1. Introduction about Son Doong Cave Quang Binh, Viet Nam
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. This is one of the world’s famous natural wonders, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage. Phong Nha – Ke Bang has conquered visitors with its wild, majestic beauty and the most magnificent cave system in the world. The cave system in the national park was formed over millions of years, creating natural sculptures with a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, clear lakes and mysterious underground rivers.
With an area of over 1200 km, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is a unique geological treasure, with hundreds of large and small caves. The most famous of which is Son Doong Cave Quang Binh, the largest natural cave in the world. Son Doong Cave is nearly 9 km long, with a ceiling height of up to 200m and a width of up to 160m in some locations. Inside the cave, you will admire unique and novel natural wonders. Moreover, Son Doong cave has its own unique ecosystem with primeval forests, underground rivers and waterfalls in the cave. In addition, there are amazing natural phenomena such as sunlight shining into the cave, creating beautiful scenes in Son Doong cave.
2. Discover the Wonders of Son Doong Cave Viet Nam
Exploring Son Doong Cave offers visitors the thrill of conquering peaks, wading through rivers and admiring the wonderful beauty of nature. In addition, Son Doong cave will take you to another world, where nature has created incredibly majestic wonders.
- Trekking: The journey begins by crossing the primeval forests. The chirping of birds and the babbling of streams blend together to create a comfortable and pleasant feeling. With every step we discover the wild beauty of the forest.
- Climb over the cliffs: To explore the world’s largest Son Doong cave, visitors will experience the feeling of conquering the peak when climbing over vertical cliffs. Visitors will admire the wild and majestic beauty of the natural world.
- Walking through the underground river: Wading through the underground river in Son Doong Cave is a unique experience that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. The crystal clear water creates a beautiful natural wonder. Besides, the wild beauty of the cave along with the unique ecosystem will make you feel like you are lost in another world.
- Overnight camping in the cave: Camping overnight in Son Doong Cave is a unique and unforgettable experience. The campsites offer stunning views of the cave’s unique landforms such as stalagmites, stalactites, underground rivers and the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature
3. The best time to visit Son Doong cave?
Son Doong Cave has 2 seasons similar to the climate of Phong Nha, Quang Binh
Read more: The weather and the best time to visit Phong Nha
- The dry season: from January to March, at this time, visitors have the opportunity to admire the golden rays of sunlight shining deep inside, brightening the entire cave. April and May are characterized by warm temperatures, providing ideal conditions for exploring Son Doong Cave and observing its diverse ecosystems. From June to August, the region experiences hot summer weather, but the cave maintains a comfortable temperature of 22 to 25 degrees so visitors will not feel hot. During these months, visitors can comfortably swim in the streams and underground lakes inside the cave while exploring. This is the best time to visit Son Doong cave.
- The rainy season: lasting September to December, at this time, the roads will be slippery, not suitable for hiking or trekking. In addition, the water level in Son Doong cave will rise.
Note: To ensure the safety of tourists during the rainy season, Son Doong tours only operate from January to the end of August every year
4. The detailed itinerary for Son Doong Cave tours
Son Doong Expedition Tour was put into operation for adventure tourism in Vietnam in August 2013 and the only unit allowed to operate tours to Son Doong is Oxalis. After being organized, the tour immediately became an attractive adventure tour in Vietnam for adventure loving tourists around the world.
- Day 1: Phong Nha – Safety Briefing
Visitors need to be in Dong Hoi before 3pm, Oxalis staff will pick you up at Dong Hoi railway station or Dong Hoi airport. Around 5.30pm, you will meet with the safety expert, you will be given safety information and receive equipment for the journey to explore Son Doong. If you do not attend the meeting, you may be refused to join the Son Doong tour and the cost paid will not be refunded. You will be checked for shoe quality, backpack size and sign some papers. After that, you will have dinner and rest, preparing for the journey to explore Son Doong cave.
- Day 2: Ban Doong Village – En Cave
To begin the journey, tourists and their group embark on a trek through the dense forests of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. The terrain is rugged, requiring them to wade through numerous rivers and streams to reach Ban Doong, the home of the Bru-Van Kieu ethnic minority. Here, tourists can rest, enjoy a local lunch, and gain insights into the lives of the people. Afterward, the adventure continues with a journey to En Cave, where you will camp and rest for the night.
- Day 3: Son Doong cave Entrance – Campsite Doline 1
On the third day, the adventure continues with a deeper exploration of En Cave and to Son Doong cave. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking scenery and experience the atmosphere within this massive cave. Additionally, the natural lake situated directly below the cave entrance, adorned with countless exquisite stalactites, is a sight to behold. From here, the expedition proceeds with a challenging crossing of the underground river, followed by a climb over large rocky slopes and sand dunes to reach the first campsite within Son Doong Cave.
- Day 4: Campsite Doline 2
The adventure continues as visitors journey through Doline 1, a breathtaking sight, particularly on sunny days when sunlight illuminates the space. After lunch, the group ascends a rocky slope to reach Doline 2. Here, they embark on an exploration of the unique ecosystem and marvel at the stunning stalactite formations within Dark Cave. Returning to Doline 2, the group sets up camp, rests, and enjoys a hearty dinner.
- Day 5: The Great Wall Of Vietnam – Son Doong Exit
After breakfast, visitors will begin an exciting adventure through the Wall of Vietnam, one of the most impressive and attractive experiences in exploring Son Doong Cave. After taking a boat on the underground lake and climbing a challenging rocky slope about 70m high, visitors will rest and enjoy lunch. To end their exploration journey, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking beauty of Son Doong Cave before returning to Chay Lap Farmstay.
- Day 6: Finish tour
After breakfast, visitors have the option to explore other caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park such as Phong Nha cave, Paradise cave, Dark cave, Mooc spring,… or start the next journey by taking a from Dong Hoi Airport or Dong Hoi railway station.
5. Son Doong cave tour price
Explore Son Doong Cave with a participation fee of $3,000 per person, including:
- Food
- Travel expenses during the trip
- Safety equipment
- Tents
- Two nights of hotel/resort accommodation before and after the trip
- Environmental protection fee of the National Park
- A team of 27 staff, including professional guides, safety assistants, chefs, porters, and a British cave expert from the British Vietnamese cave expedition.
Notes:
- Experience Requirements: Participants must have hiking experience within the past 12 months and regularly exercise outdoors.
- Age Requirements: 18 to 70 years old.
Son Doong Cave is like a miniature world with giant stalactites, mysterious primeval forests and unique ecosystems. Exploring Son Doong Cave will be a journey of self-discovery, an opportunity for us to admire the majestic beauty of nature.