In the heart of Vietnam’s natural beauty lie unexplored underground treasures. In this article, we take you on a journey to discover the most beautiful and captivating caves in the country, where the magic of the Earth takes shape beneath the surface. Among them, the monumental Son Doong Cave and Sung Sot Cave in Halong Bay stand out, offering unique experiences.
While Vietnam is often praised for its breathtaking landscapes, these caves evoke a hidden world, a true paradise for adventurers and the curious. Let’s dive together into these depths for an unforgettable adventure.
| Cave | Location | Access | Visit duration | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sung Sot | Halong Bay | Cruise or day boat | 45 minutes | Included in the bay ticket |
| Son Doong | Phong Nha-Ke Bang | Expedition with Oxalis | 4 days | About $3,000 |
| Paradise Cave | Phong Nha-Ke Bang | Electric car then stairs | 1.5 to 2 hours | About 250,000 VND |
| Phong Nha | Phong Nha-Ke Bang | Boat from Son Trach | About 2 hours | 150,000 VND + boat |
| Nguom Ngao | Cao Bang | Road, near Ban Gioc Waterfall | 1 hour | 35,000 VND |
What can you see in Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay?
Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest in Halong Bay, is visited on a cruise and reveals two huge chambers full of stalactites.
Among the hidden gems of Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave (or “Surprise Cave”) stands out as a sparkling pearl to explore. Nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful bays, this cave is renowned for its breathtaking rock formations and vast chambers naturally illuminated. It’s a microcosm of geological beauty and a testament to the magic of nature.
Discovery and public opening
Sung Sot Cave was discovered by the French in 1901, whom they named the ‘Surprise Cave,’ probably due to the awe-inspiring beauty they must have felt when they encountered it. It wasn’t until 1993, just a year before UNESCO recognized the central area of Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage Site, that the cave welcomed its first visitors. Since then, it has been repeatedly acknowledged and celebrated, even making it onto the list of Vietnam’s most beautiful caves compiled by CNN’s travel magazine.
From the entrance of Sung Sot cave in Halong bay. Crédit : Mathieu Arnaudet
Location and what to see inside
The cave is located on Bo Hon Island, alongside another popular cave in Halong, Trinh Nu. From the pier, visitors must climb 50 steps to the cave entrance, which is 25 meters above sea level.
Sung Sot Cave is divided into two chambers; the first chamber, known as the ‘Waiting Room,’ is spacious, adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, and illuminated by multicolored lights strategically placed to highlight the structural beauty of the chamber.
To access the second chamber, visitors must traverse a narrow passage. The second chamber is called the ‘Serene Castle.’ This chamber is vast and majestic, with an extremely high ceiling and many interesting rock formations that locals identify by comparing them to animals due to their shapes.
How to get there ?
There are two ways to visit Sung Sot Cave:
Option 1
For tourists with limited travel time who wish to include only Sung Sot Cave in their itinerary, the best option is to rent a speedboat. Most of them are docked at Tuan Chau and Hon Gai piers. The cost typically starts from $50 USD per hour for a 4 to 8-passenger boat.
Option 2
Alternatively, a more convenient and cost-effective option to visit Sung Sot Cave is to take a 6-hour day cruise.
Sung Sot Cave is part of the itinerary 2 for day cruises departing from the Tuan Chau International Port, visiting consecutively: Soi Sim Island – Titop Island – Sung Sot Cave – Bo Nau Cave – Luon Cave – Fairy Lake Cave – Trinh Nu Cave – Me Cung Cave. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the caves, swim, kayak, and enjoy the bay’s scenery from the boat.
The price for this half-day tour is approximately 290,000 VND per person. In addition, tourists must pay a boat rental fee of 200,000 VND and 150,000 to 250,000 VND for lunch (optional). The total price will be in the range of 640,000 VND to 740,000 VND per person.
As you can see, Sung Sot Cave is just one of the many underground wonders that dot Halong Bay. Among these hidden treasures is also Trinh Nu Cave, which tells a timeless love legend through its delicate rock formations. Furthermore, Dong Thien Cung Cave amazes with its rooms adorned with fairy-like stalactites and stalagmites.
And if you are staying on the neighboring island, also discover the caves of Cat Ba Island, including the famous Hospital Cave.
Can you visit Son Doong Cave?
Son Doong, the largest known cave in the world, can only be visited on a multi-day expedition with Oxalis, booked far in advance.
Located in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, in the former Quang Binh province, part of Quang Tri since 2025, Son Doong Cave is simply one of the most breathtaking underground wonders in the world. Its relatively recent discovery and status as the largest known cave on the planet make it a legendary destination for intrepid (and wealthy!) explorers.
Iconic photo of Son Doong cave
Son Doong discovery
Imagine yourself venturing into the darkness of Son Doong, the soft glow of your headlamp gradually revealing breathtakingly vast caverns. These expansive underground spaces seem almost unreal, adorned with rock formations sculpted by time and the elements. Stalactites, hanging like mineral jewels, and stalagmites rising from the ground in mystical formations, evoke a fairy-tale world.
The experience of navigating through winding passages, admiring immense chambers, and hearing the murmur of the underground river provides a glimpse into the mysteries and hidden beauty of the Earth.
Visiting experience
The accounts of travelers and experts who have had the privilege of treading the ground of Son Doong are unanimous: the experience is profoundly transformative. They share moments of wonder in the face of the cave’s grandeur and complexity, moments of fascination in discovering unique mineral formations, and moments of connection with raw nature.
However, it’s important to note that access to Son Doong is limited due to its ecological fragility. Additionally, the cost of the experience can be high. Yet, within this reality, an opportunity emerges: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to a multitude of other exceptional caves that offer equally stunning experiences. Son Doong Cave is just one of the stars in a constellation of underground treasures.
As you consider venturing into these depths, remember that these caves are the result of millions of years of geological activity. They are a striking reminder that the Earth carries untold stories, accessible to those who dare to explore with respect and admiration.
Practical information: Only one agency organizes tours to Son Doong Cave, and that is Oxalis. Follow this link to check their availability for their multi-day cave tour. As of 2026, all expedition slots for 2026 and 2027 are already fully booked — booking is now open for 2028. Budget around $3,000 per person.
Why visit Paradise Cave in Phong Nha?
Over 31 km long, Paradise Cave is the most spectacular of the caves open to the public in Phong Nha, with a well-designed walkway.
Also located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Paradise Cave bears an evocative name that anticipates the wonderful experience awaiting visitors. Renowned for its near-perfect beauty, this cave is a hidden treasure within the country’s natural magnificence.
Paradise cave in Phong Nha. Crédit : Mathieu Arnaudet
Information about the cave
This cave is considered the longest and most beautiful cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. It stretches for over 31 kilometers and houses numerous spectacular stalactite formations. Visitors can walk through narrow passages and admire the rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites while learning about the cave’s history and geology. Thien Duong Cave also offers a unique visitor experience with a colorful lighting system that highlights the different rock formations. If you enjoy exploring caves and marveling at the wonders of nature, Thien Duong Cave is an excellent choice for your first visit to Phong Nha Ke Bang.
Visiting experience
The experience of visiting Paradise Cave is both inspiring and unforgettable. Following the carefully designed path, travelers have the opportunity to discover the most remarkable points of interest within the cave. Each turn reveals a new wonder, each chamber offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty that characterizes Paradise Cave.
For photography enthusiasts, capturing the magic of the cave can be a rewarding challenge. Playing with natural and artificial lights to highlight the details of the rock formations, capturing reflections in the calm water, and creating unique compositions allows you to capture the essence of this magical place.
Enjoy every moment of this experience. Take the time to contemplate the perfection sculpted by nature in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and allow yourself to be imbued with the tranquility of these places. Paradise Cave offers a precious opportunity to reconnect with the Earth and lose yourself in the contemplation of its own elegance.
How do you visit Phong Nha Cave?
Phong Nha Cave is visited by boat from the Son Trach pier, with a ticket of about 150,000 VND and a shared boat.
This cave is named after the national park and is its emblem. Nearly 7.7 km long, it houses numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations and is reached by boat. You can combine it with Tien Son Cave, a dry cave perched above Phong Nha and reached by a staircase, whose formations are well worth the climb.
Photographing Phong Nha cave. Crédit : Mathieu Arnaudet
Cave size
Phong Nha Cave is 7,729 meters long. Its entrance, 20 to 25 meters wide and about 10 meters high, looks like a large bowl turned upside down on the water, making it easy for boats to pass through. Visitors explore the first part of the cave, over about 1.5 km.
Practical information
The Phong Nha Cave typically opens to tourists from 7:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, so it’s important for visitors to be mindful of their time management.
As for tickets, you’ll need to pay for both the boat and the cave entrance.
For adults, it costs 150,000 VND (about ) per person. Children with a height of 1.1 meters to less than 1.3 meters cost 60,000 VND per child (about .40). Children under 1.1 meters in height are free.
The cost of the boat for Phong Nha Cave is 550,000 VND per boat, including life vests, and can accommodate up to 12 people, including children.
Is Nguom Ngao Cave in Cao Bang worth visiting?
Just 4 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave offers a fine 2 km loop, ideal to combine with a visit to the falls.
Located just 4 kilometers from Ban Gioc Waterfalls, Nguom Ngao Cave is one of the most impressive underground wonders in Cao Bang Province.
Discovered in 1921 by French and Vietnamese administrators, it was nicknamed the “Tiger Cave” in the language of the Tay ethnic group because, according to legend, tigers used to live there.
The cave is quite large, and you’ll need to walk 2 kilometers to complete the circuit. You’ll be impressed by the height and grandeur of the cave. However, the cave has relatively limited lighting, especially compared to caves like those in Phong Nha Ke Bang, mainly in yellow hues. The province is still in the early stages of promoting tourism, especially to Western tourists, and it’s likely that hospitality and presentation will improve in the future.
Entrance fee: 35,000 VND per person (about .40).
Tiger cave in Cao Bang. Crédit : Mathieu Arnaudet
Beyond its iconic landscapes, Vietnam hides wonders beneath its surface. These five unique caves have transported us to a mysterious and enchanting universe. From the grandeur of Son Doong to the elegance of Paradise Cave, and the intimacy of the Tiger Cave, each cave tells a millennia-old story.
These underground treasures are more than just geological curiosities. They are gateways to a hidden world, an invitation to wonder and discovery. Exploring these caves is entering a realm where time stands still, and nature reveals itself in all its splendor.
Vietnam reminds us that exploration is an inner as well as an outer journey. These caves, with their natural beauty and cultural heritage, are a poignant reminder of the magic emanating from our planet. Let yourself be enchanted by the depths of Vietnam and create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ: Vietnam’s caves
What is the most beautiful cave in Vietnam?
Son Doong, the largest known cave in the world, is the most spectacular but reserved for expeditions. Among caves open to everyone, Paradise Cave in Phong Nha is our favorite.
Can you visit Son Doong?
Yes, only with Oxalis, on a 4-day expedition costing around $3,000. Places are booked several years in advance.
How much does it cost to visit Phong Nha Cave?
About 150,000 VND per adult (around $6), plus 550,000 VND for the boat, shared by up to 12 people.
Which cave should you visit in Halong Bay?
Sung Sot, the largest, and Thien Cung, both included in most day and overnight cruises.
How many days should you spend in Phong Nha-Ke Bang?
Two days let you see Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave and enjoy a kayak or bike ride in the countryside.
Is Nguom Ngao Cave worth the trip?
Yes, especially combined with Ban Gioc Waterfall, 4 km away: the 2 km loop inside the cave is impressive, even if the lighting is simple.
