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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How to explore the world's largest cave, Hang Son Doong, in Vietnam

Aug 27, 2024 • 5 min read

The hike through the world's largest cave feels like a portal to another world. Ryan Deboodt/Oxalis Adventure Tours

Picture yourself waking up on a sandy beach beside a turquoise underground lake, illuminated by sunlight pouring in through a giant skylight. Imagine finding yourself inside a natural cathedral made of sinuous stone, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visualize yourself fording a subterranean river, and being stopped in your tracks by the sight of mist and clouds forming on the inside of the cave so vast that the brain struggles to comprehend its exact dimensions.

Every year, a few lucky visitors to Vietnam get to enjoy this very experience. The world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave) was discovered in the dense forests of Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 1990 by a local man, Ho Khanh, as he was seeking shelter from a storm. The cave then lay forgotten until Khanh led British caver Howard Limbert and his team there in 2009 to map Hang Son Doong for the first time.

Hang Son Doong is vast. It’s so big that you can fit any of the world’s other largest caves comfortably inside it, as well as several 40-story skyscrapers. The cavern reaches 503m (1650ft) in height and 175m (574ft) in width and the cave system is 9.4km (5.8 miles) long, winding beneath karst mountains. Indeed, the cave is even larger than previously thought – in 2019, British divers explored Hang Son Doong’s underground waterways and discovered a tunnel linking the cave to Hang Thung, another huge cavern.

How can I visit Hang Son Doong?

The world's biggest cavern can only be visited on pricey organized caving tours, and there are strict limits on the number of visitors admitted every year. But if you can't stretch to the cost or time commitment of a Hang Son Doong expedition, surrounding Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers plenty of other cave-based adventures.

Covering 1233 sq km (476 sq miles), this UNESCO World Heritage Site bristles with some of the oldest karst mountains in Asia, riddled with extraordinary cave systems, which are the park’s top draws. Above-ground attractions include excellent jungle trekking, excursions into the picturesque countryside and sites linked to the American War – it's certainly one of the highlights of a trip to Vietnam.

How do I book a Hang Son Doong expedition?

Howard Limbert helped to establish the adventure tour agency Oxalis in 2011, and in 2014 the company launched multi-day exploration tours of Hang Son Doong. Groups set up camp in the spectacular Hang En cave en route, taking a swim in its subterranean lake before descending into Hang Son Doong using safety harnesses.

You'll spend two days exploring giant passages with vast rock formations, bathing in underground pools and streams, gazing upon areas of primeval forest growing inside the cave, and sleeping in scenic campsites beneath two dolines (giant sinkholes) that fill the cave with effervescent light. Wildlife sightings are common, from monkeys, flying foxes, snakes, bats and birds to endemic species of fish, shrimp and creepy crawlies that evolved to exist in complete darkness.

Access to the cave is limited to 1000 visitors per year, so demand for places is high. Each group of ten is led by at least one of the British cavers who took part in the original Hang Son Doong expedition, and bookings open for the caving season (January to late August) up to two years in advance. Realistically, you can expect to join a tour around 18 months from the date you book.

The four-day/three-night expedition costs US$3000 per person (of which US$620 goes towards the upkeep of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park). This includes a pick-up and drop-off at the city of Dong Hoi (the nearest town with an airport) and the services of a cave expert, tour guide, safety assistants, cooks and porters, as well as food and drink, accommodation in tents, and all necessary safety equipment. However, you'll need your own comprehensive travel insurance.

Are other caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park worth exploring? 

If you can't join a Hang Son Doong expedition, consider joining an overnight trek with Oxalis to Hang En, another of the world's largest caves. You'll camp on a sandy beach beside an emerald pool inside the cave and trek through the primeval jungle to get here.

Oxalis also offers expeditions to the Tu Lan cave complex. Choose between overnight camping trips or multi-day expeditions that include abseiling into underground rivers, exploring Hang Tien , technical training in the darkest part of the cave and encounters with Nguon people in a remote mountain village.

Oxalis also offers a multi-day Hang Ba Deep Jungle Expedition , hiking through primary forest in search of wildlife such as gibbons, wildcats, langurs and wild boar, and exploring six caves that have only recently become open to guided tours.

Another operator is Jungle Boss , with various overnight and multi-day trips, including a three-day tour of Hang Thung, the giant cave linked to Hang Son Doong. Highlights include rappelling and camping by the Ma Da subterranean lake. There's also an overnight trip to Hang Pygmy – the world’s fourth largest cavern – with paddleboarding on yet another spectacular subterranean lake.

What if I don't have time for an overnight trip?

Time too tight for an overnight trip? From the village of Son Trach, you can day trip to Hang Tien, the largest of the dry caves in the Tu Lan system, where you can view astonishing calcite formations and rimstone pools. Alternatively, you can whizz above Hang Toi (Dark Cave) on a 400m-long (1312ft) zipline and squelch through thigh-deep mud in pitch darkness before finishing off with a kayaking session and a swim.

Visits to Phong Nha Cave involve a leisurely boat trip from Son Trach, passing rice paddies and limestone peaks before your craft glides silently past immense illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. If you climb the 330 steps to Tien Son Cave, you can view 9th-century inscriptions from the Cham era.

Even if caves are not generally your thing, Paradise Cave may change your mind. Electric buggies ferry visitors to this striking cavern surrounded by forested karst peaks. The small size of the cave entrance belies the staggering spectacle of the colossal cavern inside, flanked by otherworldly rock formations. Both Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave get busy with tour groups, so it’s best to visit first thing in the morning.

How should I choose a tour operator?

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is peppered with unexploded ordnance from the American War, and many areas can only be visited on foot with a licensed tour operator. Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave are accessible on day trips, but to see Hang Son Doong, Tu Lan, Hang En and some other caves, you'll need to join an overnight trek with a licensed guide.

Oxalis is the exclusive operator for Hang Son Doong caving tours , and also runs multi-day jungle expeditions to Hang Ba, while Jungle Boss has exclusive rights to overnight treks to Hang Pygmy and three-day, two-night explorations of Tiger Cave. They also offer multi-day jungle treks and rappelling adventures to the base of Do Quyen waterfall. Ecofoot , led by knowledgeable jungle guide and conservationist Hai, arranges visits to the park's Wildlife Rescue Centre and daytime and nighttime treks in the jungle.

When choosing an operator, ask about group sizes and the operator's guide-to-client ratio, and confirm what exactly is included in the price. Many places to stay in Son Trach or Dong Hoi can arrange jungle treks inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with independent local guides, but quality varies, so it’s worth asking other travelers for recommendations.

When should I go caving in Phong Nha-Ke Bang?

As with other parts of Vietnam , the best time to visit varies depending on what you plan to do and see. Winters (December to March) can be crisp and cold, with an equal number of sunny and rainy days, but Hang Son Doong has its own microclimate, and January and February are the best times for watching sunbeams penetrate deep inside the cave.

In late January or early February, all of Vietnam goes on vacation for the Tet festival, so it’s the busiest time of year to travel. Phong Nga residents celebrate Tet in a raucous way, sometimes using unexploded ordnance in place of fireworks and sharing jugs of rice wine with passers-by.

April to May is arguably the loveliest time to explore the national park; the weather warms up, the landscape turns a lush green and wildflowers are everywhere. You may also witness the phenomenon of clouds and mist forming inside Hang Son Doong.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest, most humid time of year, but the trekking trails to Hang Son Doong and other caves are shaded by tree cover. Inside Hang Son Doong, the temperature hovers at a balmy 22–25 °C (72–77°F) , and it’s warm enough to swim in the streams and underground lakes inside the cave. Autumn (September to November) brings tropical storms and heavy rain, with flooding in the jungle and inside river caves, so caving trips only run from January till late August.

How much time should I spend here?

If you’re taking part in a Hang Son Doong expedition, you need to set aside six days, but if you’re looking to just dabble in cave exploration and take in Phong Nha-Ke Bang’s above-ground attractions, you can pack a lot into four or five days. Consider an overnight trek to Hang En cave or the Tu Lan cave system, then take a day to explore the beautiful Bong Lai Valley by bicycle, followed by day trips to the Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave. Or perhaps combine an overnighter to Hang Pygmy with day jaunts to Hang Tien, Hang Toi, and the Bong Lai Valley.

Is it easy to get in and around Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park? 

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park spreads west to the border between Vietnam and Laos . It’s centered on Son Trach (also known as Phong Nha Village), a stop for most open-tour sleeper buses from Hanoi and Hoi An. Dong Hoi, 50km southeast of Son Trach, is the nearest city with a domestic airport, while the nearest international airports are in Danang and Hanoi .

Dong Hoi is also a stop on the train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City , with frequent public buses connecting Dong Hoi and Son Trach. Accommodations in Son Trach also organize private and shared car transfers to/from Dong Hoi, and you can also get here using motorcycle transfer services from Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An .

Exploring the more accessible parts of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is best done with your own wheels. Cycling or scootering is a wonderful way to traverse the rural roads on the fringes of the park; bicycle and scooter rental is available from guesthouses, homestays and hotels in Son Trach, and staff can sometimes provide maps. River taxis connect Son Trach with the beautiful, unspoiled Bon Lai Valley, and bicycles and motorbikes can be taken on board.

The condition of roads inside the park varies and routes are not well-signposted, though you can download route information from the independent website Vietnam Coracle . Consider joining a motorcycling tour with Thang Phong Nha Rider , with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic local team helping you discover the park’s highlights. They also arrange motorcycle transfers to destinations further afield, such as Hue or Khe Sanh .

Frequently asked questions

Do i need prior caving experience.

No prior caving experience is necessary; the expedition agency will take care of everything.

What gear should I bring?

Essentials include quick drying, long-sleeved shirts and trekking pants, breathable trekking shoes with good grip (rather than waterproof/Gore-Tex boots), warmer layers for winter months, and swimwear, shorts and T-shirts for summer. Other must-carry items include mosquito repellent, sun cream, antifungal cream, environmentally friendly personal hygiene items and a drybag and powerbanks for your electronic gear. 

How physically fit do I need to be?

Some trekking experience is essential. In the year before a Hang Son Doong expedition, aim to complete at least one overnight trek and one or two day hikes of at least 8km that involve steep mountainous terrain. Take regular exercise to maintain an adequate level of fitness, as the Hang Son Doong expedition involves trekking on rocky terrain, some steep climbing, abseiling inside the cave, fording rivers and scrambling over large rocks.

Are there age restrictions on caving expeditions?

Most multi-day caving and jungle trek trips are open to participants aged 16 (or 18) to 70. However, Oxalis also offers day-long introductions to the Tu Lan cave for kids aged 6 and older.

What’s the accommodation like?

On overnight cave expeditions and jungle treks, you'll sleep in tents, with drinks and meals provided by the operator. Camping equipment is transported to the campsites by porters. Many cave expeditions camp on sandy beaches beside underground rivers and lakes, providing opportunities for swimming.

What is the bathroom situation like?

Campsites inside the caves have eco-friendly composting toilets. There are no showers, but you can wash in cave rivers and lakes. Shampoo or soap should not be used, as it would contaminate the water; for some campsites, you’ll need dry shampoo and wet wipes.

Do I need to bring money on the trek?

There are few opportunities to spend money while you're trekking, but infrastructure is limited in Son Trach, the village closest to the caves. There's a single ATM, which is occasionally out of order, so bring plenty of cash to cover spending before and after your expedition.

Should I tip?

While tipping is not deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, it’s always appreciated. A standard gratuity for tour guides is around VND 100,000–200,000 per day (less for porters and cooks), depending on the length and complexity of the tour. Tip in the local currency, ideally in small denomination notes.

This article was first published Jun 2, 2019 and updated Aug 27, 2024.

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• Customized Tour

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 Expedition 5 days

• Ban Doong Village
• Son Doong Cave

• CHECK AVAILABILITY
• FULL ITINERARY

From US$ 3,465 US$ 3,300 pp

What you’ll get

Duration : 5 days / 4 night(s)

Departure : Ho Chi Minh City

Suitable : Friends, Active Traveller, People have good health, over 18 years old

Type : Land tour

Product Code : T88OXA07

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. 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.

• Discovering Son Doong cave, the world’s largest cave on an expedition
• Experiencing the highest cave adventure level with running, trekking, caving or rock climbing
• Sightseeing enormous stalagmites and statuesque stalactites, hanging from the ceiling and rising from the ground like an alien species

Flexible Price - Best Price Guaranteed 4 tips to get a best price on our website 1 Last minute deals It's worth visiting our website everyday to see our last minute deals. You can not find these deals anywhere else. 2 Student discount We offer 5% discount to students. You just need to show us your student id card. 3 The more the better Book our tours with your friends, your family to get a cheaper price. It's also known as the quantity discount system on our website. 4 Season discount There will be low season, high season and even peak season. See the price right on the celender will help you choose the best rate! Close

• Meals 4 Breakfast, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
• Transportation Shuttle bus
• Accommodation Camping Tent, Hotel
• 1 night at hotel in Dong Hoi on day 1
• Meals as indicated in itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Camping gear: tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag
• Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, harness and gloves
• 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
• Porter team to carry all gear and prepare all meals
• 2 – 3 long quick dry, full length pants and 4 – 5 (easy to dry) shirts (at least one long-sleeved shirt) 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. 
• 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: Salomon XA Enduro, Salomon Speed Cross 4 (Keen/Merrell has good quality trekking boots/shoes as well). Gore-Tex/waterproof boots are NOT recommended as they do not drain well. If you are comfortable with your own shoes and used to trek with low- gore tex shoes, it will be fine. Also consider bringing a backup pair of shoes. Refer to Son Doong FAQ: Packing section for more information
• 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 (your feet are often wet)
• Dry shampoo & wet wipes (very limited bathing inside the cave!)
• 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. (Camel pack will not be considered as a day-pack)
• 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)
• If you are serious about photography, please bring your tripod along with your camera (this must be able to fit in your daypack)

For almost of our tours, once tour is confirmed and fully paid but for one reason they cancel the tour, the following charges will apply in the event of cancellation prior to tour commencement:

• More than 30 days before arrival: No charge
• 15-30 days before arrival: 10% of total tour price.
• 7-15 days before arrival: 50% of total tour price.
• 4-7 days before arrival: 75% of total tour price.
• Within 3 days before arrival: 100% tour price.
• There will be no refund given for any unused or missed ground arrangements, sightseeing, meals or hotel accommodations.
• For no show cases, there will be no refund.
• All cancellations must be in person or in writing and received by us

In case of an unexpected situation/ bad weather causes an effect on your trip after commencement, we serve the right to change the itinerary of your booked tour for the safety of all clients in the group. If there are more than one solution, we will ask for your permission and agreement to do the next step. In such kind of cancellation, the refund of any payment on the un-used portion of transportation service, hotel service, car rental or tours will be given.

• Under 4 years: Free of Charge.
• From 4 to 8 years old: 50% of adult’s fare and sharing bed with parents.
• From 9 to 11 years old: 75% of adult’s fare and using existing bed.
• Students with ID student card: 90% of adult’s fare and using existing bed.
• Over 11 years old: 100% of adult’s fare and using existing bed.

Itineraries

Morning: Arrive in Dong Hoi, transfer (by your account) to hotel in Dong Hoi. Free time and checkin from 2:00pm Afternoon (after 02:00pm) you will be met by our driver and transferred to Phong Nha for safety briefing meeting. Upon arrival, hospitality services will be happy to help you plan your extra time there. You’ll then have the rest of the day to rest, relax and wander around the village of Phong Nha. You will be required to purchase your own breakfast and lunch on this day. Around 5:30-6:00pm you will congregate in the hotel restaurant before transfer to our Headquarters, where you’ll meet your cave expert and guide team for your safety briefing and equipment check. The briefing is mandatory. Anyone who chooses not to join the briefing may be eliminated from the tour without refund. You are suggested to have all belongings that you will be taking on the trek prepared before the safety briefing. The operation team will collect everyone’s belongings right after the briefing in individual large plastic bags and send them to our porters to prepare for the following day. You will receive your belongings each evening once you get to your campsite. Therefore, anything you want to take with you during the day you should keep in a separate backpack (e.g. cameras, tripods etc.). Before dinner, you will be given your helmet for the trip; the helmet will then be your responsibility for the duration of the tour. Please note that the Release Form needs to be signed at the safety briefing. After that, enjoy dinner with your team at around 7:30 pm at our headquarters, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Accommodation: Hotel

Early morning transfer to the headquarters. 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 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 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. 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.

Meals: B, L, D

Accommodation: Tent

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! Start your trek at 9:00 am through Hang En Cave for about 30 minutes 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. After a tea and coffee break we will head down to view the ancient fossils. Here there is a chance for a short and cool swim, but no washing. 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.

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.

After refueling with another hot breakfast you’ll pack up camp and start heading towards the Wall of Vietnam. Scaling this wall will use a combination of ladders and ropes, but you will always have a safety line and people to look after you. After this strenuous ascent, you will see the light from the exit. Pass more flowstones and cave pearls, and see the calcited animal skeleton. Enjoy a picnic lunch before emerging into the jungle again. A short but fairly rocky path will lead you down to the bottom of the hill, and a short hike to the road. Cold drinks await you at the top of the hill before a 45 minute drive back to Chay Lap Farmstay where cool towels and a refreshing swimming pool are waiting for you. You will have time to relax after your long trek before enjoying 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.

Accommodation: Chay Lap Farmstay

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Important Notes

This tour is available from Jan to Aug (closed from Sep to Dec)

There are no washing facilities at camp on day 3

On day 3, you may use a pair of dry boots on this day, as aside from the mud, there are no water crossings!

Recommended:

• Sleeping mat (Therma-a-rest is a great brand); if you bring your own mat, it must fit in your plastic bag which the porters will carry
• 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
• Dry bag in the event of rain (for clothing and personal items within your daypack); alternatively, a backpack cover would be a good idea especially for the rainier months of February – April

Important Notes: We will have porters carry any of your gear that you will not require during each day (e.g. camera equipment/clothes you do not need during the day can be taken ahead to the campsite for you). You will not be able to access this until you reach the campsite. Please respect our porters and do not bring too much luggage for them to carry (7 kg per person). No outdoor equipment is available in Phong Nha, and only limited items in Hanoi or Saigon.

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• Service 9.2
• Organization 9.4
• Value for money 8.4

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