Vietnam’s limestone coastlines and inland karst regions hide an extraordinary variety of caves, from small grottoes near rice fields to long cavern systems tucked into national parks. Whether you’re planning a quick stop on a road trip or a multi-day caving adventure, a compact list helps you pick sites by location and effort required.
There are 15 Caves in Vietnam, ranging from Bích Động Cave to Đầu Gỗ (Wooden Stakes) Cave; for each entry you’ll find below the columns Province/Region,Access,Size (m). Use the table to compare where each cave sits, how to get there, and the scale of the site you’ll find below.
How accessible are the caves for most travelers?
Access varies widely: some caves sit beside major roads or popular tourist circuits and are walk-in friendly, while others require boat transfers, hikes, or local guides and may need permits. Check the Access column and local seasonal conditions before you go, and allow extra time for rural transport.
What should I check before visiting a cave on this list?
Look at the Province/Region to plan logistics, the Access note for transport and permit requirements, and Size (m) to gauge walking time and physical demand; bring sturdy shoes, a headlamp, and light rain protection, and confirm opening times or guide availability locally.
Caves in Vietnam
| Name | Province/Region | Access | Size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sơn Đoòng | Quảng Bình / Central | Permit + guided expedition only | 9,000 |
| Hang Én | Quảng Bình / Central | Guided treks, permit required | 1,650 |
| Phong Nha Cave | Quảng Bình / Central | Open; boat tour by park authority | 7,729 |
| Thiên Đường (Paradise Cave) | Quảng Bình / Central | Open; paved trail and stairs | 31,400 |
| Hang Tối (Dark Cave) | Quảng Bình / Central | Open; guided adventure activities | 1,000 |
| Tu Lan Cave System | Quảng Bình / Central | Guided multi-day expeditions, permit required | 10,000 |
| Hang Sửng Sốt (Surprising Cave) | Quảng Ninh / North | Open; tourist boardwalk | 350 |
| Thiên Cung (Heavenly Palace) Cave | Quảng Ninh / North | Open; visitor path and stairs | 250 |
| Đầu Gỗ (Wooden Stakes) Cave | Quảng Ninh / North | Open; guided tour access | 300 |
| Tam Cốc Caves (Hang Cả/Hai/Ba) | Ninh Bình / North | Open; boat tours on river | 300 |
| Bích Động Cave | Ninh Bình / North | Open; steps and pagoda access | 200 |
| Hang Múa (Mua Cave) | Ninh Bình / North | Open; short climb to viewpoint | 100 |
| Hương Tích (Perfume Pagoda) Cave | Hà Nam / North | Open; pilgrimage route by boat and steps | 1,000 |
| Huyền Không Cave (Marble Mountains) | Đà Nẵng / Central | Open; steps with shrine access | 150 |
| Ngườm Ngao (Nguom Ngao) Cave | Cao Bằng / North | Open; guided local tours available | 2,144 |
Images and Descriptions
Sơn Đoòng
World’s largest cave by volume in Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng; colossal chambers, jungle valleys and skylights. Multi-day, highly regulated expeditions required; a bucket-list spelunking and photographic experience.
Hang Én
Massive walk-in cave near Sơn Đoòng used as a camping base for expeditions. Dramatic entrance, sandy floor and seasonal river; reachable by a long trek and popular for day trips and overnight camping.
Phong Nha Cave
Iconic river cave in Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park with boat passages, stalactites and large caverns. Easy park boat access makes it one of the region’s most visited and photogenic caves.
Thiên Đường (Paradise Cave)
Spectacular, dry limestone cave discovered recently with vast galleries and impressive formations. Well-developed walkway lets visitors view large stalactite and stalagmite chambers without technical gear.
Hang Tối (Dark Cave)
Adventure-focused river and mud cave near Phong Nha. Offers zipline, swimming and mud bathing; accessible by boat and short trek, popular for active travelers and families.
Tu Lan Cave System
Remote, interconnected cave and river system with camping, wading and rappelling. Requires experienced guides; prized for wild-caving, forested surroundings and varied passages of different difficulty.
Hang Sửng Sốt (Surprising Cave)
Major Ha Long Bay show cave with vast chambers, stalactites and panoramic viewpoints. Easy access from cruise boats and short stairs make it a highlight on Bay itineraries.
Thiên Cung (Heavenly Palace) Cave
Decorated, photogenic cave on Đầu Gỗ Island with elaborate formations and historic legends. Well-lit pathways and steps suited to general tourists visiting Ha Long Bay.
Đầu Gỗ (Wooden Stakes) Cave
Historic and scenic Ha Long Bay cave noted in local lore; contains impressive formations and a small museum area. Frequently visited on day cruises with easy access.
Tam Cốc Caves (Hang Cả/Hai/Ba)
Three short river caves in rice-flat karst near Tam Cốc. Gentle sampan rides through low, atmospheric tunnels are a signature Ninh Bình experience for sightseers and photographers.
Bích Động Cave
Three-level cave complex with historic pagodas carved into limestone cliffs. Short climbs reward visitors with viewpoints and cultural sites combined with natural cave chambers.
Hang Múa (Mua Cave)
Small cave at the base of Mua Mountain; climb 500+ steps to a famous panoramic terrace over Tam Cốc. Cave itself is modest but the viewpoint is a major draw.
Hương Tích (Perfume Pagoda) Cave
Sacred cave temple complex set inside limestone cliffs, reached by scenic boat and climb. Important pilgrimage site with shrines, stalactites and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Huyền Không Cave (Marble Mountains)
Atmospheric cave in the Marble Mountains containing Buddhist sanctuaries and carvings. Easy walkways, stone steps and viewpoint access make it a popular cultural stop near Đà Nẵng.
Ngườm Ngao (Nguom Ngao) Cave
Large, well-lit tourist cave near Bản Giốc waterfall with long galleries, dramatic formations and wooden walkways. Easily visited on regional day trips and noted for its scale and geology.
