Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
If there is the slightest opportunity to participate in an expedition of the cave tours in the world, Vietnam is one of the best choices and deserves the top preferred destination.
The Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is in the central region of Vietnam and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is home to the world's biggest cave and stunning rarest cave systems ever seen or explored by humanity on Earth.
The majestic Son Doong Cave is the largest cave in the world and rests in the spectacular National Park, Vietnam. Visiting this cave is a dream come true for every true adventurer and nature lover.
This bewildering sight was discovered by Ho Khanh, a local who stumbled over a secret opening in the limestone cliff. By the time he returned to his village without straying, the enigmatic wonderland and its location were both lost to his memory.
In the Quang Binah province, you will find the Son Doong Cave or the 'Mountain River Cave,' the most significant cave passage in the world. The cave is found in the tropical karst of the Ke Bang massif, dating back from 380 million to 280 million years ago. Over time, rocks cracked, and these cracks enabled water intrusion and, based on the topography, formed the valleys, tunnels, wells, karst pits, and underground dry caves.
The Ke Bang region receives considerable rainfall, and much of the water pours into the underground caves.
You can see the fringes created images by large rock layers just like a mattress and surrounded by metamorphic and clastic sedimentary rocks in the region.
The Son Doon Cave formed two to five million years ago. The cave was carved by an allogenic river that descended alongside an aligned sub-vertical fault. The brecciated fault zone is stretched wide where the cave is formed. The karst valley indicates the formation of the cave due to the Speleogenesis process.
The river eroded the limestone, and the tunnel took its shape. Two collapsed dolines punctuated the soft limestone areas.
Scientists conclude that the Ke Bang massif was formed slowly over millions of years with only moderately large discharge. The cave is preserved due to the strength of the rock. Due to the slow formation of the cave, the passages formed in the Son Doong Cave are large.
Ho Khanh, a local man, first discovered 'The Son Doong Cave' in 1991.
In the year 2009 - 2010, a team of scientists and explorers from the British Cave Research Association based on the fabled discovery of Ho Khanh and, with his support, rediscovered the Son Doong Cave.
In 2013, the cave was open to the public.
Many secrets hidden under the mysterious caves of this region are yet to be explored and unfolded as the restrictions continue to be implemented by the government of Vietnam.
Below the veil of merk and the clouds and underneath the jungles and rivers lies a rich culture of the microbe, which prevails in the wilderness of the dark. It's another world that existed millions of years ago, thriving without human intrusion.
This miracle of nature is governed by the overall ecosystem and its weather system with its flowing river and formation of clouds. The openings created by the collapsed ceiling are covered with thick foliage as you hear the water bubbles from somewhere in the dark.
The Cave walls are made of soluble limestone and provide shelter to the largest stalagmite ever known to humanity and are encircled by fossils dating millions of years back.
The cave pearls, typically the Canxit, are the biggest. The pearls found in the cave are as big as a baseball. An enormous collection of such pearls found in dry ponds adds more to the cave's beauty.
Deep inside the cave, explorers discovered a grandiose tropical jungle, a primeval forest with copious flora and no trace of human life. To glorify the astounding beauty, cave experts called it the 'Garden of Eden.'
Near the Garden of Eden lies an internal unrestrained underground subterranean water body. Due to the vast size of the cave, clouds are formed from this underground river.
In 2009 after the first survey, the team concluded that the cave has the most significant cross-section globally, and the total length of the cave is 5.59 mi (8.99 km).
The grandeur and the magnificence of the calcite are called the 'Great Wall of Vietnam.'
A new underground tunnel was discovered on a lower level; the deeper the tunnel, the wider the underground cave opens up.
Hang Son Doong Cavern is the world's largest known cave. Explorers have found animals during their expedition within this massive underground structure. The animals found underground are divided into two categories. One category of animal dwells in the darkness of the cave passages, and the others are located in the forested expanses near the collapsed cave roof.
The collapsed ceiling area of the cave is where life has flourished within the massive expanse. Many animals and plants found in the surrounding forests are also found in the cavern's exposed passages. These animals include birds, monkeys, snakes, flying foxes, rats, and squirrels. Since there are restrictions on the exploration activities, not much documentation is available on life underground.
Son Doong Cave's darkness is stunningly thick and is home to the albino species that have adapted to life without light. Since eyes in the darkness are of no use, many animals dwelling in this dark wilderness have no eyesight or have diminished sight. There is no need for a pigment in this environment.
Anette Becher, a German biologist, is the only scientist who has observed animals inside the black passages. During her expedition, she has identified fish, millipedes, and woodlice in the darkest crevices of the caves.
The most significant Son Doong Cave measures around 1.35 billion cubic feet. The cave has two entrances making it a unique feature of its caves. Explorers eagerly await their turn to see and explore the mesmerizing Son Doong Caves. The four days, three-night Son Doong Expedition is on the world's top list of adventures. This tour is designed especially for adventurous tourists who want to encounter the most incredible natural wonders— a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What animals live in the Son Doong Cave?
Animals like birds, flying foxes, rats, and snakes live in the Son Doong Cave.
Which countries does the Son Doong Cave cover?
The Son Doong Cave is located in Vietnam.
How long does it take to travel the Hang Son Doong Cave?
From Camp 1, it takes about 1.5 hours to travel within the cave.
Who discovered Son Doong Cave?
A local man named Ho Khanh stumbled upon this cave in the jungles of central Vietnam.
Where is Son Doong cave Vietnam?
The Son Doong Cave is located in central Vietnam province and is a part of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
How many hours does it take to get to Hang Son Doong Cave?
From the Ban Doong ethnic minority village, it takes about two days of extreme jungle trekking and river crossing to reach the cave entrance.
<p>With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. </p>
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.
