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Beneath Vietnam’s soaring mountains and lush jungles lies a hidden world that remains largely unexplored by most travellers and it’s nothing short of extraordinary - the captivating realm of Vietnam's caves.
Table of Content[Hide]
- Introduction to Vietnam’s caves
- Top giant caves in Vietnam
- Son Doong Cave – The world’s largest cave
- Phong Nha Cave – The gateway to Vietnam’s underground wonders
- Paradise Cave – A natural cathedral of limestone
- Dark Cave – Adventure meets mud and zip lines
- Tu Lan Caves – Off-the-grid exploration
- En Cave – One of the world’s biggest caves
- Tiger Cave – Untamed and wild
- Va Cave – Alien formations in a hidden chamber
- Other must-visit caves in Vietnam
Introduction to Vietnam’s caves
Imagine vast caverns that could swallow skyscrapers. Underground jungles where mist hangs in the air. Clear rivers winding through ancient limestone. Vietnam’s caves are wild, dramatic, and full of surprises and exploring even just one can feel like stepping into another world. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a thrill-seeker looking for your next expedition, Vietnam’s caves offer something unforgettable.
Of course, not every cave is easy to find or easy to choose. Some are tucked away in remote national parks, others sit right off the coast in the legendary bay. This guide helps you sort the iconic from the overrated, and uncover the underground experiences truly worth your time.
You’ll find caves here that are perfect for photography, wildlife, adventure, or simply standing in awe of nature’s handiwork. We’ll cover what makes each one special, what to expect, and how to get there, plus a few insider tips from years of on-the-ground experience. Ready to explore on your next adventure!
The sparkling rock formations created naturally over 3 to 5 million years during the Vietnam cave's formation.
Top giant caves in Vietnam
Son Doong Cave – The world’s largest cave
If there’s one cave in Vietnam that deserves a place on your bucket list, it’s Son Doong Cave. Located deep in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, this cave is in a league of its own. With its own jungle, river, and weather system inside, Son Doong is really a hidden world.
Son Doong is the largest cave on the planet by volume. Its largest chamber is over 200 metres high - tall enough to fit a 40-storey skyscraper. You’ll trek through dense forest, cross rivers, and descend into the Earth before entering its colossal caverns.
Stepping into Son Doong feels like stepping into another planet. One of the cave's ceilings collapsed centuries ago, allowing sunlight to pour in and nourish a lush underground jungle - complete with trees, ferns, and mist. Inside, clouds form due to the cave’s unique climate, and colossal formations rise like natural skyscrapers. The scale and silence of Son Doong are hard to describe, you simply have to experience it.
Currently, this cave is only accessible via guided tours, with limited availability and a multi-day trekking itinerary. Book months in advance, permits are capped to protect the environment.
Phong Nha Cave – The gateway to Vietnam’s underground wonders
Easily accessible and absolutely stunning, Phong Nha Cave is the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s cave systems. It stretches over 7,700 metres, though visitors typically explore the first kilometre by boat.
Phong Nha Cave is known for its poetic beauty and historic significance. As your boat slips silently inside, you’re greeted by cool air, glistening stalactites, and walls carved by water over millions of years. The atmosphere is calm and mysterious, and for history buffs, the cave contains inscriptions believed to be over a thousand years old. It’s peaceful, impressive, and an easy win for any itinerary.
Being one of the most accessible caves in the country, yet Phong Nha feels completely untouched. You’ll glide into the cave by boat across a glassy river, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Tours are available daily and only take a few hours. This location is ideal for families and casual travellers.
Paradise Cave – A natural cathedral of limestone
Just a short drive from Phong Nha, Paradise Cave lives up to its name. With wooden walkways leading through colossal chambers, it’s one of the most photogenic and visitor-friendly caves in the country. This cave is perfect if you want a big impact with minimal effort. No climbing or crawling, just jaw-dropping beauty at every turn.
Paradise Cave looks like it was carved by an artist. The limestone formations are huge, intricate, and bathed in soft lighting that brings out their texture and shape. Walking through feels like strolling inside a natural cathedral. Stalactites hang like chandeliers, and pillars rise like ancient stone columns. The cave stretches for 31 kilometres in total, though visitors explore a well-maintained 1-kilometre section that offers a truly grand cave experience with easy access.
There’s a short walk and stair climb to reach the cave entrance, but it’s well worth it. We recommend you to go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Dark Cave – Adventure meets mud and zip lines
Dark Cave is where adventure junkies go to play. It’s fun, messy, and unlike any other cave experience in Vietnam. You can swim through pitch-black waters, slather yourself in natural mud, and zipline over the river.
This is a full-on adventure experience from start to finish. You’ll zipline across a jungle river to reach the cave entrance, then swim into the inky darkness wearing a helmet and headlamp. Inside, there’s a natural mud bath you can slosh through - wildly fun and weirdly therapeutic. It’s immersive, and guaranteed to leave you grinning (and dirty). Not for the faint-hearted, but unforgettable for those up for it.
Dark Cave tour runs daily. If you join this great mix of adrenaline and exploration, bring a change of clothes and waterproof bags for your gear.
Tu Lan Caves – Off-the-grid exploration
In fact, Tu Lan is a network of over 10 caves, many of which are only accessible via multi-day trekking tours. Remote, rugged, and wild, this is cave exploration at its finest. You’ll hike through jungles, swim through cave rivers, and camp under the stars. Inside, the caves range from narrow tunnels to vast halls with surreal rock formations. It’s raw, challenging, and magical - perfect for travellers who want something immersive and off the tourist track. It’s a deep dive into nature, literally and figuratively.
Currently, Tu Lan Caves are only reachable by guided tours, often 2 - 4 days and a moderate fitness is required.
En Cave – One of the world’s biggest caves
Often called Son Doong’s little sibling, En Cave is the third-largest cave in the world and a breathtaking destination in its own right. If you want a true wilderness experience without committing to the full Son Đoong expedition, this is your perfect alternative.
What makes En Cave special? The highlight of En Cave is its massive, cathedral-like interior: tall, echoing, and surreal. At night, visitors camp right inside the cave, with the sounds of a river flowing past and beams of natural light pouring through a collapsed ceiling. The combination of jungle trekking, cave camping, and sheer visual impact makes this one of Vietnam’s most unforgettable adventures.
Tiger Cave – Untamed and wild
Less commercial than many of the caves on this list, Tiger Cave is one for explorers who like their adventures rugged, raw, and away from the crowds. This cave feels primal, from the steep jungle trail to the towering entrance guarded by massive vines and ancient trees.
Tiger Cave has a deep, narrow entrance that opens up into sprawling underground chambers, complete with rock walls that seem to glow under torchlight. It's part of the Tiger Cave System, which includes Over Cave and Pygmy Cave - the latter being one of the largest dry caves in the world. If you’re looking to really earn your cave experience, this one delivers the grit and grandeur.
To visit Tiger Cave, you'll need to join a multi-day jungle trek that includes camping, swimming, and rope-assisted descents. These tours are only suitable for travellers with a good level of fitness and an appetite for challenge.
Va Cave – Alien formations in a hidden chamber
Va Cave might not be the biggest on the list, but it’s definitely one of the most unique. Known for its surreal, cone-shaped stalagmites, it looks like something from another planet.
What sets Va Cave apart are the hundreds of sharp, conical stalagmites that rise from a shallow underground lake - formations you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. The symmetry and shape of these formations make the cave feel otherworldly. Add in an underground river, crystal-clear pools, and complete silence, and you’ve got a cave that feels both alien and awe-inspiring.
Access to Va Cave is restricted to small guided groups and usually involves a two-day trek with jungle hiking, river crossings, and swimming inside the cave itself. Tours are also led by licensed operators and designed for travellers with moderate fitness levels.
Other must-visit caves in Vietnam
Halong Bay Caves – Limestone wonders above and below
You’ve seen Halong Bay’s limestone karsts rising from the sea, but what many travellers don’t realise is that inside those cliffs are some of Vietnam’s most accessible and beautiful caves. This UNESCO World heritage site is home to several impressive caves, each with its own features. Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) is the largest and most dramatic, with chambers big enough to host a concert. Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Cave) is filled with vibrant stalactites and creative lighting. Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave) offers historical intrigue, linked to a famous Vietnamese military victory. These caves are easy to explore, beautifully lit, and full of surprises.
Most Halong Bay cruises now include cave visits as part of their itinerary. You don’t need special gear or experience, just a willingness to climb a few stairs and soak in the sights.
>> See the full list of Halong Bay Cruises with real-time prices
Ninh Binh Caves – Scenic boat rides through limestone landscapes
Known as the “Inland Halong Bay”, Ninh Binh is famous for its river cave systems nestled between towering limestone cliffs and rice paddies. These caves are less about adventure and more about serenity, nature, and culture.
The cave systems here - most notably Tam Coc and Trang An - are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you float through dark tunnels and emerge into sunlit valleys, the sense of tranquillity is overwhelming. On a small sampan boat, you’ll glide past temples, wild goats, and lush mountainsides. It’s a gentle, photogenic journey perfect for couples, families, or anyone seeking a slower pace.
Cat Ba Island Caves – History, mystery, and hidden beauty
Cat Ba Island, located near Halong Bay, is not just about beaches and bays, it also hides a number of fascinating caves. Cat Ba’s caves offer a mix of natural beauty and historical significance, making them unique among Vietnam’s caves.
Among the most notable is Hospital Cave, a secret, bomb-proof hospital used during the Vietnam War, built into the mountain with 17 rooms and hidden passageways. Then there’s Trung Trang Cave, which stretches over 300 metres with an eerie, otherworldly interior shaped by millions of years of dripping water. The contrast of nature and history gives these caves a rich, reflective atmosphere.
Most caves are located within or near Cat Ba National Park and can be visited by motorbike, taxi, or guided tour. You can explore them as part of a broader adventure or cruise itinerary.
Nguom Ngao Cave – Vietnam’s Northern cave treasure
Located in the far north near the Vietnam - China border, Nguom Ngao Cave is a hidden gem often missed by tourists sticking to central or southern Vietnam. If you’re travelling through northeast Vietnam and want something beautiful, easy to access, this cave is a great option.
Nguom Ngao Cave features colourful mineral formations, massive columns, and smooth, polished walls shaped by water over centuries. The cave has a well-lit walking path, making it easy to explore. The cave itself is cool, calm, and surprisingly vast.
Nguom Ngao Cave is open to the public and can be visited independently or with a local guide. It's best combined with a trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall - one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landmarks. The area is less touristy, so it offers a quieter experience.
In Vietnam’s underground world, beauty takes unexpected forms. A jungle growing inside a cave. A river winding through rock shaped by time. A shaft of sunlight breaking through the darkness, catching a million years of limestone in a single golden glow. These are the moments that stay with you - the ones that remind you how vast the world is, and how small and lucky we are to explore it.
But it’s not just about what you see. It’s about how you feel. Braver. Freer. More alive.
So if you’ve ever felt the pull of the unknown - the urge to wander where few have walked and to witness nature in its rawest, most breathtaking form - this is your sign. Pack your sense of wonder and come to discover the hidden magic beneath the caves in Vietnam.
Explore Vietnam off-the-beaten-track tour
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