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Best Caving Spots in Vietnam


Vietnam, with its spectacular karst landscapes, is a true paradise for caving enthusiasts. Each cave tells a unique story, offering unforgettable adventures amidst exceptional geological formations.
 
son-doong Son Doong, the world's largest cave - Andrew-Swk for Unsplash

Son Doong

Discovered by Ho Khanh in 1990, but explored and measured by the British-Vietnamese team in 2009, Son Doong is the world's largest natural cave.
Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, it offers a grand spectacle with its interior jungle and unique formations. The expedition, though costly (around 3,000 USD for five days), is an extraordinary experience.

Phong Nha Cave

A jewel of UNESCO World Heritage since 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to Phong Nha Cave.
Here, time seems to stand still, with each stalactite and stalagmite telling a millennia-old story. Light, in a hypnotic ballet, reveals the hidden beauty of the cave, inviting a journey into the depths of the Earth. A guided exploration unveils the first 1,500 meters of this natural sanctuary.
 
thien-duong Hang Thien Duong in Phong Nha-Ka Bang - Mr Linh's Adventures

Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave)

Discovered in 2005 by Ho Khanh, then explored by a British team in 2010, Thien Duong is located in the Bo Trach district, about 60 km north of Dong Hoi city.
With its 31 km of galleries, including 1 km accessible to visitors, Thien Duong is renowned for its rock formations among the most beautiful in Asia. A simple walk is enough to soak in the magic of the place.

Hang Toi (Dark Cave)

Hang Toi, or Dark Cave, is a raw gem of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here, adventure is experienced by the light of the headlamp, in a maze of galleries where water and rock merge. Less explored, it offers an authentic experience, away from the beaten paths. Mud baths invite relaxation, while zip-lining and kayaking promise thrills.
 
hang-hen Hang Hen, the second largest cave in Vietnam - Andrew Svk for Unsplash

Hang En (Cave swiftlets Cave)

Located in the Bo Trach district, near the border with Laos, in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hang En is the second largest cave in Vietnam and the third largest in the world. It opens up to the underground world through three monumental entrances. The largest, an arch 120 meters high and 140 meters wide, sets the tone for this extraordinary exploration. Discovered in 1994, Hang En is a labyrinth of underground rivers and rock formations sculpted by time. A 22 km hike through the jungle is the price to pay to discover this gem, where the spectacle of swallows flying over the place is matched only by the beauty of the site. Camping for a night on the white sandy beach, in the heart of the cave, is an unforgettable experience.
 
tham-phay Tham Phay, formerly Lo Mo Cave - Mr Linh's Adventures

Tham Phay Cave

In the heart of Ba Be National Park (about 200 km north of Hanoi), far from urban hustle, Tham Phay, the "Son Doong of the North," reveals its wonders.
Access, a 4-hour hike through lush nature, is well worth it. But once inside, the spectacle matches the effort: grandiose rock formations, an underground river with crystal-clear waters, and the promise of an unforgettable swim. Tham Phay is an invitation to adventure, a timeless exploration in a wild beauty setting.

Tu Lan Caves

70 km northwest of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Tu Lan Caves form a network of over 20 cavities. Some, bathed by water, invite swimming and rafting, while others, drier, are suitable for climbing and hiking. This exceptional diversity of underground labyrinth offers a range of adventures for every taste.
 
nguom-ngao Tiger Cave in Cao Bang Province - Mr Linh's Adventures

Nguom Ngao (Tiger Cave)

In the Cao Bang province, northeast Vietnam, Nguom Ngao Cave, or Tiger Cave, is a masterpiece of nature. Carved in limestone, it stretches over 2,144 meters, offering a grand spectacle through its three entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon. Its setting, a mountainous and wild landscape, harbors other treasures such as the Ban Gioc Falls and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark.

Some tips for your caving expeditions

  • Train a bit, some caves require good physical condition
  • Don't forget your headlamp, to shine brightly at the bottom of the cavities
  • Trust local guides, they know all the good spots
  • Aim for the dry season, to stay dry (or almost)
  • And above all, leave the cave as beautiful as you found it!

 
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