Nature always brings us surprises that can only be truly appreciated, admired, and experienced when witnessed, explored, and stepped foot upon. It is through these encounters that we can fully embrace and behold the hidden beauty that no words can accurately describe. Below is a compilation by DanangPrivateCar.com’s of the 8 most famous and big caves in Vietnam.
Son Doong Cave
It’s difficult to put into words the mysterious beauty of Son Doong Cave, part of the cave system in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province). The cave was discovered in 1991 by a local resident named Ho Khanh. In 2009, the British Royal Cave Association conducted an exploration. Since then, Vietnam has been mentioned in the media for its new beauty, a new discovery of an internationally significant natural cave system – Son Doong Cave.
It can be said that every moment of discovery, every moment standing before the natural wonders in Son Doong Cave, will leave visitors in awe. No one can remain unmoved or unaffected by the stunning scenes of the paradise within the cave, the gigantic limestone walls, or the collection of ancient “pearls” that have formed over thousands of years. Son Doong Cave is an enchanting destination, a world underground full of mystery, pristine beauty, and yet to be fully explored beneath the earth’s surface.
Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong, also known as “Halong Bay on land” or the “second most beautiful cave system,” is a beloved destination in Ninh Binh. Located in the Ngu Nhac Son mountain range, about 7km south of Ninh Binh, Tam Coc – Bich Dong landscape includes three caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave.
From the very first moments of boating on the Ngo Dong River, visitors can admire the breathtaking natural scenery. Venturing into the caves, visitors immerse themselves in a different world. Despite the absence of sunlight, the caves are enchanting and ethereal. Ca Cave is 127m long, passing through a large mountain with a cave entrance over 20m wide. Inside the cave, visitors can feel a cool and fresh air different from the outside. The cave is adorned with numerous stalactites in various shapes and forms. Next is Hai Cave, 60m long, hiding stalactites resembling flying clouds and small stalactites dropping like milk drops. Ba Cave is the smallest cave with a smooth ceiling, seemingly eroded by nature. Besides, Tam Coc Bich Dong also contains valuable relics and artifacts such as rock dragons and peculiar rocks that produce deep resonating sounds like musical instruments, delighting visitors.
If you are looking for transportation in Central Vietnam to explore the large caves in Phong Nha, Quang Binh, please contact us. We provide private car services with drivers to pick you up and take you to the sightseeing destinations. Some popular routes include Da Nang to Phong Nha by private car and Hue to Phong Nha by private car, which are the most preferred choices by our customers.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Quang Binh not only has Son Doong Cave but also the “kingdom of caves” – Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Located in the limestone mountains of Ke Bang, Bố Trạch District, Quang Binh Province, this complex comprises over 300 magnificent caves with a length of about 8km, a depth of 83m, and a height of 50m.
As soon as the boat enters the cave, the scorching heat and sweltering wind of Central Vietnam dissipate instantly, replaced by a cool breeze enveloping the space. The deeper the boat goes, the dimmer the light becomes until it disappears completely, revealing a world adorned with shimmering stalactites hanging from above, captivating the imagination. Like other caves, Phong Nha Cave features unique rock formations named Lion, Unicorn, Altar, Royal Court, or Buddha. It also has enormous stalagmites resembling the teeth of giants. Additionally, visitors can explore other marvelous caves within the complex, such as Tien Son Cave and Paradise Cave. A trip to Quang Binh would be incomplete without visiting and exploring the Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Trang An Cave Complex
Trang An in Ninh Binh is one of the beloved destinations for many tourists due to its rare natural beauty, with mountains, water, and magnificent caves. There are 31 water valleys connected by 48 caves, including subterranean caves that are 2km long, such as Dia Linh Cave, Sinh Duoc Cave, and May Cave. Each cave has its own distinctive features, and many of them have been recognized as archaeological relics.
Although not as sparkling and vibrant as Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave, the cave system in Trang An evokes unique emotions in every visitor. Floating on a small boat, tourists can explore 12 caves that stretch about 5km, experiencing the suspenseful moments as they venture deeper into the caves. The longest cave here is approximately 350-400m. Due to the high water level, visitors often have to stoop to avoid hitting their heads. However, as they progress inside, tourists will be amazed by the fascinating cave formations. Some areas are spacious and flat, while others are so narrow that only a tiny boat can pass through. Additionally, the cave system is adorned with traces of time and dazzling stalactites that captivate the eyes of visitors from all directions.
Surprising Cave
True to its name, “Surprising Cave” will leave tourists truly astonished. Located on Bo Hon Island, this cave is the most spacious and beautiful cave in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. It earned its name because the cave appears small from the entrance, but once visitors pass through a narrow opening and venture deeper, they will be amazed as if stepping into a larger, more beautiful world.
The cave is divided into two main chambers that can accommodate thousands of people. The cave ceiling and floor feature whimsical formations of stalactites that challenge human imagination. With countless sparkling “clusters of lights” above, visitors can indulge in the sight of stone statues resembling elephants, deer, sleeping lions, or even a swimming turtle in the vast water below. Upon reaching the highest point of the cave, visitors will be surprised by a stream of brilliant light, as if entering a world of fairies. Instead of stalactites, the cave is adorned with a fresh shade of green. Furthermore, at the peak of the cave, there is a hidden “garden in the sky” with a crystal-clear water pond, picturesque landscapes of mountains and water, and various species of plants and birds. It is a dreamlike and pristine world that entices visitors to explore endlessly.
Wooden Stake Cave
Primitive and simple, that is the name of one of the must-visit destinations for tourists – Wooden Stake Cave. The cave is located on Dau Go Island and is divided into three main chambers, each with a different color scheme.
In the first chamber, visitors can enjoy the dance of natural light on the cave ceiling, creating a beautiful scene reminiscent of a giant oil painting. Various limestone stalactites and stalagmites form different shapes, allowing visitors to use their imagination to see elephants, deer, dozing lions, or a swimming turtle in the vast water. In the second chamber, the light diminishes, creating a shimmering beauty with hidden and revealed clusters of stone flowers. In the last chamber, visitors will be amazed by a suddenly expanded space containing many intriguing elements. There are sweetwater wells reflecting the four seasons, rocks shaped like horses, elephants, swords, and sabers engaged in a chaotic battle. Wooden Stake Cave appears as a concentration of ancient architectural structures with a pristine and serene beauty, featuring small and tall stone columns that seem to reach the blue sky.
Huong Tich Cave
Located in the scenic area of Huong Son, My Duc (Hanoi), Huong Tich Cave exudes a majestic aura amidst the surrounding mountains and clouds, providing a sense of tranquility to visitors when they have the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of Huong Pagoda.
Huong Tich Cave captivates visitors from the very first steps with its spacious cave entrance resembling a large dragon’s mouth. To descend into the cave entrance, visitors must challenge themselves by crossing 100 stone steps amidst the surrounding mountainous forest. Inside the cave, visitors can admire a stone statue of Quan Am Bodhisattva, carved during the Tay Son Dynasty (around 1793), along with thousands of large shimmering stalactites in various bizarre shapes: Mother’s Milk Gourd, Rice Heap, Money Heap, Fairy Mountain, Golden Tree, Silver Tree, and more. Particularly, on the cave ceiling, there are nine stalactite clusters resembling nine dragons surrounding a large stalactite block, known as the “Nine Dragons Competing for the Pearl.” The best time to explore the cave is probably in March each year when the cave is covered by mist, creating a blend of pristine natural beauty and enchanting spirituality.
Tu Lan Cave System
The Tu Lan Cave System is located in Tan Hoa Village, Minh Hoa District, Quang Binh Province. This cave system consists of 8 caves, discovered in 2009, and an additional 4 valleys were discovered in 2012. The main caves in Tu Lan are Tu Lan Cave, and the subsidiary caves include Song Cave, Uoi Cave, Chuot Cave, Hung Ton Cave, Kim Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Ken Cave, and To Mo Cave, each with its own magnificent natural beauty.
With its pristine beauty and hidden secrets of majestic nature within the limestone mountains, the Tu Lan Cave System continues to attract any visitor. The deeper you go, the more you explore, the wider the caves become, and there are countless diverse stalactite formations. Here, visitors cannot help but be amazed by the splendid scenes bestowed by Mother Nature. Stalactite clusters compete to climb on the cave walls, between the cave floor, there are three stalactite columns standing straight with a diameter of over one meter. To admire these magnificent creations, visitors have to trek through rugged mountains, overcome challenging forests, walk through vast valleys, wade through slippery mud, and swim in rivers with cold water below 20 degrees Celsius. However, after experiencing all these difficulties, visitors will be rewarded with the masterpiece of nature, the pristine beauty of the mountains and forests that will leave an unforgettable impression once seen, once stepped foot, once explored.
