Vietnam cave: TOP 11 breathtaking sites for an amazing expedition

Contents

Vietnam caves are famed for their pristine beauty (Source: Collected)

In addition to having a diverse culture and glorious history, Vietnam is also blessed with breathtaking natural wonders, including some of the world’s biggest and most stunning caves. If you are a cave enthusiast, read this article to the end to find the top magnificent Vietnam caves for your Vietnam travel journey!

1. Son Doong Cave (Quang Binh) – The Vietnam largest cave in the world

Located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province, Son Doong Vietnam Cave is one of the most captivating destinations on earth. While the UK-based travel guide publisher Lonely Planet named Son Doong among the best places to visit in 2019, the National Geographic called it a “natural wonder” in Asia.

It was first discovered in 1990 by Ho Khanh, a local farmer who was seeking shelter from a passing storm in the forest. In 2010, the British Caving Association proclaimed it the largest cave in the world. With 9 kilometers in length, 160 meters in width, and 200 meters in height, it is said to be capable of housing a 40-story building. 

Son Doong Cave Vietnam is a must-visit destination on the global tourism map (Source: Collected)

At the cave entrance, visitors will see luminescent rays of sunshine seeping through, creating a mythical sight. The deeper you go into the cave, the more impressive the view becomes. Shades of stalactites glimmer whenever there is light, creating a mesmerizing sight.

At Son Doong, you will also find a lush tropical jungle growing inside the cave. Huge natural “windows” were created when the ceiling collapsed hundreds of thousands of years ago, letting sunlight penetrate into the darkness. This explains why the cave is covered in luxuriant tropical vegetation, including tall trees, palms, and even ferns. Besides, Son Doong boasts a 90-meter-high calcite wall named “The Great Wall of Vietnam”, which is worth exploring for the adventurous.

To get into Son Doong Cave, you will need to book a Vietnam cave tour through Oxalis Adventure – the only company that has the authority to organize tours to the cave. Also, you need to have adequate physical conditions, forest trekking experiences, and be able to conquer all types of terrain in the cave. 

Son Doong, the largest cave in Vietnam, amazes visitors with its extraordinary size and beauty (Source: Collected)

2. Trang An Cave Complex (Ninh Binh) – A famous cave in Vietnam

Located about 90 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, Trang An Vietnam Cave Complex is a popular tourist attraction thanks to its picturesque landscapes and spectacular caves. Here, there are 48 caves connected to 31 lagoons. Each of these caves has a unique charm. Some of them are more than 2 kilometers long, such as Dia Linh Cave, Sinh Duoc Cave, and May Cave. Some are even recognized as archaeological relics.

The cave system of Trang An will take tourists by surprise (Source: Collected)

The only way to discover the beauty of Trang An Vietnam caves is on a small bamboo boat. You can feel the excitement once going deeper into the caves, especially at the longest cave here, which is about 350 – 400 meters long. The further you enter, the more surprised you get due to their unique structures. Some areas are so wide while some are very narrow and just big enough for a small boat to pass through. In some caves, the level of water is quite high, so you will have to lower your head to not bump the ceiling.

What adds to the allure of Trang An Vietnam caves is the charming stalactites and stalagmites inside. After millions of years of geological tectonics, Mother Nature has made the magnificent stalactites in a variety of forms. Not only will the caves take visitors by surprise, but every time you go out of a cave, you will be amazed by the primitive limestone mountains surrounding it.

Round out your Vietnam cave expedition with a trip to Trang An Cave Complex (Source: Collected)

3. Mua Cave Vietnam (Ninh Binh) – One of Vietnam caves near Hanoi

Due to its unspoiled natural beauty, Mua Cave has recently been one of the top destinations for foreign visitors. About 100 kilometers away from Hanoi capital city, Mua Cave is located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. On the way to explore Mua Cave, visitors are treated with breathtaking views of vast rice fields, old villages, waterfront, rivers, lakes, and the majestic mountains of Ninh Binh.

The fantastic view of Mua Vietnam Cave will capture every tourist’s heart (Source: Collected)

Mua Cave is situated at the foot of Mua Mountain, which resembles a giant overturned bell with a width of 800 meters. The cave is often referred to as a mini version of the Great Wall of China, as there are white stone steps for visitors to climb to the peak. On both sides of the stairs, you will see handrails that are elaborately decorated with dragon or phoenix symbols inspired by the Tran Dynasty.

If other Vietnam caves allure visitors with their sparkling stalactites inside, Mua Cave is famed for its extraordinary panoramic view from above. The magnificent landscape on top of Mua Cave will impress even the most experienced traveler, with the boats below winding along the river and numerous mountains covered in lush vegetation. The natural scenery is best enjoyed in May or June, when the whole landscape is filled with yellow paddy fields, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu appears right before your eyes.

Mua Cave is among must-see Vietnam caves for visitors to Ninh Binh province (Source: Collected)

4. Paradise Cave in Vietnam (Quang Binh)

Located in the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang, Quang Binh province, Paradise Cave is considered an underground palace with its brilliant thousand-year-old stalactites. It is also the longest dry cave in Asia, according to the British Caving Association. 

Paradise Cave is a newly discovered cave in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Although the cave stretches for over 31 kilometers, only a kilometer of Paradise Vietnam Cave is open to the public. From the entry gate to the cave mouth, visitors can walk on wooden stairs to access the largest area of the cave. It never fails to amaze visitors with its colossal space, stalactites, and stalagmites. Here, you can spend hours simply marveling at every swirl and glimmer of the cave formations. On the walls, stalactites hang like colorful curtains. 

For the next 7 kilometers of Paradise Cave where access is limited, adventurers can purchase a separate tour to explore its unspoiled beauty. As the journey requires explorers to overcome diverse terrains, kayak through an underground river, and engage in rock climbing, this tour needs trekking equipment and cave professionals as guides. One of the highlights of this journey is the place known as Heaven’s Well. Here, you can see the sun shine through the cave, creating a magical sight. 

The best cave in Vietnam list must include Paradise Cave (Source: Collected)

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have relaxing moments after exploring Vietnam caves!

5. Vietnam Caves Phong Nha (Quang Binh)

Phong Nha Cave, from which the name of the whole park is derived, is famous for its sublime system of stalactites in various shapes and colors. It is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Phong Nha Vietnam Cave is truly a marvel of nature (Source: Collected)

At the entrance cave, the extreme weather of Vietnam’s Central region is replaced by a typically cool atmosphere. When you go deeper into the cave, the sunshine will gradually disappear, making way for sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Here, you will be notably surprised by some giant stalactites that look like the teeth of titans. Phong Nha Vietnam Cave also possesses unique rock formations which are named after their shapes.

Phong Nha has been voted one of the most beautiful caves in the world by international experts for a variety of reasons, including its longest underground river, most beautiful underground lake, highest and widest entrance, widest dry cave, magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, and long water grottos.

The beauty of Phong Nha Vietnam Cave is beyond the imagination of humans (Source: Collected)

6. En Cave Vietnam (Quang Binh)

En Cave (Hang En in Vietnamese) is the third largest cave in the world, after Son Doong Vietnam Cave and Deer Cave in Malaysia. As a part of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, En Cave was discovered in 1994 and has since become an impressive attraction in Quang Binh province.

The cave is 1,645 meters long and has three entrances, the greatest of which is 120 meters high and 140 meters wide. According to researchers, En Cave was formed about three million years ago. Its name comes from the fact that the ceiling of the cave is home to hundreds of thousands of swallows (chim en in Vietnamese).

The beauty of Hang En Vietnam Cave will give visitors an unforgettable experience (Source: Collected)

Hang En Vietnam Cave is like a beautiful present from Mother Nature that adventurers need to overcome challenges to reach. You first have to go 9 kilometers through the forest and many river crossings. Fortunately, this journey is less exhausting thanks to the stunning natural landscapes and soothing bird sounds along the way.

Getting inside the cave, you will see an emerald refreshing river that will undoubtedly captivate your heart. The cave is made more fanciful by the exquisite stalactites and unique fossils, which were formed hundreds of millions of years ago. After spending hours exploring the cave, do not forget to relax or swim in the natural pool here.

Hang En Cave Vietnam is one of the most majestic caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Source: Collected)

7. Dark and Bright Cave Vietnam (Hai Phong)

Dark and Bright Cave is situated in the area of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, which lies on the boundary of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Thanks to its favorable location, Dark and Bright Vietnam Cave is a masterpiece of nature, having the specific geological characteristics of Halong Bay and the diversity of Cat Ba Islands.

Dark and Bright Vietnam Cave is famous for its eye-catching stalactites (Source: Collected)

Once entering the cave, you will be overwhelmed by the glistening stalactites on the ceiling. They can be found in many shapes and sizes, which were formed by the condensation of limestone for millions of years. The ceiling has an arch shape and the interior is fairly dark, which makes the cave seem like a tunnel on the water. 

After going through the 100-meter length of Dark and Bright Vietnam Cave, you will see an absolutely different world. There is a peaceful lake surrounded by limestone mountain cliffs. The top and slopes of the mountains are covered in a variety of luxuriant plants, including orchids. 

At Dark and Bright Vietnam Cave, tourists can see a blended picture of the sea, mountain, sky, and plants. After a long journey, the breathtaking view of this place will make you forget all of your fatigue to enjoy the whole beauty of nature.

Dark and Bright Cave is an amazing cave in Vietnam that is worth a visit (Source: Collected)

8. Elephant Cave Vietnam (Quang Binh)

Located in the center of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Elephant Cave is famed for its lush vegetation inside. It is a dry Vietnam cave with a height of about 60 meters and a length of about 300 meters, which is smaller compared to the other caves in the complex.

Elephant Vietnam Cave is a famous attraction in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Source: Collected)

Tourists can get into the cave through 2 entrances: Elephant Gate and Turtle Gate. A unique wild beauty can be seen at each gate as the sun shines down, making the plants greener. Here, you can also find giant stalactites of various shapes. In the past, the cave witnessed many historical aerial battles and was used by soldiers as a shelter, therefore, you can see the remnants of the war here, such as gun shrapnel and bombshells.

Your Vietnam cave adventure should include the pristine Elephant Cave (Source: Collected)

9. Sung Sot Cave Vietnam (Quang Ninh)

Sung Sot Cave (or Surprise Cave), located on Bon Hon Island, is one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Spanning a total area of more than 12,000 square meters, the cave is also the largest one here.

Sung Sot Vietnam Cave is a highlight on most Halong Bay itineraries (Source: Collected)

Sung Sot Cave can only be reached after hiking up a steep path, but the interior scenery is well worth the effort. Here, there are two main areas for visitors to explore. The first one is like a big theater. The ceiling of this area is covered by stalactites and stalagmites which resemble glittering chandeliers. Stepping into this sparkling world, you can admire the beauty of many natural limestone statues in the shapes of elephants, seals, flowers, etc.

In the next area, you will be overwhelmed by its beauty. The stalactites are replaced by luxuriant greens. Reaching the top of the cave, you will have a chance to take in the beautiful landscape of vegetation, lakes, trees, and birds. The splendor of this cave will give you the exact answer to why it is called “Surprise Cave”.

The beauty of Sung Sot Vietnam Cave will blow every visitor’s mind (Source: Collected)

10. Dau Go Cave (Quang Ninh) – A beautiful cave in Vietnam

Your journey to Halong Bay will be incomplete without seeing Dau Go Vietnam Cave, which is located on Dau Go Island. From afar, the entrance of the cave looks like a giant jellyfish. Going inside, the space is divided into 3 chambers: the outer, the middle, and the inner chamber. 

Dau Go Vietnam Cave is a must-visit in Halong Bay (Source: Collected)

The outer chamber is the largest and has the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites in different shapes. Most of them look like humans, which are believed by the locals to be the guardians of the whole cave. The others have the shapes of lions, chickens, pythons, turtles, etc. The middle chamber is much darker but still impressive with its crystal structure. When the light is on, it will turn into a stunning kaleidoscope. Going through a 1.4-meter-wide pathway, you will be at the inner chamber. Here, you will find various giant stone pillars created by nature.

Notably, when you reach the end of the cave, you will find a well full of fresh water despite being surrounded by sea, making everyone surprised.

Dau Go Vietnam Cave stands out among other charming caves in Halong Bay (Source: Collected)

11. Tu Lan Vietnam Cave System (Quang Binh)

Along with Son Doong Cave and Phong Nha Cave, Tu Lan Vietnam caves is considered one of the most impressive cave systems in Quang Binh. This destination has become even more famous after its setting is featured in the Hollywood film “Kong: Skull Island”.

The majestic beauty of Tu Lan Vietnam caves never fails to awe visitors (Source: Collected)

The Tu Lan Vietnam cave system consists of more than 20 wet and dry caves, which are estimated to be between three and five million years old. The caves attract enthusiasts thanks to their large areas, underground rivers, and vast dangling stalactites. 

If you think all stalactites and stalagmites look the same, you will be surprised when coming to the Tu Lan Vietnam cave system. You can find giant stalactites with many unique shapes at Ken Cave. The dangling stalactites in Tu Lan Cave, which the entire system is named after, also have a different look. Meanwhile, the stalactites in Song Cave are unique, which look like a geographical map of miniature kingdoms.

Besides, there are more interesting experiences waiting for you to try here, such as swimming in and out of Kim Cave which has lovely cascades, seeing the diverse insects living in Chuot Cave, etc.

The stalactites inside Tu Lan Vietnam caves were formed millions of years ago (Source: Collected)

Most amazing Vietnam caves are located in limestone mountainous areas in the Northern and Central regions of the country, particularly in Quang Ninh province, Quang Binh province, and Ninh Binh province. During your trip to Vietnam, besides going on a cave adventure, do not forget to visit other attractions in Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc.

Notably, you can make your trip even more enjoyable by adding the following entertainment complexes to your travel itinerary:

• VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium: An unmissable place especially if you travel with your kids, where your family can have fun in front of an underwater world while your kids have fun at a large “play and learn” space.
• VinWonders Nam Hoi An: A top-rated amusement park that has been a big lure to visitors thanks to its exciting indoor and outdoor entertainment areas.
• VinWonders Nha Trang: An ideal entertainment paradise where you can participate in many thrilling adventure games to test your limits.
• VinWonders Phu Quoc: The largest theme park in Vietnam with hundreds of exhilarating games and entertaining activities for you to try.

VinWonders, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium offer memorable experiences to visitors of all ages

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have relaxing moments after exploring Vietnam caves!

Vietnam caves are like magnets attracting visitors from all over the world coming to explore their beauty. Each cave has a unique look and different features that will promisingly satisfy your curiosity. Hopefully, this article will help you plan a wonderful cave expedition in the S-shaped country!

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to fill your trip with loads of excitement!

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders!