Son Doong Cave
An underworld jungle awaits discovery.
π₯ Best of Vietnam
4.7 β (1.1K)
Introduction
Son Doong Cave (Hang SΖ‘n ΔoΓ²ng) is the world's largest known natural cave passage, located within the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province. A subterranean world with its own river, jungle, and climate, it remains one of the most exclusive and challenging adventure expeditions on the planet. Access is strictly controlled through a single licensed operator to preserve its delicate and unique ecosystem.
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The Doline Roof Collapses
Son Doong features two massive sinkholes where the cave ceiling collapsed centuries ago, allowing sunlight to stream in. These openings have enabled the growth of complete jungle ecosystems hundreds of meters below the earth's surface.
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Watch Out for Dinosaurs
This is the name given to the first jungle you encounter within the cave. Descending into this doline feels like entering a prehistoric world, with lush vegetation and unique wildlife thriving in the misty, isolated environment.
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The Garden of Edam
The second, larger jungle within the cave presents an even more surreal landscape. This area is characterized by taller trees and dense foliage, all flourishing within the colossal cavern and sustained by the light from the second doline.
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The Great Wall of Vietnam
Near the cave's exit stands a towering 90-meter-high calcite wall. Scaling this slippery formation with specialized safety gear is the final major physical challenge of the expedition and offers a profound sense of accomplishment.
Getting there
From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (approx. 45 km):
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π Private Transfer (arranged by tour operator): Most Son Doong packages include a transfer from Dong Hoi. This is the most common and convenient method.
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π Taxi: 45-60 mins | 500,000 - 600,000 VND ~ $20 - $24 USD
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π Public Bus: ~90 mins | ~70,000 VND ~ $2.80 USD. Local bus #B4 is an option but can be slow and crowded.
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β οΈ You cannot get to Son Doong Cave independently. The starting point for the expedition is Phong Nha town. Oxalis Adventure provides detailed instructions on meeting points and transfers from Dong Hoi Airport (VCA) or the Dong Hoi train station upon booking.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- Expeditions are only conducted from January to August. The cave is closed annually from September to December due to heavy rains and potential flooding, which makes the expedition unsafe. All visits are part of a multi-day guided tour.
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π« Ticket prices:
- Expedition Tour: 72,000,000 VND ~ $3,000 USD per person.
- Notes: This is the fixed price for the all-inclusive 4-day, 3-night expedition. It covers all specialist equipment, safety experts, guides, a team of porters, meals, and permits. Booking can only be done through the official Oxalis Adventure website and is typically required 1 to 2 years in advance.
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πΆ Best time to visit:
- The expedition season runs from January to August. The driest and most stable weather occurs between February and April, which is often considered the ideal period. This timeframe increases the chance of seeing the famous sunbeams shining down through the dolines.
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β Recommended duration:
- The entire experience requires approximately 6 days. This includes a day for arrival and safety briefings in Phong Nha, 4 days and 3 nights on the trek itself, and a final day for rest and departure.
Tips from locals
Local tips
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πͺ This is a serious expedition, not a tour. Your fitness is a safety requirement. You must have experience with multi-day treks over difficult terrain. You will be required to submit proof of your fitness and trekking history before your booking is confirmed.
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π» The only way to secure a spot is through the official Oxalis Adventure website. Do not use third-party resellers, as they are not authorized and are likely scams. Set a calendar reminder for when bookings open for the season two years out, as slots fill within hours.
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π You will carry a small daypack with essentials like water, sunscreen, and a camera. A team of porters carries your main luggage (up to 7kg), camping gear, and food. Pack exactly what is on the recommended list provided by the operator; don't bring unnecessary weight.
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π‘ Before booking the world's most exclusive cave tour, consider the Hang En Cave expedition first. Also operated by Oxalis, it's less physically demanding, significantly cheaper, and gives you a taste of the jungle trekking and caving experience in Phong Nha.
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Be aware
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β οΈ The physical challenge is extreme and non-negotiable. If the safety experts deem your fitness insufficient upon arrival, you will not be allowed to proceed on the trek, and you will not receive a refund. Be honest and thorough in your pre-trip fitness assessment.
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π You are in a remote, wild jungle and cave system. While the team maintains high safety standards, you will be exposed to leeches (especially after rain), insects, and other elements of a tropical ecosystem. Appropriate clothing and repellent are essential.
FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Son Doong Cave?
The expedition costs a fixed price of $3,000 USD per person, which is approximately 72,000,000 VND.
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How do I book the Son Doong Cave tour?
You can only book directly through the official website of the sole operator, Oxalis Adventure. Bookings often fill up 1-2 years in advance.
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How difficult is the Son Doong Cave expedition?
It is rated Level 6, the highest difficulty level. It is an extremely strenuous multi-day trek that includes 17km of jungle trekking, 8km of caving, an 80-meter abseil, and climbing over large rock formations.
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What are the fitness requirements for Son Doong Cave?
You must be very physically active and have a history of strenuous, multi-day trekking. You will need to complete a detailed medical and fitness questionnaire to prove your capability before the booking is finalized.
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How long is the Son Doong Cave expedition?
The trek itself is 4 days and 3 nights. However, the entire experience, including arrival, safety briefings, and departure from Phong Nha, typically spans 6 days.
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Is Son Doong Cave safe?
While it is an extreme adventure with inherent risks, the operator has an excellent safety record. The tour includes a large team of professional guides, safety experts, and porters, along with specialized safety equipment.
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When is the best time to visit Son Doong Cave?
The expedition season is from January to August. The period from February to April is considered optimal, as it is the driest season and offers the best chance to see the famous sunbeams in the dolines.
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Who discovered Son Doong Cave?
A local man named Hα» Khanh first found the entrance in 1990. He later rediscovered the location and, in 2009, led a team from the British Cave Research Association to conduct the first full survey.
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Why is Son Doong Cave famous?
It is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume. Its immense size allows it to contain its own jungles, river, and climate system.
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What is inside Son Doong Cave?
It contains a fast-flowing underground river, two jungles formed in areas where the roof collapsed, some of the world's tallest stalagmites (up to 80m high), large cave pearls, and a 90-meter high calcite wall known as "The Great Wall of Vietnam".
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