On May 13, 2015, 6 p.m. Vietnam time or May 12, 2015, 6 a.m. Eastern Standard Time in the United States of America, Vietnam experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be introduced to America, and to the rest of the world perhaps, by being aired live in one of the Western country’s biggest networks ABC and its world-famous program “Good Morning America” featuring its World Natural Heritage Sites En and Son Doong Caves at Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam.
The show was hosted by the equally popular reporter Ginger Renee Colonomo. The whole production took two months to prepare with a crew of 12 people divided into four groups: cameramen, aerial camera, lighting and technical satellite. It took two hours to broadcast the program live. But it was not without obstacles. In fact, the whole staff underwent hardships throughout the whole process. They had 150 cases of equipment, including aerial cameras and ten generators from London and the United States, and had to hire the help of the same number of local men to carry them. It took several days to reach the caves by walking, and many areas were not easily accessible, thus they had to use aerial cameras.
The first scene was the footsteps of reporter Colonomo after which the caves were shown, stunning the world with their naturally breathtaking beauty. The fossils, tropical forests, white sand grounds and one-of-a-kind system of plants of Son Doong Cave were highlighted, while En Cave wowed with its stalactites, swallows, underground river and limestone mountains. This is also the world’s biggest cave, so big that it could fit in two Boeing 747s and an 80-storey building.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam was a special guest at the show, focusing on the nation’s successful socio-economic technique and tourism strategy as the driving factors for improving the country’s economy as a whole. He also took pride in his country’s rich history and culture; amazing natural scenery; and hospitality of its people as crucial elements in attracting people from all over the world to visit Vietnam.
Image by http://sondoongcavetour.abstravel.asia/
The production was a big project as ABC itself put in $380,000 into it while soliciting the help of the logistic services provider Oxalis Ltd. which in turn gave $85,000. But all the effort and sacrifice seemed to be worth it as the live broadcast was received positively by viewers. Just after hours it was aired, the Facebook page of ABC received almost 10,000 Likes and hundreds of comments. Even the international basketball sensation LeBron James posted on his Twitter that it was “unbelievable.”
While the revolutionary broadcast received mostly praises, some commentators expressed their concern over the environmental impact it could cause on the caves. Indeed, as in most natural landscapes, there should be a balance between tourism and environmental care, appreciating nature while making sure it maintains its natural state.