Imagine stepping into a hidden world under the ground, a place so big and beautiful that it feels like a different planet. This is Son Doong Cave in Vientam, the largest cave in the world, located in Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
With its huge chambers and unique plants and animals, this cave is an adventure like no other. If you're looking for a unique travel experience, make sure to add it to your Vietnam tour package, which will make your journey unforgettable.
In this Son Doong Cave Vietnam travel guide, we'll explore the amazing features about this place which includes interesting history, and give you helpful tips, best time to visit and more.
Hang Son Doong Location: Tân Trạch, Bố Trạch District, Quảng Bình, Vietnam
The History Of Son Doong Cave
Son Doong Cave in Vietnam was discovered by a local farmer, Ho Khanh in 1991. However, the cave was fully explored by a team of British cavers led by Howard Limbert. Their exploration revealed the cave's astounding dimensions, solidifying its status as the largest cave in the world. This massive cave is over 5 kilometres in length, with its height of 200 metres and width of 150 metres.
Son Doong Cave Tour Experience
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to explore the biggest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave tour is nothing short of life-changing. The journey begins deep in the Phong Nha jungle, where you trek through rivers, bamboo forests, and limestone valleys before descending into the colossal cave.
The Son Doong Cave tour price might seem high, but it covers everything — guides, porters, safety gear, and even delicious meals prepared right inside the cave. Each step reveals something surreal — underground jungles, misty skylights, and ancient stalagmites that reach over 70 metres high.
With only a few hundred visitors allowed each year, exploring Son Doong feels like being part of an elite expedition to a world untouched by time.
Son Doong Cave Itinerary: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation in Phong Nha
- Arrive at Dong Hoi Airport or Dong Hoi Railway Station and transfer to Phong Nha town.
- Meet your guides and expedition team from the licensed Son Doong Cave tour operator (e.g., Oxalis Adventure).
- Attend safety briefing, check your trekking gear, and get an introduction to the Son Doong Cave Vietnam adventure.
- Overnight in Phong Nha town.
Day 2: Trek to Hang En Cave
- Start early with a trek through the Phong Nha jungle and cross rivers on your way to Hang En Cave, the third-largest cave in Vietnam.
- Enjoy lunch prepared by your team in the wilderness.
- Explore Hang En’s massive chambers and unique rock formations.
- Set up camp inside Hang En, and enjoy your first cave dining experience.
Day 3: Enter Son Doong Cave
- Trek from Hang En into Son Doong Cave, the biggest cave in the world.
- Explore the Garden of Edam, an underground jungle inside the cave.
- Climb the Great Wall of Vietnam — a towering calcite wall inside the cave.
- Camp overnight inside Son Doong Cave under the dramatic skylights.
- Experience the unique features of Son Doong Cave, including underground rivers, massive stalagmites, and rare cave-adapted flora.
Day 4: Deep Cave Exploration & Return Trek
- Continue exploration of Son Doong’s interior, discovering hidden chambers and underground lakes.
- Take plenty of photos and enjoy nature’s otherworldly scenery.
- Begin trekking back toward Hang En or the trail exit point.
- Overnight camp in designated spots along the cave trek.
Day 5: Exit & Return to Phong Nha
- Finish your trek out of the cave and back through the jungle trails.
- Return to Phong Nha town, where you can freshen up and celebrate completing the Son Doong Cave Vietnam tour.
- Transfer to Dong Hoi for onward travel or flight.
Best Time To Visit Son Doong Cave
The best time to visit Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is from January to August. During these months, the weather conditions are perfect for trekking and exploring the cave. Here’s a detailed Son Doong Cave Vietnam travel guide to what to expect during these months.
January to April - The weather is dry which is ideal for trekking and explorations. The sky is clear and mild temperatures make your exploration journey more comfortable.
May to August - During these months, the temperature is warmer but still manageable for trekking.
September to December - The cave is closed to visitors during these months due to the rainy season. The heavy rains make the paths slippery and dangerous so they banned the entry of travellers.
How To Reach Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach Hang Son Doong in Vietnam:
Travel to Dong Hoi
- By Air - The nearest airport is Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), which has direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other major Vietnamese cities.
- By Train - Dong Hoi Railway Station is connected to the North-South Railway line, and is accessible from Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
- Bus - Local buses run from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha town, which is approximately 50 kilometres away.
- Taxi/Private Car - Taxis and private car services are available and offer a more comfortable ride to Phong Nha.
Guided Tour - To enter in the cave, you must book a tour with an authorised operator. Oxalis Adventure is currently the only company licensed to conduct tours to reach here. They offer a comprehensive package that includes transportation from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha and all necessary equipment and guides for the trek.
Tour Duration - The tour duration is 5 days and 4 nights which starts from Phong Nha town. The tour includes trekking through the jungle, crossing rivers and spending nights in the cave.
Things To Do In Son Doong Cave
There are various things to do in Son Doong Cave that make for a unique adventure. These activities will help you fully appreciate the natural beauty and wonder of this cave. Including these activities in your list of things to do in Vietnam will make your adventure truly unforgettable. Here is a list of things to do in Son Doong Cave in Vietnam.
- Explore the vast spaces inside the cave, especially the "Watch Out for Dinosaurs" chamber which is incredibly large.
- Observe the impressive stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the ceiling and rise from the floor and some reaching up to 70 metres.
- Hike beside the underground river and enjoy the cool and refreshing atmosphere created by the flowing water.
- Experience camping inside the cave at designated sites where you can sleep.
- Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the underground lakes and rivers within the cave.
- Discover rare plants and animals that have adapted to the cave's environment.
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What To Eat In Son Doong Cave
When you start your tour, food will be provided by the tour operators like Oxalis Adventure. They provide foods including local Vietnamese food which ensures that you will get a taste of Vietnam white maintaining the energy needed for the trekking. You can get a variety of foods which are made up of rice, noodles with meat and vegetables.
These meals are nutritious and balanced with the right mix of carbohydrates, protein and fats to keep you energised. If you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free requirements then the tour operators can accommodate these preferences if informed in advance.
During this one of the best trek in Vietnam you will also get packed meals to eat. These convenient and energy-boosting options might include sandwiches, energy bars, dried fruits and nuts, which are easy to carry and consume during the hike.
Tips For Son Doong Cave In Vietnam
Following these tips for Son Doong Cave which will help you ensure a smooth and memorable adventure.
- Tours to cave are highly limited, with only a few spots available each year. So book your tour in advance.
- The trek is demanding and involves multiple days of hiking through dense jungle and crossing rivers. So keep yourself physically fit for the trek.
- Pack sturdy hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a headlamp and a waterproof backpack. Tour operators also provide necessary equipment like helmets and harnesses.
- Consult your doctor before the trip, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
- Inform your tour operator about your dietary preferences in advance. So that they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
