I Explored Sơn Đoòng Cave In Vietnam, The Largest Cave In The World

The Hang Son Doong cave complex in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, located in Son Trach, Bo Trach district in the Quang Binh province of Vietnam is one of the largest natural caves ever found in the world. It was first discovered by a peasant named Ho Khanh. In 1991, he happened to take shelter in this cave while looking deep into the forest.

For anyone who loves wanderlust or loves to get lost in nature, Son Doong cave is a dream destination and a milestone that you might want to experience at least once. Ever since the Son Doong cave became accessible to tourists and grew famous all over the world, I have always dreamed about going on this journey.

More than 10 years since the day I put the words "Son Doong" on my bucket list, I finally got the opportunity to turn that dream into reality. The $3,000 ticket price is not small, and the waiting period from 1-3 years might be a very long time for pretty much anyone. Besides, the exploration schedule is very demanding in terms of one’s health, spirit, as well as respect for nature. Also, I was the youngest in a group of 10 guests on this trip to Son Doong 51 in 2022.

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We made a joke that anyone passing through must throw the pebbles into the hole - it’s considered "buying a ticket" to cross the stream.

You will wake up to welcome the new day with the sound of birds chirping. The journey to discover the En Cave right after contained stalactites that were aged up to millions of years. These stalactites are formed in the cave by water droplets flowing down from the cave’s dome.

"Sandy towers" are formed from water droplets falling from the ceiling of the cave, and drifting sand. The parts that are blocked by pebbles and stones are still standing.

We can see a natural sandbar divided into two separate sides of the green lake. One side of the water is warm and there are some massage-fish under the water, the other is extremely cold.

Regardless of the direction, there was always a deep abyss behind. When people tremble, their instinct is to shrink their bodies. However, in reality, to climb the mountain, you need to spread your legs shoulder-width apart and lean back, embracing the darkness you fear. Just hold on tightly and know where to place each small step, and you will overcome it.

The journey to discover Son Doong requires technical roping in the cave almost every day. A team of expert safety assistants creates rope systems that allow visitors to utilize their hand strength and foothold grip to navigate challenging passages. To enter the cave, you must descend down a smooth and slippery cliff, and to exit, you have to ascend the Vietnam Wall—a 90m high smooth stalactite wall that goes from steep to 90 degrees in alternating sections. Throughout the journey, there are numerous instances of swinging across the underground river in darkness and ascending cliffs that overlook deep abysses.

It is said that crossing the Vietnam Wall is the most heart-stopping part of the journey. The stones are submerged in cold water, resembling a slippery greased pan, testing the determination of the travelers' hands and feet. In front lies a vertical abyss, while behind is a deep blue lake. Avoid looking up or down, and instead, focus on every step, every breath. Clear your mind of all thoughts, eliminate fear and noise, and rely solely on your hands and silence.

I didn't have any specific expectations; I simply wanted to enjoy every moment. However, the actual experience surpassed anything I could have imagined. The cave was surrounded by limestone formations of various shapes and sizes, and its arch resembled the ceiling of a church. Looking into the distance, I saw a breathtaking garden reminiscent of Eden, with a misty backdrop during the afternoon and a sky sprinkled with stars like shards of glass at night. Each morning, as I woke up in the cave and gazed at the doline, I eagerly awaited the moment when a beam of light would penetrate the cave, illuminating the emerald-green lake and creating a scene reminiscent of a pathway to heaven. The nights in the cave were silent and filled with echoes, where even the sound of a single droplet of water could be heard. It was said that sometimes, between 3 and 4 am, the flapping of wings from a giant bird could be heard within the cave. Being in Son Doong made me feel as if I had stepped back millions of years into a fairytale-like existence.

Fortunately, I did not encounter any wild animals during my time in the cave. Often, when we think of caves, we associate them with darkness, confusion, and inconvenience, much like the dwellings of "ancient people." However, in reality, caves can serve as safe havens, providing shelter from extreme weather conditions and wild animals.

When it comes to Son Doong, it's important to prepare yourself with some knowledge of trekking skills, even though you'll have guides and experts accompanying you throughout the journey. This will allow you to be proactive, keep up with the group, and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Currently, the Son Doong cave exploration tour requires the most preparation prior to the trip. It's not just about packing the right gear and taking care of your health; you also need to approach it with a high level of determination, understanding that this is a journey of experiencing and reconnecting with nature. Additionally, take the time to thoroughly read the travel schedule, so you know where you'll be going each day and can actively observe, take photos, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. It's also beneficial to learn a bit about the geological structure and vegetation of the area, as this will enhance your own personal discoveries during the trip.

During the trip itself, after all the necessary preparations, the only thing you need to do during the four days of exploring Son Doong cave is to truly immerse yourself in nature, appreciate the beauty of the place, and develop a deeper love for your homeland. It's also an opportunity to discover the hidden power of will within you. While on the journey, pay attention to your eating and resting habits. Your meals will be well-prepared, so make an effort to eat properly, stay hydrated, and get enough rest to maintain your energy levels throughout the four days. Another crucial aspect to remember is to always follow the guidance of the guides and experts, stay with the group at all times, and never venture off alone without supervision. Getting lost or injured can be extremely dangerous for you and have an impact on the entire crew. The entire cave exploration journey is about embracing environmentally-friendly practices, ensuring no litter is left behind, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals in the water. Whatever you bring in, you must take out. Sustainable tourism and community-based initiatives are more important than ever and should be embraced throughout your adventure.

Honestly, what Son Doong gave me was very wonderful. The journey to explore the cave was not too burdensome and risky, but it required endurance, flexibility, and a little bit of strength. In the dark caves and sacred forests, there were many things I had never seen before such as leeches, poisonous leaves, itchy leaves, mud, bees, spiders, slippery rocks, wading through the mud... I accepted these things as part of the wildlife. No panic, no suspense, and no fancy expectations.

After 4 days of climbing, and trekking, I realized that it was my personal fear that prevented my progress, not the sharp, steep cliffs or the rushing water. I used to be someone who was afraid of a leg injury, afraid of losing money, afraid of losing a job, and afraid of people judging me... Perhaps, this is an opportunity for me to listen to myself and strengthen my connection with nature and the homeland of heaven...