12 Famous Caves in Vietnam for an awe-inspiring experience

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12+ Famous Caves in Vietnam every explorer should visit

Caves in Vietnam are among the world awe-inspiring ones – That you may didn’t know, and actually, Vietnam is home to the world’s largest caves. The series of newly discovered caves sine early 90’s.

Vietnam, renowned for its natural splendor, features some of the most captivating caves in the world. The country’s caves, ranging from mystical stalactite formations to expansive underground chambers, offer unparalleled adventures visitors with cave expedition in mind.

No matter what sort of holiday you’re looking after in Vietnam, if you’re an adventure seeker, or you’re a curious traveler planning for something out of ordinary, then keep read this post to find out more about best caves in Vietnam.

Immerse yourself in the best experiences Vietnam has to offer with our carefully designed trip that caters to the needs of most discerning travelers, check out Vietnam Tour Packages

12 Best Caves in Vietnam For An Awe-Inspiring Experience

Exploring the beauty of Vietnam caves should definitely be on your list. Here are 12 of the best caves to explore in Vietnam (Updated 2025)

1. Son Doong Cave

This is the largest cave in the world! Son Doong Cave, located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park (~500km south of Hanoi), mapped as the world’s largest cave. Discovered in 2009 by a local farmer, this subterranean marvel features colossal chambers and awe-inspiring stalagmite formations. The cave stands 200 meters high and around 180 meters wide and 9.5KM long.

Adventure seekers can embark on a guided expedition to witness the grandeur of Son Doong’s chambers, filled with unique flora and fauna that have adapted to this hidden ecosystem.

The multi-day expedition is only granted to one company that is running cave tours to this area – the full tour int a cheap thing at all, it costs USD3000 or more and there’s a long list of waiting once you book the tour.

2. Phong Nha Cave

This cave, sat within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is renowned for its intricate limestone formations and its accessibility by boat. Located in Quang Binh Province, the cave is reachable via a boat ride up the Son River.

Although no pass is required, an entrance fee of 250,000 VND (approximately $11 USD) applies. The optimal time to visit falls during the dry season, from February to August. Visitors can access the cave through arranged tours departing from the nearby town of Dong Hoi, or from your homestay in Phong Nha village. Check out best time to visit Vietnam

3. Mua Cave (Not part of Phong Nha)

Located 100 km south of Hanoi in Ninh Binh, Mua Cave isn’t the biggest cave in Vietnam & even though its not part of the Phong Nha Ke Bang, however, lies a short 1.5-hour journey from the capital. It is possible to visit as a day trip from Hanoi, with numerous tour companies offering such excursions. Alternatively, one can hire a private taxi or travel by motorbike if preferred.

Mua Cave is a small chamber sat as a remarkable attraction at the base of Mua Mountain. However, most visitors come to ascend the 483 steps to the Hang Mua Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views over whole Ninh Binh including Tam Coc.

The optimal time to visit Mua Cave is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is favourable and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. July, however, the weather is sunny and beautiful but extremely hot & humid.. Climbing nearly 500 steps to the Hang Mua Viewpoint was quite challenging, particularly in the midday heat, but worth the view.

If visiting in summer, I highly recommend ascending to the Viewpoint and Hang Mua Pagoda either early in the morning or in the evening. Additionally, wear sturdy shoes—and no flip-flops.

The entrance fee includes access to the entire complex and the surrounding flower fields, so I suggest taking some time to explore these areas. Mua Cave is also conveniently located near the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and Trang An, providing ample opportunities for further exploration in the vicinity.

4. Paradise Cave (Động Thiên Đường)

Paradise Cave is one of the highlights of among the biggest caves in Vietnam.

located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is renowned for its remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. This extensive dry cave system, often referred to as the “underground palace,” features dramatic cathedral-like chambers. The cave, which dates back over 300 million years, stretches 31 km in length, although most visitors explore only the first 1-2 km.

Situated just a 20-minute drive from Phong Nha village, Paradise Cave is commonly included in tours that also feature Dark Cave or Phong Nha Cave. Tour prices are vary but usually from USD50 and more included a guided tour, transfer and admission ticket. Be sure to bring warm clothing, as the temperature inside the cave typically remains about 10°C cooler.

The best time of the year to visit Paradise cave is months between November to March.

5. Hang En Cave

Hang En is considered by expeditors as one of the largest caves in the world. The widest entrance is about 200m, with a 145m high ceiling, and a height of 120m and width of 110m at the exit.

The Hang En Cave is frequently included in multi-day trekking expeditions in the Phong Nha Cave tours. The cave, which dates back approximately 3 million years, formed as the Rao Thuong River eroded the karst mountains.

Accessing Hang En requires a permit and a full guide. Located in the same region as Son Doong Cave, it is exclusively accessible through Oxalis, the sole licensed tour operator running cave expeditions in Vietnam. Booking is essential, and the cost is approximately $330 USD. A one-day hike, which traverses Ba Gian Hill and passes through Ban Doong, the home of the Bru Van Kieu people, leads to the cave.

In addition, Hang En features three entrances, with the main entrance offering a view of the famous sunbeams from December to March. Tours to Hang En are available from December through September each year.

6. Dark Cave (Hang Tối)

Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Dark Cave offers a unique adventure that includes exploring its dark chambers with a head torch and enjoying mud baths. The cave is accessible by boat and requires an entrance fee of 450,000 VND, which covers the cave entrance, a boat ride into the cave, and a ride on the Chay River zipline—the longest zipline in Vietnam, which opened in 2014.

For those who prefer not to explore the cave, a separate zipline experience is available for 270,000 VND.

The Dark Cave features no artificial lighting, making it an excursion suited for those who are comfortable navigating pitch-black environments. Visitors explore the cave by kayak with a guide, encountering a dark, mysterious ambiance and notably muddy conditions. Equipped with headlamps, explorers navigate through the cave, occasionally spotting small bats and other cave-dwelling creatures. The stalagmites and stalactites within the cave are believed to be millions of years old. Participants should wear swimwear due to the mud but will receive all necessary safety gear.

The park operates tours year-round, with the best time to visit during the dry season from February to August.

7. Hang Sung Sot (Surprise Caves)

Among the caves in Halong Bay Vietnam – Sung Sot Cave is renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which form massive columns and create a cathedral-like interior with intricate formations illuminated for visitors.

Sung Sot Cave is actually one of the must-see caves in Vietnam, primarily due to its popularity as a stop on many Ha Long Bay overnight cruises. Visitors follow a designated route with a guide, and the experience can feel somewhat commercial; however, the cave’s sheer size remains strikingly impressive.

The entrance fee is typically included in the cost of the cruise you’ve booked, so visitors generally do not need to purchase a separate ticket. The optimal time to visit is during the spring or autumn. Although all year round visit would be okay, however, June to early September considered a rainy season.

8. Trang An Grottoes : A popular Cave in northern Vietnam

Trang An Grottos Landscape Complex features a series of some of the most beautiful caves and grottoes that visitors can explore by boat while enjoying the stunning scenery, and not to complicated, often as a day trip from Hanoi.

Often referred to as an ‘outdoor geological museum,’ Trang An received UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2021. The area’s 30,000 years of history becomes evident as you navigate the maze of waterways. In the 13th century, King Tran Thai Tong utilised the region’s unique terrain, including its caves and waterways, as a strategic defensive position against Yuan-Mongolian invaders.

Trang An presents a picturesque combination of mountains, valleys, Vietnam famous caves, pagodas, and rivers. Visitors can cruise through the caves, disembark at islands to visit pagodas, and appreciate the scenic beauty.

The entrance fee is 250,000 VND per person, which is higher than the fee at Tam Coc, though no tipping is expected at Trang An, unlike at Tam Coc.

Three boat routes, each taking 2-3 hours, are available. During summer, the heat can be intense, and while the boats provide umbrellas, visitors should bring ample water, sunscreen, and protective clothing. Despite the heat, Trang An is a remarkable destination that leaves a lasting impression with its extraordinary landscape.

9. Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay

Among the biggest caves in Vietnam, Thien Cung Cave, also known as Dau Go Cave, stands out in Halong Bay. This cave receives less visitation compared to the more popular Surprise Cave. Visitors are more likely to encounter Thien Cung as part of a multi-day Ha Long Bay cruise rather than a one-night excursion.

Sat like a crown on Dau Go Island, Thien Cung Cave is renowned for its vibrant lighting and formations that resemble mythological figures. The cave features a narrow entrance and sits 25 meters above the water, making it relatively concealed and discovered later than some other sites. Access involves traversing a jungle-covered path, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Thien Cung Cave offers insights into Vietnamese storytelling culture, as local legend holds that it once served as the residence of the Dragon King.

Most cruises include the entrance fee to Thien Cung Cave in the overall cost.

10. Caves in Ba Be National Park

Located in Bac Kan Province, northern Vietnam, Ba Be National Park is home to four famous caves in Vietnam:

Puong Cave . Hua Ma Cave . Lo Mo Cave . Na Phoong Cave

Several of these caves, including Puong Cave, can only be accessed by boat on the Nang River. These caves encircle Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, which supports a diverse ecosystem of aquatic and terrestrial species. The caves themselves host numerous endemic species, making the area a significant site for nature enthusiasts and biodiversity researchers.

Outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, biking, and fishing attract many first-timer tourists to Ba Be National Park. Kayaking offers a unique opportunity to explore numerous caves that are inaccessible by foot or larger boats. Visitors can also bike or hike to Hua Ma Cave and explore the impressive Dau Dang Waterfalls.

Shuttle services from Hanoi to Ba Be National Park are available for $15 USD each way, which can be booked through your hotel . Independent visitors can enter the park for a fee of 45,000 VND.

Alternatively, one-day kayak tours, priced between $50 and $150 USD, include park entry and provide a guided exploration of the area. Check out trekking in Vietnam

11. Caves in Marble mountain, Danang

You probably heard enough about visiting Marble mountain, near Danang in Central Vietnam. But you mayhavent heard much about 2 of the most beautiful Caves in Vietnam in this area. Am Phu Cave and Huyen Khong Cave, located within a short 20-minute drive from Hoi An, add to Vietnam’s impressive array of caves.

These caves are part of a network within five marble and limestone hills, each symbolising different elements of the universe. In addition to Am Phu Cave and Huyen Khong Cave, visitors can explore Hell Cave, Heaven Cave, and Tang Chon Cave, as well as several pagodas and viewpoints overlooking the city and coastline. Visitors can access Am Phu Cave from a ground-floor entrance, while the other caves and pagodas sit at the top of the mountain.

To reach these locations, visitors can either climb 186 steps or pay an additional 15,000 VND for elevator access.

The Marble Mountain complex, rich in Vietnamese mythology, features steep steps and caverns symbolising heaven and hell, with sculptures depicting both realms in often unsettling scenes. The cavernous spaces gain a magical quality from light filtering through roof openings at specific times of the day. For the best experience, visit Huyen Khong Cave around midday when the sunlight is at its peak.

Many visitors struggle with the steep and slippery stone surfaces while wearing flip-flops. Therefore, wearing a proper walking shoes with good grip is highly recommended. Even if using the elevator, there are still many steps to navigate to access the caves and viewpoints.

Am Phu Cave also holds historical significance as it served as a field hospital for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Transportation options include buses, Grab taxis, or renting a motorbike from Da Nang or Hoi An, or just go hassle free and book a tour.

12. Thẩm Khách Cave in Lạng Sơn

Tham Khach Cave, a distinctive camping site in Lang Son, northern Vietnam, originally functioned as a military structure but is now abandoned. Within the cave, a vast plain exists, large enough to accommodate numerous vehicles, making it well-suited for camping.

This archaeological and scenic site is located in Binh Gia District, Lang Son Province, some 175km from the center of Hanoi, the cave remains dark and cold, containing remnants of wartime factories and military structures. The two side of the cave is accessible by concrete road that it a perfect pass for motorbike riders. Check out private motorbike tours in Vietnam

FAQ: Caves in Vietnam

What are the easiest caves to visit in Vietnam?

Among the Vietnam caves, Surprise Cave in Ha Long Bay and the caves in the Marble Mountains appear to be the most accessible yet best options to visit.

Probably you can tell now from the list of caves I’ve listed above, not all caves in Vietnam offer easy access or suit every level of fitness. These sites are also more commonly included in a Vietnam itinerary, given the popularity of Ha Long Bay and Hoi An as destinations.

What is the name of a famous cave in Vietnam?

The most unique yet famous caves in Vietnam called “Son Doong Cave”, which holds the title of the largest cave in the world.

However, visiting Son Doong Cave requires a multi-day, challenging expedition at a cost of over $3,000 USD, making it suitable only for those prepared for a demanding adventure.

Where’s the biggest cave in Vietnam?

Hang Sơn Đoòng – Located in the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, within 500km south of Hanoi, alongside the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail, is home to the biggest caves in Vietnam and in the world, Son Doong is a newly discovered cave, located in the heart of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, in Central Vietnam.

Many of the biggest caves in Vietnam, particularly those within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, align with the same geological fault line.

How much does it cost to go to the biggest cave in Vietnam?

The most expensive cave in Vietnam – Son Doong ranks as the most expensive among the Vietnam caves, with a multi-day expedition costing $3,000 USD. This high cost reflects the cave’s challenging access and the fact that only one licensed tour operator can arrange expeditions.

The tour requires extensive equipment and safety gear. Currently, the Son Doong Cave tour stands as the most costly adventure tour in Vietnam, priced at approximately VND72 million per person for a six-day, five-night expedition.

Are tourists allowed in Son Doong cave?

Yes sure. Tourists are allowed to explore Son Doong Cave under the packages tour that is exclusively operated by one tour organizer. In addition, Only 1,000 tourists allowed annually to experience the Son Doong Cave Vietnam.

Experience World largest, most famous caves in Vietnam

This guide aims to provide comprehensive information about the natural wonders and most famous caves in Vietnam, helping you identify those that may fit into your itinerary.

Vietnam is home to an impressive array of caves and rock formations. The listed caves represent some of the most famous grottoes and caverns options to consider exploring during your visit.

Accessibility varies among these Vietnam caves: some are readily accessible, while others require specialist guides, equipment, and training. This guide serves purely as a source of information; please make informed decisions based on your own assessment when selecting which caves to explore.