Son Doong Cave is based in Quang Binh, in the North Central part of Vietnam, midway between Danang and Hanoi. At the moment, the cave is only available to visit between February and August and closed from September to January due to flood.

Soon Dong Cave , Photo by: Ryan Debloodt

Discovered in 2009, Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh, Vietnam, is currently the biggest cave known by mankind.

This giant is the champion in every aspect. The entire cave is approximately 9 kilometers long with the largest chamber of 200 meters wide and 150 meters high. With such a scale, Son Doong can comfortably host an entire city with NYC’s skyscrapers of up to 40 stories or allow a 747 to fly through. The cave is as twice as large as its runner-up, Deer Cave in Malaysia. Stalagmites in Son Doong are also among the tallest in the world with some towering over 70 meters high.

Photo by: Carsten Peter

Not only exceptional in size, Son Doong is also ranked by BBC News as the most beautiful cave all over the globe. If you have ever watched James Cameron’s Avatar, you may find Son Doong more or less similar to the scenes on Planet Pandora. Untouched by humans and abnormally large, Son Doong has its own river, jungle and climate. Yes, river, jungle, and climate within the cave! The huge temperature difference between the air inside and outside creates a constantly hovering clouds of mist that gives rise to a miraculous and surreal atmosphere.

Son Doong Gate, Photo by: Carsten Peter

Son Doong was discovered by a local lumberjack named Ho Khanh. Although only in 2009 was the discovery officially announced by the British Cave Research Association, Ho Khanh’s first encounter with the giant was actually in 1991, during one of his logging trip. At that moment, Ho Khanh never knew that he had discovered the world’s largest grotto. Indeed, the powerful and mysterious wind blowing from inside the cave scared him as he thought it was one of the cave monsters in local mythology.

Photo by: Carsten Peter

Photo by: Carsten Peter

Photo by: Ryan Debloodt

Photo by: Ryan Debloodt

Photo by: Carsten Peter

Son Doong became open for commercial expedition in 2013. Since then, it has attracted throngs of adventurers who want to have the extraordinary and unique experience of discovering the biggest cave on Earth.

How to get there

Son Doong is located in Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. There is currently no paved road leading to the cave and the journey to the cave is an adventure itself. It will take you about 6 hours to walk 10 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh Highway into the dense tropical forest of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park to reach the mouth of Son Doong.

By Air

The nearest airport is Dong Hoi Airport, which lies in the capital city Dong Hoi of Quang Binh province. There are several ways to get to Dong Hoi. For hardcore adventurers who cannot resist the urge to enter the cave as soon as possible, flying is the optimal option as it will save both time and energy.

Vietnam Airlines offers flights from Hanoi to Dong Hoi while Vietjet Airs offers flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi on daily basis. Travel time is around one hour for both.

By train

Alternatively, you can board the Reunification Express trains. Because Vietnam has a lengthy S-shape, there are train services from various cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Vinh, etc. to Dong Hoi. Travel time varies with distance from your starting point.

Buses and taxies are available too, offering more route options and flexibility. Prices and travel time also vary with starting destinations and service providers.



From Dong Hoi, you will be transferred to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and then to the trekking point on Road 20 of Ho Chi Minh Highway, by bus. Therefrom, the only vehicle available is your own feet. To reach Son Doong, it will take you around one day to traverse through forests, hills, and rivers so some fitness and endurance are required. Along the way, you will visit an ethnic village called Ban Doong and spend the night in Hang En Cave.

Best time to visit

The best time of the year to visit Son Doong is from February to August. From February to April, the weather is cool and mild, perfectly suitable for trekking in the cave. However, it can be quite cold at night so be prepared to bring along some trekking jackets. From May to August, the weather is often hot and humid, making the expedition more arduous and challenging. From September to January, the cave is closed as the flood also makes it impossible to access to the caves during this time of the year.

Source: http://www.saigoncafetravel.com/tc13/192/223/Son-Doong-Cave

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While visiting Vietnam, chances are that you have HaLong Bay on your “to visit” list. HaLong Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam. The location of the city is prime for featuring the best of Vietnam. Surrounded by thousands of beautifully standing limestone karsts and isles in the middle of water bodies, the area is one that features many other attractions. The name itself means “Bay of Descending Dragons” and the place features just as much culture as the name does. Being an archipelago of over 1500 islands with varying shapes and sizes, some islands have inhabitants while others do not. To access these islands, travellers can travel to the islands via ports that are found in various parts of Vietnam.

And now, explore Halong Bay via the beautiful photos below :) Let's go!

Kayak Halong Bay

Castaway Tour - Hanoi Backpackers at Ha Long Bay

Swimming in Halong Bay

Dinner in Cave Halong Bay

Thien Cung Cave

Why visit one of the world’s 7 wonders?

Uniquely characterized by the topography of karst on the landscape, Ha Long Bay was dubbed in 1994, and is considered as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. The landscape of the karst and the long sea line combine to make a one of a kind place to visit. The natural wonder is a special characterizing feature that make this place different from the rest in Vietnam and in the world. Not only will you get to see the beautiful coastline and thousands of archipelago islands, but you also get to witness one of the world’s natural wonders. This is a truly unique opportunity to explore Vietnam beyond the busy and bustling city into the more tranquil and relaxed village atmosphere and way of life.

While exploring the chain of islands, you have a chance to explore and visit caves of the islands and grottos of the limestone islets. In the caves you get to experience a one of a kind tour of the structure of the limestone natural creations and how they came about first hand. Plus, photos in a limestone cave make a very good and unique memento. One of the attractions is located in Bon Ho island which is centered right in the center of the location. The island features the Grotte des Surprises, or the Cave of Surprises. This cave is a unique exploration that requires a 50 step steep climb the entrance of the cave. Within the cave is indeed a surprise as it is decorated with natural stalagmite and stalactites to make a naturally beautiful and intriguing view.

In addition to having one of the world’s natural wonders, the location features a unique collection of cultures and ways of life. In the midst of thousands of islets are fishing villages. As these villages are dependent on fishing, some spend most of their existence on the waters. One of the things to see is the floating village. This unique collection of boats is the living area for many natives to the area. The population is about 500 people and consisting of around 40 families on the area and because they are surrounded by uncultivatable land, they live on boats so that they have quick access to fishing. The result is a village with a one of a kind way of life and featuring an equally unique culture which you will have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate the culture.

A place you should visit at least once

HaLong Bay is a beautiful destination featuring clear blue waters and surrounded by beautiful colorful culture. The result is a destination one must visit at least once in their life. In the morning, you get to enjoy a beautiful sunrise above the sea and the islets while the gentle wind of Vietnam wakes you up. During the day, you as a visitor have a chance to tour the archipelago by boat tours. This gives you a first hand experience through the natural landscapes and sea life. You can also take a sightseeing tour on the main islands or on the boat. Whichever route you choose for your sightseeing adventure, chances are you will have fun doing it. Enjoy looking through the natural wonder and the natural beauty of the serene landscape as you navigate through the beautiful location.

At night, you have a chance to explore the bustling nightlife of Ha Long. With a number of hotels and bars, this is the perfect way for you to explore what HaLong has to offer at night. One of the most impressive areas to visit is the cave restaurants. These are unique dining options that are set within the unique natural setting of the grottos. At night, this atmosphere comes alive with candle lit lighting and well decorated dining. Enjoy a menu of meals from natives. More often than not, chances are you will dine on fish dishes. These dishes are bound to be delicious and delicious as prepared by well experienced chefs. Dining outdoors in the nice atmosphere beside the soft moving waters in a hidden secluded area is truly a one of a kind experience. Stop by the islands for an entertaining karaoke sing off with friends and natives. The entertainment in Ha Long is a perfect combination of low key excitement without too much stress and crowdedness.

Writing about the beauty of places you visited when traveling to Ha Long Bay

While visiting, take lot of photos and videos and also write. Yes, write. Write about the places you have visited, their atmosphere, how you felt about it and your general take of the visit. As much as photos later remind us of what the place looked like, putting your experiences down on paper is something else entirely that allows you to look back and reflect on how you felt. At the end of the day after your tour and your night time activities, sit back and reflect on the day and write it out on paper. Attach photos to your writing to make a comprehensive record of your traveling adventures. In the long run way after your trip, you will look back to remember what the place looked like and also how you enjoyed the small details that you may have forgotten. And this is the true meaning of travel, keeping every last bit of memory with you.

Welcome you to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam !

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