Asia is famous for its limestone karst mountains, in particular Vietnam and Thailand. All over Thailand they stand like statues, don't they? Because limestone is a soft sedimentary rock, it doesn't fair well to weathering. Nature has patience, and over thousands of years has eroded the limestone mountains. Beautiful caves all over Vietnam, large and small create thrilling adventures. Our Vietnam travel guide looks at 8 of the best cave systems to explore on an adventurous holiday.
Because tropical Islands and beaches are not the only crowd pleasers Vietnam has for you. Caves and caverns throughout central Vietnam are attracting huge levels of interest. Everyone it seems, from backpackers, and seasoned campers to adrenaline fueled thrill seekers.
We single out the central region but why? It's because it is Quang Binh Province that has the Son Doong Cave, the world's largest. In our opinion the most amazing and stunning natural creation for you to feast your eyes on. But there is a catch: a) there is a queue of great length and b) the entrance fees are expensive. Not everyone is so fortunate to experience such magnificence.
It's exploring the natural world and appreciating beauty created over millions of years. It is about the caves but also the other bits and bobs that go hand in hand:
Are you entertaining the idea of a gap year backpacking trip? Or a road trip exploring Vietnam's national parks, 100% guaranteed you'll love cave exploring. Every cave is similar in nature, but so different in character and challenges:
Most cave entrances are either crowded by forest or have a subterranean waterway. There are those caves that remain unexplored in their entirety. Knowing these basic facts in themselves, has the potential to excite and enthrall. We're always excited at the prospect of an adventure, days away jungle trekking. A lot of people are, does that include you? If so, keep reading.
The whole experience of cave and cavern exploring is a magical one.
A lot of the caves are subterranean, water has collected and formed pools and rivers. Because of the natural settings, yes, it's a lifelong dream for many, but think safety first. Our advice is to explore with a local guide with knowledge of the cave. It's actually more fun with a guided tour as you're part of a larger group, the more the merrier.
On finishing your trip, your experience is never forgotten. Some years have passed with our last cave adventure, and it feels like it was yesterday. For this travel guide we have categorized the best caves by the province they belong to. Let's begin in Quang Ninh Province as that's one of the top favorites and where Ha Long Bay is.
Dau Go Cave is tiny in comparison to Son Doong Cave further south, in Quang Binh Province. It remains one of Ha Long Bay's most famous caves, located on Dau Go Island. The Island is beautiful of course, nothing short of stunning. At the entrance, the anticipation of the cave and the legendary tales races your heart. Inside, huge stone pillars and eon old stalagmites cause a sensation.
It's an easy cave to navigate, because there is enough artificial light.
Coming to Ha Long Bay with family, young kids? That's a really good idea. For them, if it's their first cave, or second, their time on the Island will excite them even more than you, as adults. The cave has three chambers, and you must enter them all before exiting. Don't worry though, your guide will make sure you see more than you thought possible.
There are so many other caves in the bay area worth exploring, other than Dau Go Cave. A few of the best and more popular are:
These are the caves you can expect to experience when on a luxury Ha Long Bay cruise. The more caves you want to explore, the longer you must cruise on the bay for. Usually, most people go with a 2D1N cruise. That's enough for their holiday to enjoy the bay and the natural surroundings. Those on a 3D2N cruise, get to see one more cave.
If you are dreaming of a Ha Long Bay cruise, book it. Ha Long Bay is the perfect excuse too, for bringing you to modern day Hanoi City, and its centuries old past.
Once you have conquered the steps taking you to Thien Cung Cave, you reach inside. Imposing stalactites and stalagmites greet you, from the floor to the high ceiling. Staring around, peering up to the unnatural heights dumbfounds you. Once back outside only then can you appreciate what nature is capable of, and you're thankful of that.
Said to be Vietnam's "Kingdom of Caves". That's because of tales of hundreds of caves pottered throughout the province. The highlight of the province is Son Doong Cave of course. It's a cave system with its own microclimate and environment, the cave is so huge it can sustain both.
To put it into context for you, the cave has its own jungle forests. There are deep rivers and lakes to which the depths are still unknown today.
Does that excite you? It did us, scared us in fact. Everything inside is beautiful, stunning and gorgeous unlike you've ever seen before. The mammoth cave has its own weather and climate system, plant and animal species. And so few people get the privilege to see it.
If you are lucky, it's because you had the great patience to wait in queue.
If you are fit and healthy, and you can afford to pay, you're happy to wait. Authorities control the numbers who can enter the cave for reasons of preservation. The natural world found deep inside is irreplaceable. The tramping's of a mainstream tourist would ruin and destroy such a world.
In the north of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park are primaeval forests and limestone mountains. Somewhere in amongst this natural wonderland is Tu Lan Cave. Actually, it's a cave system consisting of dozens of individual caves ― fulfilling your desire for exploration and discovery. The various caves have been carved out of the karst limestone by the Rao Nan River.
It is thought humans have inhabited the caves for centuries and lay unknown until modern times. In fact, human remains have been found and dated. For the best possible experience book (in advance) a tour itinerary to guide you through the most interesting caves:
Because there are both dry and wet caves in the system there are numerous waterfalls and cascades of varying heights. And if you've never been cave diving in your life then there is a chance you could in one of these interconnected caves.
The natural world has no concept of time and perhaps that's just as well. Tens of thousands of years have passed and over those ages giant pillars stand wide and tall. From the floor to the ceiling, they command your attention.
When you go exploring caves you are seeing much the same, that's your initial thoughts from the outside world. But your perception quickly changes once you step inside because each cave has at least one unique feature about it that still leaves you amazed.
No matter how many caves you've experienced before now.
Still within the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Thien Duong Cave is 60km from Dong Hoi City. One of the most beautiful parks in the whole of Vietnam, but so is the cave. The giant pillars such as those inside are a rare sight and why it is also known as Paradise Cave.
Two of Vietnam's best, most magnificent and spectacular caves are without a doubt Son Doong Cave and Hang En Cave. Son Doong because it's the world largest cave ― in the same league as China's Xiaozhai Tiankeng, the world's deepest sinkhole ― and because it's the only other world beneath your feet, discovered to date.
It does take you a few moments to appreciate that: another world, void of human interference for millennia, only until recently.
Son Doong is far more than a cave. There are prehistoric landscapes throughout the rugged volcanic east of Java we found. It's a land that time forgot. But it hasn't been volcanoes that have shaped Son Doong but rivers eroding away the limestone.
If you want to venture into Son Doong, you must be prepared for challenges because it's not a walk in the park. There are no paths laid out to walk on. It's dark, cold and wet, and scary. Get beyond the large entrance to see how inhospitable it is. Also, how huge and beautiful all at once. Your bottom jaw drops.
You are speechless. Only the guides do the talking giving you instructions to follow. For them it's another day on the job because they've seen it all before. You haven't, and unlikely will you ever again.
You must be fit and healthy with a strong stomach for the unknown. Little to no light except for torches, you are going deep underground. Any loud noises create a vibrating echo that's hard to silence. Getting to the cave is far, far more than a trek in the jungle. It's a proper tough expedition including camping and rock climbing and river crossings.
But not for the faint of heart. If you love the great outdoors, then it's an adventure that you will jump at the chance. It challenged us, and it's challenging for everyone.
Can't wait? Son Doong will still be there; it's going nowhere. The best other cave to plan your latest adventure with is Hang En Cave. A great alternative. The guides take you to this cave anyway, on your way to Son Doong Cave. You'll camp out inside Hang En Cave. Hang En Cave is an amazing holiday adventure on its own, never mind its more famous neighbor.
But Hang En Cave isn't small in stature either, being the third largest in the world. It's the choice to go with, because so few make the grade for the Son Doong Cave. Both caves are in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. To satisfy your curiosity, the second largest cave is in Malaysia.
Because there are restrictions imposed for Son Doong, not everyone will be chosen for an expedition. Both caves promise you incredible life changing experiences:
The more outdoor experience you have, the better prepared you are.
The guides can refuse to accept you in their tour group, by the way. The group leaders must be confident to know you'll keep pace. All being equal you'll be as amazed and in awe of Hang En Cave as you would be with Son Doong Cave. And there is no comparison to Hang En either, anywhere in the world.
Try traveling in the north of Vietnam beyond the recent memories you have of Ha Long Bay. A few days is all you would need, break away from Hanoi City and head south. It's one of the biggest callings for many, Ninh Binh. It's a place growing in popularity and one of Vietnam's best assets in our opinion. To find the true meaning of Vietnam, you first must find:
There are many reasons for a two-day, one night tour. Maybe you've never heard of Ninh Binh before? It's another Ha Long Bay but this time, on land. Yet another wonder of Vietnam, this worldwide recognized eco-tourism magnet.
Mua Cave Complex is 95km south of Hanoi which is a touch over an hour's drive. If you hire a private taxi, it could cost you US$60 one way. Taking the bus adds another hour to your journey but only costs US$10 per person. It only pays to hire a taxi if you've family with you.
The cave has one of the best views of the Ninh Binh mountains. The spread of golden rice fields below, during June, is worth it. Together, there is an unquestionable harmonious beauty you'll seldom feel elsewhere.
The sights are the reward for you, full uninterrupted 360° panoramic views. Take your time walking up the winding steps, they twist one way and then the next. The cave isn't at such heights it isn't manageable for most travelers. At 88 meters above the valley floor, it won't challenge you.
The cave complex is rather unique in that there are steps leading up to it, adorned with sides. Carved figures of dragons out of mountain rock are visible too. Looking down, as you climb, you have commanding views of the valley below and again, it's beautiful. The karst mountains hundreds of meters high, covered in forest are so surreal. Many times, you will stop to stare in disbelief.
The steps leading up to the cave, are adorned with sides. Carved figures of dragons out of mountain rock are visible wherever you turn. Looking down, as you climb, you have commanding views of the valley below and again, it's beautiful. Your "feel good" factor is climbing too, with every step. The karst mountains hundreds of meters high, covered in forest are so surreal. Many times, you will stop to stare in disbelief.
Arrive early, or hang around until after closing time, it's your choice. When you do, you see a once in a lifetime sunrise or sunset, never to be repeated. It's an event that can't be put into words. You have to be there yourself.
On your way to Mau Cave Complex, you can stop at Trang An Complex which is on the same route. The complex covers over 2000 hectares and is even more popular than Mau Cave Complex.
You must know that there are dozens of caves to discover, and the best mode of transport is by cruise boat or kayak. Reaching many of the caves is only by kayak. So, you'll have time to enjoy the slow rivers under the shadow of the ominous karst mountains.
Related Reading: Ninh Binh, Vietnam's Picturesque Northern Jewel
Son Doong Cave and Hang En Cave are the "big ticket" items for those who love the great outdoors. Both caves are sensational and pack an amazing experience if you go trekking and camping a lot, back home. If you've any hope at all entering Son Doong Cave, you must be physically capable of managing the trek in full.
For the majority of the mainstream tourist coming to Vietnam, caves will suffice. Your holiday vacation experience will be as amazing, like how ours was in Ninh Binh. Besides, camping out in a jungle isn't for everyone, is it? Not when there's no internet and creature comforts. That being the case for you, then Mau Mountain and its cave complex will fulfil your dreams, for sure.
There are big adventures, and little adventures too, nonetheless thrilling.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.