Concealed within the verdant jungles of central Vietnam lies a natural marvel that continues to inspire awe among explorers and adventurers: Hang Sơn Đoòng, the world’s largest cave. A testament to the intricate wonders of nature, Hang Sơn Đoòng is a spectacle of geological grandeur and biological diversity, promising an unforgettable journey to those who dare to explore its cavernous depths.
Discovery and exploration
Hang Sơn Đoòng was discovered in 1991 by Hồ Khanh, a local man who was searching through the jungle for agarwood. Though fascinated by the massive cave entrance he had stumbled upon, he became intimidated by the sounds of rushing water and strong winds from the entrance, and, lacking any gear or rope, he could go no further into the cave at that time.
After leaving his logging job, Khanh returned to farming, but kept alive his desire to rediscover the cave. His opportunity came in 2006 when a group of researchers from the British Cave Research Association, having heard about his discovery, asked for his help to find the cave. In 2009, Khanh managed to rediscover Hang Sơn Đoòng, subsequently guiding a British exploration team led by Howard Limbert to its entrance.
According to Limbert: “We were the first people to enter the cave. There is no evidence that anyone lived in Sơn Đoòng in the past. Usually, it’s easy to see this in a cave… also, all the entrances and exits involve near-vertical descents of at least 85 m [278 ft] using technical equipment,” (Lonely Planet)
The majestic Hang Sơn Đoòng
Formed of limestone, Hang Sơn Đoòng is a marvel of geology. It is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume, spanning more than 5 kilometers (3 miles) long, 200 meters (656 feet) high, and 150 meters (492 feet) wide. Its vastness could easily accommodate any of the world’s other largest caves and several 40-story skyscrapers standing upright.
Though untouched by humans, Sơn Đoòng teems with life. Birds, snakes, monkeys, squirrels, and flying foxes have all found a home in its vast chambers. Furthermore, Limbert and his team discovered entirely new species — spiders, fish, scorpions, shrimp, and plankton, all white and eyeless, a testament to their evolution in the dark.
The cave’s geological wonders are as impressive as its biodiversity. Sơn Đoòng houses an array of massive stalagmites, some of the tallest and largest in the world. It also features an underground river, delicate calcite curtains, and rare cave pearls.
The sheer size of Sơn Đoòng gives rise to its own weather system, resulting in astonishing microclimates and habitats. Sunlight from sinkholes illuminates a verdant jungle within the cave, boasting trees up to 50 meters (164 feet) high, along with a variety of ferns and mosses.
A journey into the depths
The first official tours to Hang Sơn Đoòng began in 2013. These expeditions, often lasting 6 days and 5 nights, offer an unrivaled opportunity to delve into the underground world, exploring the cave’s vast landscapes that shift and transform each day.
The tour is a challenging adventure, involving trekking through primary forest with elevation gains from 150 m (492 ft) to 800 m (2,625 ft), crossing rivers, and traversing various terrains inside the cave. Those who go can expect rocky scrambles, sandy banks, ladder climbs, and rope ascents. During the expedition, they’ll be cut off from the outside world with no phone signal or Wi-Fi, truly immersing themselves in this otherworldly environment.
A team accompanies each expedition, consisting of 10 guests, 1 safety expert, 1 tour guide, 6 safety assistants, 2 cooks, 17 porters carrying belongings, food, camping equipment, and 1 ranger from the Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park.
Conclusion
The exploration of Hang Sơn Đoòng offers a profound connection with the natural world, an opportunity to step away from the buzz of modern life and delve into a realm of geological history and biological diversity. Each expedition offers an unparalleled journey, exploring vast chambers filled with towering stalagmites, ancient fossils, and vast jungles that bloom in the cave’s light-filled sinkholes.
To witness the scale of Hang Sơn Đoòng firsthand is to be reminded of nature’s capacity to astound and inspire, a testament to the extraordinary beauty and mystery that lies waiting to be discovered within the heart of our planet. Despite the challenges that come with traversing this colossal cave, the rewards are immense, offering a breathtaking encounter with one of the greatest natural wonders on the planet.
