Travel guide to explore Son Doong cave, Quang Binh
Since found in 2009, Son Doong has kept the "throne" of the largest, most epic and mysterious cave in the world with dozens of kilometer depth in the limestone mountains, with the underground rivers, cliffs, and even a separate ecosystem. All that creates a rich and fascinating natural diversity, attracting visitors all around the world when considering where to visit in Vietnam.
Son Doong - the largest cave of the world
5 wonders of nature hidden in Son Doong cave
Trekking into the world's largest cave is definitely unlike any trips that tourists have experienced. Have you ever imagined that inside a cave, it could hold a Boeing 747? This is really a great masterpiece of nature, beyond the imagination of human with giant stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the cave ceiling or rising from the ground with all the strange shapes. Now we will discover the 5 natural wonders of a Son Doong cave expedition.
Giant cave
Son Doong is the largest natural cave in the world with a height of 200 meters that is enough to accommodate 40-storey buildings or dozens of the largest Boeings.
Eden in the ground
The view inside Son Doong creates a spectacular sight with rivers, mountains and even a forest with unique and diverse ecosystems.
Such a heaven garden - the forest inside the cave
Great Wall of Vietnam
The system of natural cliffs with a height of over 80 meters makes this place known as the Great Wall of Vietnam.
The greatness of Son Doong
Giant stalactites system
If stalactites in Phong Nha is magnificent, those in Son Doong are like the powerful giants with over 70-meter stalagmites in all shapes.
Great stalactites inside the most expensive tour in Vietnam
Biggest cave pearls in the world
The magical hand of nature has created unique cave pearls (jade) with the size that is bigger than a baseball.
Big pearls of the cave
What you need to conquer Son Doong
Budget
Son Doong cave expedition for global visitors has been licensed in 2005 by the People's Committee of Quang Binh province and the fare is $3,000/guest- exceedingly expensive for Vietnamese people. Otherwise, the attraction of this tour has caused a trend to visitors all around the world. Despite booking in advance, in 2015 there are only over 500 guests have the opportunity to admire this masterpiece of creation.
Health
In order to participate in this Son Doong cave tour, not only do you have to assure about finance, but you also have to be in good health condition to cope with the most difficult experience here. In particular, you will need survival skills in the rainforest, train to climb mountains, and use specialized equipment.
Time
From 2018, Son Doong cave expedition has agreed to reduce trekking route from 7 days 6 nights to 4 days 3 nights, bringing about 840 guests into the cave.
Schedule of the $3,000 expedition
You will participate in the most unique tour in 4 days and 3 nights: going through the largest cave in the world - Son Doong cave. The trip will take you deeper into Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park to explore the hidden mysteries of nature.
The guide will pick you up from Dong Hoi city to Phong Nha cave. You will listen to the experts here disseminating safety rules, environmental protection, and how to use the equipment during the tour.
Camping experience in Swallow cave
Day 1
You will answer the expert’s questions about fitness. If you meet the strict requirements, you will be provided with safety equipment for usage in the process. Afterwards, you will be taken to the departure destination in Ho Chi Minh highway, followed by a 4-kilometer walking trip from there.
At the end of the slope in the forest, you will rest in a village and have a lunch break, then cross 5 kilometers in the forest to Swallow cave. This will be late afternoon arriving here, so tourists will be instructed to camp on the sand in Swallow cave.
Day 2
After breakfast, you will explore the cave along a pre-examined way, selecting the spots that can be admired, and taking pictures. Then you will continue to walk 2 kilometers to Son Doong cave, receiving climbing equipment to go down the cave. From the head to the bottom of the cave is 80-meter depth with several high and slippery slopes.
You will have to cross a stream and a waterfall to reach the main area of the cave, watching the light from the Doline 1. Dinner and overnight stay in small tents will be held here.
One sparkling night in the cave
Day 3
Through Doline 1, you will watch the "dinosaurs area" and experience the special weather system changing every 10-15 minutes here. Next, you will move to "Eden Garden", take a boat trip in the afternoon when there is water, or walk to the foot of the Vietnamese Wall, then spend the night at the second camping site near Eden.
Streams and water inside the cave partly making the beauty of Son Doong
Day 4
Continuing another day in this amazing cave, you will observe it in the early morning sun and move back to Doline 1 to see the coral fossils of nearly 300 million years old. You will enjoy the attractive lunch here before returning to the forest. A small rugged walkway will lead you down the hill to continue a short walk back to the main road at around 3.00 p.m. The tour will finish here and you will spend your night at a hotel of the organizing committee.
The beauty of Son Doong cave has been recognized by the experts and explorers as one unique masterpiece in the world. With these Son Doong cave expedition experiences, we hope you can prepare the necessary things to have an enjoyable trip here. If this is helpful for you, please like and share with others. Contact us to know the best time to go to Sapa Vietnam. Thank you.
