
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The largest cave in Asia, Hang Son Doong, was found at the deepest part of Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park many decades ago. However, it wasn't until 2013 that Guinness World Records officially recognized the voluminous cave with its rightful title, based on their own survey of its size.
Beyond its overwhelming magnitude, Asia’s largest cave charms its surveyors and beholders with its indescribable features, from a string of dazzling stalagmites and gigantic stalactites, to its own climate system. Hang Son Doong is truly a force to be reckoned with.
Drawing insights from various sources, this article takes you to embark on an immersive journey into the largest cave in Asia.
The Discovery of the Largest Cave in Asia
According to oxalisadvanture.com, Ho Khanh, a Vietnamese, first discovered the largest cave in Asia– Hang Son Doong in 1991 when he was looking for a shelter from a thunderous storm. For multiple years after the first encounter, Ho Khanh didn’t give a double-take on Hang Son Doong as the massive cave lay forgotten in the rainforests.
In 2009, Ho Khanh was linked once again with the largest cave in Asia, but this time, he wasn’t alone. Initially, Khanh didn’t plan to study Hang Son Doong with Howard Limbert of the British Vietnam Caving Expedition team during the trip to the Hang En area. Yet, it quickly piqued the utmost interests of his fellow adventurers when Khanh led them to the site.
Their discovery of Hang Son Doong, which translates to Mountain River Cave, undoubtedly made worldwide headlines, unveiling a subterranean giant of staggering proportions. With a recorded volume of 38.5 million cubic meters, this awe-inspiring cavern earned recognition from the world’s leading karst geologists as the largest cave in Asia.
In a groundbreaking expedition with National Geographic, the team returned for a deeper survey which led to the official announcement of Hang Son Doong as the largest natural cave on Earth.
Unique Features of the Largest Cave in Asia
With an impressive size of nearly 9km long and a volume up to 38.5 million cubic metres, Asian largest cave– Hang Son Doong is measured to be 5 times larger than the previous title holder, or Malaysia’s Deer Cave.
Though Hang Son Doong is best known for its jaw-dropping scale, its true wonder lies beyond just size. Deep within its vast underground realm, towering stalactites soar over 80 meters high, sheltering ancient, untouched rainforests that feel like a world lost in time.
Even more fascinating is the fact that Hang Son Doong has its own climate system, which is partly due to its vast size. According to Google Arts & Culture, this largest cave in Asia can fit an entire city block of skyscrapers and provide adequate sunlight– thanks to its two skylights.
The wide range of temperatures, humidity levels, and lighting not only appeals to the senses, but also supports the lives of different species. The majestic underground world is home to a myriad of lush vegetation, flora, and fauna.
World Records of Vietnam’s Hang Son Doong
Hang Son Doong in Vietnam has received multiple global accolades and recognition, which speaks to its enormity. Some of them are as follows:
- Guinness World Records, 2013: the largest cave in the world.
- World Record Association and World Records Union, 2013: the largest cave on Earth.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The New York Times, 2014: one of the 52 most attractive tourist destinations in the world.
- ABC News’ Good Morning America, 2015: showcased a live broadcast from Son Doong.
- National Geographic, 2015: presented the inside of Son Doong’s underground haven through a 360-degree photo series.
- DJ Alan Walker, 2019: chose Son Doong as the backdrop for a music video of “Alone P.II.”
- Business Insider, 2020: one of the top 20 outstanding natural wonders in the world.
- Google, 2022: Google Doodle included Hang Son Doong on its search page.
How to Get to Vietnam’s Hang Son Doong
The largest cave in Asia is only accessible through pricey organized caving tours established by Howard Limbert. Every year, only 1000 visitors can launch their multi-day exploration tours around Hang Son Doong, making the exclusiveness noticeable.
What makes the experience more meaningful is that during the trip, a group of ten is then led by one of the British cavers who was part of the original Hang Son Doong expedition. As demand is always high, booking time usually stretches up to two years in advance.
From record-breaking dimensions to its surreal interior landscapes, this largest cave in Asia continues to captivate scientists, explorers, and travelers alike. And, if you are ready to discover more thought-provoking news, head to the coldest places on Earth here.
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