Quang Binh The Largest Cave in the World Located in Vietnam

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Son Doong Cave, recognized as the largest cave in the world, has garnered global attention for its enormous size and unique beauty. Located in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, Son Doong Cave is managed and operated as an adventure tourism destination by Oxalis.

Son Doong Cave has gained international fame through platforms such as Google Culture, National Geographic, Tripadvisor, and Lonely Planet, thanks to its vast cave system and magnificent stalactites. Images of the cave have appeared on the covers of major magazines and on major television channels such as BBC and CNN.

Location and Formation

Son Doong Cave is situated in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, with coordinates 17°55′N and 106°14′E. Located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, the cave was formed approximately 2-5 million years ago due to the erosion of river water in the limestone region. The cave measures 150 meters in width, over 200 meters in height, and nearly 9 km in length, with an estimated volume of up to 38.5 million cubic meters.

Exploration and Development

Son Doong Cave was first discovered by Ho Khanh in 1990, but it was only officially confirmed and named in 2009 with the help of a British Royal Explorers team. Introduced to the world in 2013, Son Doong Cave has become a highly sought-after adventure tourism destination, with tours operated by Chua Me Dat and Oxalis Adventure.

Notable Features

• Vietnam Wall: The tallest stalactite in the cave, about 200 meters high, requiring protective equipment to climb.
  
• In-Cave Campsite: Visitors have the opportunity to camp inside the cave for 3 nights, with camping areas offering stunning views of the sinkholes.
  
• Dog's Foot: A massive stalactite formation, one of the cave's spectacular highlights.
  
• Son Doong Sinkholes: Including Sinkhole 1 (Dinosaur's Lookout) and Sinkhole 2 (Paradise Garden), where light filters through, creating a unique ecosystem.
  

Climate and Tours

Son Doong Cave features a unique climate system with clouds formed from underground water sources, creating a stunning landscape. Currently, the exploration tour of Son Doong Cave lasts 4 days and 3 nights, priced at around $3,000 per person, and a 6-day, 5-night tour organized by Oxalis Adventure.

Conditions and Preparation

To join the tour, visitors need to be in good health and prepare appropriate clothing, footwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Pre-trip training is crucial to ensure optimal health and preparation.

Records and Recognition

Son Doong Cave was officially recognized as the largest cave in the world by Guinness World Records on April 30, 2013, and continued to receive recognition from other world record organizations in 2016.

Son Doong Cave is not only a famous tourist destination but also a point of pride for Vietnamese tourism, offering a unique and exciting experience for nature enthusiasts.