Son Doong Cave (Hang Son Doong) in Central Vietnam is recognized as the world’s largest cave by UNESCO. This cave is famous worldwide for its enormous size, wide area, diverse flora and fauna, and rare animals.
So, what are other special things about it? In this article, we will explain all the most amazing things about Son Doong Cave. Let’s scroll down to find out!
Where Is Son Doong Cave Located?
Son Doong Cave belongs to the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the north part of Central Vietnam. The specific address of this cave on the map is G4WV+QHH, Xuan Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh province, Vietnam. This province lies in the middle of Danang and Hanoi.
Here is the distance between Son Doong Cave and the 3 biggest cities in Vietnam:
- Son Doong – Hanoi: 241.1 miles
- Son Doong – Ho Chi Minh: 461.7 miles
- Son Doong – Danang: 164.0 miles
Is Son Doong Cave Open To The Public?
The first discovery of the Son Doong Cave entrance was on December 10th, 1990, by Ho Khanh – a forest man in Phong Nha Ke Bang. However, this cave was explored for the very first time in 2009, by Howard Limbert – a member of the BCRA (the British Caving Association).
The cave was not open to the public before 2013, due to its dangerous terrain and environmental sensitivity area. At the moment, the Quang Binh Government only permits a small number of 1000 visitors every year, divided into various tours. The number of tourists on each tour should be around 10.
How Old & How Big?
How Old Is Son Doong Cave?
It is said that Hang Son Doong existed 2 – 5 million years ago. The limestone in this cave is about 3 million years old. There are 2 skylights, where the sunlight can get inside the cave to form and develop Phytokarst, plants, and trees.
How Big Is Son Doong Cave?
As the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong has an impressive volume of 1.35 billion cubic feet (38.5 million cubic meters). The length of this cave is more than 5.6 miles, while the height is 660 feet and the width is around 490 feet.
In the middle of the year 2019, the explorers found that Son Doong Cave links to its underground river and Hang Thung Cave. This exploration has changed the data on the cave size. As the previous volume must be added to about 57 million cubic feet (16 thousand cubic meters).
Now, Son Doong consists of the world’s tallest stalagmites, which are 230 feet (70 meters).
What Is Special About The Son Doong Cave?
Son Doong Cave is not only special for the title: “the world’s largest cave”, but also for its beautiful natural environment. The natural scene here is as wonderful as in many famous spots around the globe, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Mt. Everest, and the Grand Canyon.
As the inside is so splendid and grandeur, many visitors have named Hang Son Doong the Great Wall of Vietnam. On the other hand, the cave contains an intact jungle with diverse flora and fauna. Before the natural beauty of this jungle, many cave experts called Hang Son Doong the Home of the Garden of Eden.
At the moment, the cave has not been fully expedited yet. But visitors still need about 4 days and 3 nights to explore the cave.
During the exploration, tourists may catch up with some underground animals:
- Common animals: birds, rats, snakes, and monkeys.
- Rare animals living here, such as squirrels and flying foxes.
- Eyeless creatures: shrimps, spiders, fish, scorpion
And amazingly, the cave experts have even found 7 new species of eyeless creatures.
As the cave is not open widely to the public, you may not expect modern services or beautiful roads inside it. That’s why the tour of visiting Hang Son Doong is only recommended to adventurous travelers.
How To Get To Son Doong Cave
As mentioned, Son Doong Cave is located in the center of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. After entering this park, you will have to go through the village of Ban Doong ethnic minority on foot. Visitors can not use vehicles to get to the cave, as there are dense jungles surrounding it.
How to get to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park? Assuming that you are in Dong Hoi, there are 3 options for you to move to the park.
- By motorbike: You can rent a motorbike for $7 – $10 per day. Turn on Google Map and it will show you the way from your location to the park.
- By bus: This is the most affordable way to move from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. The ticket price is about $2.5 for a single person. The schedule of buses is from 5:00 to 17:00.
- By taxi: This is the most convenient way, as the taxi picks you up at your location and goes directly to Phong Nha. However, the cost may be high (about $17)
From Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh city, you will have to get to Dong Hoi first. There are many means of transportation for you to choose from.
+ Hanoi to Dong Hoi
- By plane: 2 hours 54 minutes
- By bus: 8 hours
- By train: 10 hours 56 minutes
- By car: 6 hours 38 minutes
+ Danang to Dong Hoi
- By bus: 6 hours 59 minutes
- By train: 5 hours 55 minutes
- By car: 3 hours 49 minutes
+ Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi
- By plane: 2 hours 52 minutes
- By bus: 27 hours 5 minutes
- By train: 25 hours 14 minutes
- By car: 15 hours 30 minutes
Son Doong Cave Entrance Fee & Other Costs
The entrance fee for Son Doong Cave is $390 per person. In addition to the cost, a visitor has to pay a price of $210 for forest environment services.
But what makes a tour to this cave cost $3000? Although a tour contains 10 tourists, these 10 people need about 30 supporters to serve them. These 30 professionals include:
- 22 porters: they carry luggage and food for the entire adventure
- 5 assistants: they make sure of your safety during the trip
- 1 international guide: he/she does the translation for the entire visiting team
- 1 cave expert: this person understands the terrain inside the cave to show you the way
- 2 chefs: they cook meals during your 4-day-3-night tour
- 1 ranger: he makes sure that no one destroys the forest environment
The $3000 includes the entrance fee, forest environment services, and salaries for all the 30 supporters.
Final Thoughts
Now you understand why Son Doong Cave is so special. With an impressive volume, huge limestone formations, ancient fossils, rare animals and a wonderful natural environment, this cave will give you an unforgettable experience. If you are the adventurous type and your budget allows, don’t hesitate to register for a tour of the world’s largest cave!
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