Buzz
For travelers who love adventure and are constantly on the lookout for new experiences to push their limits, Sơn Đoòng Cave is truly a dream destination. Whether you've already had the chance to explore this iconic site or not, join Mytour as we uncover fascinating details about Sơn Đoòng and share valuable travel tips in the article below.
Where is Sơn Đoòng Cave? How can you get to Sơn Đoòng?
Sơn Đoòng Cave is part of the Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng cave system, located in Sơn Trạch commune, Bố Trạch district, Quảng Bình province. This famous cave has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
According to recorded data, Sơn Đoòng Cave formed around 2 to 5 million years ago when river waters flowed through the limestone region, which was buried along a fault line. The water eroded the area, creating a massive underground tunnel beneath the mountain range. In areas with softer rock, the ceiling collapsed, creating pits, and over time, these evolved into colossal cave arches.
It is estimated that Sơn Đoòng Cave contains 38.5 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 15,000 Olympic swimming pools.
According to travelers who have visited Sơn Đoòng, the cave's terrain is quite challenging, so it's not possible to visit on your own. You must arrange your trip through a travel agency. The only authorized agency for tours is Oxalis, based in Phong Nha village, Sơn Trạch commune, Bố Trạch district, Quảng Bình province.
Of course, to reach Sơn Đoòng, the first thing you'll need to do is book a flight to Quảng Bình, especially if you’re traveling from distant cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Sơn Đoòng Cave has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
When is the best season to visit Sơn Đoòng Cave?
The ideal time to explore Sơn Đoòng Cave is from April to August. This period is favored for its dry weather and low rainfall, making it perfect for trekking activities in the cave.
Visitors typically spend around 7 days and 6 nights exploring the Sơn Đoòng Cave and the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. It's important to note that the cost for a tour to Sơn Đoòng is quite expensive, priced at approximately 3,000 USD, or nearly 65 million Vietnamese dong.
What awaits inside the Sơn Đoòng cave?
Your thrilling adventure begins with a ride provided by the tour company to kilometer 39 on the Ho Chi Minh Road, West branch. From there, you will hike down into the Đoòng Valley, passing through the village of the Vân Kiều ethnic group, where you will enjoy a lunch break. Afterward, you will follow the Rào Thương stream leading to the Én Cave. You will rest overnight at the Én Cave and the next morning, you'll be ready to embark on an exciting exploration of the Sơn Đoòng cave.
As you venture deeper into the cave, you will witness its vastness and be awestruck by the mesmerizing wonders within. The cave is adorned with impressive stalactites, an untouched primeval forest, monumental fossil corridors, and towering stalagmite columns reaching heights of nearly 70 meters. Remarkably, large jade-like formations can be found here, and there's even an underground river flowing through the cave. Scattered throughout the cave, you will also find coral fossils and ancient animal skeletons.
Due to its enormous size, the Sơn Đoòng cave holds the title of the largest natural cave in the world. It also offers a completely unique atmosphere, completely cut off from the outside world.
Inside the Sơn Đoòng Cave
What do you need to prepare for your Sơn Đoòng cave exploration?
Preparing for Physical Fitness
In order to participate in the Son Doong cave exploration tour, the most crucial requirement for you is your physical fitness. It’s not just about having enough stamina to join the tour, but also about whether your health allows you to take part in it. When booking the tour, medical experts will assess your health condition with a series of questions and a physical check-up.
Starting 3 to 6 months before the trip, you should begin training with exercises to improve your health. This includes walking 10km in one day, and it’s not just a walk on flat ground—you’ll need to cross at least one hill 200-300cm high. If you’re in a city with no hills, you can practice this exercise by climbing a three-story staircase continuously, without catching your breath, without taking a break, and aiming to complete about 15 repetitions per day.
Two days before the trip, experts will assist you in practicing essential basic forest skills that are required for the journey.
During the cave exploration tour, participants will be guided through the stunning and mysterious cavern landscapes.
The tour group will have designated members responsible for carrying food and vegetables for cooking meals for everyone. There will also be individuals tasked with handling the guests' luggage, so all you need to bring is a small backpack containing your camera, a water bottle, and personal items like toothpaste and a toothbrush.
You must strictly adhere to the regulations and instructions provided by the experts and tour leaders to avoid any unfortunate mistakes or risks. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask the responsible individuals for assistance and avoid making decisions or taking actions independently.
The Sơn Đoòng tour demands a high level of physical fitness and health
Is it difficult to register for the Sơn Đoòng tour?
It is known that each Sơn Đoòng tour allows a maximum of 10 guests to ensure safety and the preservation of the cave. For every group of 10 tourists, there will be 22 porters carrying luggage and food throughout the journey, 5 safety assistants supporting guests during the tour, an international tour guide, a British cave expert, two chefs, and a ranger.
In addition to the expenses for the team mentioned above, the tour price also includes costs for airport transfers, hotel accommodations, meals before and after the tour, as well as other operational and administrative fees.
It can be said that the Sơn Đoòng tour is one of the most expensive travel experiences in the world. However, even with ample financial resources, securing a spot on the tour is not guaranteed. The tour operates only from January to August each year. To book this tour, tourists need to reserve at least one year in advance, or even longer.
A pricey adventure that may come with many challenges, but remains one of the most sought-after tours worldwide. There are still many travelers waiting in line to successfully register because the rewards you’ll receive are truly invaluable.
If you’re passionate about adventure and eager to test your limits, don’t hesitate to build your physical strength and sign up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For information about flight schedules, ticket prices, or to book your flight, please contact our hotline at 1900 2083. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with quick and efficient support.
T.Ba, 23rd August 2022, 14:30
