Hang Son Doong, The Largest Cave In The World In Vietnam

A World in Its Own Right with Its Own Microclimate, Jungle, and Animals... Located in the heart of Phong Nha National Park in Quang Binh Province, Hang Son Doong is the largest underground cavity in the world. Let’s see if we can explore this new world through words... because access to this site is highly restricted!

A story that could have inspired Jules Verne

It’s 1991. Ho Khanh, out on a very ordinary hunting trip, found himself face-to-face with a crevice 80 meters deep. Needless to say, the hunter was not equipped for an expedition! However, by chance, in the following days, he met two researchers from the British Cave Research Association, Howard and Deb Limbert, based in Phong Nha. After sharing his discovery, Ho Khanh and his two new companions set off on an expedition. One attempt, two attempts, three attempts... but the searches led nowhere, and the adventurers abandoned the mission, leaving the mystery unsolved... until 2008.

Seventeen years had passed. Ho Khanh, on another ordinary hunting trip, found himself once again standing at the mouth of the earth. This time, he carefully mapped its location and passed the coordinates to his original companions, Howard and Deb Limbert. From there, underground expeditions followed, revealing an extraordinary world.

Origin of the name Son Doong

Traditionally, those who discover a cave give it a name. That’s why Ho Khanh and the expert team discussed and decided to name the cave Son Doong (a combination of two words: "Son" means mountain, and "Doong" is the name of the valley where the Bru Van Kieu ethnic minority lives, along with the Thuong River that flows from it, or it also means the cave in the limestone mountain with an underground river running through).

Hang Son Doong, the Cave of the Mountain

The cave is said to be 9 kilometers long, 150 meters wide, and 200 meters high. For example, Hang Son Doong could house a skyscraper (a "skyscraper-stalagmite" in this case) of about forty floors. It stands out for its two large windows allowing daylight to enter, its own clouds, a river, waterfalls, a jungle, natural pools, and life... an all-inclusive natural experience!

National Geographic offers a 3D tour, here !.

A journey worth its weight in gold

The Vietnamese government is keen to preserve this site. Only one company, Oxalis, is authorized to organize excursions there. It’s impossible to visit the cave alone! Just to reach the entrance, you’ll need to rappel down and hike for hours through the jungle.

The cost of the journey is €2,650 for a 4-day, 3-night expedition. In addition to the emotional value of the site, the price covers heavy logistics, with 25 porters required for the descent. If you want to experience this unique adventure, contact Oxalis. Be aware that bookings fill up quickly, so you must plan well in advance!

The Great Wall of Vietnam

In April 2009, after nearly 10 days of exploration and prospecting, the expedition team reached a giant calcite flow that blocked all exit paths. They decided to return due to the lack of specialized equipment to climb this giant wall. Just after leaving Hang Son Doong, based on the measurements, the expedition team announced that Son Doong was the largest natural cave in the world. At that time, no one knew what lay behind this giant stalagmite, which is why they named it the Great Wall of Vietnam to describe its impressive nature.

There are other underground treasures in Vietnam

However, it is possible to avoid rappelling or spending such a fortune. Phong Nha National Park is home to the world’s largest underground cave system, offering visitors exceptional hiking experiences. Discover this natural reserve here: here.

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !