The 8 most famous and Big caves in Vietnam

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.

Son Doong Cave is famous all over the world

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.

Tam Coc Bich Dong deserves the title of Ha Long Bay on land

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.

Trang An brings unique emotions to each visitor

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.

“Surprise Cave” will give visitors a truly “surprised” experience.

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 has a majestic beauty amidst thousands of mountains and clouds

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.

Son Doong Cave Travel Experience – Interesting Experiences

Son Doong cave belongs to Phong Nha – Ke Bang Cave complex (Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh). With the perfect images that the press has published, surely Son Doong will be extremely attractive to those who love to conquer and explore. However, entering Son Doong cave is not easy, you must have the Son Doong cave travel experience that we will introduce through the following article.

Son Doong Cave Travel Experience 2023

Son Doong cave   has a rather difficult terrain, so when you have an idea to travel to Son Doong cave , you cannot go on your own or go alone, but need to contact a travel agency. The only licensed company at present is Oxalis Company, the only tour operator in Phong Nha village, Son Trach commune, Bo Trach, Quang Binh.

See More: Phong Nha Car Rental With Driver

A tour to explore Son Doong cave costs about 3,000 USD, equivalent to nearly 65 million Vietnam Dong. Son Doong discovery tour will take about 7 days and 6 nights for the whole trip.

With relatively difficult terrain, besides being able to encounter natural disasters and unexpected floods, you need to have minimal survival experience. As well as the experience of going to the forest or climbing mountains. Plus a really good physique. Therefore, Son Doong tourism is only for those who are 18 years old and do not have the diseases that experts recommend.

In Son Doong cave

Son Doong travel experience – prepare physically

When you book a tour, medical professionals will ask questions about your health, so you must answer honestly. Because that is the guarantee of your safety during the trip.

Questions your healthcare professional may ask you are:

  1. Do you have or have a history of cardiovascular disease?
  2. Do you have asthma, epilepsy, or depression?
  3. Are you taking any medications?
  4. Do you have any problems with joints, legs, back?
  5. What sports do you usually play?

Besides, before traveling to Son Doong, you need to practice walking 10km in 1 day, crossing at least one hill 200-300cm high. Walk firmly on rough ground and climb over large rocks. You should do this exercise  3 to 6 months before traveling to Son Doong .

If you are in big cities, you can do this exercise by climbing stairs 3 floors at a time, without panting, without rest and doing about 15 times a day. Not only that, the experts will introduce and practice for you the necessary skills when going to the jungle before starting the trip about 2 days.

On the ceiling of the cave is still creating new stalactites

Son Doong cave tour

The car of the travel company will take you to kilometer 39, Ho Chi Minh road, West branch. From here, you will gradually walk down the Doong valley . Then go through the village of the Van Kieu ethnic group. In the village, there are only eight households with 21 people. Here you will be in charge of the delegation, hammock rest for lunch and meals. And continue to follow Rao Thuong stream to enter En cave. At this time, it has begun to get dark, so we will stay in En cave to eat and stay overnight. During this time, the people in charge, the tour guide will tell you stories about the cave, about the legend… For you to understand more about the culture in this place.

See More: Danang To Phong Nha Private Car

In the morning, you are arranged to have breakfast and prepare for the most interesting experience of your life, which is Exploring  Son Doong Cave.  You will have the opportunity to explore the cave in a period of 5 days and 4 nights.

As you gradually go into the cave, you will see tall stalactites, a primeval forest with no trace of humans. It is a vegetation with a variety of precious plants and trees. And the special thing is that the fog is always covered, creating a separate climate, separate from the outside.

Abundant vegetation

You continue to pass about 50km through the jungle and past the high stalactites in the cave, to explore deeper inside the cave. Entering the cave, you will be able to see with your own eyes the magnificence that the Creator has bestowed on this place. Fossil corridors appear here, proving that life existed in caves millions of years ago.

The stalactites are several million years old

And  Son Doong also owns stalagmite columns nearly 70m high.

The Mang Da column is nearly 70m high in the cave

Or the large jade stones that people call “cave pearls”, the chemical composition of these rhinestones is determined to be calcite.

Inside the cave you also see an underground river flowing through, with a length of about 2.5km.

A corner of the roaring river

Here, you can see coral ruins and fossil animal skeletons. There are many faults on the ceiling of the cave, creating skylights, bringing sunlight into the cave. Create conditions for the vegetation in the cave to grow.

Skylight – the lighting place for Son Doong cave

According to geologists, Son Doong cave was formed about 2-5 million years ago. Its size is equivalent to the capacity of about 68 Boeing 777 aircraft. With such size, Son Doong cave has become the largest natural cave in the world.

 Son Doong cave tourism experience – personal life issues.

During the tour, the porters will bring fresh food and vegetables so that they can cook hygienic meals for the whole group.

All luggage of guests, are responsible for the shipper, so you only need to bring a small backpack to hold your camera, water bottle, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste.

During the journey, you will be able to set up tents to rest. Besides, to ensure the best hygiene for the cave, the travel company has also prepared portable septic toilets. There is a design of a seat placed on a steel frame and under a plastic container, covered with a very clean thick canvas. After going to the toilet, you will immediately use the husk next to it to put it in a plastic container. The tour company also prepares hand sanitizer gel and toilet paper for visitors. After each tour, the tour company will have a cleaning team to take all the plastic containers outside the cave entrance for burial.

The empty spaces in the cave can stop.

Son Doong cave travel experience  , to ensure beauty and safety

  • During the trip, all visitors and tour guides are allowed to go by a small path, not going to other paths to ensure the sustainability of the cave floor.
  • You are also not allowed to arbitrarily break or break the edges of young rocks and stalactites, to avoid losing the inherent beauty of the cave.
  • On the way, if we see snakes, we must not poke, or chase, do not scream, but just quietly walk away. Snakes are warned to be very poisonous, so this is an experience to ensure the safety of visitors.

The beauty of  Son Doong cave has been recognized by experts and world explorers as unique in the world. So coming to   Son Doong  , you are not only traveling but also experiencing and discovering the masterpieces of nature. With the Son Doong travel experiences  that we have just shared above, we hope to help you prepare well the necessary things to have an interesting trip.

In addition to exploring  Son Doong, you can also explore more caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park  in Quang Binh . Please leave questions or contributions to Danang Private Car in the comment section!

 

Google honors Son Doong Cave

Son Doong cave.

On April 14, Google changed the avatar on the homepage to celebrate the discovery of Son Doong cave.

Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh, is promoted on the Google homepage in the form of an animated image, to celebrate the day Mr. Ho Khanh and the British Royal Expedition officially discovered the world’s largest cave, April 14. 2009.

Google Doodle reproduces the image of a giant sinkhole located deep in a cave with sunlight illuminating the scene with many green shades of the mountains. This image is displayed on Google homepage of 17 countries and territories including Vietnam, UK, Romania, Sweden, Greece, Singapore, Thailand, Mexico, Argentina…

On the website, Google also introduces and praises the largest cave in the world. They use the word “unequaled natural phenomenon” to describe Son Doong cave. For example, the interior compartments of Son Doong cave are large enough to accommodate an entire 40-storey building. Scientists have also discovered countless geological formations including the largest limestone “pearl” and the tallest stalactite in the world.

Tours to Son Doong only allows up to 1,000 visitors per year for conservation reasons, and are only available from January to August.

In 2019, Google also honored Hoi An ancient town on its homepage.

Hoi an and danang to Phong private car service: link