Where is the biggest cave in the world?

Asian countries are leaders in most fields, such as the tallest tower in the world, the highest peak in the world, etc., the most interesting thing is that even the largest cave in the world is located in Vietnam, one of the oldest and most beautiful Asian countries. This amazing cave was discovered in 1990 by Ho Khan – the forest man of Phong Nha and was named “Nam Son Dong, the largest natural limestone cave on the planet” after the approval of senior geologists in the National Geographic magazine. In 2013, Son Dong Cave was able to register its name in the Guinness Book of World Records, beating all its competitors. This article will give you more knowledge about the cave and its exploration.

A general look at Sun Dong; The largest cave in the world

In the following, we will get to know the story of the discovery or the exact location of this amazing natural phenomenon with a general look at Son Dong cave:

Where is Son Dong Cave?

Son Dong Cave as the largest cave in the world in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park; It is a beautiful and stunning area with an area of ​​more than 2000 square kilometers, including dense forests, winding rivers, vast underground layers.

This national park has more than 404 other caves waiting to be discovered. Visitors can choose from a variety of cave tours, each tailored to the fitness and interests of tourists. Also in Phong Nha – Ke Bang there are opportunities for jungle trekking, boating and communication with local tribes.

How was Son Dong cave discovered as the world’s largest cave in Vietnam?

The history of the cave: 2 to 5 million years ago, river water flowed through an area of ​​limestone buried along a fault, widening it into a massive underground tunnel where parts of the roof caved in and became vaults. Son Dong cave.

The story of the discovery of the cave: Sun Dong was discovered in 1991 by Hu Khan, a local who was looking for a place to shelter from the rain while passing through the forest. But his role in discovering it did not end there! When the British Royal Caving Association (BCRA) came to Quang Binh in 2007, he reported his findings and accompanied them to search the cave. He couldn’t remember its exact location, but he continued to search for it himself, eventually leading BCRA’s Howard and Deb Limbert to the cave in 2009.

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How big is Son Dong cave?

Son Dong is so big that any cave looks small in comparison! With a length of nearly 9 kilometers and a staggering volume of approximately 38.5 million cubic meters, this cave has the rightful title of the largest cave in the world.

The dimensions obtained from different parts of the cave are amazing. The highest arch of the cave is 24384 meters high and 150 meters wide. To understand these dimensions, you can imagine a 40-story building in which there are 15,000 Olympic swimming pools!

The greatness of Son Dong is better understood compared to other big caves in the world. For example, En Cave, which is known as the third largest cave in the world, is only a fraction of the size of Son Dong, and this cave is about 5 times bigger than En Cave.

Unique features of Son Dong Cave

But what really distinguishes Sundong and turns it into a global super cave is not only its size, but the hidden world that lies inside it!

Unique microclimates in Son Dong: The large size of the cave and its different sections create diverse microclimates that affect the distribution of organisms and contribute to the overall ecosystem. The different levels of humidity, temperature and light in the world’s largest cave provide specific grounds for the growth of different life forms.

Massive stalagmites and stalactites: Part of Son Dong’s charm comes from the enchanting stalagmite and stalactite system in the cave. Not only is the cave strikingly beautiful, but the mineral-rich water droplets that have slowly accumulated over millions of years tell the story of the cave’s formation. The stalagmites and stalactites in Son Dong are truly amazing with a height of 70-80 meters.

A diverse and breathtaking ecosystem: Son Dong is a habitat of lush vegetation and unique flora and fauna. As you make your way through the labyrinth of the cave, you can see nature flourish in some of the most unexpected places. Walking through the cave is an inspiring experience that reminds you of the powerful forces of nature and the resilience of life.

Visitors often describe the experience of being in Son Dong as stepping into another world, similar to the scenery depicted in the movie “Avatar”. The ethereal beauty, together with the unique size of the cave and its unique features, has made the cave one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam.

Son Dong Cave in Vietnam records as the largest cave in the world

Son Dong Cave in Vietnam has an impressive collection of world records, making it a world-renowned destination.

Guinness World Records: On April 30, 2013, Son Dong Cave was officially confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest cave in the world.

World Records Association: In addition to the Guinness World Records, Son Dong was recognized by the World Records Association as the largest cave on Earth. These titles have increased its importance at the international level.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sun Dong’s exceptional geological and environmental value led to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2003, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, which hosts Son Dong, was also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Sun Dong records

2014: The New York Times introduced Son Dong Cave as one of the 52 most attractive tourist destinations in the world.

2015: Images of Seindong Cave were broadcast live on ABC News and its beauty was shown to the global audience of the program.

2015: National Geographic gave a glimpse of different parts of Son Dong through a series of 360-degree photos.

2019: DJ Alan Walker chose Son Dong as the backdrop for his YouTube million-selling music video, “Alone P.II.”

2020: Business Insider named Sun Dong as one of the top 20 natural wonders of the world.

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5 natural wonders in Son Dong Cave that you must see

Don’t miss these 5 natural wonders when visiting Son Dong as the largest cave in the world:

1- Omid crossing in Son Dong

It is an overpass with a length of approximately 1.5 km and has a large arch that has enough space for a Boeing 747 to fly. Among the countless amazing sights of the pass, two stand out above the rest, the first being the “Dog’s Hand”, a towering stalagmite that reaches 60 meters in height. The second stalagmite is the tallest stalagmite in the world, boasting a height of almost 80 meters.

2- Underground river

Another remarkable feature of Sun Dong cave is the underground river, which is formed by the convergence of water from two other caves, named An and Kheri caves. You have to cross this river to reach Omid Passage mentioned in the previous paragraph.

3- Sinkholes

Son Dong cave has two prominent sinkholes:

• Doline1 (“Dinosaur Care”): This area consists of a collapsed roof, is translucent and opens to the outside. Its height reaches 450 meters from the bottom of the cave. On sunny days between January and March, a fascinating phenomenon occurs involving the sun’s rays passing through the skylight and penetrating deep into the cave, illuminating the passageways.
• Doline 2 (“Garden of Adam”): About one kilometer from Doline 1, visitors will be surprised to see a forest that has grown 200 meters deep inside the cave. Thanks to the window that lets in the sunlight, there are various microclimates in this area.

4- The natural “Great Wall” of Vietnam

Here is the highest calcite flow stone among the many walls of the Sun Dong skyscraper. It reaches almost 100 meters in height and is still recognized as an impressive natural masterpiece. When the “Great Wall of Vietnam” was first discovered, it took a British-Vietnamese caving team two days to uncover all its sections using drills, anchors and specialized climbing techniques. Cave explorers Garrett Sewell (Sweeney) and Howard Clarke (Clarkey) were the first to reach the summit and discover the passage.

5- Amazing pearls of the cave

Another unique sight inside Son Dong, as the world’s largest cave, is the cave pearls. These are shiny formations formed from the concentration of calcium salts in the water that drips from the ceiling to the floor of the cave. Cave pearls are seen in various sizes from small to relatively large and their smooth surfaces show them like precious jewels scattered on the cave floor.

Guide to visiting Sun Dong Cave

In the following, we provide you with general information for visiting this amazing cave:

How to go to Son Dong cave?

Access to Son Dong entrance is possible from Son Trach city, which is located 50 km north of Dong Hoi city. But you can enter the cave only through Son Dong tour. This tour provides transportation from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha in a 40-minute ride.

When is the best time to visit Son Dong Cave?

You can take a Son Dong Cave Tour anytime between January and August:

• January to March: The weather is a bit cold but not foggy, so you can fully see the majesty inside the world’s largest cave and capture all the moments on your camera.
• April to May: At this time, the sunlight is mild and there is little rainfall. So you can walk without worrying about the weather.
• June to August: It gets warmer during this time, however you can still enjoy exploring the cave.

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Everything you need to know about Son Dong Cave Tour

• The only tour operator licensed to take visitors to Son Dong is Oxalis Adventure. This tour lasts 4 nights and 5 days and costs just over 73,000,000 VND, making it the most expensive tour in Vietnam.
• The fee covers a technical advisor, a guide, a team of safety assistants, accommodation, food and equipment.
• Tours are available from January to August, but there is a registration limit each year. In order to have a chance to see this amazing cave, you must register very early.
• Son Dong Tour is a challenging trekking trip where you cross rivers and walk on rocky terrain. Therefore, you must have a certain level of physical fitness to enjoy the trip. Also note that you must be at least 18 years old.

Tips for visiting Son Dong Cave in Quang Binh

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time exploring the world’s largest cave, don’t forget to bring the following:

• Hiking clothes: These clothes should be light, quick drying and not too thin. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to protect yourself from branches, insect bites, etc.
• Hiking shoes and socks: You need a good pair of hiking shoes to move comfortably and safely through mixed terrain. Shoes with uneven soles that drain easily are the best option for you. Your socks should be thick but breathable and reach your calves. Carry at least 4 to 5 pairs to change if needed.
• Backpack: You will need a backpack to carry the helmet and headlamp that Oxalis gave you.
• Camping Clothes: Consider shorts and a shirt for camping comfort, unless you’re coming in the colder months. If you’re traveling between December and March, bring long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Camping Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, and foot drying powder are things you should bring to have the best experience in Son Doong. You should also bring wet wipes and dry shampoo, as there are no bathroom facilities near the campsite.

final word

Home to towering stalagmites, underground rivers and even a forest with exotic wildlife, Son Dong offers a unique opportunity for nature lovers to discover the beauty of nature. As the world’s largest cave, this amazing natural phenomenon is an underground masterpiece that holds not only one but three world records and has become a magnificent treasure. Song Don Cave is located in Quang Bin province of Vietnam and its name is registered as a natural phenomenon in the UNESCO world heritage.