son doong cave tour

Son Doong Cave Tours 1 Day, 3 Days and Price (Trip Cost and Booking)

Son Doong Cave is the world’s largest natural cave located in the heart of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. It is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and active travelers who are looking for an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will discuss the details of Son Doong Cave Tour and if it is feasible to do in 1 Day, the alternatives, and the pricing of 3-day tour.

1. Can I do Son Doong Cave Tour in 1 Day?

Many visitors wonder if it’s possible to do the Son Doong Cave Tour in just one day . While it may seem like a good idea to fit the tour into a tight schedule, it is not feasible. The Son Doong Cave is the largest natural cave in the world, spanning over five kilometers in length and up to 200 meters in height. It is impossible to explore this cave in just one day without missing out on the highlights and the unique experiences it offers.

Instead of trying to squeeze everything into one day, we highly recommend considering the 3-day tour to Son Doong Cave. This will allow you to fully experience the cave and all its natural wonders without feeling rushed or missing out on any highlights.

During the 3-day tour, you will have ample time to explore the cave and its stunning formations, swim in the underground rivers, camp in the cave, and take in the incredible sights and sounds of this natural wonder. This tour is designed to give visitors the ultimate experience, providing ample time for rest and relaxation while exploring the cave.

If a 3-day tour isn’t feasible for your schedule, there are still other day trips and activities in the area that are worth considering. For example, you could visit the Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, or Dark Cave, all of which offer unique experiences and natural beauty.

2. Son Doong Cave Tour 3 Days and Price?

2.1. son doong cave tour 3 days.

If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, the Son Doong Cave Tour 3 Days is a must-do. This tour takes you deep into the heart of the world’s largest natural cave, Son Doong, and provides you with an experience that you’ll never forget. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:

A. Tour itinerary and highlights:

Day 1: Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Phong Nha, followed by a drive to the park entrance. After a safety briefing and final preparations, you’ll start trekking through the jungle towards the entrance of the cave. The hike takes around 4-5 hours and covers 10km.
Day 2: After a night spent camping inside the cave, you’ll explore different parts of Son Doong. This includes visiting the Garden of Edam and the Great Wall of Vietnam, two of the cave’s most impressive natural features.
Day 3: The final day of the tour involves a trek back through the jungle to the park entrance. You’ll arrive back in Phong Nha in the afternoon, where you can relax and reflect on the amazing experience you’ve just had.

B. Activities in the cave:

The Son Doong Cave Tour 3 Days is not for the faint-hearted. The cave is challenging to explore, with steep climbs, slippery terrain, and unpredictable weather. However, the experience is worth it, as you’ll get to see some of the most incredible natural formations in the world. Some of the activities you’ll participate in include:

Trekking through the cave and jungle
Climbing steep walls and boulders
Swimming in underground rivers
Camping inside the cave

C. Requirements and restrictions:

Minimum age for the tour is 18 years old
Participants must have a good level of fitness and be able to hike for several hours each day
Maximum group size is 10 people
Visitors must obtain a permit to enter the cave, which is limited to a certain number per year

D. Recommended gear and clothing:

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Lightweight, breathable clothing that dries quickly
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun
Head torch with extra batteries
Personal medication and toiletries

Insider tips:

Book your tour in advance, as spots fill up quickly
Be prepared for the physical demands of the tour by training beforehand
Bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning scenery inside the cave
Listen to your guide’s instructions carefully and follow safety protocols at all times
Leave no trace behind by taking all trash and belongings out of the cave with you

Overall, the Son Doong Cave Tour 3 Days is an adventure of a lifetime. By following the recommended gear and clothing, and insider tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

3, Son Doong Cave Tours Price

If you’re interested in taking the Son Doong Cave Tour, it’s important to understand the cost and what’s included in the package. Currently it costs US$3,000 per person in a join-in tour.

3.1. Inclusions and exclusions:

The Son Doong Cave Tour is an all-inclusive package, which means that most of the expenses are covered in the price. This includes:

Park entrance fees
Camping equipment and gear
Food and drinks (except alcohol)
Professional guides and porters
Transportation to and from the park entrance

However, there are a few things that are not included in the price, such as:

Travel insurance
Personal expenses (such as souvenirs or snacks)
Alcohol or other beverages not provided by the tour

3.2. Additional costs and fees:

In addition to the tour package, there may be some additional costs and fees that you’ll need to consider, such as:

Flights or transportation to and from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation in Phong Nha before or after the tour
Tips for guides and porters
Fees for permits or visas (if applicable)

3.3. Booking and payment process:

To book the Son Doong Cave Tour, you’ll need to contact one of the tour companies that offer the package. You can find a list of authorized companies on the National Park website. Once you’ve selected a company, you’ll need to provide them with your personal details and pay a deposit to secure your spot on the tour. The remaining balance is usually due a few weeks before the tour begins. It’s important to read the company’s booking and cancellation policies carefully before making any payments.

Consider booking well in advance to secure your spot and avoid price increases
Compare prices and inclusions/exclusions from different tour companies before making a decision
Bring some extra cash for personal expenses or emergencies
Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as flights and accommodation when budgeting for the tour

Getting from Hanoi to Son Doong Cave

Getting from Hanoi to Son Doong Cave is relatively straightforward. The best way to get to the cave is by flying from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, which takes around 1 hour. From there, you can take a shuttle or private transfer to Phong Nha, where the Son Doong Cave tours depart from. The journey from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha takes around 1 hour by car. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, but these options take longer and may not be as convenient. It’s important to plan your transportation in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Son Doong Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers breathtaking scenery and unique adventure activities. It’s important to choose the right tour package that fits your schedule and budget. We hope this blog post has provided you with all the necessary information to plan your trip to Son Doong Cave. Book your tour now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

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Explore Son Doong – The world’s largest cave

As home to many spectacular landscapes nationwide from the cascading rice terraces of Sapa, the thousands of limestone karst isles in Ha Long Bay to the maze of rivers in Mekong Delta, Vietnam has no shortage of sights to see. Besides, Vietnam is also proud to be home to the world’s largest cave – Son Doong which is nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province.

Expert Howard Limbert, one member of the British Caving Research Association (BCRA) who conducted caves searches and surveys in the region from the beginning said to the CNN travel that: “Watch out for dinosaurs. That’s what we called this place when we first discovered it”. This state showed as an obvious reference for the prehistoric atmosphere and the grandeur of this cave which made Son Doong as one of the most captivating destinations for adventurous lovers worldwide to come & experience.

Here is all you need to know about Son Doong Cave.

Table of Contents

1. Overview

2.1. discovery, 2.2. its name, 3.1. when it started, 3.2. how much the expedition costs, 3.3. how to explore, 3.4. what to explore inside son doong cave, 4. things to know, 5. how to get there.

Son Doong is the biggest cave on the planet when measured by cross-section which is believed to be twice that of the next largest passage, in Deer Cave, Malaysia. This is relatively young at about 2-5 million years old in the Asian oldest major karst area dating back 400 million years of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.

Son Doong was formed on a fault line of the Truong Son mountain range and eroded by the Rao Thuong River for millions of years, forming a giant tunnel underneath the limestone mountain. Cracks in the ceiling of the cave were corroded and subsided, forming large holes to the outside. Water droplets that have fallen from the ceiling of the cave for millions of years create cave pearls with the size of a baseball. Inside that magnificent space is a separate world, a rare natural wonder that surprised the conquistadors of Son Doong.

Amazing doline in the cave

Being discovered and explored in the first time of 2009, Son Doong Cave only opened to the public since 2013.

At more than 200m high, 175m wide and 9.4km long, Son Doong cave could fit an entire 40-story New York City block skyscraper or allowed a Boeing 747 comfortably fly through without any danger for its wings. The new discovery by mid-2019 added an extra 1.6 million cu metre of volume to its existing 38.5 million cu metre, which is the equivalent of climbing 8848m of Mount Everest and discovering a mound that made it 1000m taller, as Limbert recently told CNN.

The cave becomes unique with the 2 enormous hố sụt (cave roof collapses or dolines) and underground rainforests as well as the “Great Wall of Vietnam” – a 90m high calcite barrier. There are various unusual cave formations including towering stalagmites, phytokarst and huge cave pearls inside.

Map of Son Doong Cave and Thung Cave diving expedition (Source: cnbc.com)

Cave experts are now still researching the connection between Son Doong Cave and nearby Thung Cave to find the connection. If it is successfully made in the future, Son Doong will become the largest cave in the world by both volume and cross-section.

2. Discovery and its name

Son Doong entrance was first discovered by a local man, Ho Khanh, in 1990 while he searched food and timber in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for the income, and later took shelter from a storm at the base of a huge cliff in the jungle where he found a deep hole at the base of the rock that was emitting wind and even puffs of cloud. Thoughts of the gulls in the legendary tales living in rock caves blowing wind out made him scared and discouraged him from entering the cave.

Overwhelmed feeling while inside Son Doong cave

Its location was forgotten until 2008 while hunting for food, Ho Khanh stumbled across the entrance again. A following year in 2009, he met Howard and Deb Limbert from BCRA, who were conducting exploratory caving expeditions in the area by this time. Then, he led Howard Limbert and his team to the opening.

They began the exploration of the cave but the process was stopped by a large high flowstone-coated wall or later named as the Great Wall of Vietnam. It was traversed in 2010 when the group reached the end of the cave passage and determined it to be the largest ever discovered in terms of the size of its cross-section which shook the caving world.

Jungle trekking before reaching Son Doong cave

Since Ho Khanh was the first to discover this cave, it was firstly called Ho Khanh cave. But sooner then, the expedition asked Mr. Khanh’s permission to rename the cave as “Son Doong” which was created by combining the name of Son (meaning mountain) and nearby Doong village where is home to less than 40 Bru-Van Kieu ethnic minority.

3. Expedition

Son Doong expedition is rated as type of international class adventure tour with tour’s design criteria as well as safety standards according to European standards.

The cave was open to the first tourist group by 1st Aug 2013. However, the access was strictly controlled and limited for only 1000 permits each year to guarantee the environment and ecology of Son Doong cave.

“Wedding Cake” at 1st Doline

All tours are exclusively organized and led by Oxalis Adventure Tours. Howard Limbert and his wife, Deb are the technical directors.

Running from January to August yearly (after which the cave becomes impassable due to rainy season) for the required expedition of 4 days 3 nights, Son Doong tour just welcomes 10 guests as maximum for each. Each tour requires 30 other staffs/attendants to escort, including cave expert, tour guide, safety assistant, chef and porter bringing a total of about 600kg of equipment in and out of the cave. Everything brought in must be taken out of the cave, including human waste.

Once a life time experience in Son Doong cave

It is US$ 3000/person.

You can wonder why it costs US$ 3000/person for just 4 days? Not cheap at all. The answers are because this price covers 660 USD entrance fee and forest environmental services paid to the management board of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park; fees for all staffs/attendants, expenses for airport pick up / drop off, hotel, meals; administration and other administrative expenses; 10% VAT.

To reach Son Doong Cave, you need to pass through Doong ethnic minority village which is surrounded by dense jungles and only accessible by foot. The village is home to less than 40 Bru-Van Kieu people. The discovery of the cave alleviated the villager’s hardships by their subsequent conservation partnership with Oxalis. Exploring the village and interacting with the locals are also an exciting part of the journey, in which you can learn a view of a way of life that has been unchanged for centuries.

Underground river near the Great Wall

It takes two days of intense jungle trekking and river crossings in order to reach the entrance of Son Doong Cave. Once inside, you will experience your own skills to abseil, climb, crawl, and wade/swim through underground rivers to complete your journey. Camping, eating inside the cave with taking extraordinary photos make your trip even more amazing. Hang En (En Cave), the world’s third largest cave is also included in the tour where you can enjoy swimming if interested.

The eco-system in Son Doong Cave is very unique because it is large, and even has its own localized weather system. Many rare limestone cave pearls are scattered in dried pools inside the cave.

The Dog’s Foot Block (khối bàn chân chó): This is a massive natural stalactite block in Son Doong Cave. From a distance, the Dog’s Foot Block can be seen, a majestic spectacle of the largest cave.

From this position you can almost admire the panoramic view of Son Doong Cave.

Fossil corridor (hành lang hóa thạch): An area where cave walls are filled with coral fossils dating back 300 million years old. This area is right next to the first campsite.

Campsite in the cave

The first campsite (bãi trại 1): located near 1st cave ceiling collapse or doline. The camp ground is nestled on a fairly flat sandy area and has a beautiful view looking towards 1st doline.

Sunbeam breaking through the Doline

1st Doline – Watch out for dinosaurs (hố sụt 1 – vọng khủng long): Formed by a part of the cave ceiling that collapsed thousands of years ago, sunlight can enter the cave allowing foliage to grow inside the cave and microscopic organisms thrive in the darkness. At 1st Doline, there is also a large stalactite layered block named “Wedding Cake” by tourists. On the other side of 1st Doline is a large cave called “Rat Run”, from here you can see the panoramic view of this cave ceiling collapse. This is the ideal place to take pictures of the most beautiful Son Doong Cave.

Garden of Edam (2nd Doline)

2nd Doline (hố sụt 2): This is also known as “Garden of Edam”. The formation of a sinkhole allows light to enter the cave and creates a small forest with trees and vegetation.

2nd campsite (bãi trại 2): Also known as seaside camping because of its location on a cave covered with white sand like the beach. This is also considered the campsite with the most majestic view in the world.

Great Wall of Vietnam

The Great Wall of Vietnam : is the highest stalactite wall with 90m tall, located at the end of Son Doong Cave. This section of the cave is also the place where the highest ceiling is about 200 meters.

In this journey, you will also discover Hang En, the world’s third largest cave.

Moreover, the cave is rich in other forms of life as well. The cave explores have seen monkeys, snakes, squirrels, rats, flying fox, birds and bats. The team also discovered 7 new species of fish, spider, scorpion, shrimp, wood lice and plankton. All of them completely white and without eyes, the evolutionary consequences of existing in complete darkness.

Son Doong tour welcomes guests from January to August yearly. You can book tours at a time that suits the accommodation, schedule and availability.

The Son Doong Cave Expedition is considered difficult (highest level) and you must be physically active with regular trekking experience. Distance: 17km trekking, 8km caving which includes rope climbs and rocky scrambling, 800m elevation change, 90m climb of the “Great Wall of Vietnam”.

The difficulty in the jungle is very dependent on the weather. It can get very cold here during January to March (8-15oC) and very hot during June to August (32-40oC), not to mention anytime it rains the jungle becomes very slippery and muddy. However, in the cave it usually ranges from 18-23oC in the winter (when a fleece and extra warm clothes are necessary) to 22-25oC in the summer, when shorts and t-shirts will suffice around camp.

Hard expedition but worthy for those who are adventure lovers

Check weather conditions via accuweather.com in advance to get an idea of what the weather will be like during your tour for the best preparation.

Swimming is not a part of the Son Doong tour. You can swim in Hang En and splash in the rivers on certain days when you’re washing up if you wish. However, there are no required swimming sections on the tour.

Guests only need to bring their own drinking water, snacks (trail mix, nuts, protein bars, etc), camera and personal belongings to use during the day. Other items that you use at the campsite every night as well as safety equipment, food and other items will be taken care by the porter team.

There will be a wide variety of different types of food served in the cave, even for those who are vegan or gluten-free. A notification ahead of time is required for better care.

Sun Group – a Vietnamese development company – has been pushing to build a cable car to Son Doong Cave, which could potentially ferry 1,000 visitors an hour to the cave. Staunch opposition from UNESCO and activist group Save Son Doong encouraged the Vietnamese government to temporarily halt the construction permits in 2015. The project will only be proceeded with the approval from the World Heritage Commitee.

Located in the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, the closet city to reach is Dong Hoi which is around 1 hour of drive away.

Location of Son Doong Cave (Source: Google Maps)

There are many ways for your travel to Quang Binh from Hanoi (~ 500 km south), Ho Chi Minh City (~ 1200km north) and other cities by airplanes, trains and coaches.

Network of caves in Central Vietnam have transformed the region. Once one of Vietnam’s poorest, it is now the world’s most popular spot for cave exploration and the country’s fastest-growing tourist destination. If you are adventurous lovers and meet all health requirements, don’t miss Son Doong Cave expedition the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Vietnam Travel team will more than welcome you to visit Vietnam and we are always pleased to assist whenever you set the holiday to our beautiful country!

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Son Doong Cave

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SON DOONG CAVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

©Geng Xu/Getty Images

Hang Son Doong

Top choice in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave), located in the heart of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park , is known as the world's largest cave, and is one of the most spectacular sights in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the most exclusive. Access to the cave was only approved by the government in 2013, and the sole specialist operator permitted to lead tours is Son Trach–based Oxalis Adventure – commanding a US$3000 per person fee for the four-day/three-night expedition. Numbers are limited to 10 trekkers per trip, who are accompanied by a small fleet of porters and cooks.

This enormous cave was discovered quite recently. Ho Khanh, a hunter from a jungle settlement close to the Vietnam–Laos border, would often take shelter in the caves that honeycomb his mountain homeland. He stumbled across gargantuan Hang Son Doong in the early 1990s, but the sheer scale and majesty of the principal cavern (more than 5km long, 200m high and, in some places, 150m wide) was only confirmed as the world’s biggest cave when British explorers returned with him in 2009.

The expedition team’s biggest obstacle was to find a way over a vast overhanging barrier of muddy calcite they dubbed the ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’, which divided the cave. Once they did, its true scale was revealed – a cave big enough to accommodate a battleship. Sections of it are pierced by skylights that reveal formations of ethereal stalagmites that cavers have called the Cactus Garden. Some stalagmites are up to 80m high. Cavers have also discovered colossal cave pearls measuring 10cm in diameter, which have been formed by millennia of drips, fusing calcite crystals with grains of sand. Magnificent rimstone pools are present throughout the cave, plus rivers that are ideal for swimming.

How to visit Hang Son Doong

Visits to the cave can only be booked with Oxalis Adventure . Head to their website to check availability and book well in advance. Keep in mind the three-night expedition is a challenging one, with tough trekking, underground river crossings and technical caving included. Anyone who struggles significantly with the climbing elements will be turned back on the first day. Accommodation comes in the form of basic (though spectacular) campsites within the cave itself. The tour runs from January to August.

Oxalis Adventure Tours also run shorter, more affordable tours, both to other caves in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, and around the park itself.

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Son Doong Cave Tour 5D4N

Expedition tours
Meals included
Tour Day(s)
Weather dependant

Our Son Doong Cave Expedition will take you deep into the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, on one of the most thrilling adventure tours in the world.

With our team of more than 25 porters, safety experts and guides, you’ll explore over five days the entire length of Son Doong Cave, Hang En Cave, as well the Ban Doong ethnic minority village.

Imagine trekking straight into the depths of the world’s largest cave on an expedition unlike any other. A cave that can fit a 747 flying through its largest cavern – a truly foreign landscape, with enormous stalagmites and statuesque stalactites, hanging from the ceiling and rising from the ground like an alien species.

A jungle within a cave, that’s almost so unreal that you have to see it to believe it. Misty clouds enveloping the whole scene, evidence of the cave’s own weather system. Fossil passageways that give proof of the cave’s ancient existence.

There is no rush on this tour and there is plenty of time for photography and to enjoy the cave. However you need to be very fit, and have previous trekking experience (but not necessarily caving experience) to enjoy this adventure tour.

Cha Loi Cave ADVENTURE Tour

Additional information

Phong nha - doong village - swallow cave.

Enjoy breakfast at 8:00 am with your guide before departing at 9:00 am for the first leg of the expedition. You’ll leave extra luggage and any valuables at the Oxalis headquarters before heading to pick up the porter team and setting off for adventure.

Walk for half an hour along a small stream to the minority village of Ban Doong, which is a real highlight for many on this expedition. Learn more about this unique ethnic group of people and enjoy lunch beside a small river.

Conquer Duong Cam Waterfall 01 day adventure tour.

After this point, you will be in the sun all afternoon with about 2 hours along a river, with very little shade. You’ll cross the river many times and so please expect to have wet feet for the whole day. In the summer, the water is only usually knee deep, but Gore-Tex boots will fill and hold the water so therefore they are not recommended.

The group should arrive at camp by 3:00 pm where you can enjoy swimming and washing within the underground river. Dinner will be served at the spectacular campsite with numerous photographic opportunities.

Anyone who is unable to complete any stage of this first day comfortably will be turned around to Phong Nha and will not be permitted to continue the expedition. This will be the decision of the cave experts on your tour. Should you be turned around, all tour costs will be forfeited.

Swallow cave - Son Doong Entrance - Hand of Dog - Son Doong Camp 1

You’ll again begin your day with a delicious breakfast at around 8:00 am. You’ll be in for a very tough day today so its best to enjoy a big breakfast, as you’ll need your energy!

Start your trek at 9:00 am through Hang En Cave for about 30 mins to reach the magnificent exit, made famous by many photographers over the past few years. You’ll scramble down to the river valley and then it’s an hour walk through the river, so your boots are going to be wet for most of the day; it is unavoidable, yet part of the fun!

You’ll then start climbing a steep hill for about 45 minutes with some rocky sections to start. At the top of the hill you’ll enjoy lunch, a safety briefing and fit your safety harness and prepare for your big journey underground! A steep descent with a couple of short rope climbs brings you at last to Son Doong entrance.

With your safety harnesses, you’ll then start the 80 m descent into the cave by making a number of short climbs, using ropes and safety lines with your guides’ assistance. There is no rappelling or abseiling at any point during the expedition. You’ll then enjoy a few more climbs and bouldering to reach the first and second river crossings inside the cave, which are no more than knee-to-thigh deep depending on the water levels. You should have a wash here, as it will be the last washing place for the day.

On your way to the first campsite in the first large passage of the cave, you’ll have to be extra careful as there are a number of big drops and scrambling over boulders along a rocky path before reaching one of the most spectacular views: Hand of Dog and daylight streaming through the cave thanks to the first doline! You will then scramble down to the first campsite of Son Doong around 3 – 4 pm and have the afternoon to soak up the views and rest your weary bodies. You’re in for another big meal with your team before turning in for the night.

Please note that there are no washing facilities at camp on this day.

Son Doong Camp 1 - Watch out for Dinosaurs - Great wall of Viet Nam - Son Doong Camp 2

Your day begins with a hearty breakfast with your team before a 9:00 am departure towards your second campsite in Son Doong Cave.

You’ll start with some rocky climbs, which are quite steep in some places, as you reach the first jungle within the cave at Watch Out for Dinosaurs. It will take about 1.5 hrs to travel within the cave from Camp 1 to Watch Out for Dinosaurs. After a short break you’ll be trotting down the rocky path to reach the enormous Green Gours, one of the most magnificent and famous photography spots on the tour!

A light lunch is provided with an incredible backdrop of the first doline. If you are lucky you may even catch some sunbeams, which make for truly spectacular photos!

It is then an easy walk through the cave past gigantic formations and plenty of cave pearls towards the light of the second doline and main jungle within the cave. Follow the path past the beautiful foliage reaching towards the light, to reach the underground jungle, unlike anything you could experience on the planet! Cross the jungle for around 45 minutes to reach the steep and sometimes slippery path down to your second campsite within Son Doong Cave. You will reach camp around 2 – 3 pm.

After a short rest at your campsite, you are back on your feet and heading deeper within the cave towards the Great Wall of Vietnam. You’ll pass through a very large dry passage with huge stalagmites and great views back to the second doline. Many new creepy crawlies have been discovered within this passage including white spiders, fish, woodlouse and shrimp species, so be sure to keep your eyes open.

You will reach at this point either a very large beautiful underground lake (where you’ll then paddle to reach the Great Wall of Vietnam) or you will find a fantastically adventurous muddy pit (at which you will need to trudge your way through for a few hundred meters to reach the wall). It is entirely optional if you wish to go further and reach the actual wall, as you will get very dirty in the mud and there are no bathing facilities on this day at camp (pack plenty of wet wipes if you decide on the plunge!).

You’ll be back at camp again around 6 pm to enjoy a sensational dinner with your team and delight yourself with an evening of games and entertainment, or simply relax and soak up the views at what is quite possibly the very best campsite in the world.

Quick note: you may use a pair of dry boots on this day, as aside from the mud, there are no water crossings!

Son Doong Camp 2 - Fossil Passage - Nat Geo Viewpoint - Swallow cave

After refueling with another hot breakfast you’ll pack up camp and start heading back to the first doline, with a slightly different route through a small oxbow passage above the underground river with a very steep drop, where you will need to use a rope and safety line.

Once you have reached the first campsite around 11 am, you’ll have time for a short break before climbing down to the ancient fossil passage, where you will witness 350 million year old coral fossils! Enjoy a small wash in the pools and a hearty lunch before descending back to the main passage, crossing the river twice and proceeding to climb up to the entrance, again strapped in with your harness and safety lines.

Your group will appear out from the entrance of Son Doong around 2 – 3 pm, at which point you’ll have a chance to enjoy a small break and some snacks. Then head back towards the river valley, where you can enjoy a well-deserved and refreshing wash. Walk along the river back to Hang En for your final evening and celebration with porter team at this underground campsite. Feel free to bring any entertaining games or fun activities such as Jenga, a frisbee, card games, etc for everyone to join in together.

Swallow cave - Ban Doong Village - Phong Nha

Wake up early and start your 10 km trek back to Road 20 after breakfast. You’ll follow the river along the valley and back through Ban Doong Village. You will enjoy snacks and fruit along the way before starting on what is quite a difficult climb back up the mountain for the last hour of your big adventure. Cold drinks await you at the top of the hill before a 45 minute drive back to Phong Nha. You will have a brief stop at the office to collect your luggage and valuables before transferring to a local hotel in Phong Nha.

You can then enjoy the shower you’ve been awaiting for so long, or you could even go for a dip in the river. In the evening, you can enjoy a group farewell dinner with your fellow expedition team members.

Please advise our sales team in advance of your departure time for the following day so that they so they can arrange the logistics of your transfer back to the airport or train station. If you would like to extend your holiday in Phong Nha, let our team know so that we can assist you in booking extra nights at the hotel.

Tour Reviews

Our departure date is 04.02.2017 HUE .2 travelers want to go Son Doong Cave trip about 2-3 days (no mountain climbing). Which is the price and conditions? Best regards, Helen Vosu

sightseeing

Beautiful Son Doong cave, but can not come here

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PHONG NHA KE BANG 3 DAY 2 NIGHT

THE GENERAL CAVE SYSTEM 1 DAY

ZIPPLININE IN DARK CAVE - DISCOVERY PARADISE CAVE

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About Son Doong Cave: Son Doong Cave is in the heart of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in the Quang Binh province of Central Vietnam. Only recently explored in 2009-2010 by the British Cave Research Association, the cave has only been open to the public since 2013.

Less people have seen the inside of Hang Son Doong than have stood on the summit of Mount Everest. Join us on this otherworldly expedition and become one of the lucky few who have had the life changing experience of exploring the world’s largest cave.

Imagine trekking straight into the depths of the world’s largest cave on an expedition unlike any other. A cave so massive that a 747 could fly through its largest cavern. A space so mesmerising that it forces you to question whether you are still on this planet at all. Foreign landscapes found nowhere else, enormous stalagmites rising from the ground and statuesque stalactites hanging from the ceiling like an alien species. Jungles emerge from inside the cave itself, a scene so surreal that you have to see it to believe it. Misty clouds envelop the whole scene, a result of the cave’s own localised weather system. Passages adorned with ancient fossils offer evidence of the millions of years that have passed on this Earth.

As you approach the jungle just outside the entrance, the rush of cool wind that cascades out brings to life everything inside of you. Hazy, cold and exhilarating, it is apparent that there’s something magical waiting just beyond the opening to the cave.

Cave Expedition: With your team of more than 25 porters plus safety experts and guides, you’ll explore over six days, the entire length of Son Doong Cave, Hang En Cave, as well the Ban Doong ethnic minority village.

There is no rush on this tour and there is plenty of time for photography and to enjoy the cave. However you need to be very fit, and have previous experience trekking (but not necessarily caving or climbing) to enjoy this adventure tour.

Special note: Son Doong Expedition

Please make sure that your health is suitable for these activities with ease.

50 km jungle and mountain trekking
Elevation change up to 400m (between road and valleys)
Surface river crossing: 40 times (knee deep, 10-50m wide river)
10 km caving including rope climbs, rocky terrain and scrambling
80m descent with rope and harnesses
Underground river-strong current crossing
5 days and 4 nights in caves Requirements:
Regular running, trekking, caving or rock climbing (at least once per month). Other outdoor pursuits may be considered
Strong legs and good balance
Previous multi-day treks
General good health and fitness
Operating: from Feb to Aug (closed from Sep to Jan)
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights (plus 1 night before and 1 night after the expedition)
Adventure Level: Difficult; for physically active guests (50 km+)
Availability: Weekly Departures
Small Group Tours: max 10 guests per departure
Minimum Age: 18 years

Day 1: Phong Nha – Ban Doong Village – Hang En Cave

Enjoy breakfast at 8:00 am before departing at 9:00 am for the first leg of the expedition. You’ll leave extra luggage and any valuables at the headquarters before heading to pick up the porter team and setting off for adventure.

After a 45 minute drive along Road 20 of the Ho Chi Minh Highway you’ll reach the trailhead, where you’ll start trekking for approximately 1 hour downhill through the forest, which is quite steep at times. Walk for half an hour along a small stream to the minority village of Ban Doong, which is a real highlight for many on this expedition. Learn more about this unique ethnic group of people and enjoy lunch beside a small river.

After this point, you will be in the sun all afternoon with about 2 hours along a river, with very little shade. You’ll cross the river many times so please expect to have wet feet for the whole day. In the summer, the water is only usually knee deep, but Gore-Tex boots will fill and hold the water so therefore they are not recommended (please see our detailed FAQ for footwear recommendation).

You’ll then reach the entrance to Hang En Cave, home to thousands of swifts. Here you’ll be given your headlight and you will trek/boulder approximately 20-30 minutes to your campsite inside the cave. The group should arrive at camp by 3:00 pm where you can enjoy swimming and washing within the underground river. Dinner will be served at the spectacular campsite with numerous photographic opportunities.

Day 2: Hang En Cave – Son Doong Entrance – Hand of Dog – SD Camp 1

You’ll again begin your day with a delicious breakfast at around 8:00 am. You’ll be in for a very tough day today so it’s best to enjoy a big breakfast, as you’ll need your energy!

You’ll then start climbing a steep hill for about 45 minutes with some rocky sections to start. At the top of the hill you’ll enjoy lunch, a safety briefing and fit your safety harness and prepare for your big journey underground. A steep descent with a couple of short rope climbs brings you at last to Son Doong entrance.

On your way to the first campsite in the first large passage of the cave, you’ll have to be extra careful as there are a number of big drops and scrambling over boulders along a rocky path before reaching one of the most spectacular views: Hand of Dog and daylight streaming through the cave, thanks to the first doline! You will then scramble down to the first campsite of Son Doong around 3 – 4 pm and have the afternoon to soak up the views and rest your weary bodies. You’re in for another big meal with your team before turning in for the night.

Day 3: SD Camp 1 – Watch out for Dinosaurs - Great Wall of Vietnam – SD Camp 2

Your day begins with a hearty breakfast with your team before a 9:00 am departure towards your second campsite in Son Doong Cave. You’ll start with some rocky climbs, which are quite steep in some places, as you reach the first jungle within the cave at Watch Out for Dinosaurs. It will take about 1.5 hrs to travel within the cave from Camp 1 to Watch Out for Dinosaurs. After a short break you’ll be trotting down the rocky path to reach the enormous Green Gours, one of the most magnificent and famous photography spots on the tour! A light lunch is provided with an incredible backdrop of the first doline. If you are lucky you may even catch some sunbeams, which make for truly spectacular photos.

It is then a walk through the cave past gigantic formations and plenty of cave pearls towards the light of the second doline and main jungle within the cave. Follow the path past the beautiful foliage reaching towards the light, to reach the underground jungle, unlike anything you could experience on the planet! Cross the jungle for around 45 minutes to reach the steep and sometimes slippery path down to your second campsite within Son Doong Cave. You will reach camp around 2 – 3 pm.

Day 4: SD Camp 2 – Fossil Passage – Nat Geo View Point – Hang En Cave

After refueling with another hot breakfast you’ll pack up camp and start heading back to the first doline, with a slightly different route through a small oxbow passage above the underground river in which there is a very steep drop, where you will need to use a rope and safety line.

Once you have reached the first campsite around 11 am, you’ll have time for a short break before climbing down to the ancient fossil passage, where you will witness 350 million year old coral fossils. Enjoy a small wash in the pools and a hearty lunch before descending back to the main passage, crossing the river twice and proceeding to climb up to the entrance, again strapped in with your harness and safety lines.

Day 5: Hang En Cave – Ban Doong Village – Phong Nha

Wake up early and start your 10 km trek back to Road 20 after breakfast. You’ll follow the river along the valley and back through Ban Doong Village. You will enjoy snacks and fruit along the way before starting on what is quite a difficult climb back up the mountain for the last hour of your big adventure. Cold drinks await you at the top of the hill before a 45 minute drive back to Phong Nha Center, where cool towels and a refreshing swimming pool are waiting for you. You will have an afternoon to relax after your long trek before enjoying a group farewell dinner with your fellow expedition team members.

Price: 3000 USD or 67.500.000 VND/ Person

WE WILL PROVIDE

Camping gear: tent, sleeping mat, pillow and sleeping bag Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, harness and gloves Meals: breakfast (day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), lunch (day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), dinners (briefing day, day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 1.5 L bottled water at the top of the trailhead/trekking point Base Camp water filter and purifier (application by guide and porters) Basic camping facilities with eco-friendly compost toilet using western toilet seat First Aid Kit, Medical Rescue Equipment & Satellite Phone (application by technical advisor and tour guides only) 1 Technical Advisor (member of the British Cave Research Association) 1 professional English-speaking tour guide, 5 safety assistants and 2 chefs 22 porters to carry all gear and prepare all meals YOU WILL NEED

2 – 3 long quick dry, full length pants and 4 – 5 (easy to dry) shirts to wear during the trek; thick athletic leggings/running tights/yoga pants are acceptable if they are full-length and not see-through. Jeans are not acceptable. You may feel more comfortable packing a set of clothes for each day, but most people re-wear trekking clothes for multiple days. Please see the Son Doong FAQ: Packing section for more information 1 – 2 pair of shorts and t-shirt to wear at campsite (plus your swimsuit for Hang En); warmer camp clothes suggested for colder months 1 Fleece and 1 lightweight windproof/jacket (February – April only) Trekking boots/shoes – difficult terrain, good footwear necessary. Recommended: Five-Ten Canyoneer 3. Gore-Tex/waterproof boots are NOT recommended as they do not drain well. Also consider bringing a backup pair of shoes. Refer to Son Doong FAQ: Packing section for more information Underwear 1 pair of flip flop (sandals) for campsite 1 medium size towel 4 – 5 pairs of calf-length close weave socks (not ankle socks or waterproof socks – no neoprene; SmartWool is a good brand; if you go with cotton, make sure it’s composed of 50% or less cotton) Anti-fungal foot powder (talcum powder) Wet wipes (very limited bathing inside the cave!) Biodegradable soap and shampoo for use in rivers (only eco-friendly soap is acceptable, otherwise please plan to wash with wet wipes or just water) Medium sized rucksack/backpack for daily belongings (most people find 25 L adequate; backpack must fit the helmet we will provide for you and cannot be strapped to the outside; you will also be responsible for carrying your own tripod in your backpack) Water bottle at least 1.5 L Personal items – toiletries, medication, camera, tripod, spare batteries (toiletries should also include feminine hygiene products for ladies, even if it’s “just in case”) Sunscreen and hat Mosquito repellent Small head-torch for use around camp Rehydration tablets ‘Compeed’/blister dressings Medication – bring any essential medication and anything you take regularly (e.g anti-inflammatories). We supply drugs for emergency/unexpected conditions only. AA/AAA batteries if needed (low quality only available locally) The following items are not required but highly recommended:

Dry bag in the event of rain (for camera, clothing, and personal items within your daypack); alternatively, a backpack cover would be a good idea especially for the rainier months of February – April Gloves, as ours are one-size-fits-all (if you bring your own, please choose gloves with fingertips) Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner Swimwear (for Hang En) Ankle gaiters to help prevent silt/gravel inside shoes (especially if you have shoes instead of boots) Trekking poles; please only bring them if you are accustomed to using them If you are serious about photography, please bring your tripod along with your camera (this must be able to fit in your daypack)

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SON DOONG CAVE TOURS

Son Doong Cave Tours will take you into the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to discover its depths. it’s situated in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, and is one of the most wonderful places to explore in the whole wide world. Impress Travel Team will offer you the best tour services, safety experts, and guides. You’ll explore Son Doong Cave, Hang En Cave, as well the Ban Doong ethnic minority village in a unique way.

Remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang & Central Vietnam Tour: 5 Days

Stunning Phong Nha Quang Binh in Vietnam Tour: 2 Days

Amazing Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh Tour: 7 days

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Quang Binh Travel guide provides travelers the news, information about the history, culture & people in Quang Binh province, let travelers know-how to travel to Quang Binh, where to stay & eat in Quang Binh, what mean of transportation in Quang Binh? And when is the best time to travel & visit Quang Binh? The attractive places to visit in Quang Binh province & Tours connect to visit Quang Binh and another province in the central of Vietnam.

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Explore the World's Biggest Cave From Your Couch

Is virtual reality the future of experiencing Earth's greatest natural wonders?

At F8, Facebook’s annual developer conference in San Jose, California, the social media company shared updates on React 360, an interactive WebVR and 360 content publisher. Experiences made using the technology can show up across the web and in people’s Facebook News Feeds, effectively bringing virtual reality to its more than two billion members—no headset required.

To showcase this feature, Facebook is working with National Geographic and showcasing an updated version of a 2015 National Geographic interactive VR story . In it, readers were invited to take a virtual tour of Son Doong, a recently discovered cave in Vietnam, believed to be the world’s largest.

“In the social media world, this is a big deal,” says Martin Edström, the photographer who originally captured the 360 photo spheres of Son Doong for National Geographic. “Now people can literally walk through the largest cave in the world without leaving Facebook.”

The new version of this virtual tour is updated from the original in several ways, including improved navigation, an informative audio guide, and better photographic tonality. The advancements help viewers feel as though they are really standing amid an eerie, alien landscape of enormous stalagmites in a cavern so large a Boeing 747 could fly through it—literally.

The technology to create and capture 360-degree interactive photographs and VR content has generally outpaced its distribution mechanisms. VR photographers and filmmakers have struggled to share their work with the general population. Facebook’s efforts may indicate that VR storytelling will become a more ubiquitous part of our digital media experiences.

“It's a big step toward immersive and interactive content becoming a part of the way we tell stories,” says Edström.

Revisiting Son Doong

In 2014, Edström, a photojournalist from Stockholm, Sweden, heard of a recently discovered cave in central Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was being called the world’s largest. He jumped at the opportunity to capture it in virtual reality.

The entrance to Son Doong, meaning “cave of the mountain river,” was first discovered in 1991 by Hồ Khanh, a local logger. In 2009, a team of scientists and explorers, having heard tale of Hồ Khanh’s fabled discovery, contacted him and requested his help to find the cave. It took several months, but he eventually retraced his way back through the remote jungle to once again find the dark, foreboding maw in the earth.

He and the team of scientists, using proper caving systems and techniques, pushed exploration into the cave.

All were utterly astonished by what they saw.

The cave, estimated to be between two and five million years old, is believed to be the largest cave passage in the world. It’s more than three miles long, with numerous chambers large enough to hold an entire city block of New York skyscrapers. Being the world’s largest cave, Son Doong contains many appropriately gargantuan formations, including the 200-foot “Hand of the Dog,” which might be the world’s largest stalagmite, as well as baseball-sized “cave pearls,” a type of speleothem that’s typically much smaller.

Son Doong is also distinguished by two large dolines, areas where the cave roof collapsed, that let in light and created conditions for dense prehistoric flora to grow in the middle of the cave.

Fighting to Protect Son Doong

Soon after Son Doong was discovered, tourism operators moved in to convert the natural wonder into a money-making operation. Oxalis Adventure Tours currently holds the cave’s sole tourism permit and brings upwards of 800 people per year through the remote passage at a cost of up to $3,000 per person.

In 2014, another tourism company unveiled a controversial proposal to construct a 6.5-mile-long cable car through Son Doong.

“Since then, a large activist network, called Save Son Doong has been touring Vietnam, showing our VR story to local people and getting people to sign a petition to save the cave from large-scale tourism,” says Edström. “They go to universities, political rallies, and schools to let people experience this cave through our VR experience.”

In his last address to the people of Vietnam, President Obama stated Son Doong ought to be preserved, which has also bolstered the cause.

The cable-car remains just a proposal for now. This fact very well may be credited to the power of Edström’s imagery, which showed the world the spectacular natural beauty of this cave. Edström sees Facebook’s new feature as a powerful new conservation tool.

“This isn’t just a story about a cave,” says Edström. “It's a story about sustainably managing our natural heritage and making sure our grandkids still can marvel at its beauty.”

For Hungry Minds

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How 200 volunteers pulled off one of the most difficult cave rescues ever

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Martin Edström

Explore son doong, the largest cave in the world.

An interactive journey through the largest caverns on Earth

Combining important story with innovative virtual reality storytelling, the world’s largest cave has been immortalized in an interactive 360° story.

Large-scale tourism threatening son doong, the son doong expedition, the son doong story, the son doong expedition team, the expedition gear, son doong expedition sponsors.

With support from the National Geographic Global Exploration Fund and numerous sponsors, Martin Edström and his team mounted a successful expedition to Hang Son Doong in Vietnam in early 2015.

The result was a next-generation digital story, covering large parts of the cave in 360° images and audio. This interactive and immersive experience from the cave lets you explore the cave for yourself.

As if you were there.

You can now explore the Son Doong 360 interactive story for yourself on nationalgeographic.com .

Journey Through the Largest Cave in the World | Expedition Raw

Hang Son Doong in Vietnam is the world’s largest cave. It’s opening was discovered in the early 1990s, but the cave wasn’t fully explored until in 2009. Scientists have just begun to unravel its many unique features and describe its specific ecology.

A unique landscape has formed inside Son Doong thanks to two collapsed dolines, or sinkholes, that let daylight in. This has given life to the cave, making it possible for two separate forests to grow within the cave.

Since the full discovery in 2009, only a few dozen people have been able to see the cave from the inside.

In 2014, plans to build massive infrastructure inside Son Doong became public. One such plan was to build a cable-car system inside the cave, which would greatly alter the cave’s pristine condition.

This was met with a massive outcry from conservationists and cave scientists, as well as from parts of the general public.

These potential developments gave urgency to this project: telling the story of Son Doong before it was too late.

The expedition to Son Doong combined the need for a lot of next-generation thinking. How do you portray a cave in an interactive story? How do you light and capture some of the world’s largest caverns in 360° images?

“Son Doong’s caverns can easily fit a Boeing 747 flying through. How are we going to light all of that in 360°?”

The #SonDoong360 team working together from a single laptop in the darkness of the largest cave in the world, Son Doong

The largest challenges included lighting the cave, and getting enough time with the lights to capture massive 360° images in gigapixel format. This takes a lot of time for each image, and gave need for a lot of battery power.

After spending about a week in the field, living and working in the cave for several days (thanks to equal parts meticulous planning and luck) Edström and his team could celebrate a successful mission in January 2015.

In the bag(s) was over 700 gigabytes of data: source images for 360° images, still photographs, video and audio. This was now to be converted into the interactive story about Son Doong.

The 360° images, together with sounds recorded in and around the cave, were then combined to a large interactive story where the reader can “walk” around inside the cave. Thanks to the high resolution of the images, the user can zoom in and look at features inside the cave in great detail.

This innovative digital capture of the cave lets scientists and cave researchers have a detailed look at many sections of the cave. And no matter what happens to the cave in the future, this digital copy will remain for people to explore online.

Perhaps most importantly, it gives people free access online to explore Hang Son Doong – as if they were there themselves.

The Son Doong 360 project could never have been done without the help and support from several fantastic individuals.

Martin brought a stellar team of 7 to be his core photography team, including assistant photographer Erik Hinnerdal, behind-the-scenes-meister Mats Kahlström, timesheet-manager Alfred Runow, comms-dude Fredrik Edström, game-developer Sebastian Zethraeus and doctor Katja Adolphson.

To help with the logistics of arranging an expedition of this size to Son Doong, Martin Edström and his team relied on the fantastic help from expedition organizer Oxalis . Led by Howard and Deb Limbert, the 40-something troupe from Oxalis was nothing short of essential to the expedition’s success.

The expedition had to bring a ton of gear into the remote Vietnam jungle and into the cave. To create high resolution 360 degree images the team needed several robotic camera heads, that could automate parts of the process.

But capturing 360-images from all the tight spaces in the cave from a robotic head was not possible, so Martin also used smaller camera rigs using a single DSLR to capture some of the locations for the story.

Since 360 photography revolves a lot around stitching the images – before you can even view them – the team brought several high-end laptops with them, to be able to stitch the images and preview the 360-photographs inside the cave.

Behind the expedition stand a host of fantastic sponsors, first of all the National Geographic Global Exploration Fund .

Vital to the success of the expedition was Dell and Intel, supporting Martin and the team with the latest computer technology that was used both in the field and in post-production.

Thanks to this, on-the-fly rendering and prototyping was possible even inside the world’s largest cave.

With the massive amounts of equipment needed during an expedition like this, the project benefited from generous support of Energizer , Exped , FiveTen , Freedom360 , Kolor , Manfrotto , Nikon , Nodal Ninja , Sennheiser , Thuraya , Zodiac and Zoom.

Passing Thru Travel

Exploring Earth’s 10 Deepest Caves

Posted: March 23, 2024 | Last updated: March 23, 2024

<p><strong>Exploring the depths of the Earth and the deepest caves presents an unparalleled adventure for the intrepid explorer. This guide offers an insider’s perspective on navigating these subterranean marvels, providing a detailed overview of each destination, practical tips from seasoned spelunkers, optimal travel times, and essential travel logistics. From the vast networks of limestone passageways to the profound silence of ancient ice caves, each section of this guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge to safely and respectfully explore these natural wonders.</strong></p>

Exploring the depths of the Earth and the deepest caves presents an unparalleled adventure for the intrepid explorer. This guide offers an insider’s perspective on navigating these subterranean marvels, providing a detailed overview of each destination, practical tips from seasoned spelunkers, optimal travel times, and essential travel logistics. From the vast networks of limestone passageways to the profound silence of ancient ice caves, each section of this guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge to safely and respectfully explore these natural wonders.

1. Krubera Cave, Abkhazia, Georgia

Image Credit: Pexels / Simon Migaj

Krubera Cave, also known as Voronya Cave, holds the world’s deepest cave title, plunging to depths of over 2,197 meters. Located in the Arabika Massif of the Western Caucasus, in the disputed territory of Abkhazia, this cave represents the pinnacle of subterranean exploration.

The journey to reach the bottom of Krubera Cave is a formidable undertaking, involving navigating through tight passages, vertical shafts, and underwater sumps. The cave’s environment is as challenging as it is fascinating, with temperatures hovering around 1°C, high humidity, and complete darkness. Despite these conditions, Krubera Cave attracts the most daring of cavers, drawn by the thrill of reaching the deepest known point on Earth’s surface.

The cave’s ecological significance is notable, with the discovery of unique life forms that have adapted to the extreme conditions. Exploring Krubera Cave is a physical challenge and a scientific endeavor, contributing valuable data to the fields of speleology, geology, and biology.

Insider’s Tip: Due to the cave’s location in a politically sensitive area, ensure you have the necessary permits and are accompanied by a guide with experience in navigating the region’s complexities.

When to Travel: The optimal time for expeditions is during the summer months, from June to September, when weather conditions are most stable, and the risk of sudden floods is minimized.

How to Get There: Travelers typically fly into Sochi, Russia, and then journey to Abkhazia. From there, reaching the Arabika Massif requires a combination of driving and hiking, with the final approach to Krubera Cave on foot.

<p><span>Kefalonia is known for its dramatic landscapes and the setting for “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” The island’s highlights include Myrtos Beach, one of Greece’s most photographed beaches, and the Melissani Cave, where sunlight creates a magical blue pool. The charming village of Fiscardo offers picturesque waterfront dining options. Inland, explore the Ainos National Park, home to unique Kefalonian fir trees.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the Drogarati Cave for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. </span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>May to September for the best weather. </span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Fly directly or take a ferry from Patras or Kyllini on the mainland.</span></p>

2. Hang Son Doong, Vietnam

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Piotr Krzeslak

Hang Son Doong in Vietnam, part of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, holds the title of the world’s largest cave by volume. Discovered in 2009, its enormity is staggering, with sections reaching up to 200 meters in height and 150 meters in width. The cave is a relatively recent discovery that has quickly captured the imagination of explorers and scientists worldwide.

Within its vast chambers, Hang Son Doong hosts its own microclimate, complete with cloud formations and an underground river, highlighting the cave’s unique ecosystem. The cave’s landscape is a dramatic display of nature’s artistry, featuring colossal stalagmites, terraced limestone pools, and dense jungles in its dolines, where the cave ceiling has collapsed, allowing sunlight to enter and life to flourish.

The exploration of Hang Son Doong is an expedition through time, offering insights into geological processes and the evolution of Earth’s landscapes. Due to its delicate ecosystem and challenging terrain, access to Hang Son Doong is highly regulated, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Insider’s Tip: Exploring Hang Son Doong requires a permit and the accompaniment of a licensed tour operator. Book well in advance, as the limited number of expeditions allowed each year fills up quickly. Prepare for a physically demanding journey, including trekking, climbing, and swimming.

When to Travel: The best time to visit Hang Son Doong is between February and August when the weather conditions are most favorable for exploration. This period minimizes the risks associated with heavy rains and flooding.

How to Get There: The nearest major city is Dong Hoi, which can be reached by train, bus, or flight from major cities in Vietnam. From Dong Hoi, travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where expeditions to Hang Son Doong begin. The journey from the park to the cave entrance involves a trek through dense jungle and rugged terrain, emphasizing the cave’s remote and pristine nature.

3. Veryovkina Cave, Abkhazia, Georgia

Image Credit: Pexels / Rainer Eck

Veryovkina Cave, another jewel in the crown of Abkhazia’s Arabika Massif, has been explored to 2,212 meters (7,257 feet), making it one of the world’s deepest caves. Discovered in 1968 but only extensively explored in recent decades, Veryovkina offers a unique glimpse into the vertical world.

The cave features a series of vertical pits, narrow passages, and large halls adorned with stunning speleothems that tell the story of the Earth’s geological past.

Insider’s Tip: Waterproof equipment is a must. The cave’s environment is notoriously wet, with several sections requiring navigation through water-filled passages. Ensuring your gear is waterproof will keep you dry and warm throughout the expedition.

When to Travel: The best period to explore Veryovkina Cave is from late July to early October, when conditions are driest, reducing the risk of encountering water obstacles in the cave’s deeper sections.

How to Get There: Travelers should fly into Tbilisi, Georgia, and then make their way to the Arabika Massif. The approach to Veryovkina Cave involves a trek through rugged terrain, requiring good physical condition and proper hiking gear.

4. Lamprechtsofen Cave, Austria

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Blazej Lyjak

Lamprechtsofen, located in the Leogang Mountains of Austria, is one of the longest and deepest cave systems in the world, with explored sections reaching depths of 1,632 meters (5,354 feet). This vast limestone cave system is renowned for its enormous passages and chambers, some large enough to house entire buildings. The cave’s accessibility to the public in its upper sections offers a rare opportunity for less experienced cavers to witness the majesty of deep cave exploration.

Insider’s Tip: For those not ready to venture into the depths, the cave offers guided tours in its upper sections, providing a safe and informative introduction to the world of caving.

When to Travel: From June to August, summer months offer the most favorable conditions for visiting Lamprechtsofen, with warmer temperatures and less precipitation.

How to Get There: Lamprechtsofen is accessible by car from Salzburg, Austria. The journey takes approximately one hour, leading directly to the cave’s entrance, where parking and visitor facilities are available.

5. Sistema Huautla, Mexico

Image Credit: Pexels / Jeremy Bishop

Sistema Huautla, nestled in the rugged Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a huge challenge for speleologists and adventurers, boasting over 90 kilometers of mapped passages and a depth exceeding 1,560 meters. This cave system, discovered in the 1960s, has captivated explorers with its vast network of underground rivers, deep pits, and colossal chambers.

Exploring Sistema Huautla is a a journey into the heart of Earth’s subterranean mysteries. The cave’s ecological significance is profound, housing unique biospheres and endemic species that have adapted to the dark, isolated environment. Speleologists have dedicated decades to mapping its extensive network, yet much remains unexplored, hinting at the possibility of undiscovered passages and ecosystems.

The cave’s intricate formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, offer a glimpse into geological processes spanning millions of years.

Insider’s Tip: Prepare rigorously for the expedition, focusing on physical fitness and caving techniques. Joining a guided tour or expedition with experienced cavers familiar with Sistema Huautla’s challenges is crucial for safety and a rewarding experience.

When to Travel: From November to April, the dry season offers the safest conditions for exploring Sistema Huautla, as lower water levels reduce the risk of flooding within the cave system.

How to Get There: The nearest major city is Oaxaca City, from where you can drive or take a bus to the town of Huautla de Jiménez. From there, access to the cave system requires a guide and specialized equipment.

6. Mulu Caves, Malaysia

Image Credit: Pexels / Skitterphoto

The Mulu Caves, located within Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysian Borneo, represent one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its biodiversity, stunning karst formations, and colossal cave chambers, including Sarawak Chamber, one of the largest by volume on Earth.

The park encompasses a variety of cave types, from show caves with easy access to the more challenging adventure caves, offering something for every level of explorer. The Clearwater Cave system, with its extensive network of rivers and springs, is another highlight, showcasing the dynamic relationship between water and limestone in shaping the landscape.

The exploration of Mulu Caves is as much an ecological adventure as it is a physical one, with the surrounding rainforest teeming with life, including endemic species and rare flora. The caves are home to millions of bats and swiftlets, whose daily exodus at dusk is a natural spectacle.

Insider’s Tip: While some caves are accessible to casual tourists, the more adventurous expeditions require high fitness and caving expertise. Booking a guided tour through the park’s management is recommended to ensure a safe and informative experience.

When to Travel: The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit, offering more predictable weather conditions and lower water levels in the caves.

How to Get There: The nearest major town is Miri, from where you can take a short flight to Mulu Airport. The park is a short drive from the airport, with various accommodation options available within or near the park boundaries.

7. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave, Austria

Image Credit: Pexels / Daniel Battersby

Eisriesenwelt, located in the heart of the Austrian Alps near Werfen, is the world’s largest ice cave, extending over 42 kilometers. This natural wonder is a frozen realm, with its interior adorned by ice formations sculpted over millennia by wind and water.

The cave’s main attractions include towering ice stalagmites and stalactites, vast halls of ice, and ethereal ice palaces, creating an otherworldly landscape. The temperature inside Eisriesenwelt remains below freezing year-round, preserving its icy features. Tours of the cave offer insights into its formation, the science behind its ice sculptures, and the history of its exploration.

Despite its chilly interior, Eisriesenwelt attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by the beauty and mystery of its frozen chambers. The cave is also a site of scientific interest, providing valuable data on climate change and the alpine environment.

Insider’s Tip: Wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear, as temperatures inside the cave are perpetually cold, and the ground can be slippery. Photography inside the cave is not allowed, so be prepared to capture the experience in your memory.

When to Travel: The cave is open to visitors from May to October, with the warmer months offering a more comfortable visit and easier access to the cave’s entrance.

How to Get There: Eisriesenwelt is accessible from Salzburg by car or public transport, with a journey time of approximately one hour to Werfen. From there, a combination of walking, cable car, and guided tour will take you into the heart of the ice cave.

8. Lechuguilla Cave, USA

Image Credit: Pexels / cottonbro studio

Lechuguilla Cave, located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, is one of the most significant subterranean finds of the 20th century. Discovered in 1986, it has since been explored to a depth of over 1,600 meters, making it the deepest cave in the United States.

Lechuguilla offers an extraordinary array of geological formations, including rare speleothems not found anywhere else in the world, such as 6-meter-long gypsum chandeliers and sulfuric acid-carved dolomite formations. The cave’s pristine condition and unique mineralogy provide invaluable insights into geology, microbiology, and cave formation processes.

Due to its fragile ecosystem and the scientific research being conducted, access is strictly limited to approved scientific expeditions. The cave’s isolation has preserved its features and ecosystems, making it a time capsule for researchers studying ancient microbial life and the evolution of cave systems.

Insider’s Tip: Given the restricted access, joining a scientific expedition or research project is the only way to explore Lechuguilla. Focus on building a relevant academic or exploratory resume to increase your chances of participation.

When to Travel: Access is not determined by season but by approval from the National Park Service and the cave research community, with expeditions typically planned years in advance.

How to Get There: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is accessible by car from Carlsbad, New Mexico. While you may not be able to enter Lechuguilla itself, visiting the park offers insights into the area’s speleological significance and beauty.

9. Gouffre Berger, France

Image Credit: Pexels / Nikola ?edíková

Gouffre Berger, in the Vercors Massif of France, was the first cave in the world to be explored to a depth of more than 1,000 meters, making it a historic site in the world of speleology. Discovered in 1953, it has attracted adventurers and scientists with its challenging vertical drops, narrow passages, and stunning underground landscapes.

The cave is known for its beautiful waterfalls, vast chambers, and series of sumps that challenge even the most experienced cavers. Gouffre Berger serves as a training ground for cavers worldwide, offering a mix of technical challenges and breathtaking natural beauty.

The cave’s significance extends beyond its depth, contributing to our understanding of karst systems, hydrogeology, and cave meteorology. Despite its challenges, Gouffre Berger remains a popular destination for cavers, embodying the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.

Insider’s Tip: Ensure you have advanced caving skills and are well-prepared for the cave’s cold water and potential for sudden flooding. Joining a club or group with experience in Gouffre Berger can provide essential support and guidance.

When to Travel: The best time to explore Gouffre Berger is during the summer months, from June to September, when water levels are typically lower, and the weather is more stable.

How to Get There: The closest major city is Grenoble, from which you can drive to the Vercors Massif. Access to the cave is typically arranged through caving clubs or organizations familiar with the area.

10. Cueva de los Verdes, Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tomasz Czajkowski

Cueva de los Verdes, part of a monumental lava tube system in the northern part of Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain, offers a unique exploration experience distinct from the deep, vertical cave systems often associated with speleology. Formed around 3,000 years ago by volcanic flows from Monte Corona, the cave extends over 6 kilometers above sea level and includes an additional 1.5 kilometers below the sea.

Unlike traditional caves formed by water erosion, Cueva de los Verdes was sculpted by molten lava, creating a network of tunnels and caverns with smooth walls and peculiar shapes. This cave is renowned for its geological significance and cultural impact, having served as a hideout from pirates and invaders in historical times.

Today, it is part of a managed visitor attraction, with guided tours taking visitors through illuminated paths highlighting the cave’s natural beauty and acoustic properties. The cave also hosts a unique concert hall, showcasing its exceptional sound qualities.

Insider’s Tip: While the cave is accessible to the general public, joining a guided tour is mandatory. These tours offer valuable insights into the cave’s geological formation, history, and ecological significance. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, as temperatures inside the cave can be cooler than the surface.

When to Travel: Cueva de los Verdes can be visited year-round, thanks to Lanzarote’s mild climate. However, visiting during the off-peak season (spring and autumn) can offer a more tranquil experience, avoiding the larger crowds of summer.

How to Get There: Lanzarote is well-connected by air with flights from mainland Spain and other European cities. Once on the island, Cueva de los Verdes is easily accessible by car or bus from Arrecife, the island’s capital. The cave is located near the town of Haría in the north, with clear signage directing visitors to the site.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Pexels / ArtHouse Studio

Exploring the world’s deepest caves is an endeavor that pushes the boundaries of human adventure and scientific discovery. It requires physical strength, technical skill, and a profound respect for the natural world and its mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned caver or a curious newcomer, the depths of the Earth offer an unparalleled journey into the unknown.

As you embark on this remarkable adventure, remember that the journey into the void is not just about reaching the bottom — it’s about the insights gained, the limits tested, and the indelible mark left upon your soul by the profound beauty and solitude of the underground world.

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Why Son Doong cave tour priced at $3,000 a person?

A four-day expedition into Son Doong, the world’s largest natural cave, is one of the top global bucket list adventures as hailed by travel magazines.

Before the Covid pandemic hit the country in early 2020, a four-day-three-night expedition to Son Doong Cave in the central province of Quang Binh cost VND69.8 million (around $3,000), with Oxalis the only company licensed to bring tourists through Son Doong.

Son Doong’s main passage is 3.1 miles long, 660 feet high and 490 feet wide. “The cavern is big enough to fit a Boeing 747 with room to spare,” New York Times described.

Each year the number of visitors allowed to the cave is limited to 1,000 as provincial authorities seek to protect Son Doong from overcrowding.

During the expedition, tourists will have a chance to explore the world’s largest cave with a specialist, traverse unique underground rainforests, wade through rivers both above and below ground and scale the 90-meter “Great Wall of Vietnam” with ropes and ladders.

In addition, they would be treated with three freshly cooked meals per day, plus snacks and sleep in some of the world’s greatest campsites.

Safety standard

Nguyen Chau A, CEO of Oxalis, said safety for visitors and employees is the company’s top priority in adventure tours and it is not allowed to haggle about requirements related to safety.

Howard Limbert, a British caving expert credited with initial explorations of the now famous Son Doong Cave, has worked with the company to develop a safety plan. Therefore, all equipment was ordered from Europe and approved by Limbert.

In addition, each tour has only 10 visitors at maximum but needs up to 27 people to serve them, including 17 porters carrying luggage and food throughout the journey, five safety assistants, an international guide, a cave expert, two chefs, and a ranger.

They would carry 600 kilograms of equipment and supplies in and out of the cave, including waste disposed by tourists. All local porters and tour guides receive regular training in safety and rescue. In case of emergency, rescue helicopters would be deployed.

Vu Ngoc Quang, a Hanoi man who was born with a defect in his right hand, fulfilled his dream of conquering the world’s largest natural cave in 2020.

“The journey was easier than I imagined,” Quang recalled.

“Each porter carried luggage of 30 kilos and traverses slippery and dangerous terrain with little more than normal shoes and sandals. This fueled my admiration,” Quang recalled.

In addition to a 10-percent value-added tax, the tour price includes a $390 entry fee, along with a $210 fee for forest environment services.

From 2020, authorities in Quang Binh Province issued a decision to reduce the entrance fee to Son Doong by half to $195; therefore, the tour price has been reduced to $2,500 to stimulate tourism demand.

According to Oxalis, the tour price also includes airport pick-up, two-night hotel stay, meals before and after the tour. In addition, many other operating and administrative costs are also included.

To limit environmental impacts, provincial authorities only allow the company to operate tours to Son Doong from January to August, with the cave closed to tourists from September until the year-end to allow recovery of its ecosystem.

All 1,000 slots for adventure tours to Son Doong in 2022 have been fully booked by domestic tourists, mainly from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces while around 100 tourists, mostly foreigners, have already booked tours to the cave complex for 2023.

Son Doong opened to tourists in 2013. It comprises a dense subterranean jungle, two gigantic cave ceiling collapses, and several underground rivers.

Source : https://e.vnexpress.net/

Son doong expedition – a world-class tour, 100-hour adventure through son doong cave to celebrate 22 years aia in vietnam, son doong named among the world’s greatest adventurous tours, vietnam caving expedition 1999, vietnam caving expedition 2005, the official information portal of son doong cave.

Do not copy, repost or re-produce any content in this website without a written agreement from Oxalis Adventure.

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Good evening all.

Questions are mainly around the weather and I understand there are no crystal balls etc. Have travelled through wet season in Indo and Thailand and spend quite a bit of time in far north Queensland so I know about rainy season. What I am wanting to know is how would it be in Ninh Binh and Pu Luong in late July as I would be looking at a lot of outdoors stuff and doing a 2 night trek there as well. Don't fancy slipping about in the mud really. The heat does not worry me at all. Have been in Thailand recently for 6 weeks training and it was hot.

Alternate plan would be train from Dong Hoi to Hoi An / Da Nang for a week and then another week split between further down the coast and Saigon.

Happy for any opinions about which one makes the most sense given the time of year.

Much appreciated

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COMMENTS

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July 2025 questions
Good evening all. Hoping to get a bit of advice please. Experienced south east Asia traveller of Thailand, Indo and Cambodia but first time to Vietnam.I have booked Son Doong Cave expedition which starts on 21st July. I will be flying to Dong Hoi airport from BKK having spent 6 weeks prior in Thailand mostly training (Muay Thai).