During a field trip to central Viet Nam, a delegation from Agriculture and Environment Magazine conducted an on-site survey of Ruc Mon cave, one of the few karst caves in the Truong Son range that has retained its near-pristine condition. The visit provided hands-on experience and insight into the potential for eco-tourism development linked with conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Inside the cave, the scene transforms dramatically. Extending nearly 3 km with ceilings over 50 meters high, Ruc Mon Cave resembles a vast geological labyrinth. Its system is clearly divided into dry and wet sections—the latter featuring an underground river with crystal-clear water, reaching depths of up to 30 meters in some areas. Unique stalactites and stalagmites form shapes reminiscent of “Phuc–Loc–Tho” figures, inverted lotus blossoms, shimmering “fairy hair,” and other natural sculptures, creating an enchanting space where each step feels like entering a living natural museum.
Delegation members noted that Ruc Mon Cave has significant potential for sustainable tourism, particularly given its proximity to the world-famous Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. However, any development must be carefully managed, prioritizing conservation while ensuring stable livelihoods for the local ethnic minority community.
The expedition concluded, but the impression of this “rough gem” in the heart of the Truong Son Mountains remains vivid. With its unique geological, scenic, and cultural value, Ruc Mon Cave is not only a destination for adventure seekers but also a testament to the principle that tourism development should go hand-in-hand with nature conservation and the preservation of local cultural identity.
Efforts to establish a Viet Nam Studies Center at Khon Kaen University in Thailand are expected to expand educational cooperation, promote Vietnamese language and cultural values, and further strengthen Viet Nam–Thailand friendship.
More than 1,400 hectares of tea produced under internationally certified organic standards, with about 90% of output exported to demanding markets such as Europe, the United States and Canada—these figures reflect not only an agricultural product but also a shift in development thinking toward organic agriculture. The roundtable, titled “Sustainable development and value enhancement of the Ban Lien organic tea region,” was organized by the Agriculture and Environment Magazine in coordination with the People’s Committee of Ban Lien Commune. It provided a forum for policymakers, businesses and farmers to discuss how tea can move beyond its traditional role in poverty reduction to become a driver of a sustainable green economy.
On March 1, 2026, at Linh Son Pagoda in Bac Ha commune, Lao Cai province, the Agriculture and Environment Magazine organized its 2026 “Green pagoda” program. The event was held in response to the Government’s “For a green Viet Nam” initiative and aimed to promote a message of living in harmony with nature, contributing to the development of green, clean and well-maintained religious spaces, and raising public awareness of environmental protection.
On February 28, 2026, in Ban Lien commune, Lao Cai province, the Agriculture and Environment Magazine, in coordination with the People’s Committee of Ban Lien commune, organized the 2026 Lunar New Year tree-planting festival themed “Haha family – For a happy Viet Nam,” under the message “Growing green – Nurturing happiness”.
Authorities in Nong Cong commune, Thanh Hoa province, on February 22 launched the 2026 Lunar New Year tree-planting festival in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh.
