Son Doong, part of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, has welcomed 8,552 explorers over the past 12 years, generating US$25.5 million in revenue and creating 130 direct jobs for local residents, according to Oxalis Adventure, the sole company licensed to operate tours to the cave.

Of all visitors since 2013, Vietnamese tourists made up 3,293, followed by travellers from the United States (2,271), Australia (532), the United Kingdom (317) and Canada (277).

Stretching about 9 km with sections reaching 150–160 metres wide and ceilings as high as 200 metres, Son Doong in Quang Binh province has become a bucket-list destination for adventure enthusiasts around the world.

Beyond its appeal to explorers, the tour has delivered significant economic benefits, contributing US$5 million in fees to the Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park and supporting hundreds of indirect jobs.

According to Nguyen Chau A, CEO of Oxalis Adventure, all available slots are now booked through late 2027.

“The long waiting list creates a sense of scarcity, making Son Doong a goal every adventure traveller wants to conquer,” he told znews.vn.

Rising demand has also boosted interest in other, lower-difficulty cave expeditions in the area.

Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park receives about 50,000 adventure tourists each year, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading hub for cave exploration.

Despite having the highest cumulative visitor numbers over the past 12 years, Vietnamese travellers now account for only about 16.5% of annual visitors, down from 2019 levels. Oxalis said international tourists tend to book far in advance, while many Vietnamese travellers opt for overseas trips at similar price points.

For travellers who enjoy adventure but do not want to wait several years, the operator recommends alternatives such as the Hang Ba deep-forest expedition or the Tu Lan cave system. These options offer moderate challenges, more flexible scheduling and a shorter wait time.

Israeli television highlights Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave in reality show

VOV.VN - Keshet 12, an Israeli television channel that broadcasts dramas, news, and more, broadcast the latest episode of a well-known reality adventure series, featuring the stunning beauty of Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave – the largest of its kind in the world.