Son Doong Cave is known as the world’s largest natural cave, housing many limestone grottoes, stalactites and stalagmites. Set within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (about 500km south of Hanoi), the cave is a must visit for adventurous travellers looking to explore one of Vietnam’s natural gems during their holiday.
Son Doong cave was first discovered in 1991 by a local named Ho Khanh, followed by a team of British cavers lead by Howard Limbert in 2009. With sections reaching up to 200 metres high, Son Doong Cave also spans 9 km in length, making it about two times bigger than Malaysia’s Deer Cave. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, bats and flying foxes.
Son Doong Cave Highlights
To reach Hang Son Doong, it’s a six-km-long hike through the rainforest, which includes passing through a small village that’s home to the Ban Doong ethnic group. Entrance to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park costs VND 40,000, plus additional fees (which usually range between VND 80,000 and VND 150,000) to enter the caves via a guided tour.
Oxalis Adventure Tours offer a four-day, three-night Son Doong Cave Expedition that’s available between February and August. Priced at VND 68,700,000 per person, the tour is inclusive of camping equipment, safety gear and caving equipment, as well as four meals a day, bottled water, a first aid kit and medical rescue equipment. The expedition also benefits from guidance from a professional technical advisor, an English-speaking guide, five safety assistants, and a porter team to carry gear and prepare meals throughout the journey.
Son Doong Cave
- Location: Quang Binh Province (about 500 km south of Hanoi and 260 km north of Da Nang)
