Quang Ninh Province’s authorities have discovered 23 new caves in Ha Long Bay and its lesser known neighbor Bai Tu Long Bay after a week-long survey, news website VnExpress reported.

The Ha Long Bay’s management board conducted the survey in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment from November 23 to 30.

Pham Thuy Duong, chief of the board, said 18 of the 23 new caves were highly praised for their beauty and scientific values.

She said the board will further survey the caves and advise local authorities on which ones should be preserved for scientific research and which one should be opened to tourists.