Son Doong expedition (advanced, limited permits)
Son Doong is the world's largest cave passage located in Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh, Vietnam. This is an advanced, multi-day expedition requiring excellent fitness, technical cave trekking and remote camping. Access is strictly controlled with a small number of permits issued each year; visits are allowed only through authorized operators and experienced guides. The expedition features enormous caverns, underground rivers, jungle ecosystems inside dolines, spectacular stalagmites/stalactites and sections that feel like exploring another planet.
Location
Hang Sơn Đoòng (Son Doong Cave), Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Phong Nha (near Dong Hoi), Vietnam
Duration
4–6 days (typical in-cave time 4 days; add 1–2 days for transfers and acclimatisation depending on operator)
Best Time to Visit
February to August (peak window). Avoid the monsoon months (September–January) when Son Doong is closed to visitors due to flooding risk.
Pricing
Approximate price: USD 3,000–4,500 per person. This typically includes park permits, professional guides, porters, group gear (ropes, safety equipment), meals during the expedition, and local transfers. Excludes: international flights, travel insurance, personal gear rental (if opted), and optional tips. Prices vary by operator and change seasonally.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
World’s largest known cave passage by volume — vast caverns with cathedral-like ceilings
Enormous dolines (collapsed cave roofs) with their own jungle ecosystems and sunlight
Underground river sections, large dry cave floors, and dramatic speleothems (stalagmites/stalactites)
Camping inside the cave beneath skylights and exploring ‘Garden of Edam’-like pockets
Technical sections requiring rope work, scrambling, and wading across streams
Rare photographic and scientific opportunities; unforgettable sense of scale and remoteness
Itinerary
Arrive in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha; meet expedition team, final gear checks and briefing.
Most operators include transfers from Dong Hoi airport / Phong Nha. Overnight in Phong Nha guesthouse or campsite before start.
Drive to trailhead and begin trek to Hang En / Son Doong entrance (approach trek).
A long hike (6–12 km depending on route) through jungle, river crossings; pack light and follow guide instructions.
Enter Son Doong — initial exploration, rope descents, set up first cave camps.
Expect technical sections (rope-assisted), wading, and moving through huge passages. Guides lead route-setting and safety.
Deep cave exploration — dolines, internal jungle, river sections, photography stops.
Full day of exploration; opportunities to see massive chambers and unique ecosystems; campsite beneath skylights.
Further cave exploration and start exit toward Hang En and trail out.
Final cave sections and rope work; prepare for long trek back to Phong Nha area in the afternoon/evening.
Return to Phong Nha / Dong Hoi, debrief and departure or optional rest day.
Transfer back to guesthouse or airport connection. Many travelers choose an extra rest day in Phong Nha after the expedition.
Safety Requirements
Excellent physical fitness and endurance — able to hike 10+ km over rough terrain and carry a daypack
Comfortable with rope-assisted sections, steep ascents/descents, scrambling and wading through water
Prior caving or multi-day trekking experience strongly recommended (this is an advanced expedition)
Mandatory guided-only access; no independent entry allowed. Follow all instructions from guides and park rangers
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers cave rescue/evacuation is strongly advised
Be aware of heat, humidity and potential hypothermia in wet sections; disclose medical conditions in advance
Tips
Book very early — permits are extremely limited and popular dates sell out months or years in advance
Choose an authorized operator with a strong safety record and clear permit documentation
Pack high-quality, quick-dry clothing, warm layers for cave nights, sturdy trekking shoes that can get wet, headlamp with spare batteries, and personal first-aid items
Bring a good camera (wide-angle recommended), but protect electronics from humidity and water
Respect strict Leave No Trace rules — the cave ecosystem is fragile; follow guides on waste and noise management
Carry sufficient cash for tips, local purchases and any extra rental gear; remote park areas may not accept cards
Allow a rest day in Phong Nha before and after the expedition to acclimatise and recover
