Asia
Vietnam
Quang Binh Province
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Things to do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Son Doong Cave
See all things to do

Son Doong Cave

See all things to do
See all things to do
Son Doong Cave
5
#2 of 6 things to do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Caverns & Caves
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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About
Son Doong Cave is in the heart of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province. This incredible cave was only explored in 2009/2010 by the British Cave Research Association. Situated in the deep jungle, the entrance to the cave was found by a local jungle man Mr Ho Khanh. Son Doong Cave is now the largest cave in the world and has understandably been the attention of many film companies such as the BBC, National Geographic, Japanese and Brazilian teams. It also featured in National Geographic Magazine in 2011. Son Doong cave is unlike any other caves on the planet. Inside this giant cave are two huge daylight windows which allows the light to enter many parts of the cave. At the base of these windows are large jungles which use the available light and so trees up to 30m tall are present. But Son Doong is not only about its immense size, the cave has amazing examples of some of the best speleothems in the world. Giant stalagmites up to 80m high and enormous rimstone pools are present throughout the cave. There are also excellent examples of giant cave pearls and a newly discovered side passage is full of large fossils over 300 million years old. As well as rare species of plants in the cave a number of new species of animals have recently been discovered. Monkeys, hornbills and flying foxes have all been seen in the jungle section of the caves.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
150 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
3
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Tam N
5 contributions
Amazing once in the lifetime experience
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Once in the lifetime experience. The whole trip was incredible. The staff at Oxalis were all so helpful and caring. They took great care of us, and made sure we enjoy our experience. When I first book the tour, I thought the price is a little too expensive, but that thought changed after I attended the tour. I finally understood how much it takes to keep the caves pristine, and the efforts of all the staff to bring in all the tents, cooking equipment, safety equipment to these remote locations to serve us. Now let’s talk about the caves. Both Hang En and Hang Son Doong are stunning and amazing in their own ways. I enjoyed swimming through some parts of the caves, and I love love love our camping spots. It is straight out of a fairy tale. Overall, this is the kind of experience you have to try at least once in your life.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passenger705341
San Jose, CA84 contributions
No Cakewalk
Mar. 2023 • Solo
First I am 74 and slightly over weight. 3 years of Covid restrictions left me no gym, no pools, limited places to go and restrictions on dining at restaurants. I was much weaker than I was pre Covid.

I should have realized that no one in my group was over 40. The climb to the cave is very demanding and then you are walking over wet uneven ground in plastic shower shoes that they provide. The group and porters were encouraging and so helpful getting me through the narrow slippery passages. They all applauded me when I completed the trek butI would warn anyone over 50 to be prepared for an arduous journey. My feet and toes were torn up and the effort made it so painful for my back and legs that the next days of my journey were spent in pain which I still have today after my return home.

I have done cave exploration in, France, China and the USA but I warn you. It is no cakewalk and if I had the choice again I would not do it. It is my own fault and will recommend it for young, fit individuals.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KMc-NM
C347 contributions
Experience of a lifetime
Feb. 2023
Hands down, it's the most exiting, challenging, and stunningly beautiful adventure ever. Think of a superlative, and it describes Son Doong. The largest cave in the world. The tallest stalagmites. The most rigorous climbing. The highest trees in a cave. The most unusual camp sites. We hiked in the slippery mud of the jungle, scrambled over huge boulders, gingerly walked over spiky rocks, slogged through streams and rivers (ankle to thigh high), marched up and down steep slopes, climbed the "Great Wall of Vietnam," and smiled through all of it.

Were we a bit apprehensive and worried that our physical agility might not be up to par? You bet. We trained (hiking, exercising, working with a personal trainer, hitting a local climbing wall) a lot. We made it out, we did it, and we have the photos to prove it. It was (and is) a huge sense of accomplishment.

The Oxalis team is the best. They are superbly trained, and their equipment is top notch. The safety expert and 6 assistants are ready to help at every difficult moment -- in the mud, through the rivers, over the rocks, on the ropes. The porters carry most everything from our clothing and toiletries to the food and tents. The chefs prepare exquisite meals, the best we had in our 3+ weeks in Vietnam (and that's a high compliment, as we ate well all the time). The tents are a good size, especially those for couples. The 2" mattress, pillows and sleeping bags made it comfortable. The compostable toilets and changing rooms at the campsites were immaculate (and there are toilets at lunch sites, too). We even had sauna tents at 2 campsites, a luxury!

The bungalow accommodations before the tour were basic, but very clean and comfortable. We appreciated having bikes so we could ride around the area the day before. The farmstay at the end was almost luxurious, and we loved the massages, laundry service (much needed, fast and reasonable), and the bicycles there.

The cost is NOT high (as some suggest). It's more than reasonable for the services and experience provided. Don't waiver. Do it. It's well worth the effort and cost. Just make sure to get ready for the physical challenges you'll face.

We give Oxalis and its 4-day Son Doong adventure the highest recommendation possible.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duckviiet
1 contribution
a journey to Son Doòng
Aug. 2021
It's one of the most beautiful landscape in the world. The cave contains some of the tallest known stalagmites in the world, which are up to 70 m tall. Behind the Great Wall of Vietnam were found cave pearls the size of baseballs, an abnormally large size .The cave's interior is so large that it could fit an entire New York block inside, including skyscrapers, or could have a Boeing 747 fly through it without its wings touching either side.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaiLien Pham
15 contributions
An amazing cave!
Aug. 2020
An amazing cave! It is so beautiful, mystic and pure. I saw a variety of ancient fossils, stalagmites, animals, plants... Huge is not enough. It is magnificent and touched!!!
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SKV
3 contributions
The most intense adventure of my lifetime
Mar. 2020 • Couples
Everything we expected and more. The caves and jungle are out of this world. Every minute was an experience to remember, each day was unique and delightful on its own. This was a tour full of different challenges and beauty, I was able to take in and enjoy the four days my own way and my husband his own way. The feeling of safety was not a question, there are expert tour guides in front and at the back of you at all times. The guides were the best at what they are there for( your safety). They were extremely caring and professional. We felt honored to have Dr. Howard Limbert and Heiu on the tour. Don’t think there’s anything out there that will top this once in a life time experience, thank you Oxalis adventure.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David_Tu_Nguyen
Hanoi, Vietnam67 contributions
amazing cave !
Feb. 2020
I love this cave very much! Have a great chance to enjoy the landscape from the boat along the river!
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trang B
1 contribution
JUST DO IT!!!
Feb. 2020 • Friends
There are no words for the awe and majesty of son doong. I came in with high expectations and the entire experience set the bar even higher. Having “the” Howard as our tour guide already had me geeking out from sheer fandom alone. Then add on top of that the ABSOLUTELY AMAZING team of the local support staff lead by Canh. Your safely is their utmost priority but they were all so warm and kind and funny that by the end of the 4 days, it felt like saying goodbye to my new family. If you have room in your backpack, bring soccer balls, kites, and any other kid friendly items to give to the villagers who live in the national park. Oxalis has done a brilliant job of supporting the entire region through their philosophy of giving a hand up so that the locals can have more opportunities for their own betterment. Although the cost is very daunting, if you can swing it, DO IT!!!! It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rainey
Arizona1 contribution
Wonderful tour
Feb. 2020 • Friends
Our tour guide, Canh, was phenomenal. We spent 4 days with him and the porters. Canh was playful, happy and helped you get integrated and see the Vietnamese culture (if you were interested).
The cave was interesting and each day was different even though you were in the same cave. Howard was very mindful and allowed for great opportunities to take photos.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SlimSha
Camarillo, CA1 contribution
Best hike by far!
Feb. 2020 • Friends
I have hiked many places in the world but this by far was the best hike I have ever done. The staff and crew were amazing. They were there for us every step of the way. I always felt safe. The food was delicious! We ate 3 meals a day and there was plenty of food for everyone. Canh our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny. He had us laughing the entire hike. I would recommend this trip to anyone who doesn’t mind hiking thru the jungle and getting dirty.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Son Doong Cave: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Son Doong Cave
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  • Sun - Sat 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
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