On April 14, Google changed the avatar on the homepage to celebrate the discovery of the Son Doong cave.
Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh, is advertised on the Google homepage as an animated image, to celebrate the day Mr. Ho Khanh and the British Royal Expedition officially discovered the world’s largest cave, on April 14. 2009.
Google Doodle reproduces the image of a giant sinkhole located deep in a cave with sunlight illuminating the scene with many green shades of the mountains. This image is displayed on the Google homepage of 17 countries and territories including Vietnam, the UK, Romania, Sweden, Greece, Singapore, Thailand, Mexico, Argentina…
On the website, Google also introduces and praises the largest cave in the world. They use the word “unequaled natural phenomenon” to describe Son Doong cave. For example, the interior compartments of Son Doong cave are large enough to accommodate an entire 40-storey building. Scientists have also discovered countless geological formations including the largest limestone “pearl” and the tallest stalactite in the world.
Previously, Google Doodle has honored the typical cultural features of Vietnam such as cuisine : pho, bread… or special characters such as musician Trinh Cong Son, poet Xuan Quynh, painter Bui Xuan Sect…
Mr. Nguyen Le Phuc, Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said: “The event that Son Doong cave with outstanding global values is honored on the Google homepage is the pride of Quang Binh in particular and the tourism industry. Vietnamese calendar in general”. At the same time, he also emphasized that Vietnam has opened up to international tourism with very favorable medical entry conditions and restored the visa and entry-exit policy as before the epidemic. “All are ready and welcome visitors from all over the world to fully experience Vietnam,” he said.
Visitors interested in Son Doong cave but have not had the opportunity to directly explore can admire it through the online exhibition of Wonders of Vietnam on Google Art & Culture, which launched in early 2021. Guests need to book early, the tour price is nearly 70 million VND.