About
Example Itinerary
Explore Son Doong, the World's Biggest Cave
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $5,300
- Interests
- Trekking, Amazing Landscapes
- Destinations
- Vietnam
This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll get deep into the mouth of what is known as the Cave of Teeth (for once upon a time, teeth-like stalagmite structures stood at the cave’s entrance). Son Doong Cave is the world’s largest cave, and what makes it particularly exciting is its obscurity: the cave was only discovered in 2009. This thrilling 7-day mini-expedition includes two nights at a local hotel in the village of Phong Nha, two nights camping in the lush grounds of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, and an incredible three nights camping within Hang Son Doong as well. You’ll be accompanied by a team of 16 - from porters, to safety experts, to guides, who will ensure your utmost safety and fun. All camping gear is provided. Finish the trip off with two nights of adrenaline-fueled celebrations!
This trip is offered as a private excursion; however, for travellers wishing to explore the cave with fellow enthusiasts, set group departures are also available. Please enquire for more details.
Please Note: Due to the inherent danger of this expedition, a base level of health and expertise is required. Visitors must have previous experience with hiking, caving and rock climbing and must participate in these activities at least once per month. Also note that visitor numbers to Son Doong are strictly limited to a maximum of 224 per year and are therefore highly competitive. If interested, please enquire as to availability.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
- Rock Formations: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is home to giant karsts and the best way to explore the impressive landscape is to trek it.
- Hang Son Doong: A 262-foot vertical drop takes travelers deep down into the world’s largest cave, which could fit half a mile of 40-storey buildings within its caverns.
- Underground Garden of Eden: Spend time in Vietnam’s "Garden of Eden," the world’s largest jungle within a cave, which makes for an otherworldly ecosystem.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Map ▲Phong Nha
Depart on a short morning flight from Hanoi to the city of Dong Hoi. From Dong Hoi, it is an hour's drive to Phong Nha National Park, the home of Son Doong. Phong Nha lies just north of Hue, nestled into the foothills of limestone cliffs that have been carved over millennia. Check in to the Phong Nha Hotel and attend a mandatory safety briefing before tomorrow's adventure.
Hotel Options
Day 2
Map ▲Son Doong
Depart this morning for Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll be taken to a drop-off point 35 km inside the park’s lush forestland. From here, you’ll descend into the river valley - catch a glimpse of daily life in a minority village as you pass it by - and trek 6 km to arrive at the camp inside Hang En. Get settled into your lush natural surroundings, and learn about the park from your expert guide. Tonight, let the forest sing you to sleep.
Son Doong
Day 3
Map ▲Son Doong
Wake up with the sunrise, and take in a deep breath of the fresh, jungle air. You’ll start your day by traveling through an enormous cave. From here, you’ll trace the river through the jungle to the entrance of Hang Son Doong: currently the largest-known cave in the world. Marvel at its immensity as you descend a 262-foot vertical drop (your expert cave guides will be at your foremost assistance), which will bring you to the cave’s first huge passage. From here, you’ll cross the underground river and find yourself in the cave’s incredible main tunnel. Check out the aptly-named giant stalactite formation, Hand of Dog, and set up camp close to the first underground doline, a sinkhole that collects the rainwater running off the ground surface.
Day 4
Map ▲Son Doong
Wake up inside the massive cave, and get ready for more caving adventures. You’ll pass immense boulders, which are straddled by cliffs over 600 feet high, towards the first doline. Here, the collapsed roof has allowed the world’s largest jungle within a cave to form - also known as the Garden of Eden. From here, you’ll set up camp at Beach Camp, which provides stunning panoramas of the magical jungle. Catch glimpses and hear the call of monkeys, hornbills, and flying foxes.
Son Doong
Day 5
Map ▲Son Doong
Today you’ll travel even deeper into this incredible cave, making your way to the Great Wall of Vietnam. Water levels will determine whether a boat is necessary to make the journey from here. You’ll return to your first night’s campsite, near the first doline. Your guide will take you to a newly-discovered passage that contains fossils dating back a jaw-dropping 300,000,000 years.
Day 6
Map ▲Son Doong
Today is your last day in the otherworldly landscape of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park - breathe it in, and make memories that will last a lifetime! Celebrate the final night of your adventure with your porter team. Sleep amidst the jungle flora and fauna in Hang En.
Son Doong
Day 7
Map ▲Phong Nha
Today you’ll make the trek back to Phong Nha, where you’ll check in once again to a local hotel. Enjoy a second celebration back in town.
Hotel Options
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on 8 pax and includes:
Accommodation (2 nights hotel + 5 nights camping) Transfers Car/driver English-speaking guides Expert instructors to advise on caving equipment and procedures Porters Caving equipment: SRT Ropes, karabiners, safety harnesses, caving helmets and lights Camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags and mattresses Activities and entrance fees All food and drink during the cave expedition
Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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