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Apr 02, 2019 / 11:26

Son Doong among hidden gems that could be your next travel destination

Traveling the world is a privilege that is almost always valued by everyone. Popular destinations have become so common; people are in search of new destinations that will tickle that travel itch.

Youth Incorporated, a leading youth magazine in Mumbai, has just named Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh province, Vietnam the number one place on its list of hidden gems that could be your next travel destination.
 
Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh province.
Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh province.
Home to many spectacular landscapes, Vietnam is popular for rice terraces to silky smooth red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne. But, a lesser known detail is that Vietnam is home to the world’s largest cave.
Youth Incorporated said that the ecosystem in the cave is created by its own weather system and its own clouds that cover the jungle and rivers in them. It has ‘dolines,’ which are the result of openings caused by collapsed ceilings.
On the list, Son Doong Cave is followed by Huacachina in Peru, Santa Maria Dell’isola in Italy, Psychedelic Salt Mine in Russia, Marieta Islands in Mexico, Lake Natron in Tanzania, Marble Caves in Chile, Pingvallavatn Lake in Iceland, etc.
Earlier, Son Doong cave in Quang Binh province has been ranked third among the bucket-list trips in the world for 2019, according to a list released by Lonely Planet, a large travel guide book publisher.
“The incredible depths of the world’s largest cave lures in travellers who want a true adventure. But the arduous journey into this subterranean site makes booking a trek essential,” Lonely Planet wrote.
Lonely Planet warns travelers that less than 300 spaces remain for 2019 exploration, according to Oxalis Adventure Tours, the major tour operator that takes travellers inside.
The number of tourists to Son Doong Cave in the first eight months of 2018 was estimated at 873. Of the total, 290 people came from the US, followed by 154 people from Vietnam, 76 people from Australia, according to Oxalis.