Son Doong Cave is truly a breathtaking natural wonder gifted to Quang Binh and Vietnam as a whole. As the largest cave in the world, it holds many fascinating and mysterious natural features within.
Son Doong is one of the three representatives from Asia to make it into the list of the 10 most beautiful caves in the world - Photo: Lonely Planet
Since 2014, Son Doong has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in Vietnam tour packages. Following its feature on the US program Good Morning America, many questions have arisen regarding tours to explore the world’s largest cave.
1. When was Son Doong discovered?
In 1991, a local man named Ho Khanh ventured into Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to gather firewood and unexpectedly found himself in an unfamiliar area, where he encountered a massive cave within a limestone cliff. This cave featured a large ceiling hole filled with sunlight and a river flowing into it. However, it wasn’t until April 2009, at the request of a UK caving exploration team, that Mr. Ho Khanh was able to relocate the cave and guide the team led by Howard Limbert to explore Son Doong Cave.
2. Where Does Son Doong's Name Come From?
When tourists visit Phong Nha Ke Bang and learn about Son Doong, they often wonder about the origin of the cave's name. Initially, it was named after its discoverer, Ho Khanh. However, it was later suggested that the name be changed to “Sơn Đoòng,” reflecting its location behind the majestic mountains of Đoòng Village and the river that flows within the cave.
Campsite in the cave: Hang Son Doong expeditions are physically demanding.
Photo: Alesha Bradford
3. Why is Son Doong the World’s Largest Cave?
Son Doong Cave stretches approximately 5 kilometers in length, with a height of 200 meters and a width of 150 meters. According to Conde Nast Traveler, it could fit a large house from Manhattan, equivalent to a 40-story building. Inside the cave, a unique ecosystem has developed, nourished by sunlight streaming through ceiling openings and clouds. The stalagmites in Son Doong reach nearly 80 meters in height, and the cave floor is scattered with limestone formations the size of baseballs. This breathtaking underground landscape reveals many stunning sights waiting to be explored.
4. How Much Does a Son Doong Tour Cost?
Two pricing tiers are offered for Son Doong tours by travel agents: approximately $3,000 for foreign travelers and 64.5 million VND for Vietnamese travelers. These rates were applicable throughout the year 2015. In 2014, around 500 travelers visited Son Doong, while the number dropped to about 200 at the start of 2015. To accommodate a Son Doong tour for 10 participants, over 30 support staff are involved. This includes porters for supplies and cooking, as well as caving and safety experts.
Sliced structure of Son Doong cave (Source: Collected)
5. How to Visit Son Doong?
To participate in tours to Son Doong, travelers must register with a travel agency and wait for their turn. Currently, in Vietnam there is only one unit licensed to organize tours to explore Son Doong cave, which is Oxalis Adventure. However, they must first pass two rigorous theory and practical tests. Only those who succeed can join the tours, as exploring Son Doong is considered an adventure. During the journey, participants will trek over 50 kilometers through jungles, rugged terrain, and large stone blocks. Explorers will sleep in tents and use facilities provided by the travel agency, experiencing the tour without modern amenities, similar to a wilderness adventure.
6. When is the Best Time to Visit Son Doong?
The ideal time to visit Son Doong is from February to August. The remaining months coincide with the rainy season, which poses significant risks for travelers. From February to April, the weather is pleasantly cool, making it an excellent time for cave exploration, though it can be a bit chilly at night. From May to August, temperatures rise, resulting in hot and humid conditions, so travelers should ensure they are in good health before embarking on their journey.
Son Doong Cave map reveals hidden underground rivers and lush rainforests within the cave (Source: Collected)
7. What Should You Bring from Son Doong?
It’s crucial for travelers to remember not to take anything from Son Doong. Littering, damaging trees, or removing leaves is strictly prohibited. Visitors must refrain from touching anything in the cave without expert permission, as stalactites are still forming and even a single touch can halt their development. Additionally, everything brought into the cave must be taken out. Avoiding contact with the stalactites is also vital for health reasons, as many substances in the cave have not been tested.
8. How Long is the Wait for a Son Doong Tour?
All tours to Son Doong were fully booked for 2015. If you wish to register for a tour the following year, you will need to wait for a specific assessment from experts regarding the environmental impact of the tours. If the impact is deemed significant and detrimental to the cave's ecosystem, the travel company may suspend tours to preserve the cave’s natural beauty. However, there’s still hope for Son Doong tours. If you have the financial means and are in good health, don’t hesitate to book a tour. If someone cancels last minute, you may have the opportunity to join.
Scenes of Son Doong Cave by Drone (Source: Collected)
9. Are Private Tours to Son Doong Available?
No individual or organization may visit Son Doong without permission from the management board of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, as doing so is a legal violation. Therefore, the best option is to participate in an adventure tour organized by an authorized travel company.
10. What Other Attractions Are There Besides Son Doong?
While waiting to join a tour of Son Doong Cave, you can explore other tours in Phong Nha Ke Bang, such as those to Tu Lan, Swallow Cave, Paradise Cave, and Phong Nha Cave. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park offers a variety of exciting activities for tourists, making it a great destination for a holiday in Vietnam.
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