry and airy. The archaeological area has a size of about 100 m² and cave is 30 m wide and some 10 m high.

Hang Con Moong is located in Cuc Phuong National Park, which has many karst features and caves. Several caves are open to park visitors, but they are not developed except for probably a ladder in steep parts. Cave visits require a permit, sufficient equipment including helmet and light, and if possible a guide.