British diving experts unveil new discoveries inside Son Doong Cave

According to professional British divers, Son Doong, the world's largest cave, may be bigger than previously thought, as a new underground tunnel was found recently.

National Geographic once shared that, located in central Quang Binh province, the entrance to Son Doong, meaning “cave of the mountain river,” was first discovered in 1991 by Hồ Khanh, a local logger. 

In 2009, a team of scientists and explorers, having heard tale of Hồ Khanh’s fabled discovery, contacted him and requested his help to find the cave. It took several months, but he eventually retraced his way back through the remote jungle.

Inside Son Doong cave. Photo: NG
Inside Son Doong cave. Photo: NG

After days of searching, using caving systems and techniques, they found that the cave is estimated to be between two and five million years old, and it is believed to be the largest cave passage in the world.

At an international press conference held recently in Hanoi, a team of 5 professional divers including British divers Richard Stanton, John Volanthen, Jason Mallison and Chris Jewell, who were members of the rescue team saving the Thai football team trapped in Thailand's Tham Luang Cave last year, announced an amazing shocking news.

A new underground tunnel, which is far below the sea level, has been discovered in Son Doong. In particular, the cave experts found a new tunnel system at a depth of 60 metres, the deeper it goes the wider the underground cave system opens up.

The result came after months of reseaching, said the British divers team. They had to work at the end of the river inside Son Doong and went further into a water passage. 

The trip was first to find out the connection between Son Doong Cave and Hang Thung Cave which are 600m apart, based on the results mace by the British Cave Research Association’s team in 2010.

However, according to diver John Volanthen, the passage was actually not in a straight line and it went deeper underground. They found a hole inside the passage that leads to a tunnel.

The divers are expected to return to Vietnam next year, where they hope to link the tunnel in Son Doong to another cave nearby.

By A.N

Other News

Vietnam secure berth at FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for first time

Vietnam secure berth at FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for first time

Vietnam national U17 football team secured a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2026 for the first time after defeating United Arab Emirates national U17 football team 3-2 on in the final Group C match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia on early May 14 (Vietnam time).

Vietnam’s most beautiful railway station twins with French counterpart

Vietnam’s most beautiful railway station twins with French counterpart

A twinning agreement between Da Lat Railway Station in Vietnam and Trouville-Deauville Railway Station in France was signed at the French Embassy in Vietnam on May 7, creating new opportunities for cooperation in station management and operations, as well as cultural and tourism promotion between the two sides.

Hanoi gains two more craft villages in World Crafts Cities network

Hanoi gains two more craft villages in World Crafts Cities network

The recognition of Chuyen My and Son Dong craft villages as members of the World Crafts Cities network represents international acknowledgement of the cultural value, artisanal techniques, creativity and sustainable vitality of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages, he said.

Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2026 to return in September

Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2026 to return in September

Co-hosted by the municipal People’s Committee, the Department of Culture and Sports, and domestic and foreign agencies, the whole spectacle is meant to honour the city’s millennia-old heritage while reafffirming its strategy of establishing culture as a development engine.

Spreading Vietnamese cultural identity in digital space

Spreading Vietnamese cultural identity in digital space

In the context of deep international integration, cultural identity serves as both a “shield” against assimilation and a defining marker of a nation’s image. Protecting and promoting uniquely Vietnamese cultural values has therefore become a pressing task, particularly in an increasingly complex digital environment.

ITE HCMC 2026 to promote Vietnam’s tourism on global map

ITE HCMC 2026 to promote Vietnam’s tourism on global map

With its large scale, the ITE HCMC 2026 aims to promote tourism cooperation between Vietnam and priority markets such as Northeast Asia, Western Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania while also boosting visitor arrivals from the Indian market

Vietnamese puppetry seeks renewal amid preservation challenges

Vietnamese puppetry seeks renewal amid preservation challenges

Although widely regarded as a cultural “speciality” attracting tourists, Vietnamese puppetry is facing multiple challenges in preservation and development, requiring renewed efforts to both safeguard its identity and adapt to contemporary cultural currents.

Project on digital transformation in cultural sector approved

Project on digital transformation in cultural sector approved

By 2030, the project targets the establishment of shared digital platforms across 100% of cultural sectors. All digitised cultural heritage will be standardised under the national data framework and shared in accordance with regulations, while 80% of public digital heritage assets are expected to receive digital identifiers to clarify ownership and management, encouraging organisations and individuals to do the same and support market development.

Vietnam eyes becoming region’s leading tourism destination

Vietnam eyes becoming region’s leading tourism destination

Vietnam has in recent years undergone a notable transformation in its tourism development strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature-based and eco-tourism. This shift is not merely aligned with global trends, but represents a necessary step towards safeguarding valuable natural resources, while appealing to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.