Son Doong has become one of the hottest places in Vietnam since 2014. Since Hang Son Doong is known by many domestic and international friends, it has become one of the most popular attractive destinations for those who love to explore caves. And here are 10 things you need to know about Son Doong Cave.
- When was Son Doong discovered?
- Where does the name Son Doong come from?
- Why is Son Doong the largest cave in the world?
- How much does a Son Doong tour cost?
- How to visit Son Doong?
- When is the best time to visit Son Doong?
- What to bring from Son Doong?
- How long to wait for a Son Doong tour?
- Are there private tours to Son Doong?
- What about other attractions besides Son Doong?
When was Son Doong discovered?
In 1991, a local man named Ho Khanh went to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to collect firewood and suddenly got lost in a strange land where there was a massive cave in the limestone cliff with a vast space above to catch the sun. He also realized that there was a river flowing into the cave, after which he returned home. In April 2009, at the request of a cave expedition from the UK, Mr. Ho Khanh found the shelter and guided the journey to explore Son Doong cave.
Where does the name Son Doong come from?
In tours to Phong Nha Ke Bang, visitors, when introduced to Son Doong cave, often wonder where the name of the largest cave in the world is to start? Initially, Son Doong was named Ho Khanh when the cave was discovered. Later, it was suggested to change the name to "Son Doong" because the shelter is hidden behind the majestic mountains of Doong Village and a river flowing in the cave.
Why is Son Doong the largest cave in the world?
Son Doong cave is about 5km long, 200m high, 150m wide, considered the largest today. Inside the cave, there is a separate ecosystem formed by sunlight. The stalactites in Son Doong cave have a height of nearly 80m. Baseball-sized limestone rocks are scattered across the cave floor. The breathtaking underground scene at the shelter will make you utter amazement at its beauty.
How much does a Son Doong tour cost?
There are two tour prices to Son Doong operated by a travel agent: about 3,000 USD for foreign tourists and 64.5 million VND for Vietnamese tourists. To serve a tour of Son Doong of 10 people, more than 30 people support. In addition to porters carrying groceries and cooking, there are cave specialists and safety experts on Son Doong tours.
How to visit Son Doong?
To participate in exploring Son Doong cave, you must register with a travel agent and wait for your turn. However, visitors must undergo two rigorous theoretical and practical tests. Without passing the tests, visitors cannot join tours to Son Doong. That's because discovering Son Doong is adventure travel. During the journey, visitors have to walk more than 50km through dense forests, rough roads, big rocks… The explorers will sleep in natural conditions and bathe according to the preparation of the tour company. Visitors will join a tour without modern amenities, like wildlife.
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When is the best time to visit Son Doong?
The most ideal time to visit Son Doong is from February to August. The remaining months are the rainy season, hazardous for tourists. From February to April, Son Doong is very cool. This is the perfect time to explore the cave. However, it was a bit cold at night. From May to August, the weather is hot and humid. Therefore, visitors must prepare for good health before the trip.
What to bring from Son Doong?
One big note is that visitors are not allowed to take anything from Son Doong. Visitors are not allowed to litter, break trees, cut leaves. Absolutely do not touch anything in the cave without experts' permission because stalactites are still in the process of forming. Just a light touch can also cause stalactites to stop growing. It is essential that what you bring into the cave is taken out.
How long to wait for a Son Doong tour?
If you want to register for a Son Doong tour, you have to wait and wait for a specific assessment by experts about the tour's interest in the environment. If the landslide situation is high and affects the cave's ecosystem, the tour company will stop the expedition to preserve the original beauty of Son Doong cave. If you have enough money and health, do not hesitate to book a tour to Son Doong.
Are there private tours to Son Doong?
Any individual or organization visiting Son Doong without the permission of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park Management Board is considered a violation of the law. As such, you can join an adventure tour with an authorized travel agency. That's the best way.
What about other attractions besides Son Doong?
While waiting to join the Son Doong, you can choose other tours such as Phong Nha Ke Bang tour to Tu Lan cave, Nhan cave, Thien Duong cave, Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park has many exciting services for visitors to enjoy their Vietnamese holidays in this national park.
