Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, is widely renowned as the “Cave Kingdom.” Within its emerald-green embrace, a subterranean paradise awaits, with a wealth of caves dotting the landscape, each possessing its unique character and allure.
Whether you are a confident adventurer, a curious traveler, or a lover of natural wonders, the top 10 caves in Phong Nha promise an experience that transcends imagination. From the awe-inspiring grandeur of Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, towards hidden gems like Thuy Cung Cave, each cave possesses its own mystique, with stories etched within ancient walls. Prepare to be mesmerized as we embark on a journey through the top 10 caves in Phong Nha that will truly blow your mind away, offering an extraordinary adventure like no other.
Son Doong Cave
Son Doong Cave, known as the largest cave on Earth, underwent exploration between 2009 and 2010 by the British Cave Research Association (BCRA). Since 2013, the cave’s exploration has been commercialized as research and tourist expeditions by Oxalis Adventure, an esteemed adventure tour operator based in Phong Nha. Under the permission of the Vietnamese government, Oxalis conducts Son Doong Expeditions, welcoming approximately 1000 guests each year.
Son Doong’s claim to fame among the world’s top caves lies in its inexplicably colossal dimensions. Spanning over 5 kilometers in length, with sections towering up to 200 meters in height and 150 meters in width, Son Doong Cave is vast enough to accommodate an entire block of New York City, complete with 40-story skyscrapers. Boasting a total measured volume of 38.5 million cubic meters, it comfortably surpasses Malaysia’s Deer Cave, previously considered the largest. Notably, stalagmites reaching an astounding height of 80 meters have been surveyed, marking a new record in cave exploration. Undoubtedly, visiting and exploring Son Doong Cave is a desired bucket list adventure for enthusiasts of thrilling escapades from all corners of the globe.
Son Doong Cave
Hang En Cave
Hang En, ranked as the world’s third largest cave by volume after Hang Son Doong and Deer Cave in Malaysia, stands as a remarkable showcase of natural splendor. Nestled deep within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hang En has gained global recognition as one of the most breathtaking caverns on our planet. To explore its domains, Oxalis Adventure offers thrilling 2-day-1-night adventures, providing the opportunity to camp inside this expansive cave.
Stretching for nearly 2 kilometers into the karst landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hang En features three entrances, with the largest and most prominent soaring over 120 meters in height and spanning 140 meters in width. Embellished by the dense jungle as its backdrop, the sight of Hang En is truly awe-inspiring and must be witnessed firsthand to be fully appreciated. Within its chambers, which reach heights of 100 meters and widths of 180 meters, the immensity is so extraordinary that even the beams from powerful headlamps struggle to reach the walls’ edges.
Hang En Cave
Pygmy Cave
Pygmy Cave is recognized by the British Cave Research Association (BCRA) as the fourth largest cave in the world. Located within the Tiger Cave system, it offers a stunning trekking route that is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who love exploration and conquering challenges.
The exploration journey of Pygmy Cave began in early 2018, with limited access organized by Jungle Boss. Inside the cave, you’ll find the Kong Collapse, a colossal sinkhole that harbors a pristine forest within its depths. Here, adventurous visitors can seize the opportunity to abseil off the cliffs, capturing unforgettable and breathtaking photographs. Additionally, the cave features a massive 125-meter deep hole called “Massive Attack,” which contains dry limestone wells and diverse cave pearls of various sizes and shapes.
Pygmy Cave is incredibly spacious, with certain sections reaching up to 125 meters wide and 80 meters high. It showcases a wide array of stalactite and stalagmite formations, creating an ever-changing landscape. Camping inside the cave is an experience worth trying when visiting Phong Nha, as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of this natural wonder.
Pygmy Cave
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park owes its name to the renowned Phong Nha Cave. Not only is this cave among the finest in Vietnam, but it also holds immense historical significance and legendary status worldwide. Spanning an impressive length of 7,729 meters, with an underground river stretching 13,969 meters, Phong Nha Cave stands as one of the longest wet caves on the planet. A vast subterranean river system courses through its chambers, while notable dry sections further enhance its allure.
As you embark on a classic tour to explore Phong Nha Cave, a delightful boat ride along the river awaits you, guiding you deep into the heart of this magnificent cave. Drifting along the gentle currents of the river, you will be immersed in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, creating an unforgettable experience. The anticipation builds as you approach the entrance of the cave, ready to uncover its hidden glamour. This seamless combination of natural splendor and the serene boat ride ensures that your journey through Vietnam will be filled with cherished memories.
Phong Nha Cave
Paradise Cave
“Thien Duong Cave,” also known as the “Paradise Cave,” is recognized as one of Vietnam’s premier caves, captivating visitors with its gigantic size, diversity, rarity, and stunning formations. Situated within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the cave has become a wonderful symbol of the region’s charm.
Before the discovery and exploration of Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave held the distinction of being the longest cave in the National Park. However, Paradise Cave, a segment of the extensive 50-km Hang Vom Cave System, has claimed the title of the longest cave in the region, with an impressive 15 kilometers.
Rising 200 meters above sea level, Paradise Cave reaches a height estimated at around 72 meters, with a width of nearly 150 meters. These dimensions alone paint a vivid picture of its colossal proportions. Furthermore, cave researchers, specialists, and experts have conducted meticulous comparisons, leading them to conclude that the limestone formations within Paradise Cave are among the most spectacular ever witnessed.
Paradise Cave
Dark Cave
Dark Cave, locally called “Hang Toi,” stands as a prominent tourist attraction in Phong Nha, drawing visitors from all walks of life with its primitive and exhilarating activities. If you seek a day filled with excitement, adventure, and carefree enjoyment, look no further than the Dark Cave. This vibrant destination in Phong Nha offers a thrilling array of activities, including swimming, kayaking, exploring caves, and experiencing Vietnam’s longest zip line with a length of 400 meters.
The origin of the cave’s name, Dark Cave, becomes evident once you step inside. There are no artificial lights installed within the cave and the rocks within the cave mostly exhibit dark hues, which immerses you in absolute pitch black. Eventually, don’t miss out on the incredible mud bath experience, which not only nourishes your skin but also adds a special element to your visit.
Dark Cave
Hang Ba Cave
Hang Ba is nestled deep within the core of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is approximately 15km from the Laos border. It is surrounded by a pristine natural environment, including aged jungles and centuries-old trees, which are carefully preserved within the park’s three main zones.
Hang Ba has a measured length of over 1km, featuring high ceilings and spacious chambers. Its name, which means “Cave Three” in English, originates from the three large entrances that provide access to the cave. To venture into Hang Ba, visitors must navigate through a pathway that includes an emerald mesmerizing underground river and various challenging obstacles along the way.
In 2022, Hang Ba was introduced as an adventurous ecotourism destination, aiming to maximize the conservation and protection of native wildlife while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Hang Va Cave
Hang Va Cave is celebrated as a true gem among Vietnam’s miraculous caves and holds an esteemed position on the global stage. Its fascination lies in the presence of incredibly rare formations that have captivated the imaginations of explorers and researchers. The proximity of Hang Va to Son Doong Cave suggests a shared connection within.
To enter Hang Va Cave, one must navigate a collapse in the valley floor, descending approximately 15 meters to reach a narrow stream passage. This passage, with an average height and width of 5 meters, leads adventurers into a mesmerizing realm adorned with enchanting wet and dry gours. Within this place, a multitude of conical calcite formations, known as the Tower Cones, are dispersed throughout a passage that expands to an impressive width of about 85 meters. These enigmatic calcite cones, numbering over a hundred, rise mysteriously from the earth, leaving explorers and scientists astounded by their beauty.
Hang Va Cave
Thuy Cung Cave
Thuy Cung Cave in Phong Nha is one of the recently opened caves for tourism. Initially, it was known as Nước Xanh Cave, which translates to “Green Water Cave” in English. The name originated from the turquoise stream of the underground river inside, which holds many unanswered secrets.
On the way to Thuy Cung Cave, visitors will be immersed in the astonishing natural scenery, passing through giant mountains, wading meandering rivers and streams, crossing lush green valleys, and even having the opportunity to encounter various bird species and rare plants listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book. Once inside the cave, explorers can admire its magnificent beauty, resembling an underwater palace with multi-colored stalactites and enigmatic formations.
Currently, Thuy Cung Cave is being developed for exploration tours and available for day trips or overnight stays. If you opt for an overnight tour, you will have the opportunity to camp in the Survival Valley, encompassed by majestic limestone mountains and the rich biodiversity of this world-renowned natural heritage site.
Thuy Cung Cave
Eight Ladies Cave
The Eight Ladies Cave holds a significant place for travelers along 20 Victory Road in Phong Nha, Quang Binh province. Its story is tied to a tragic event during the Second Indochina War.
In 1972, 20 Victory Road was targeted by the enemy during the Vietnam War, resulting in a devastating bombing. In an attempt to find shelter from the imminent danger, eight young volunteers sought refuge inside a cave. Tragically, a massive boulder dislodged due to the powerful explosion, blocking the entrance and leaving them trapped inside. Despite the tireless rescue efforts of people outside over nine days, the volunteers were ultimately presumed deceased. As a testament to their sacrifice, a shrine was built next to the cave, giving rise to its name, the Eight Ladies Cave.
Nowadays, the cave not only stands as a historical site where visitors can pay their respects by lighting incense for the eight young pioneers of the Vietnam People’s Army but also serves as an educational space for those interested in delving deeper into the local history of the area.
Eight Ladies Cave
Phong Nha is calling, ready to be explored and cherished. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage, embark on a journey of a lifetime, and immerse yourself in the magical world of Phong Nha’s caves.
