When discussing Son Doong Cave, many people are curious to learn about the world's largest cave, which holds countless mysteries yet to be deciphered by scientists. Here are some fascinating details about Son Doong Cave.

Discovery of Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave was discovered by a farmer named Ho Khanh, who was searching for agarwood in the forest in 1991. One day, caught in a heavy rain while working, Ho Khanh sought shelter from a potential flash flood. By chance, he took refuge in Son Doong Cave. Initially named after him, the cave was later renamed Son Doong Cave.

Challenges in Locating the Cave

When Ho Khanh first discovered the cave, he did not realize its significance; he only remembered encountering a large cavern. Years later, an expedition team attempted to locate the cave using modern scientific equipment and Google Earth but failed to find it. It wasn't until 2009 that Ho Khanh successfully rediscovered Son Doong Cave.

Size of Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave measures at least 5 kilometers in length, which is comparable to the capacity of about 68 Boeing 777 aircraft. This figure might be larger, as current scientific methods have yet to uncover the cave’s true dimensions.

Stalactite Formations and Natural Lakes

One remarkable feature of Son Doong Cave is its stunning system of stalactites, limestone formations, and beautiful natural lakes that have developed over thousands of years, attracting the attention of many scientists and tourists.

Unique Ecosystem

The cave is also known for its diverse biological and animal landscapes. Explorers have found a primeval forest within, rich in vegetation and completely untouched by human activity. Experts have even dubbed this forest a "paradise garden" to honor its magnificent beauty.

The "Great Wall" of Vietnam

Son Doong Cave is referred to as the "Great Wall" of Vietnam due to its immense size. It has the largest cross-section of any known cave in the world, measuring over 5 kilometers long, 200 meters high, and 160 meters wide. Its estimated area is 36.8 million square meters, equivalent to about 15,000 Olympic swimming pools. This vast space could easily accommodate a 40-story building in New York, making it the largest natural cave globally.

Giant "Pearls" in the Cave

Deep within the cave, visitors can find giant "pearls." These are actually the world’s largest cave pearls formed mainly of calcite. While typical pearls range around 1 centimeter in diameter, those in Son Doong are the size of baseballs.

Attraction for Adventure Lovers

Son Doong Cave draws countless adventure enthusiasts, with approximately 98% of visitors being foreigners. Among the explorers are families spanning three generations and notable figures, including models like Jasmina Mala from the Czech Republic and Prince Ahmed Hamdan from Abu Dhabi, who have all ventured into this extraordinary cave in Vietnam.