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Son Doong Cave
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The world’s largest subterranean cave can be found in the
Quang Binh province in Vietnam. It is believed to have been created some two to
four million years ago, when the Rao Thuong River carved out limestone deposits
found underneath a ring of mountains. Measuring at 300 feet wide, 800 feet high
and runs 2.5 miles long, the cave has around a hundred connected caverns, some
of which were just recently discovered and have yet to be surveyed.
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The caves were first explored by Howard and Deb Limbert in 2009. The husband and
wife team, experienced cavers from northern England, have mounted several
expeditions since then. These trips have led to the discovery of the Hang Khe Ry,
one of the longest river caves in the world at 12 miles, and to the
establishment of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park where Hang Son Doong is
located. A local resident, Ho Khanh was instrumental in helping find the caves.
As a boy he explored the area and discovered the cave. Because of the dense
forest growth, it was difficult to spot the cave’s entrance and it wasn’t until
1991 did he find the cave again.
In the Vietnamese language the cave is known as
Hang Son Doong, with “son doong”
meaning “mountain river cave”. Water can flow as high as 300 feet during the
rainy season, making certain passages and caverns impassable. During summer and
early winter, when the season is dry, the river dwindles into a series of pools
and ponds. Many of the caverns can fit a block of buildings forty stories high.
The cave has several sinkholes, areas where the cave’s ceilings have collapsed
due to weak limestone support. One can be found 3 kilometers from the entrance,
where the light shines through. It allows various species of plants and insects
flourish, creating a forest within the caves themselves. Explorers have also
noted seeing animals like birds and monkeys living in the cave jungles.
Towards the end of the cave is a large wall of flowstone that hindered explorers
from going further. After they were able to get past it, the team discovered a
second entrance to the cave.
There is still much to be explored about Hang Son Doong and its network of
caves. One can only imagine the natural treasures that can be seen inside.
Note that many tourist websites report that the caves are not yet open for
public tours, and caution interested spelunkers to be wary of groups offering
tours at a high price. Best
contact us for
more details.
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