Chom Ong, Cave system in Oudomxay Province, Laos
Chom Ong is a cave system in Oudomxay Province that extends through a mountain ridge over a substantial distance. It contains two main passages connected by a large central chamber, creating a complex network of underground spaces.
Scientific exploration of this cave system began in 2009 when international research teams first mapped and measured the passages. These investigations established it as one of the longest cave systems in Northern Laos and brought attention to the region's geology.
The Khmu community in Ban Chom Ong village traditionally hunted bats here and collected guano as a resource. The name 'Tam Chia' refers to the bats that inhabit the cave and shaped the daily practices of local people.
The cave entrance lies about 45 kilometers from Muang Xay, accessible via a dirt road to Ban Chom Ong village. From the village, plan for a 45-minute walk to reach the main entrance.
The cave contains several massive chambers with impressive dimensions and towering ceilings that researchers documented during early explorations. These expansive rooms give visitors a sense of the scale and complexity hidden beneath the mountain.
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