Before starting the 4 day 3 night journey to conquer the largest cave in the world, the whole group will gather to listen to the guide to disseminate safety information and receive equipment. At the same time, people will meet porters (porters), safety assistants, chefs … Son Doong cave belongs to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh), this is the address in the list of 20 destinations to break natural records voted by Insider (USA) in 2020. In 1991, the cave was discovered by Mr. Ho Khanh while going to the woods and looking for a place to avoid rain. Then the British Royal cave experts, led by Mr. Howard Limbert, have researched, measured and officially confirmed this is the largest cave in the world. Day 1: Phong Nha – Hang En The first day of the group was the journey from Phong Nha to Hang En. The group will start to walk down a long slope, across the forest with many climbing and downhill sections. After that, you continue to walk and wade streams. Due to going on a rainy day, the water in the cave is quite cold. Going all this way, you will come to Ban Doong, the village of the ethnic minority community of Bru Van Kieu. Group stop for lunch and rest here. After lunch break, the group continues to move about 3 hours to reach Hang En door. This is the third largest cave in the world with a length of about 1.6 km. This location used to be the setting of a famous movie Peter Pan . After more than half a day of traveling, the members were divided into tents and camps. Next to the camp is a blue lake, you can go swimming if you like. The first night in the cave, the chefs will serve the group with a variety of dishes. All processed ingredients are brought from the outside by porters, the dishes are processed deliciously, both taste and attractive. After dinner, the whole group will exchange, chat and end the first day. Day 2: Son Doong cave entrance – Bai Trai 1 In the morning, the whole team explores deeper in Hang En to come to Son Doong. After that, the group stopped for lunch before wearing seat belts and climbed down to the mouth of Son Doong cave. Although I still had a lot of confusion in handling situations, I finally set foot on the cave floor. With its majestic looks and giant size, the store surprised the whole group. From here, the group continued to cross many underground streams. The water is flowing fast, the porters have to stand in line to reduce the water strength, helping the group pass through safely. However, I boldly swim through this stream. In the afternoon, the delegation arrived at the first campsite of Son Doong cave. From here, you can look to sinkhole 1, also known as “Dinosaur’s Void”. This sinkhole was formed as part of the cave ceiling collapsed thousands of years ago. After dinner, I went to bed early because the day 2 itinerary was quite tiring. Day 3: Garden of Eden – Beach camp 2 Garden of Eden and Hole 2 is the most impressive place in this journey. From the very beginning, the group had to overcome very high and slippery rock slopes, so down quickly. You have to wriggle through many narrow rocky niches to reach sinkhole 1 – “Dinosaur’s Vape”. Continue to go deep and climb the rope over some steep rocks to get to the other side of the sinkhole 1. From here, you can capture the magnificent scenery of Son Doong cave. The group stops for lunch to prepare to conquer “Garden of Eden” at the second sinkhole. Because there is a sinkhole, light can enter the cave, creating a diverse vegetation. After exploring the forest, the group rested at camp No. 2 and continued to go into the dark cave to learn about the unique creatures, admire the masterpieces of stalactites. Finally, the group returned to the campsite, had dinner and rest, ending the third day. Day 4: The Vietnam Wall The last day, the group wore seat belts to conquer the Vietnamese Wall. This is an important milestone of the journey to conquer Son Doong. Before that, you are instructed on essential skills such as climbing ropes, operating safety equipment … First, you need to take a boat ride on an underground lake 600 meters long to reach the foot of the wall. You will start with a 20 m of iron ladder. The challenge increases in difficulty as you continue to swing with your hands to successfully conquer the wall and out of the cave. After leaving the cave, the group had lunch and continued to cross the forest for about 2 hours to go to the gathering point. About 15-16h, the transfer car took the group to the hotel, ending the journey. I stayed at a homestay for one night, then moved back to Hanoi. Note If you are planning this trip, you should register for the tour early. It was 8 months from the time I registered to the start of the journey. The number of visitors to explore the cave is limited per year. – Before starting the journey, it is necessary to practice according to the instructions of the tour provider. – About supplies, I prepare according to the list provided. In particular, you must bring organic shampoo, shower gel (organic), to not affect the environment in the cave. Good trekking shoes will decide 70% of your trip. Tour cost: 58.2 million VND / person Difficulty: 6 – difficult Age of participation: 18 years old and above Distance: 17 km through the forest, 8 km to explore the cave, 800 m up the slope, 90 m to climb the rope – Vietnam wall, across the river, stream or underground river in the cave. Do you have a trip this summer yet? Please share with us about the schedule, costs and beautiful pictures at: lifestyle@zing.vn The articles will be edited and published in the Zing Travel column.

Dalaland Coffee The cafe causes fever on culinary groups because of its majestic space and Mediterranean style. The shop consists of 2 floors, divided into 3 areas as a backdrop to help you get many attractive photos. The green oasis in the middle of the lake is a favorite place to take pictures. The restaurant is quite spacious, suitable for groups of friends or family. If you want to take pictures, you must arrive early as the shop is often crowded, especially on weekends. Address : Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, district 2 Business hours : 7-22h Price : 40,000 – 85,000 VND Photo: Linhnguyen8934, dalaland.saigon. What diners say about the restaurant: _dxn417_: “The shop is still quite new so some spaces are still being completed. You should go early so that it is not hot and you can take pictures comfortably”. Ho Khanh: “The first time I came to the restaurant from 7:00 a.m. was very crowded. About drinks, I feel normal, not much impression”. Coffeetimeofhang: “The price of drinks is quite high. Currently the restaurant only serves water, no cakes or salty food. The parking lot is quite large.” Le Blanc. Coffee & Space The shop is designed in Industrial style with white tones covering the entire space. The door frames are made of wood material to create a rustic and intimate relationship for diners. The restaurant has 2 floors with long tables, suitable for large groups of friends. The front of the shop is the corner of the picture that many of you check-in when coming here. The menu offers a wide variety of drinks from hand-roasted coffee to juices or smoothies. Address : Tan Vinh, District 4 Business hours : 7-22h Price : 35,000-65,000 VND Photo: Coffee.saigon. What do diners say about the restaurant? : _dxn417_: “In addition to the seating area for guests, the bar has coworking space by hour. Drinks are quite varied”. Utcunggg: “The table layout is suitable for studying and working. But there is a small minus point that the table area on the first floor alone finds the chairs and tables quite different”. Coffee.saigon: “The front of the restaurant is arranged with many tables and stools for those who smoke or enjoy the wind”. Melodie Cafe The shop is designed in a gentle and luxurious Korean style. The dominant white color helps the shop expand the area and create a sense of comfort. Quiet space, suitable for working or reading. The menu features a variety of fruit juices, coffee, milk tea, and biscuits that are delicately decorated. In addition to enjoying drinks, coming here, you can capture virtual live photos in every small corner of the restaurant. Address : Street 9, Thao Dien, District 2 Business hours : 8-22h Price : 29,000-85,000 VND Photo: Quynhtyy. What do diners say about the restaurant? : Didauando: “The address of the restaurant is difficult to find. The restaurant is quiet, suitable for those who find a working space or read a book. I ordered a cup of milk tea but found it quite sweet.” Hangout.withus: “I find the inside of the restaurant a bit confusing, but the outside is simple and cute. Rose tea has a strange taste. Milkfoam and cake are delicious”. Buttery Cake & Cafe Located near Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, the shop is the address of many young people in Ho Chi Minh City who choose to check-in on the weekends. The shop has 2 floors with luxurious and delicate layout. In addition to drinks, come here, you can try a variety of beautifully decorated pastries. The staff at the restaurant are highly appreciated by many diners. Address : Mac Thi Buoi, District 1 Business hours : 7h30-22h Price : 55,000-95,000 VND Photo: Colorofaalex, diemmyvu. What do diners say about the restaurant? : Tebetravelmade: “Cake and water have a pretty high price. My friends and I order salted eggs for VND 85,000 and Strawberry Mouse for VND 100,000 with a pot of black tea at VND 170,000”. Tebefood: “Lychee It tastes quite sweet. You can call Magic Blue that is not too sweet and has a pea flower so it has a fancy purple”. Shoam3004: “The restaurant has many well-arranged mirrors, so it is suitable for people who like to live virtual like me”.