PARADISE CAVE

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We’re now in Dong Hoi, known among travelers mostly for its nearness to the Phong Nam caves in the national park. Yesterday, we visited Paradise Cave, which was amazing. I’ve attached photographs, but they don’t do the cave justice. It’s huge and better than any cave we’ve visited in the US (mostly commercial caves for me, but Tom’s been a caver for many years in the eastern US). No gaudy lights (Ruby Falls) either. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thi%!C(MISSING)3%!A(MISSING)An_%!C(MISSING)4%C6%!B(MISSING)0%!E(MISSING)1%!B(MISSING)B%!D(MISSING)ng_Cave

If you’re really interested in caves, look up Son Doong cave on Google or check www.sondoongcave.org. It’s the largest cave in the world, in an area of at least 150 caves near the Vietnam-Laos border. It was discovered by a farmer in 1991, but he forgot where the entrance was and it was discovered again in 2009. Right now, it’s being very carefully guarded, and a visit requires six days of jungle trekking and a fee of $3000. http://oxalis.com.vn/tour/son-doong-cave-expedition/

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Photos

Paradise Cave
This is an enormous cave, one of many in the area, including the world's largest.

Paradise Cave Entrance
It's about a half-mile uphill walk to get to the entrance, then about 400 steps down into the cave. It's worth every step.

Formations
The cave is "wet" and continues to a wild area that's open to tourists and cavers.

More Formations
The area beyond the paved and lighted section requires headlamps and a willingness to get very dirty and to swim a small stream.

Comments

[Wendy West]

Caves
So gorgeous! Did you swim in the small stream in the other part of the cave. You guys are so adventurous!

[Tellico]

Caves
We realized that we didn't have enough clothes with us to destroy a set, so didn't go into the wild area.