Son Doong Cave

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.

Contents

About Son Doong Cave
How To Get There
Best Time To Visit
Useful Information

About Son Doong Cave

Discovered in 2009, Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh, Vietnam, remains the largest cave known to humanity as of 2025.

This remarkable natural wonder excels in every respect. The cave stretches approximately 9 kilometers in length, with its largest chamber measuring 200 meters wide and 150 meters high. In terms of scale, Son Doong could comfortably accommodate an entire city, including New York City's 40-story skyscrapers, or even allow a Boeing 747 to fly through its vast spaces. It is twice as large as its nearest competitor, Deer Cave in Malaysia. The stalagmites in Son Doong are also among the tallest in the world, with some reaching over 70 meters in height.

Photo by @vietnam_places

Not only is Son Doong exceptional in size, but it has also been recognized by various international media outlets as one of the most beautiful caves in the world. Those familiar with James Cameron’s film Avatar may find Son Doong reminiscent of the breathtaking landscapes on Planet Pandora. Untouched by humans and remarkably vast, Son Doong features its own river, jungle, and even climate. The significant temperature difference between the cave’s interior and the outside world creates ethereal mists, resulting in a surreal and enchanting atmosphere.

Son Doong was initially encountered by a local lumberjack named Ho Khanh. Although the British Cave Research Association officially announced its discovery in 2009, Ho Khanh first stumbled upon the cave in 1991 during a logging expedition. At that time, he was unaware that he had discovered the largest cave on Earth. The mysterious winds emanating from the cave frightened him, as he believed them to be creatures from local folklore.

Commercial expeditions to Son Doong began in 2013, and since then, the cave has drawn countless adventurers eager to experience the extraordinary journey within the Earth's largest cavern.

Photo by @vietnam_places

How To Get There

Son Doong is located in Son Trach, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. As of 2025, there are no paved roads leading directly to the cave, making the journey an adventure in itself. Expect to walk approximately 10 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh Highway into the dense tropical forest of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which takes around 6 hours to reach the cave’s entrance.

By Air

The closest airport is Dong Hoi Airport in the capital city of Dong Hoi, Quang Binh Province. Adventurers looking to reach the cave quickly will find that flying is the most efficient option. Flights operated by Vietnam Airlines connect Hanoi to Dong Hoi, while Vietjet Air provides daily service from Ho Chi Minh City. The flight duration for both routes is about one hour.

By Train

Alternatively, you can take the Reunification Express train services, which connect several cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, and Vinh to Dong Hoi. Travel times vary based on your starting location.

For further convenience, buses and taxis are readily available, offering additional flexibility in travel options. Prices and travel times will depend on your chosen service provider and departure point.

Photo by @samson.says

After arriving in Dong Hoi, you will be transferred to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and then to the trekking starting point along Road 20 of Ho Chi Minh Highway via bus. From there, the journey to Son Doong requires trekking through forests, hills, and rivers, which usually takes around one day. Some level of fitness and endurance is essential. Along the route, you will visit an ethnic village known as Ban Doong and have the option to spend the night in Hang En Cave.

Best Time To Visit

The ideal time to visit Son Doong is from February to August. From February to April, the weather is typically cool and mild, which is perfect for trekking. However, nighttime temperatures can drop, so packing a warm trekking jacket is advisable. May to August often sees hotter and more humid conditions, making excursions more physically demanding. The cave is closed from September to January due to flooding, rendering it inaccessible during this time.