Natural caves don’t come much larger than Son Doong, which is located close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. This mammoth abyss boasts the largest cross-section of any known cave on the planet, a vast area that is difficult to describe, according to global magazine Timeout.

Natural caves don’t come much larger than Son Doong, which is located close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. Photo: Oxalis Adventures

Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is a subterranean masterpiece that holds not just one but three world records, making it a treasure trove of unparalleled magnificence. This geological marvel is located in the province of Quang Binh, Vietnam, and has been bestowed with UNESCO's World Heritage Site status, adding to its allure and significance. Join us in delving into this enigmatic wonder, uncovering the marvels that have earned it a place among the most extraordinary sites our planet has to offer.

Son Doong is located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a breathtakingly beautiful area of over 2,000 square kilometers, encompassing dense jungles, meandering rivers, and vast underground splendors.

Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is a subterranean masterpiece that holds not just one but three world records, making it a treasure trove of unparalleled magnificence. Photo: Oxalis Adventures

Beyond the marvel of Son Doong itself, the national park is home to an extensive network of over 404 other Vietnamese caves waiting to be explored. Visitors can choose from a variety of cave tours, each catering to different fitness levels and interests. There are also opportunities to go on jungle treks, take boat rides, and connect with local communities.

2 to 5 million years ago, river water flowed through a limestone area buried along a fault and eroded it into a huge underground tunnel, where parts of the ceilings fell to form holes and become Son Doong's cave arch today.

Son Doong was chanced on in 1991 by Ho Khanh, a local looking for a place to take shelter from the rain while going through the forest. However, his role in its discovery did not stop there. When the British Cave Royal Association (BCRA) came to Quang Binh in 2007, he reported his findings and accompanied them in looking for the cave. He could not remember its exact location but continued searching for it on his own. Eventually, he led BCRA's Howard and Deb Limbert to it in 2009.

Son Doong was chanced on in 1991 by Ho Khanh, a local looking for a place to take shelter from the rain while going through the forest. Photo: Oxalis Adventures

Son Doong's sheer size dwarfs almost everything around it! With its impressive length of nearly 9 kilometers and a staggering volume of approximately 38.5 million cubic meters, it rightfully holds the title of the largest cave in the world.

The cave's majestic dimensions continue to astonish, with its highest cave arch reaching an astonishing height of 243,84 meters and its maximum width expanding up to 150 meters. To put this into perspective, imagine fitting a 40-storey building in it and 15,000 Olympic swimming pools!

The enormity of Son Doong is further highlighted when comparing it to other notable caves in the vicinity. For example, En Cave, which is recognized as the third largest cave in the world, is a mere fraction of the size of Son Doong. Son Doong is around 5 times larger than En Cave and surpasses it in every dimension.

The enormity of Son Doong is further highlighted when comparing it to other notable caves in the vicinity. Photo: Oxalis Adventures

The cave's large size and different chambers create diverse microclimates that influence the distribution of organisms and contribute to the overall ecosystem. The varying levels of humidity, temperature, and light provide distinct niches for different forms of life to thrive.

Part of Son Doong's allure comes from the enchanting stalagmite and stalactite system in the cave. Not only is it strikingly beautiful, but it also tells the story of the cave's formation, with droplets of mineral-rich water slowly accumulating over millions of years. With formations reaching 70 to 80 meters high, the stalagmites and stalactites in Son Doong are truly stupendous.

Son Doong is home to lush vegetation and unique flora and fauna. As you traverse the cave’s labyrinth, you will be able to witness nature thriving in some of the most unexpected places. It is both a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, reminding you of the powerful forces of nature and the resilience of life.

Son Doong is home to lush vegetation and unique flora and fauna. Photo: Oxalis Adventures

Visitors often describe the experience of being inside Son Doong as stepping into another world, akin to the landscapes depicted in the movie "Avatar." The ethereal beauty, coupled with the immense size of the cave and the unique features it houses, makes it an otherworldly destination.

Son Doong cave tour is currently considered to be the most expensive and attractive tour in Vietnam with a ticket priced at about VND72 million, equal to US$3,000, per person for a six-day and five-night tour. Each tour is made up of 10 visitors and about 30 supporters serving as cave safety experts, guides, safety assistants, chefs, and rangers, whilst others help to carry luggage, food, and camping equipment.

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