Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful caves in the world, which are a hidden paradise for adventurous travelers. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare for a cave tour in Vietnam that will take you to the most captivating caverns, where the true power of nature is displayed beneath the surface.
When is The Best Time to Take A Vietnam Cave Tour?
Planning your Vietnam cave expedition should take into account the fact that certain times of year offer better conditions than others.
November through April, or the dry season, is the best time to explore Vietnam’s caverns. This time of year, from late fall to early spring, which brings cool, dry weather to the area, is ideal for outdoor activities and subterranean research. It’s also easier to access the underground treasures during this time because the water levels in the caverns are typically lower.
At the same time, May through October, during the rainy season, might not be a good time for Vietnam cave tours. Heavy downpours and high humidity levels frequently raise the water levels inside the caves and may make some parts inaccessible. Muddy and slick conditions can sometimes make outdoor activities less pleasurable.
What to Prepare for A Cave Tour in Vietnam?
The right clothing and equipment are important for a pleasant and secure cave tour in Vietnam. Here are some helpful suggestions regarding what to pack for your cave tour.
Clothing
- Lightweight and Moisture-Wicking Clothes: To stay dry and comfortable, choose clothing that is lightweight and moisture-wicking. If you expect to get wet when exploring, materials that dry quickly come in handy.
- Long Sleeves and Pants: Wearing long sleeves and pants will shield your skin from potential scratches, insect bites, and contact with cave surfaces. Because of the temperature in the area, lightweight, breathable textiles are appropriate.
- Sturdy Footwear: Good footwear is essential for a safe trip. Guests must have hiking shoes with sturdy soles for rocky terrain. Shoes should drain freely for river crossings. Feet must be completely covered to protect against sharp objects and insect bites.
- Trekking Socks: Get four to five pairs of tightly woven socks that are at least mid-calf height, ready to wear on the trip to protect against poison ivy and insect bites.
Accessories
- Headlamp or Flashlight: To explore the poorly lit cave interiors, you’ll need a dependable headlamp or flashlight. Make sure you have a backup light source or extra batteries.
- Helmet: For safety, some cave tours may need helmets. Find out from your trip operator if they provide helmets, or if you have one, think about bringing your own.
- Backpack: Guests are recommended to pack a medium-sized, waterproof backpack (preferably hiking style) of 20 to 30 liters to accommodate a helmet, a caving light, water bottles, phones, and other personal belongings during the trip. Keep in mind that you must carry helmets and caving lights within your rucksack.
Protection From The Elements
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: A lightweight, packable rain jacket or poncho can keep you dry if you’re exploring caves during the rainy season or expect to come into contact with water.
- Personal Items: Pack a sun hat, sandals, a towel, toiletries, a water bottle, underwear, and a hand fan for summer (April-Sept). Women should also bring personal items (sanitary napkins, tampons, and cups).
- Essential Items: Electrolyte pills for rehydration, personal medications, bug repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, foot powder (a powder for drying feet, used after swimming and reaching the campsite), and other personal items.
Recommended But Not Required Items
- Waterproof Bag: To store clothes, electronics, cameras, phones, and other personal belongings in case of rain, use a waterproof bag.
- Tripod: Bring a small, lightweight tripod if you’re a photographer hoping to get some good shots within the cave.
- Tech Accessories: Earplugs and a backup battery for your phone and camera (if you have difficulties sleeping).
- Gloves: The tour operator may supply these, however there may be a limit on sizes. Please bring your own if you wish to use them or if you have small hands.
- Swimwear: Wearing swimwear might help you get ready for the swimming caverns.
- Headband: A headband can keep perspiration from getting in the eyes and sometimes improve the helmet’s comfort.
Essential Items to Pack for Cave Tour
> You may be interested in: Essential Guide – What to Pack for A Trip to Vietnam
Top Famous Caves in Vietnam That Are Worth Exploring
Here is a list of Vietnam’s most well-known and profound caverns that you should definitely see, together with all the information you need to organize your trip.
Son Doong Cave
- Location: In the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (in Quang Binh Province)
- Travel Length: About 9 km
- How To Get There: From the park’s entrance, guided excursions take visitors to Son Doong Cave. Usually, the voyage starts with a hike through verdant jungles.
Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is the world’s largest known cave system. It’s 3 million years old and was discovered in 1990 by a local farmer named Ho Khanh. In 2009, the British Cave Research Association found an underground river in a sizable hole in the limestone, which drew international attention to Hang Son Doong.
Son Doong Cave is a natural marvel in Vietnam that is built from Permian limestone. Its volume spans over 5 kilometers, measuring 200 meters in height and 150 meters in width.
The cave is home to some of the world’s tallest known stalagmites that reach heights of up to 70 meters. Its unique geological formations, underground rivers, and breathtaking stalactites make it a must-visit destination for adventurers around the world.
The cave is also famous for its varied vegetation, which adds to its charm. To preserve the habitat within, the number of visitors allowed is capped annually. As a result, Son Doong Cave is considered to be the most exciting cave tour in Vietnam.

Phong Nha Cave
- Location: Within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (in Quang Binh Province)
- Travel Length: About 7.7 km
- How To Get There: After entering Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, visitors can take a boat ride to the cave from the tourist center. Before entering the cave, this boat ride will give you a look at the local way of life and the surrounding landscape. The ride will take approximately 25 minutes to end at the entrance.
The Son Doong Cave is situated in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Due to its longest underground river, highest entrance, and most splendid dry cave and lake, it has been ranked among the world’s most beautiful caves.
As a remarkable natural wonder, the cave is renowned for its diverse range of stalactite and stalagmite formations, which come in various shapes resembling clouds and trees. It is divided into three main areas based on the level of light: a brightly lit entrance section, a moderately lit middle portion, and a dimly lit area where visitors can explore different groups of creatures.
Phong Nha Cave also offers unforgettable experiences, particularly when visitors sit in a boat and marvel at the stunning beauty of the cave while listening to the sound of the oars and water drops falling from the ceiling.

Paradise Cave
- Location: Within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (in Quang Binh Province), 60 km northwest of Dong Hoi City
- Travel Length: About 31 km
- How To Get There: Please arrive at Dong Hoi City, then take a motorcycle ride to Paradise Cave. Get a motorbike rental from a travel agency for roughly 4 USD per day, and use a navigation application on your phone to make your journey there practically cost-free. Additionally, visitors are able to rent golf carts.
There are numerous exquisite stalactites and stalagmites in Paradise Cave, which has a limestone formation that is far more stunning than others. Moreover, Paradise Cave is home to a magnificent magical building. The British cave explorers were fascinated by these qualities, and they gave it the name Paradise Cave.
The cave also holds several records: the longest dry cave in Asia, boasting Asia’s most remarkable and exquisite collection of stalactites and stalagmites, and having Asia’s longest wooden bridge.

Dark Cave
- Location: Within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (in Quang Binh Province)
- Travel Length: About 5 km
- How To Get There: Since Dark Cave is close to Phong Nha Cave, travelers can use the preceding directions to get to Phong Nha Cave and then take a footpath to Dark Cave.
In Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Dark Cave, also called Hang Toi, is the most well-liked and alluring cave for travelers. In contrast to other caverns, the entry to this one requires descending a 400-meter zip line. Visitors have to wade down the muddy, narrow crevasse barefoot while wearing a mining helmet with the light on.
If you make your way to the end of the crevasse, you’ll come across a natural mud bath. However, the trek can be quite challenging for individuals who are physically weak. Additionally, the area has an abundance of prehistoric remains. Despite the difficulties, the cave tour in Vietnam is an amazing experience that is well worth conquering every step of the way.

Tu Lan Cave System
- Location: In Tan Hoa Village, about 70 km northwest of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Travel Length: The system comprises many caves, varying in length from several hundred meters to several kilometers, each offering a unique experience.
- How To Get There: Your journey to the Tu Lan Cave System will begin with a stroll through the countryside, followed by a swim through two river caverns and the valley. For those who want tough and exploratory journeys, you can also hike into the jungle encircled by limestone mountains.
Tu Lan Cave System includes more than ten caves with stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and waterfalls. Each of the interconnecting caverns in this labyrinth of limestone caves has a unique charm.
As one of the caves was proudly chosen as the scene for the production of the Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, Tu Lan Caves have attracted a tremendous number of visitors,
There are numerous impressive stalactites located deep within the caves. In addition, a tour of Tu Lan Caves offers visitors—particularly those seeking adventure—a plethora of sports, including ziplining, climbing, rappelling, and swimming in dark caves.

Sung Sot Cave
- Location: On Bo Hon Island (in the heart of Halong Bay)
- Travel Length: About 500 meters
- How To Get There: From Halong City’s downtown, take Hai Quan Street for approximately 4 km to Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, which is the starting point for the journey to Sung Sot Cave. From this point on, tourists can use canoes and boats.
Found by French explorers in 1901, Sung Sot Cave is undoubtedly the largest cave in Halong Bay. The enchanted beauty inside the cave will astonish every traveler despite its relatively small entrance being hidden by a thick canopy of woodland.
Stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes, including those that resemble various flora and animals, can be seen shining in the light at Sung Sot Cave.
Travelers will especially find it fascinating to discover the local folklore pertaining to the formations of the rocks. This is the reason Sung Sot Cave is consistently hailed as one of Vietnam’s most well-known caves and a singular marvel.

> Read more: Halong Bay Travel Guide: A Journey To The World Heritage Site
Conclusion
Arranging a cave trip in Vietnam is a thrilling experience that enables you to take in the amazing beauty of the subterranean treasures of nature. Don’t forget to bring the necessities, show consideration for the delicate environment of the caverns, and take in the breathtaking beauty that Vietnam’s caves have to offer. Prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure exploring Vietnam’s breathtaking cave systems.