

The Hang Son Doong Cave map reveals hidden underground rivers and lush rainforests within the cave (Source: Collected)
1. Overview of the structure of Son Doong Cave
Son Doong Cave is divided into three sections, each with distinct features. From the entrance to Doline 1, the cave has an underground river and sediment deposits, indicating frequent flooding during the rainy season. The second and third sections, known as fossil passages and Passchendaele, lack rivers, allowing extensive calcite formations to develop. Passchendaele sometimes carries a small stream, forming a lake during heavy rain and creating the Great Wall of Vietnam.
Two dolines in the central section formed due to the collapse of thin limestone layers and the junction of two fault lines. Despite exploration efforts, much of Son Doong’s underground network remains uncharted, with many caverns and chambers yet to be discovered. For more details, refer to the Son Doong Cave map.
2. Unmissable highlights on the map of Son Doong Cave
2.1. Hope and Vision passage
The Hope and Vision Passage, located 1.5 kilometers from the second river crossing to Doline 1 in Son Doong Cave, is renowned for its immense size and striking features. This passage is so vast that a Boeing 747 could fit inside it. It houses the world’s tallest stalagmite, standing at 80 meters, and the iconic “Hand of Dog” stalagmite, reaching 60 meters in height.
The passage also features an underground river and provides a unique camping experience known as “Camping in the Clouds,” where visitors can enjoy misty views and a sense of being on cloud nine. For those exploring the Son Doong Cave map, the Hope and Vision passage offers a truly memorable adventure.
2.2. Fossil passage
The Fossil Passage in Son Doong Cave is renowned for its ancient coral fossils embedded in limestone walls, dating back over 300 million years. Located 40 meters below Doline 1, this passage features an underground pool with cool temperatures around 16-17°C. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim here, wearing life jackets and using headlights.
The passage’s name reflects its fossil-rich walls, revealing the prehistoric oceanic life that once existed. The Son Doong Cave map highlights this unique section, showcasing its natural history and distinctive features.

The Son Doong Cave – Vietnam map reveals that the Fossil Passage is renowned for its unique underground pool with crystal-clear water (Source: Collected)
2.3. Passchendaele passage
The Passchendaele Passage, a 400-meter-long section in Son Doong Cave, leads to the Great Wall of Vietnam. Named after the World War I battle, it reflects the challenging conditions faced by the cave’s explorers.
During the rainy season, the passage fills with jade-green water, reaching depths of 20-25 meters and creating a striking lake. Visitors can use rafts to navigate this lake and capture stunning photographs of the illuminated water and towering cave walls.
In dry seasons, the water level drops, exposing a muddy trench that offers an adventurous challenge. The passage provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical reference, making it a memorable stop on the Son Doong Cave map.
2.4. Doline 1 – Watch out for dinosaurs
Doline 1 is a dramatic skylight formed by a collapsed ceiling, exposing the cave to sunlight. This 449-meter-deep doline, which marks the end of the underground river, creates stunning light beams that illuminate the cave’s vast arch, especially between January and March.
Its unique name, “Watch Out for Dinosaurs,” originated from explorers’ whimsical remarks. Visitors can also view the Wedding Cake stalagmite and the Green Gours, adding to the area’s mystique.
2.5. Doline 2 – Garden of Edam
Doline 2, or the Garden of Edam, lies 1 kilometer from Doline 1 in Son Doong Cave, reaching a depth of 252 meters. Named humorously after the “Garden of Eden,” this doline hosts a rare underground jungle nurtured by sunlight filtering through its opening. The lush vegetation thrives with the help of ancient bat guano.
Visitors can explore tall trees and diverse flora, including mosses and ferns. The campsite here offers stunning views of starry skies and waterfalls. The Son Doong Cave map highlights Doline 2 as a unique blend of nature and cave exploration.

Doline 2 – Garden of Edam, marked on the Son Doong Cave map, features rare subterranean orchids not found elsewhere (Source: Collected)
Discover the diverse animals in Son Doong Cave and experience its unique ecosystem up close!
2.6. Underground river
The underground river in Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave passage, starts as small jungle streams and merges into a vast flow known as Rao Thuong. It gains volume from sources like Cold Cave and Hang Ca Cave, creating a dynamic environment. This river carves out dramatic cascades and waterfalls, contributing to the cave’s misty atmosphere.
During the rainy season, it can rise up to 100 meters, causing flooding that reaches high up on the cave walls. Despite ongoing exploration, its connection to Hang Thung remains unresolved, adding to the cave’s allure and mystery.
2.7. Cave pearls
Cave pearls are small, spherical speleothems found in limestone caves like Son Doong. Formed from layers of calcium carbonate around a nucleus created by dripping water, these pearls vary in size from beans to baseballs. In Son Doong Cave, they are found in gour or rimstone pools and shine beautifully under headlamps, especially when submerged.
Despite their aesthetic appeal, cave pearls have no monetary value and can degrade quickly outside their humid cave environment. The Son Doong Cave map marks their locations, highlighting their conservation importance and geological significance.

Cave pearls in Son Doong can range from perfectly spherical to irregular shapes, reflecting the diverse water flow patterns (Source: Collected)
2.8. The Great Wall of Vietnam
The Great Wall of Vietnam on Son Doong Cave map is a massive 90-meter-tall flowstone formation discovered in 2009. Named for its impressive height, the wall was originally a barrier for explorers.
In 2017, an 18-meter stainless steel ladder and safety ropes were installed. Visitors can now climb this feature using harnesses and karabiners, providing an exhilarating experience and a sense of achievement. This iconic formation offers an adventurous exit and showcases the scale and grandeur of Son Doong Cave.
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3. Essential tips for a Son Doong Cave tour
3.1. Itinerary
The Son Doong Cave tour spans six days and five nights, beginning with a safety briefing in Phong Nha on Day 1. Day 2 involves trekking to Hang En Cave, where you camp overnight. On Day 3, you will explore Son Doong Cave’s entrance and camp at the Level Playing Fields.
Day 4 includes exploring the Garden of Edam and camping at Doline 2. On Day 5, you tackle the Great Wall of Vietnam and exit the cave. The tour will be concluded on the final day at Chay Lap Farmstay, giving you free time to explore nearby attractions. Each day features unique exploration opportunities and scenic experiences in this remarkable cave system.
3.2. Packing tips
For the Son Doong Cave tour, pack essentials, including 3-4 quick-dry shirts, 2-3 pairs of trekking pants, and a waterproof jacket. Trekkers should bring a medium backpack, trekking shoes, thick socks, and camp clothing appropriate for the season. Also, do not forget mosquito repellent, a sun hat, and personal items like a power bank and medication.

Make sure to bring a copy of the Son Doong Cave map to navigate the cave’s complex underground routes (Source: Collected)
3.3. Booking guide
To book the Son Doong Cave Expedition, you can contact Oxalis Adventure at +84.232.3677678 or email [email protected]. Tourists can also visit their website at https://oxalis.com.vn/ for more details. Oxalis Adventure is the exclusive operator for this tour, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly experience while supporting local communities.
3.4. Directions to the place of departure
The Oxalis Office is situated in Phong Nha Village, Phong Nha Town, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. It is 45 kilometers from Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province. Upon arriving in Dong Hoi, Oxalis staff will transport you to Phong Nha in approximately 40 minutes. You can reach Dong Hoi by plane, train, or high-quality sleeper bus.
The Son Doong Cave map is essential for navigating its vast and intricate passages. Highlighting key features and challenging routes, it enhances exploration and ensures a safe, memorable journey through this remarkable cave.
If you are exploring Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, consider visiting other remarkable caves such as Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave, Ba Cave, En Cave, and Va Cave. Each cave offers a unique adventure, with stunning formations and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be discovered.
Beyond that, Vietnam travel boasts vibrant cities worth exploring. Tourists can discover the rich history and culture of Hanoi, the charming streets of Hoi An, the coastal beauty of Nha Trang, and the tropical allure of Phu Quoc. Each destination provides a distinct experience, enhancing your travel journey across Vietnam.
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