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Enduring health
Regular exercise before your trip will be beneficial for exploring Son Doong Cave, as it will involve a series of different activities throughout the journey: hiking, wading through streams and forests (approximately 30 km of walking), climbing slopes, rope climbing (the Vietnam Wall), and swimming (though swimming skills aren't necessary as equipment will be provided). Therefore, your endurance will be key to overcoming the main activities mentioned above. To achieve this endurance, you need to maintain a regular training regimen in your chosen sport (cycling, running, badminton, or tennis usually offer more advantages). Especially in the month leading up to the trip, you must train more regularly and diligently.
Knowledge about caves
Preparing in advance with knowledge about the cave will make your journey into Son Doong even more enjoyable. Read scientific information or watch science films on reliable channels (such as National Geographic) to supplement your knowledge before the trip. During the journey, take advantage of opportunities to exchange information with cave experts or tour guides to make your exploration even more fascinating.
Walking shoes
Will a single pair of shoes protect your feet throughout your journey? No, there's no such thing as a perfect pair. Because the terrain is diverse and involves many different activities like trekking, wading through streams, mountain climbing, rock climbing, swimming, swinging, etc., the ideal shoes are usually trekking shoes with a soft, cushioned sole from toe to heel (not too stiff like hiking boots, but softer because you'll be walking on different terrains), a protective toe cap to prevent the toes from hitting hard rocks, a non-slip outsole with good traction, and lightweight drawstring closures. Salomon's trail running shoes or water walking shoes are my favorites; I choose models with a high collar that covers the ankles. You also need time for your feet to adjust to the shoes, so it's best to buy and wear them 1-2 months before your departure.
In addition, you should choose socks that fit snugly to prevent sand/gravel from getting in and causing discomfort while crossing streams. You will be sleeping in the cave for three nights, so you'll need a pair of socks each day. Thin, high-ankle socks are also very useful for keeping warm at night. Furthermore, to protect your feet from itching (as stream water in the forest can easily cause itching for those unfamiliar with it), you can bring talcum powder/anti-itch cream.
In my experience, you should wash your feet thoroughly and soak them in salt water (sea salt - coarse salt) after returning from Son Doong Cave to avoid foot infections. Also, remember to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your overnight campsite; otherwise, you'll have to go barefoot or wear the specialized sandals provided by the porters!
Sun protection items
Tours to Son Doong Cave are organized from January to August. During the summer, from late April to the end of July, the weather in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is quite hot during the day, so visitors need to cover themselves well.
A sun-protective baseball cap with a face and neck veil (which can be removed to become a regular baseball cap when needed) will be helpful when hiking through the forest, especially on the first day from the starting point to the En Cave - where you'll camp overnight - and on the last day - and the stretch after conquering the Vietnam Wall back to the pick-up point.
On hot, sunny days, a thin, damp cloth wrapped around the neck can also help reduce heat and cool the body.
Food
What to eat when visiting Son Doong Cave? Of course, the chefs on the tour will prepare delicious and appealing dishes using mainly local ingredients for daily meals. However, to avoid food shortages or the need to replenish energy during the daily tour, visitors should proactively add convenient food items such as dry cereal energy bars or energy gel packets. These should be purchased/prepared in advance (they can be found at stores specializing in running and cycling equipment or some supermarkets in major cities like Saigon and Hanoi), as they are not currently available in Phong Nha.
Environmental awareness
Environmental protection and cave conservation activities were promoted before the trip and thoroughly implemented throughout the journey under the supervision of cave experts, guides, and porters. Therefore, the preparation of supplies needed to take this into consideration. For example, choosing environmentally friendly toothpaste or shampoo also contributes to protecting rare and unique plant and animal species found only in Son Doong.
Hopefully, with this information, you will have a fulfilling dream trip to Son Doong!
