Son Doong Cave is located deep within the core area of Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam. This magnificent natural wonder lies in a remote primary forest near the border between Vietnam and Laos, about 70 km northwest of Dong Hoi City.

Unlike many tourist attractions, Son Doong is not easily accessible from major roads or towns. To reach the cave’s entrance, visitors must embark on a multi-day trek through dense jungle, cross streams, and climb steep limestone hills. Its isolated location has helped preserve the cave’s pristine condition and unique natural beauty.

Overview of Son Doong Cave

Son Doong was first discovered in 1991 by a local man named Ho Khanh, but its true scale was not known to the world until 2009, when a team of British cavers surveyed it and revealed its massive size. Today, it is recognized as the largest natural cave on Earth by volume.

With a length close to 9 km, Son Doong’s cavern reaches more than 200 meters in height and approximately 150 meters in width - spacious enough to fit a city street with high-rise buildings inside.

The cave was formed 2–5 million years ago, when an underground river slowly eroded the limestone mountain, creating huge subterranean passages. Today, its vast chambers contain rivers, towering rock formations, and even ecosystems that flourish under openings (called dolines) where the cave ceiling has collapsed.

How to Get There

To begin the journey to Son Doong, most explorers start by traveling to Quang Binh Province:

1. Getting to Quang Binh:

   • By Plane: Fly to Dong Hoi Airport from major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

   • By Train: Take the North–South railway to Dong Hoi Station.

   • By Bus or Car: Long-distance buses and private vehicles can connect Quang Binh with nearby cities such as Hue, Da Nang, and Hanoi.

2. From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha:
   Phong Nha town - the gateway to the national park - is about a 45 km drive from Dong Hoi.

3. Trek to the Cave Entrance:
   Because the entrance is far from road access, visitors must join a professional Son Doong tour and hike through the jungle, over limestone slopes, and through streams before reaching the cave’s opening. This trek takes several days and requires good physical fitness.

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Why Son Doong is Famous Worldwide

Son Doong’s extraordinary size and remote location make it one of the most iconic natural wonders on the planet. Its immense chambers and unique underground landscapes - complete with rivers, enormous stalagmites, and sunlight-lit jungles through collapsed ceilings - attract adventurers and scientists alike.

Because of its delicate ecosystem, access is strictly controlled, and only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year to help preserve this remarkable cave for future generations. 

If you seek detailed information about cave exploration tours in Quang Binh, please contact Phongnha Discovery Tours for advice on the most suitable itinerary.