How to conquer the largest cave in the world: personal experience (17 photos)

For everyone who loves travel and outdoor activities, Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is the perfect place to visit must visit at least once in a lifetime. Ever since the cave was opened to tourists, it became famous all over the world, and many travelers immediately were eager to explore it - H. Minh Nguyen was one of them, but on It took 10 years for her dream to come true.





“More than 10 years after I entered the word "Shondong" in my wishlist, I finally got the opportunity to embody this dream into reality,” Nguyen writes. - $3,000 per ticket - amount not small, and a waiting period of 1 to 3 years will seem to anyone long. Also, the cave exploration tour is very demanding in terms of physical fitness, spirit, as well as caring attitude to nature. In addition, I was the youngest in a group of 10 tourists in this trip to Sondong 51 in 2022.”



“Shondong Cave was my dream to which I aspired 10 years. In September 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll turnover in Vietnam and around the world, I came across a recruitment ad for a trip to Son Doong in 2022. Due to the pandemic, tourists from all over the world couldn't go to Vietnam. So, when buying a ticket then, I I would have to wait not 2 or 3 years, but only 8-9 months. In 2023 I turns 30, which is considered "old age" in Vietnam, so I I wanted to fulfill my dream before reaching this milestone. I quickly made up her mind and used all her savings at the time to buy ticket and confirm the date.

For 9 months of waiting, I had no job, no income, but it wasn't all that bad. I had more time to exercise and do cardio at home, lose weight and learn more about Sondong from video blogs and reviews of tourists who have been there. As a man, who loves sports, I understood the importance of physical fitness for conquest of Sondong. I focused on developing physical strength, improving endurance, in particular respiratory, and strengthening the muscles of the legs and shoulders."

In a small stream on the way to the cave there is a stone with a large hole inside. We joked that everyone who passes here should quit there is a small pebble - a kind of payment for crossing the stream.





After a few hours of hiking through the forest, we saw the entrance to En cave. Along the way, we saw stalactites up to millions of years old. These stalactites are formed by drops of water flowing down from the dome of the cave.



And these "sand towers" are formed from drops of water, falling from the ceiling of the cave, and quicksand. Parts that blocked by pebbles and stones, remain standing.



Inside En cave we saw a small "beach" with sandy shore and green water. The natural sandy shore is divided into two separate parts on both sides of the green lake. On one side the water warm and fish swim under water, on the other it is very cold.



The first valley through which sunlight enters. On a foggy day, every stone here shines.



“Regardless of direction, there was always deep water behind us. abyss. When people are afraid, their body instinctively shrinks. However, on in fact, to go uphill, you need to spread your legs shoulder-width apart and lean back, resigned to the darkness that frightens you. Just hold on firmly and know where to put your foot at every slightest step, and you make it through the climb."






“The journey to discover Son Doong requires roping almost every day. Team of experienced professionals for safety creates entire rope systems that allow tourists to navigate difficult passages using the strength of their arms and legs. To enter the cave, you need to go down a smooth and slippery rock, and to get out, you need to climb the Vietnam Wall - a smooth stalactite wall 90 meters high with alternating sections from steep to the hiltX. Throughout the journey many times swim in the underground river in the dark and climb the rocks that lead into deep abysses.

It is believed that crossing the Vietnam Wall is the most exciting part of the journey. Stones immersed in cold water resemble a slippery oiled frying pan, putting to the test hands and feet of travelers. Ahead is a vertical abyss, and behind is a deep blue lake. Here try not to look up or down, but instead focus on every step, every breath. Clear your mind of all thoughts, get rid of fear and inner voice and rely on exclusively on their own hands and silence.






“I didn't have much expectations; I was just going enjoy every moment. However, the real experience surpassed all that I could imagine. The cave was surrounded by limestone formations of various shapes and sizes, and its vault resembled a ceiling churches. Looking into the distance, I saw a breathtaking garden, reminiscent of Eden, with a hazy background during the day and a sky strewn with shards of glass stars at night. Every morning, waking up in a cave and looking at the valley, I I was looking forward to the moment when a beam of light would penetrate the cave, illuminate emerald green lake and will create a picture reminiscent of the path to paradise. nights in the cave were quiet and filled with echoes, with which even the sound of a single drop of water falling. They said sometimes between 3 and 4 for hours of the night in the cave one could hear the flapping of the wings of a giant birds. Staying in Sondong made me feel like I was transported millions of years ago into a fairy-tale life.

Somewhere around here I realized how long the path through the cave really is.



“Fortunately, during my stay in the cave, I did not meet wild animals. Often when we think of caves, they are associated with us with darkness, confusion and inconvenience, like the dwellings of "ancient people". However, caves can actually be safe havens, providing shelter from extreme weather and wild animals."



“In the case of Sondong, it is important to prepare and acquire some knowledge of trekking, even if you are accompanied by guides and experts throughout the journey. This will allow you to show initiative, keep up with the group and avoid unnecessary mistakes. IN currently the Son Doong Cave Exploration Tour requires the most preparation. It's not just about packing the right equipment and take care of your health; you also need to go to him with a high level of determination, realizing that this is a journey, in where you get to know and reconnect with nature. Also, find time to carefully study the hiking schedule so that you knew where you were going on which day and could actively observe, take pictures and fully immerse yourself in the journey. Also useful learn a little about the geological structure and vegetation of the area, so how it will allow you to make more personal discoveries while hiking.”



Shoondong's main attraction, also known as the "wedding cake", from a different angle



"After all the preparations, the only thing you need to do in four days of exploring Shondong Cave is truly immerse yourself in nature, appreciate the beauty of this place and develop more deep love for the native land. It is also an opportunity to discover hidden willpower. When traveling, pay attention to your eating and rest habits. The food will be of high quality, so try eat right, stay hydrated, and get enough rest to maintain energy levels for all four days. Another an important aspect to keep in mind is to always follow the directions guides and experts, always stay with the group and never take risks in alone without supervision. Getting lost or injured can be extremely dangerous for you and affect the whole group. The whole tour of exploration of the cave is focused on accepting the ecological responsible, do not leave behind garbage and harmful chemical substances in water. Whatever you bring with you, you must take away. Sustainable tourism and local initiatives are now more important than ever and they should be maintained throughout your journey.”

It's outOne from En cave: 120 meters high, 140 meters wide.



In the middle of the night, I took a long exposure shot in a cave with the word "Shondong".