Son Doong Day 3 - Entering the World’s Largest Cave | Vietnam
Welcome to Day 3 of the legendary Son Doong Cave expedition — the day we finally enter the world’s largest cave. This is the day that changes everything. From river crossings and jungle mud to climbing ropes and stepping into an ancient, echoing void, this was one of the most thrilling days of my entire Vietnam journey.
We woke up inside Hang En, the third-largest cave in the world — which feels like a flex until you realize it’s just a warm-up for what’s next. The early morning routine was familiar by now: stretch, pack, eat, caffeinate. But today’s hike would test every sense.
Morning Inside Hang En Cave
After a quick breakfast with sugary bread and laughs about Vietnamese bakery habits, we packed up camp and climbed to a rocky overlook. The view down into Hang En’s entrance — taller than a skyscraper — was both humbling and exciting.
The Jungle Trek Begins
From the overlook, we hiked through a muddy jungle path, slipping over rocks and dodging vines. It wasn’t easy terrain. Every step required focus, especially as we crossed multiple rivers. The water soaked our boots immediately, making the rest of the hike squishy and cold.
Then came the moment we’d been waiting for: the mouth of Son Doong.
Entering the World’s Largest Cave
Before we could enter, we had a full safety briefing. We clipped in, adjusted our harnesses, and descended into darkness. The air shifted — colder, damper, eerily still. This wasn’t just a cave; it felt like another planet.
Inside, we passed waterfalls, towering rock walls, and the tallest known stalactite on Earth. The scale of Son Doong is impossible to convey on camera. It’s not just big — it swallows you whole.
Rock Climbing and River Crossings
Entering Son Doong Cave
The physical challenges kept coming. We scaled rocks using safety ropes, crossed rivers waist-deep in cold water, and trudged through mud that sucked at our boots. Yet around every corner, a new wonder: orchids growing in near-total darkness, rare cave insects, and ancient fossils embedded in the walls.
Lunch with a View — and the Cave Reveal
At our jungle-side lunch stop, we got our first clear view of Son Doong’s massive opening — hidden behind thick jungle. It’s no wonder this place went undiscovered for so long. It looks like an ordinary cliff until you step inside.
We ate spring rolls, omelets, tofu, and more — all carried by the incredible local porters. They even built a kitchen tent and toilet just for our stop.
Inside Son Doong — Unreal Beauty and the First Campsite
We pushed on to reach our campsite inside Son Doong. Along the way, we climbed, slid, and gawked at the sheer scale. The final highlight was a small swimming hole where dinosaur fossils were discovered. Yes, real dinosaur fossils — in a cave.
As we settled into camp, we feasted again and chatted by the fire. I set up my GoPro for a night lapse and went to bed early, hoping to wake before dawn and experience this alien world in total silence.
Google Maps Links
📍 Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park – Gateway to the Son Doong Cave Expedition
📍 Hang En Cave – Where the day began
Watch the Full Video
Want to see what it’s really like to climb into the world’s largest cave? Watch the full Son Doong Day 3 Vlog on YouTube.
As always, Travel Far