Exploring the Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang with Friends

Beneath the Surface

Today marked an extraordinary chapter in our Vietnamese adventure – a descent into the colossal Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave. I’ve dreamt of this moment for years, ever since I first learned about this subterranean kingdom, a place where the earth breathes and whispers secrets to those who dare to listen. The excitement was palpable as we prepared to venture into a world hidden from the sun, a realm of geological marvels and unique ecosystems.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave, the world's largest cave, nestled in Vietnam's stunning Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant. I opted for a bowl of their famous pho, a flavorful broth filled with fresh vegetables and tofu. It was the perfect fuel for the day's adventure. The restaurant, overlooking the river, had a calming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly, making our pre-cave jitters a little easier to manage. It reminded me of the small vegan cafes back in Berlin, cozy and welcoming. I made a mental note to try and recreate the vegan spring rolls when I return home. Hans would love them!


Discover delicious vegan cuisine at Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant - where local flavors meet healthy eating in beautiful Quang Binh Province.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we made our way towards the entrance of Son Doong. The air was thick with humidity, a stark contrast to the dry Berlin air I'm accustomed to. December in Phong Nha brings mild temperatures, averaging between 18°C and 21°C, but with the humidity, it felt warmer. The forecast predicted rain, so I was glad I packed my rain jacket, even though I forgot the insect repellent. A rookie mistake!

The trek to the cave entrance was an adventure in itself. We hiked through the dense jungle, the sounds of exotic birds and insects serenading us along the way. The trail was challenging, with steep inclines and slippery rocks, but the anticipation of what lay ahead kept us going. I was grateful for my sturdy hiking boots, one of the few things I remembered to bring from my meticulously crafted packing list.

Finally, we reached the mouth of Son Doong Cave, and it was a sight to behold. The sheer scale of the entrance was overwhelming, a gaping maw in the earth that seemed to swallow the jungle whole. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation as we prepared to descend into the unknown. The entrance was so massive, it was hard to believe that our headlamps would be of any use.

The deeper you go, the more you realize how small you are and how much there is to discover.

As we ventured deeper into the cave, the world outside faded away, replaced by a realm of darkness and wonder. Our headlamps illuminated towering stalactites and stalagmites, formations sculpted over millions of years by the patient hand of time. The air was cool and damp, and the silence was broken only by the sound of our footsteps and the occasional drip of water.

The scale of Son Doong is truly mind-boggling. It's so large that it has its own ecosystem, complete with underground rivers, lush vegetation, and even clouds. We marveled at the 'Garden of Edam', a collapsed section of the cave roof that allows sunlight to penetrate, creating a verdant oasis in the heart of the earth. It was surreal to see trees and plants thriving in this subterranean world, a testament to the resilience of life.

We spent hours exploring the cave, each new chamber revealing even more breathtaking sights. We navigated slippery slopes, waded through underground rivers, and climbed over massive boulders. Every step was a challenge, but the rewards were immeasurable. I felt like a modern-day Indiana Jones, discovering a lost world hidden beneath our feet. I made sure to take some pictures for Sophie, although I knew that no photograph could ever truly capture the immensity and grandeur of Son Doong.

For lunch, we enjoyed a simple but delicious meal prepared by our guides, a mix of Vietnamese sandwiches and fresh fruit. It was a welcome break after hours of exploring, and we devoured the food with gusto. I chatted with one of the guides, a young man named Huan, who told me about his life in the nearby village. He spoke with such passion and pride about his home, and it was clear that he felt a deep connection to this land.

In the afternoon, we continued our exploration, venturing deeper into the cave's labyrinthine passages. We reached the 'Great Wall of Vietnam', a massive calcite barrier that required a challenging climb to overcome. It was a tough ascent, but the view from the top was worth every ounce of effort. From there, we could see the entire cave stretching out before us, a vast expanse of rock and shadow that seemed to go on forever.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back towards the cave entrance, our bodies tired but our spirits soaring. We emerged from the depths of Son Doong as the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the surrounding jungle. It was a magical moment, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in our world.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by Phong Nha Collection, a local shop selling handicrafts and souvenirs. I picked up a small hand-woven bag for Sophie, a reminder of our adventure in Vietnam. I also bought a postcard for Hans, promising to bring him back here someday.


Explore Phong Nha Collection for a unique blend of local fashion and cultural essence amidst stunning natural beauty.

For dinner, we decided to try Lantern Vietnamese Restaurant. The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with locals and tourists alike. I ordered a bowl of bun cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork and noodles, while my friends opted for pho and spring rolls. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure.


Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine amidst the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha at Lantern Vietnamese Restaurant.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post in my cozy guesthouse room, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Exploring Son Doong Cave was a dream come true, a journey to the heart of the earth that I will never forget. It was a reminder of the power and beauty of nature, and the importance of preserving these wonders for future generations.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Tien Son Cave and Hang Va Cave. I'm excited to see what other geological marvels await us in this incredible region. I also plan on trying out Jungle Boss Pub and Restaurant in the evening. I’ve heard they have great cocktails!

Before drifting off to sleep, I thought about Hans and Sophie back in Berlin. I missed them terribly, but I knew that this adventure was something I needed to do for myself. I hoped that my stories and photos would inspire them to explore the world and embrace new experiences. After all, life is too short to stay within the confines of our comfort zones. And as I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I was one step closer to becoming the kind of person I always aspired to be – a fearless explorer, a passionate storyteller, and a loving wife and mother.

It's funny, before this trip, I was feeling so stuck in my routine in Berlin. Teaching English at the Volkshochschule is rewarding, but it doesn't exactly scream adventure. Hans, bless his heart, keeps telling me to take more risks, to embrace the unknown. I think he'd be proud of me right now. Maybe I'll even convince him to join me on my next big trip. Though, knowing him, he'd probably prefer a cozy weekend in the Black Forest. But a girl can dream, right?

The time at the location 'Bố Trạch, VN' is 09:18 PM. It's time for me to get some sleep. Good night, everyone, and stay tuned for more adventures from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park!