Lost in the "First Cave of the South" – What is inside Phong Nha Cave?

Phong Nha Cave is dubbed the "First Cave of the South" or "Number One Cave Wonder" thanks to its unique records, making it stand out in the cave systems of Vietnam and the world. According to the British Cave Research Association (BCRA), this cave meets 7 top criteria: the longest water cave (28km), the highest and widest cave entrance (10m high, 20-25m wide), the widest and most beautiful underground sand and rock banks, the most beautiful underground lake, the most magnificent stalactites with diverse shapes, the longest underground river in Vietnam (1,500m), and the highest and widest dry cave.

Discovered in 1899, the cave is located in the Ke Bang limestone mountain area, about 50km northwest of Dong Hoi City, and served as a historic shelter during the anti-American war. The total length of the cave reaches up to 7,729m, with more than 12 main caves and many sub-branches, creating a geological system formed millions of years ago with high scientific and tourism value. Not only beautiful in landscape, the cave also contributes to biodiversity conservation, harboring rare animal species such as monkeys, squirrels, and otters.

What is so special inside Phong Nha Cave that makes visitors marvel? It is the perfect combination of a dry cave and a water cave, with a total length of nearly 8km and a temperature consistently maintained at 19°C, offering a cool atmosphere year-round. The cave boasts a massive stalactite and stalagmite system, glittering like crystal, along with vast underground sandbanks and rock beds—an ideal place to rest and enjoy the tranquility. In particular, the underground river flowing through the cave creates a picturesque landscape where you can kayak or swim to explore deeper. Compared to other caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park such as Son Doong or Hang Va, Phong Nha Cave stands out for its easy accessibility, suitable for the whole family, while still preserving its mystical beauty and world-class geological value.

The stalactite system of Phong Nha Cave is one of nature's masterpieces, with thousands of limestone formations shaped over millions of years, creating countless strange and majestic shapes. The stalactite system is diverse in shapes and sizes, from soft stone drapes to towering columns and stalagmites. In particular, stalactite formations shaped like the "Stone Lion", "Underground Palace", "Fairy", or "Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am)" always attract the attention of visitors. The continuously changing colorful lights create a mystical, glittering scene. As you explore, you will feel the geological limestone formations of high scientific value, helping you better understand Earth's history.

The underground river in Phong Nha Cave is a unique highlight, with a total system length of up to 13,969m, though the portion developed for tourism is about 1,500m. The emerald Son River leads into the cave, where you can paddle a dugout canoe or kayak to explore, traversing 4.5km of the underground river with swimming and rock climbing activities. The crystal-clear, cool water flows through the caves, creating a mystical space like a "wonderland." This is the only underground river in Vietnam opened for tourism, connecting with the Chay, Son, and Trooc river systems, contributing to ecological diversity. 

When exploring inside Phong Nha Cave, don't miss prominent areas such as the water cave with its underground river and glittering stalactites, and the high, spacious dry cave with sand and rock beaches ideal for taking a break. Bi Ky and Tien Son areas are famous for fairy-shaped stalactites, auxiliary caves like Ruc Ca Roong at an altitude of 500m, and the main cave entrance—where natural light streams in to create a mystical scene. The total system has over 140 large and small caves, but the main part of Phong Nha is the most accessible, suitable for kayaking or walking tours.

To fully enjoy those moments, a professional Phong Nha Cave exploration tour thoroughly designed by Sovaba Travel is the ideal choice. Not only guiding you to the most beautiful spots inside the cave, the tour also opens up lesser-known pathways, decodes unique geological details, and provides a sense of security and comfort from departure until the end of the journey.