Vietnam's Caves
Vietnam made headlines in 2012 when the largest cave passage in the world, Son Doong, was finally explored by caving experts. But caves large and small throughout the country have been studied, used as hideouts, and transformed into alters. The following are some of the most spectacular examples of Vietnam’s incredible cave systems.
8 Vietnam's Caves
The places our local insiders recommend most come first.
Son Doong Cave
Phong Nha National Park has enormous caves, including the largest-known cave on the planet, Son Doong Cave. Discovered in 1991, by a local who dared not venture inside, the cave wasn’t fully explored until 20 years later. At more than 3 miles (5 km) long, 656 feet (200 m) high and 49 feet (15 m) wide, it is the largest known cave passage in the world.
Destination
Thien Duong Cave
Wandering through the vast caverns of Thien Duong Cave, it isn’t difficult to see how it earned the moniker of “Paradise Cave.” Unique stalactites and stalagmites embellish every surface in a rainbow of hues, some gigantic and some tiny. Complicated towers reach up to the ceiling and rimstone pools form terraces along the cave floor. Thien Duong Cave is a true marvel of nature.
Destination
Tam Coc Bich Dong
One of the highlights of visiting beautiful Ninh Binh is to take a boat ride along the slow-moving rivers that cut through the iconic jungle-clad mountains. There are a few options for enjoying the foot peddled journey, and one of the most popular is along the Ngo Dong River, through the Tam Coc river caves.
Destination
Thien Cung cave
Each of the caves surrounding Halong Bay has its own creative nickname, and Thien Cung Cave has taken the celestial title of Heaven Cave. It isn’t hard to see why. Cave exploration is an integral part of a visit to the unique limestone karsts of Halong Bay and Thien Cung Cave is certainly one of the most impressive.
Destination
Trang An
Trang An Cave System is a series of 9 caves that you can paddle through on a boating trip down Sao Khe River. This is one of the many limestone formations that make Ninh Binh’s scenery so memorable. Enormous karst formations rise on either side of the river, and scenic rice paddies sprout along the banks.
Destination
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is the most popular of over 300 caves and grottoes permeating the rugged landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was first discovered in the 16th century by local Cham people and was the first cave to be opened to tourists in 1995. Its magical river entrance, dripping stalactite ceilings and historic importance during the Vietnam War have enchanted visitors ever since.
Destination
Sung sot
Dubbed the most famous cave in Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave also goes by another name: Surprise Cave. In fact, Sung Sot is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Located 98 feet (30 m) above the glistening emerald waters of the bay, the views both inside and outside the cave are mesmerizing.
Destination
Tu Lan Cave
The Tu Lan Cave system is an intricate web of 10 caves amidst dense jungle, rocky mountain slopes, and underground rivers. A journey here is an epic adventure into Vietnam’s wild interior, far off the beaten path.
Destination
Vietnam's Caves itineraries from local insiders
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Our favourite country so far, 2nd time going. The food is amazing, the history and culture are vibrant and fabulous to participate in, and the people are so warm, friendly, kind and welcoming. It’s inexpensive but top quality and everywhere you go, you are welcomed. They work hard to help you and are open to learning English and happy to work with you via translate apps etc to accommodate anything from ordering food, to paying for items, to directions to places. Every menu had photos and moat things have English descriptions too. English is widely spoken too. There’s so much to see and do in the country that there’s something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in.
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