VN · Quang Tri · 17.46°N 106.29°E
son doong cave
The world's largest cave, with its own jungle and clouds inside.
- Best time
- Expeditions run in the drier months, roughly January to August. The cave closes during the autumn flood season, and trips sell out many months ahead.
- How long
- 4 days, 3 nights for the expedition, plus travel
- Getting there
- Fly from KL to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then a domestic flight to Dong Hoi and about an hour by road to Phong Nha town. Trains and buses from Hue to Dong Hoi take about 3–4 hours.
son doong cave
Dear group chat,The world's largest cave, with its own jungle and clouds inside.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSon Doong CaveVN, Quang Tri
Photo: Linhcandng (thảo luận) · CC BY-SA 3.0 Photo: Dave Bunnell · CC BY-SA 4.0 Photo: Dave Bunnell · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.
The largest cave passage on earth, in Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park near the Laos border. It is big enough to hold its own jungle and weather, and getting inside means a multi-day expedition with the licensed operator, not a casual stop.
Things to do
- Son Doong expeditionJungle trekking, river crossings and camping inside the cave, with guides and porters.Map ↗
- Hang EnA huge cave on the way to Son Doong. Shorter overnight trips also camp here.Map ↗
- Paradise CaveA dry cave with boardwalks past giant formations, open to all visitors.Map ↗
- Phong Nha CaveReached by boat along the river, gliding straight into the cave mouth.Map ↗
- Dark CaveZipline in, then wade through the dark to a mud pool.Map ↗
Good to know
- Only one operator, Oxalis Adventure, is licensed to run Son Doong trips, and places each year are limited. Book with them directly and well ahead.
- You need good fitness for long, wet, muddy treks and some climbing. Train beforehand.
- It's an expensive trip. Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave give you a taste for much less.
Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.