Do you have a passion for trekking, exploring the wonders of nature, and seeking new challenges? Have you ever set foot in Mang Den, conquered Ta Nang Phan Dung, and now crave a more exceptional experience? Then plan a trip to explore Son Doong Cave – the world’s largest cave, a majestic natural wonder awaiting you. This article will serve as a detailed guide, accompanying you on your conquest of Son Doong, providing useful information and valuable experiences to ensure you have a memorable journey.
1. Overview of Son Doong Cave
1.1. Geographical Location and Formation Process
Son Doong Cave is located in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, within the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage site. This area is part of the oldest limestone mountain region in Asia, dating back 400 to 450 million years. Geological researchers have determined that Son Doong Cave was formed about 3-4 million years ago through the Rao Thuong River’s erosion and weathering of the limestone layer, creating a magnificent and unique cave system. The cave ceiling cracked and collapsed, forming giant sinkholes that connect the cave to the outside world.
Son Doong Cave from above, showing its majesty and vastness
1.2. Discovery History and World Records
Son Doong Cave was first discovered by a local farmer named Ho Khanh in 1990 while foraging in the forest. However, he was unable to locate the exact position of the cave again. It wasn’t until 2009, after numerous search efforts by British cave experts, that Son Doong Cave was officially announced as the world’s largest natural cave by the Vietnam-British cave expedition team.
With a total volume of 38.5 million m3, a length of nearly 9km, a width of over 150m, and a height of over 200m, along with a system of more than 150 caves, underground rivers, and lakes of various sizes, Son Doong was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest cave in 2013.
2. Things to Know Before Exploring Son Doong Cave
2.1. The Only Tour Operator
To explore the “paradise on earth” Son Doong, you have only one option: to book a tour with Oxalis Adventure. This is the only company licensed by the Quang Binh provincial government to operate limited exploration tours in Son Doong Cave, ensuring safety and conservation of this natural wonder.
2.2. Ideal Time to Visit
Son Doong Cave exploration tours are affected by the weather of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and the special climate inside the cave. Therefore, Oxalis Adventure only organizes tours from January to August each year, with a limited number of 13-15 tours per month, each tour with a maximum of 10 guests. From September to December, tours are suspended to ensure safety due to the rainy and flood season.
A team of explorers discovering Son Doong Cave, showing the challenging terrain and the importance of choosing the right time to visit
2.3. Detailed Information About the Expedition Tour
The Son Doong exploration journey includes 17km of jungle trekking, 8km of exploring the Quang Binh cave system, 800m of slope climbing, and 90m of vertical cliff climbing with ropes. Therefore, participants need to prepare good physical fitness at least 6 months before the trip.
The cost for the Son Doong exploration tour is $3000 USD per person. Detailed information about benefits and terms can be found on the official Oxalis Adventure website.
2.4. Directions to Quang Binh
The tour itinerary already includes 2 nights of hotel accommodation before and after the trip, so you only need to arrange your own transportation to Quang Binh. You can choose from the following means of transport:
- By plane: Dong Hoi International Airport (Quang Binh) has flights from major cities across the country.
- By bus: Many high-quality bus companies have routes to Quang Binh from various provinces and cities.
- By train: You can buy train tickets to Quang Binh to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
3. The Most Spectacular Spots in Son Doong Cave
3.1. The “Fairy Cave” Entrance – En Cave
En Cave, the world’s 3rd largest cave, is the only gateway to conquer Son Doong Cave. The cave entrance is very large, allowing sunlight to shine in, creating a crystal-clear, magical turquoise lake. In 2015, En Cave appeared in the blockbuster movie “Pan”.
Sunlight shining into En Cave, creating a magnificent and splendid scene
3.2. “Dog Paw” Rock Block
“Dog Paw” is a giant stalagmite block, towering in the heart of Son Doong Cave. From this location, you can admire the panoramic majestic beauty of the cave. To reach Dinosaur Watchout (the first sinkhole) from “Dog Paw”, you have to traverse 1km of the giant cave.
Tourists taking pictures at the "Dog Paw" rock formation, one of the impressive highlights of Son Doong Cave
3.3. Vietnam Wall
The 90m-high stalactite mountain at the end of the cave is called the Vietnam Wall. The cave expert team has installed a 20-meter long iron ladder system to assist climbing. After the first 20 meters, you will continue to rope climb with the support of a protective harness system and assistants to completely conquer the wall.
Tourists climbing the "Vietnam Wall" with the support of experts, showing the adventurous and challenging nature
3.4. Garden of Edam
Over millions of years, rainwater dissolved and flowed from the cave ceiling, eroding and crystallizing to create a pearl cave with thousands of flat, spherical, or egg-shaped stones. These stones are usually only 1cm in diameter, but the “pearls” in Son Doong Cave are as large as baseballs, arranged in rock compartments looking like terraced fields, which is very unique.
The "Garden of Edam" with unique pearl-like cave formations, creating a strange and attractive landscape
4. Things to Prepare for the Trip
4.1. Physical Training and Health Check
To explore Son Doong Cave, you need to be in good physical condition to perform exploration activities. Practice walking 10km/day, climbing stairs at least 3 floors/climb, 15 climbs/day without being out of breath.
4.2. List of Necessary Items
Oxalis Adventure will prepare the necessary camping equipment for you, you only need to bring the following luggage (maximum 7kg):
- Clothing: Comfortable clothes suitable for trekking and cave exploration activities.
- Shoes: Hiking shoes with good grip and sandals with straps for camping.
- Backpacks: Large waterproof backpack and small backpack for personal items.
- Preventive medicine: Stomachache medicine, cold medicine, insect repellent, etc.
- Personal toiletries: Underwear, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, towel, etc.
- Other items: Camera, phone, power bank, flashlight, water bottle, etc.
5. Important Notes When Exploring Son Doong Cave
- Do not touch stalactites, rock edges, insects, plants, or wild animals in the cave without permission.
- Only move on available trails as directed by the tour leader.
- Prepare all necessary personal belongings from home, especially camping-related equipment.
Exploring Son Doong Cave is a memorable and challenging experience. Hopefully, this article has provided you with the necessary information to successfully conquer this world’s largest natural wonder. Wishing you a truly memorable and safe Son Doong exploration journey!