While you may or may not know Vietnam for its caves, it most certainly has an impression share of them. Only recently discovered in 1991, Hang Son Doong is the largest cave in the world by volume. Go outside the comforts of the city and explore these amazing natural landmarks in Vietnam.
List of Caves in Vietnam
There are a myriad of caverns to explore throughout the country. The Northern Vietnam area near Hai Phong has several caves worth visiting, as does Central Vietnam north of Hue. Some caves are located in national parks.
Map of Caves in Vietnam
Featured Caves
Guide to Touring Caves in Vietnam
Think of Vietnam and you’ll have visions of ancient temples, golden beaches, silk clothing, and wonderful street food. Whilst the country certainly possesses these attributes, it’s recently developed a stellar reputation for having one of the world’s biggest caves.
Hidden beneath Vietnam’s bustling streets and stunning beaches are a network of intricate and mysterious meandering caverns and formidable grottoes. While some were discovered long ago, others were only uncovered recently and continue to be explored.
Where are Vietnam’s Caves Located?
As a country with a diverse and versatile landscape, there are plenty of caves to be explored across Vietnam. Ha Long Bay, for example, is an iconic site that is home to serval caves hidden in the depths of its iconic islets. Tam Coc, often referred to as an ‘inland Ha Long Bay’’, is another popular landscape complex that features large underground grottoes.
Unimaginably different from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam’s caves will immerse visitors to the point where human civilization feels like a distant memory. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular caves for tourists.
Hang Son Doong – Phong Nha -Kẻ Bàng National Park
This enormous grotto wasn’t discovered until 1990 and it is now considered the largest cave in the world by volume. Reaching heights of up to 660 feet, this underground world is home to a number of animal and plant species.
Hang Son Doong has since become an immensely popular tourist attraction. Though a visit there can require years on a waiting list, getting the chance to see Son Doong Cave in person is an experience that is definitely worth waiting for.
Sung Sot – Ha Long Bay
Situated in the iconic Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot Cave’s charismatic grotto has been on the nation’s most beloved tourist attractions for well over a century.
With its overhanging stalagmites, tranquil ponds, and deceptively large interiors, the Sung Sot embodies everything that Vietnam’s caves are known for. Since its discovery in 1901, it has developed a reputation as one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders.
Thien Canh Son – Bai Tu Long Bay
Although not quite as charismatic as its larger and more famous counterparts, Thien Canh Son Cave still offers natural beauty and stunning views in abundance. Situated in the scenic Bai Tu Long Bay, this cave lies at the top of a spiraling 60-stair climb.
Trang An Grottoes
Located in the stunning Ninh Binh province, the Trang An Grottoes encompasses 31 valleys and over 50 waterside caves. With its picturesque views and refreshing ocean breezes, canoeing in the Trang An Grottoes brings you right to the heart of the action.
Vietnam is a country full of secrets. Behind the dazzling lights and busy roads of its urban cities lies a subterranean masterpiece steeped in history and beauty.