GBA Lifestyle News
Where to? Son Doong Cave in Vietnam
Why you’ll love it: Located in the central province of Quang Binh, Son Doong system is one of the most extensive caves in the world. Better yet, it’s still widely untouched. The cave system is only open to one tour company, Oxalis Adventure Tours, which organizes trips of eight people at a time. Oxalis has a research and expedition arm that employs the top scientists in the world to uncover new caves in Vietnam every day.
It’s all very Raiders of the Lost Ark — the five-day adventure is physically demanding and visually stunning. The expert guides will ensure a mind-blowing experience in the depths of nature. You’ll wade through rivers, climb up waterfalls, camp in caves, share some Hanoi beers and make dinner together every night in the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fun fact: The guy who discovered Son Doong in 2009 is Howard Limbert, part of the British Cave Research Association and one of the world’s most intrepid explorers. But if you want something a little easier to chew, first-time spelunkers can head to Tu Lan for a three-day tour.
Get there: Fly to Hanoi, and take the train to Dong Hoi. Take a taxi to Phong Nha and head to Oxalis HQ (Phong Nha Commune, Son Trach Village, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, (+84) 52-367-7678) to start the expedition. Tours run from February to August.
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