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Deep within the tropical rainforests of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park lies a natural wonder of the world, the Hong Son Doong cave. Discovered in 2009, Hang Son Doong is considered the world’s largest cave. Spanning over 200m high and 175m wide, the cave is so big that a 40 story building can fit easily inside the cave.
Deep inside its hollowed-out limestone walls, lies stunning streams and jungles. The cave is also illuminated by two sinkholes that light up the cave making it an even more spectacular sight.
Let’s take a look at the history, how to get there, what to do, and more at Hong Son Doong Cave.
Hang Son Doong cave is estimated to be around 3 million years old. The large cave system was carved out by the mighty Rao Thuo river.
The cave was first discovered by a local man named Ho Khanh in 1991. He was seeking shelter from a storm when he found the cave. He noticed wind and even clouds emerging from the cave. But because of the steep descent, he did not explore it any further. For many years after that, the cave remained lost.
It was only in 2009 that the British Cave Research Association (BRCA) first surveyed the cave. The first survey was ultimately stopped by a large 60-meter tall calcite wall that was nicknamed “The Great Wall of Vietnam”. The wall was finally conquered in 2010. The cave was ultimately opened to the public in 2013.
Hong Son Doong is located within the premises of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province in Central Vietnam.
The closest town to the national park is Dong Hoi city which is around 50kms away. To reach Dong Hoi City you can book a flight from any of the major cities across Vietnam. You can also travel to Dong Hoi by train, bus, and taxi.
To get to the cave, you’ll need to travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. To reach the national park, you can book the Phong Nha-Dong Hoi bus or rent a taxi from Dong Hoi city.
Once you reach the park, you will need to do a 1 and a half hour trek to the remote Ban Doong village which serves as the base for the Hong Son Doong cave tour. From the village, it will then take approximately half a day's trek through the jungle and streams to reach the entrance of the cave.
Please note: The Vietnam Government allows only Oxalis, a local tour company, to conduct tours to Hong Son Doong. The tour is conducted only between January to August. The tour takes place over 4 days and is rated as Level 6-hard in terms of adventure.
The Hong Son Doong tour costs $3000 per person. This money includes transportation, hotel, food and drinks, management, and administration during the tour as well as an environmental service fee.
Check out this blog about how much it will cost to travel to Vietnam and plan your budget for the trip.
Hong Son Doong is a majestic cave that has eluded so many before. Ever since its discovery and subsequent opening to the public, the cave has become so much more accessible.
Camping under the stars is great. But camping under stalagmites is a rarer and more interesting opportunity. In Hong Son Doong, you will be required to camp inside the caves.
The cave is home to underground streams with clear waters you can swim in. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the cool waters after a hard day of trekking.
All around Hong Son Doong, you will notice ancient fossilized fragments of plants and animals that once made the caves their home.
You can spot many newly discovered species of animals including white spiders, fish, woodlouse, and shrimp species throughout the cave.
One of the best places for a photo opportunity. The giant stalagmite is located right under a sinkhole with sunlight shining through.
The Great Vietnam Wall is a 60-meter tall calcite wall that was once the reason the first official survey had to be stopped. Nowadays, you can scale the wall using ladders and ropes.
Now that you know what the world’s largest Hong Son Doong has to offer, why not go on an adventure of a lifetime? Get your Vietnam visa, book your flight tickets, and escape into the wild and beautiful Hong Son Doong cave.
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