Vietnam is home to a unique and extensive system of caves, formed by limestone landscapes over centuries. With hundreds of caves across the country, Vietnam offers visitors a glimpse into a hidden world of stunning natural beauty, with towering stalagmites and stalactites, crystal-clear rivers, and lush underground forests. Some famous caves are also home to important archaeological and historical sites, providing insights into Vietnam’s rich past.
In this article, we’ll take you on a fascinating tour of the best caves Vietnam has to offer. Whether you are an experienced caver or a first-time visitor, there is a cave in Vietnam that is perfect for you. From the vast underground world of Son Doong Cave to the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of Paradise Cave, Vietnam’s caves offer something for everyone!
When planning your exploration of Vietnam’s top caves, it’s essential to time your visit right – find out the best time to visit Vietnam!
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Home To An Abundance And Diversity Of Caves
With over 300 caves in Vietnam discovered so far and many more still waiting to be explored, the country’s majestic caves are known for their stunning geological formations, unique biodiversity, and rich history.
Vietnam’s caves are also home to a variety of unique plant and animal life, including some species that are found nowhere else in the world. For example, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to over 300 species of cave-dwelling creatures, including the giant cave spider and the Vietnamese cave catfish.
For a dose of Vietnam’s natural wonders, explore these top caves, and for sun-soaked adventures, dive into our best beaches in Vietnam.
A World Of Discovery Awaits
With many caves yet to be fully explored, Vietnam’s cave system is still relatively new to tourism. This means that there are still many opportunities for new discoveries and adventures.
If you are interested in exploring Vietnam’s caves, be sure to do your research and book a tour with a reputable company. Please note that many famous caves in Vietnam require special permits and equipment, and it is important to be prepared for the challenges of cave exploration.
Now, let’s join the discovery journey of caves in Vietnam together!
Son Doong Cave – The World’s Largest Natural Cave
Son Doong Cave, or Hang Son Doong, is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Vietnam. It is the largest cave in the world, with a volume of 38.5 million cubic meters. Son Doong is such a massive cave that it has its own river, rainforest, and even clouds.
Overview
The Son Doong cave was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone by the Rao Thuong River. Son Doong was first discovered in 1991 by a local man named Ho Khanh, but it was not fully explored until 2009 by a team of British cavers.
Son Doong Cave is so large that it could easily fit a 40-story skyscraper inside. The cave’s main chamber is over 5 kilometers long, 200 meters high, and 150 meters wide. Son Doong is the largest cave so it has its own weather system, with clouds and even rain.
Features
Son Doong Cave is home to a variety of unique plant and animal life, including some species that are found nowhere else in the world. For example, the cave is home to a giant limestone worm that can grow up to 2 meters long. Son Doong is also home to a variety of bats, birds, and some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. The cave’s main chamber is filled with towering stalagmites and stalactites that create a truly awe-inspiring sight. The cave also has a number of underground rivers and streams, as well as lush underground forests.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – An Extensive Cave Systems
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Quang Binh Province, in central Vietnam. It is home to an extensive system of caves, including some of the largest and most impressive caves in the world.
Overview
The park covers an area of over 850 square kilometers. It is home to over 300 caves, many of which have yet to be fully explored.
The caves in the park were formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone by the Rao Thuong River. The caves were first discovered by humans thousands of years ago, and they have been used as shelters, burial grounds, and religious sites throughout history.
While exploring the breathtaking caves of Vietnam, you might also be interested in our article on the best movies about Vietnam, offering another perspective on this captivating country’s rich history and culture.
Features
The famous caves in the park are known for their stunning geological formations, including towering stalagmites and stalactites, crystal-clear rivers, and lush underground forests. The caves also provide a habitat for a variety of unique plant and animal life, including some species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Some famous caves running through Phong Nha-Ke Bang are Paradise Cave (also known as Thien Duong Cave), known for its beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave, and some other caves.
Hang En Cave – The Most Stunning Caves In Vietnam
Hang En Cave is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It is the third-largest cave in the world, with a volume of over 31 million cubic meters. The cave is over 5 kilometers long, 200 meters wide, and 150 meters high.
Overview
Hang En Cave was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone by the Rao Thuong River. The cave was first discovered by humans in 2009, but it was not fully explored until 2010.
Features
Hang En Cave is known for its stunning geological formations, including towering stalagmites and stalactites, crystal-clear rivers, and lush underground forests. The cave is also home to a variety of unique plant and animal life, including some species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Tu Lan Cave System – Diverse & Challenging Caves In Vietnam
The Tu Lan Cave System is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It is a diverse cave system with a variety of cave types, including dry caves, wet caves, and even a cave with a waterfall. This is also one of the most challenging cave systems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to explore.
Overview
Tu Lan Cave System consists of over 100 caves, many of which have yet to be fully explored. The system was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone by the Rao Thuong River. The caves were first discovered by humans thousands of years ago, and they have been used as shelters, burial grounds, and religious sites throughout history!
Features
Among the best caves in Vietnam, Tu Lan Caves are known for their diversity of cave types. The system includes dry caves, wet caves, and even a cave with a waterfall. The caves also feature a variety of geological formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and columns. The Tu Lan Caves are home to a variety of unique plant and animal life, including some species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Sung Sot Cave: A Stunning Cave In Halong Bay
Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, is located on Bo Hon Island in Halong Bay, in northern Vietnam. It is one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay and is easily accessible to tourists.
Overview
Sung Sot Cave is a large cave, with a total area of over 10,000 square meters. The cave is divided into two main chambers, the Upper Chamber and the Lower Chamber.
The cave was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone by the sea. The cave was first discovered by humans in the early 1900s, and it has been used as a shelter, burial ground, and religious site throughout history.
Features
Among the most stunning caves in Vietnam, Sung Sot Cave is known for its stunning geological formations, including towering stalagmites and stalactites, crystal-clear pools, and lush underground gardens.
Dau Go Cave: A Majestic Cave In Halong Bay
Dau Go Cave, also known as Wooden Head Cave, is located on Dau Go Island in Ha Long Bay. It is one of the largest and most famous caves in Ha Long Bay.
Overview
Dau Go Cave is a large cave, with a total area of over 12,000 square meters. The cave is divided into three main chambers, each with its own unique features and mysterious cave entrance.
Dau Go Cave was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone cliffs by the sea. The cave was first discovered by humans in the 13th century, and it was used as a hideout by Vietnamese pirates during the Mongol invasions.
Features
Dau Go Cave is one of the best caves in Ha Long Bay, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight. It is known for its majestic geological formations, including towering stalagmites and stalactites, and lush underground forests. Secluded sea cave only accessible by boat at low tide amidst Ha Long Bay’s dramatic towers.
Luon Cave: A Hidden Gem In Ha Long Bay
Luon Cave is located on Bo Hon Island in Ha Long Bay, in northern Vietnam. It is a hidden gem and a small cave known for its magnificent beauty and its unique features.
Overview
With a total length of about 60 meters and a width of about 3 meters, the cave is also relatively low, with a height of about 2.5 to 4 meters, depending on the tide.
It was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone mountains by the sea. The cave was first discovered by humans in the early 1900s, and it has been used as a fishing shelter and a tourist destination throughout history.
Features
It is known for its stunning beauty and is one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam. The cave entrance has a natural archway that opens up to the sea, and visitors can kayak through the archway to explore the cave’s interior. The cave also has a number of interesting geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites.
Luon Cave is a popular destination for kayaking, as visitors can kayak through the cave’s natural archway to explore the cave’s interior. Besides, Luon Cave is a relatively secluded cave, which makes it a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Trang An Grottoes – The Spectacular Caves In Vietnam
Trang An Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It is a complex of limestone caves, grottoes, and valleys that are interconnected by a network of rivers and streams.
Overview
Trang An Grottoes is located in Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It is about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It covers an area of over 6,000 hectares. It includes over 30 valleys, 50 caves, and a number of rivers and streams.
Trang An Grottoes was formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone by the Trang An River. The area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and it was once the capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries.
Features
Trang An Grottoes is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The cave environment is home to a variety of limestone formations, including towering karsts, lush valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.
Ready To Explore The Best Caves In Vietnam?
In the heart of this stunning Southeast Asian country, Vietnam’s caves have a unique way of capturing our imagination and connecting us with the Earth’s mysterious depths. As we’ve journeyed through this list of remarkable subterranean marvels, it’s clear that each cave has its own personality, a story to tell, and a natural beauty that’s unmatched.
So, as you contemplate your next adventure, keep these incredible caves in Vietnam in mind. Don’t just take our word for it – go out and discover these earthly treasures for yourself, and let Vietnam’s remarkable caves leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul!
