Caves, with their mysterious and captivating allure, have fascinated explorers and adventurers for centuries. Some of the largest and most awe-inspiring caves on Earth beckon the intrepid to uncover their hidden wonders. From colossal chambers to intricate networks of underground passages, the world’s biggest caves offer a glimpse into the geological marvels that lie beneath the surface. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the top 10 biggest caves in the world, each with its unique features and unparalleled beauty.
Son Doong Cave, Vietnam, reigns as the largest cave in the world, discovered in 2009 by a British caving team. Nestled in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, it spans over 5 kilometers, with sections reaching 200 meters high and 150 meters wide. This subterranean wonderland harbors towering stalagmites, a turquoise river, and a flourishing jungle beneath collapsed ceilings. A testament to nature’s grandeur, Son Doong is an enchanting destination, unveiling the extraordinary mysteries hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, making it the biggest cave globally in 2024.
Here are some of the key facts that you must know about the Son Doong Cave, the biggest cave of the world:
Son Doong Cave, located at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, is the biggest cave in the world, followed by Miao Room Cave, Mammoth Cave, and Sac Actun.
Here is the list of top-10 largest caves in the world by January 2024:
LARGEST CAVE IN THE WORLD 2024 | ||
Rank | Cave Name | Location |
1. | Son Doong Cave, Vietnam | Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park |
2. | Miao Room Cave, China | Ziyun county, Guizhou |
3. | Mammoth Cave, Kentucky | Kentucky, United States |
4. | Sac Actun, Mexico | Mexico |
5. | Sistema Dos Ojos, Mexico | Tulum, Quintana Roo |
6. | Jewel Cave, South Dakota | Black Hills National Forest |
7. | Mulu Caves, Borneo | Gunung Mulu National Park |
8. | Sistema Ox Bel Ha, Mexico | Mexico |
9. | Optymistychna Cave, Ukraine | Korolivka, Ukraine |
10. | Shuanghedong Cave Network, China | Guizhou |
Location: Vietnam
Volume: 38.5 million cubic meters
Son Doong Cave, nestled in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, reigns as the largest cave globally, discovered in 2009 by British cavers. Its dimensions are awe-inspiring—over 5 kilometers long, with sections reaching 200 meters high and 150 meters wide. Hosting a vibrant ecosystem, the cave features colossal stalagmites, a turquoise river, and a flourishing jungle beneath towering stone arches, making it a testament to nature’s unparalleled grandeur and mystery.
Location: China
Nestled in Ziyun county, Guizhou province, China, the Miao Room Cave stands as one of the world’s second largest caverns. With a colossal volume of 380,700,000 cubic feet, it’s exclusively accessible through an underground stream. This extraordinary chamber’s measurements were unveiled during a laser-mapping expedition supported by the National Geographic Society, spotlighted at a national caving conference in the UK.
Location: Kentucky, USA
Volume: 676 kilometers
Jewel Cave in South Dakota, USA, holds the distinction of being the world’s third-largest cave, with a remarkable expanse of over 200 miles. Beyond its sheer size, Jewel Cave enchants visitors with a breathtaking display of calcite crystals, including the dazzling “nailhead spar” and “dogtooth spar,” transforming the cave into a subterranean constellation. Discovered in 1900, this underground wonder not only invites awe with its geological wonders but also offers daring explorers spelunking adventures into its undiscovered realms.
Son Doong Cave, located at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, is the biggest cave in the world.
With an explored length of 30,957 metres (101,565 ft), Krem Liat Prah in Jaintia Hills is the longest cave in Meghalaya, as well as India, and is listed among the longest caves in the world.
Nestled in Ziyun county, Guizhou province, China, the Miao Room Cave stands as one of the world's second largest caverns.
Son Doong is considered to be the largest cave of Asia, based on volume and also the biggest cave in Vietnam, found by Ho Khanh – a Phong Nha jungle man in 1990.
The top-5 largest caves in the world are: Son Doong Cave, Vietnam, Miao Room Cave, China, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, Sac Actun, Mexico, and Sistema Dos Ojos, Mexico.
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