At the opening ceremony, which was broadcast live on VTV1 and VTV4, visitors had the chance to talk with British cave explorer Howard Limbert and well-known local guide Ho Khanh, to learn about exploring the limestone caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Visitors also enjoyed traditional songs from the province's ethnic minority groups performed inside the cave.

Chairman of the Quang Binh provincial People Committee, Nguyen Huu Hoai, affirmed that the festival will be held twice a year to introduce a new model for tourism that combines cave exploration and scientific research on the ecosystems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang Park.

A photography exhibition was also held during the event to introduce the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang parkas well as the local cuisine.

Caver Howard Limbert said that the festival will help promote Quang Binh and Vietnam to the world and attract more visitors.