Hang Son Doong, in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam, is believed by many to be the largest cave on earth.

Stalagmites, stretching for over half a kilometer, in Hang Son Doong.

Down in the big chamber of Long Con, a new discovery in 2010 and continuation of the Alcove of Hang Son Doong. Between 10.30 and 15.00 sunlight can reach the ground and produce a miniature weather system in the chamber: increased humidity creates condensation inside the cool cave atmosphere and leads to the formation of clouds.

Giant Stalagmite and Big passage with Gareth ‘Sweeney’ Sewell in the background on the Hand of Dog.

Hang Song Doong, 1st doline with massive phytokarst formations, view from the rat run gallery with its enormous window towards the skylight.

Gouas, Hang Song Doong cave, 1st Doline towards rat run.

Gareth ‘Sweeney’ Sewell and Howard Clarke bolt up the Vietnamese Wall in Hang Song Doong Cave. Hang Song Doong in Phong Nha National Park, Vietnam, is believed to be the world’s largest cave gallery.

Down in the big chamber of Long Con, a new discovery in 2010 and a continuation of the Alcove of Hang Song Doong. Between 10.30 and 15.00 sunlight can reach the ground and produce a miniature weather system in the chamber: increased humidity creates condensation inside the cool cave atmosphere and leads to the formation of clouds.

Gareth ‘Sweeney’ Sewell ascends from the Garden of Edam.

Giant Cave pearls close to camp 2 in Hang Song Doong Cave. Hang Song Doong in Phong Nha National Park, Vietnam, is believed to be the world’s largest cave gallery.

Hang Ken cave is on the way to Hang Song Doong in the same river system and must be crossed.

Exploration trip: To Lan valley, campsite, surrounded by cone carst.

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