10 reasons why Son Doong Cave is one of the world’s great wonders

A subterranean lake – Toward the cave’s exit is a gigantic lake which appears during the winter and spring months. The lake is so huge and so deep that visitors need small boats to glide across it.

Ceiling collapses – Son Doong Cave is nine kilometres long, although it’s rarely pitch-black. That’s because it’s punctuated by two huge ceiling collapses which invite in natural light which pours into the cave.

Underground jungles – Beneath these vast holes in the ceiling are several underground jungles. As the microclimate of the cave is different to that on the surface, the jungles are also different and feature flora species that you won’t find outside of the cave.

Prehistoric stalagmites – Son Doong Cave’s towering stalagmites are nothing short of extraordinary. Some of the stalagmites are taller than the Arc de Triomphe, whilst others form outlandish and mesmerising shapes.

World-beating campsites – The two campsites in Son Doong Cave are undoubtedly some of the best campsites found anywhere throughout the world. Both sit at the edges of the cave, which means visitors can gaze at the stars on clear evenings.

Animal planet – It’s often said that Son Doong Cave has its own ecosystem, meaning guests may come across an array of wildlife while inside the cave, including howling monkeys which live near the ceiling collapses, translucent cave insects, squeaking bats, and blind fish.

Vietnam’s great wall – Just before the cave exit looms a 90 metre-high calcite barrier, dubbed the “Great Wall of Vietnam.” To conquer the wall guests will need the help of harnesses, ladders, and ropes.

Unforgettable swimming – With various underground rivers and pools in Son Doong Cave, expeditions to the site have plenty of wading, paddling, and swimming opportunities.

Sunbeams and cloud whisps – Son Doong Cave is so big that it has its own weather, evident by the sunbeams which shoot down from the cave collapses and the mist that floats through its various chambers.

The post 10 reasons why Son Doong Cave is one of the world’s great wonders appeared first on Vietexplorer.com.

View more from VietExplorer:

Hand, foot, and mouth disease cases increase in Ho Chi Minh City
Precious images of heroic Hanoi
News agencies’ valuable contributions to US resistance war
Vietnam Top Destinations: 7 not-to-miss destinations in Cam Ranh
President Ho Chi Minh’s poem collection reprinted in German
Google Doodle celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with evocative illustration
Vietnamese housewife creates “fever” among Facebook users with perfect dog-shaped mooncakes
Painting contest celebrates Vietnam – Cuba friendship
A pianist connects Vietnam with the world through music
Young people kicking off profitable agriculture start-ups
Profitable cold water fish farming model in mountainous areas
Vietnam has started a new wave of business reforms
Quarantine fees and regulations in HCMC announced after passengers protesting over unaffordable charges
Pristine beauty of Dinh Cape
Vietnam ranks 9th out of top 20 travel destinations: US magazine
Vietnam considers to promote nightlife, night-time activities to boost economy
Celeb’s beauty hailed Vietnam’s No 1, comparing to Zhao Liying’s by Chinese media
Vietnamese cafe apartment highlighted on National Geographic UK
Grilled chicken feet: crispy snack great with beer
Exhibition on ‘The Tale of Kieu’ held in Paris