Best cities/countries for cave watching in the world

Traveltemps

New Member
Oudomxay, Laos cave 1.jpg
Chom Ong Cave, Oudomxay Province, Laos

Here are some of the most beautiful caves to help inspire your cave watching itinerary.

A quick reminder for you:
  1. Son Doong, Vietnam
  2. Pak Ou, Laos
  3. Pindaya, Myanmar
  4. The Cenotes, Mexico
  5. Cave of the Crystals, Mexico
  6. Chom Ong Cave, Oudomxay, Laos
  7. Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
  8. Blombos Cave, South Africa
  9. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
  10. The Blue Grotto, Italy
  11. Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
  12. The Marble Cathedral, Chile
  13. Thrihnukagigur, Iceland
  14. Musanze Caves, Rwanda
  15. Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
  16. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA
  17. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA
  18. Sarawak Chamber, Malaysia
  19. Reed Flute Cave, China
  20. Eisriesenwelt Cave, Austria
  21. Caves of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
  22. Caves of Sagada, Philippines
 
Last edited:
Mexico's cenotes are an extraordinary and breathtaking natural wonder. Cenotes, which are naturally occurring sinkholes or underground caverns filled with water that is exceptionally clear, are most frequently found in the Yucatán Peninsula. In addition to being visually stunning, these cenotes are also important historically and culturally for the Mayan civilization that once inhabited the area. These prominent cenotes can be found in Mexico:

One of the most well-known cenotes in Mexico is Cenote Ik Kil, which is close to the Chichen Itza archaeological site. Its rim is covered in lush vegetation, and a circular opening leads to a deep, turquoise pool below. Swim in its chilly, refreshing waters while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Gran Cenote: Located close to Tulum, Gran Cenote is a well-liked destination for snorkeling and scuba diving fans. It boasts crystal-clear waters, amazing rock formations, and an ecosystem rich in fish and turtles.

Cenote Dos Ojos is a haven for cave divers because of its extensive underwater cave networks. The name of the cenote, which refers to the two sinkholes connected by a cavern system, translates to "Two Eyes" in Spanish. It provides a distinctive and exciting diving experience.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, careful planning and preparation are required before traveling to Mexico to explore cenotes. Prior to your trip to a cenote, keep the following in mind:
Discover the cenotes you want to visit by doing some research on them. Mexico is home to a large number of cenotes, each with distinctive characteristics and accessibility. While some cenotes are best for sightseeing, others are best for swimming, snorkeling, or diving.

Verify Local Regulations: To protect the environment and guarantee visitor safety, cenotes may have particular rules and regulations. Verify if there are any limitations on sports like swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Observe these guidelines to protect the cenote's ecosystem and natural beauty.
Some cenotes have entrance fees or permit requirements, which can vary from one cenote to the next. Make sure in advance and be ready to pay any fees that may be necessary. Verify the operating times as well because some cenotes have restricted access hours.

Equipment and Gear: You might need the right gear depending on the activities you intend to do (swimming, snorkeling, or diving). Bring any necessary equipment, including wetsuits (for diving in cooler cenotes), swimwear, and snorkeling gear. If you aren't bringing your own gear, find out if the cenote offers rentals.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
View attachment 489
Chom Ong Cave, Oudomxay Province, Laos

Here are some of the most beautiful caves to help inspire your cave watching itinerary.

A quick reminder for you:
  1. Son Doong, Vietnam
  2. Pak Ou, Laos
  3. Pindaya, Myanmar
  4. The Cenotes, Mexico
  5. Cave of the Crystals, Mexico
  6. Chom Ong Cave, Oudomxay, Laos
  7. Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
  8. Blombos Cave, South Africa
  9. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
  10. The Blue Grotto, Italy
  11. Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
  12. The Marble Cathedral, Chile
  13. Thrihnukagigur, Iceland
  14. Musanze Caves, Rwanda
  15. Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
  16. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA
  17. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, USA
  18. Sarawak Chamber, Malaysia
  19. Reed Flute Cave, China
  20. Eisriesenwelt Cave, Austria
  21. Caves of Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
  22. Caves of Sagada, Philippines
Wow! I want to do cave in. I would bookmark this for future purposes. What are your tips about cave in?
 
The world's largest sandstone caves belong to the "Krem Puri" cave system in Meghalaya, India. Extending over several kilometers, Krem Puri is renowned for its intricate passages and stunning formations. Caves like Krem Puri showcase the geological wonders hidden beneath the Earth's surface, inviting exploration and scientific study.
The discovery and documentation of such expansive sandstone caves contribute to our understanding of the planet's diverse landscapes and the mysteries that lie beneath them.
 
I also know one of the destination for cave enthusiasts is the limestone-rich region of Guilin in China which offers landscapes and extensive cave systems like Reed Flute Cave.
 
Caves are cool but slightly spooky. Yet, the excitement of exploring these mysterious places is something you can't resist. I've encountered several caves during my solo trips but could only explore their exteriors. I wouldn't want to miss the chance of taking the opportunity to troll into their depths when I travel with a group.
 
What an exciting list for cave enthusiasts! Chom Ong Cave in Laos seems like a hidden gem. The diversity from Son Doong in Vietnam to Sarawak Chamber in Malaysia offers a global cave-watching adventure. Planning my itinerary now!
 
  1. Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam – Home to Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave.
  2. Waitomo, New Zealand – Famous for its glowworm caves.
  3. Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA – Known for Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
  4. Postojna, Slovenia – Features the stunning Postojna Cave with its underground train.
  5. Reed Flute Cave, China – A colorful, illuminated limestone cave in Guilin.
  6. Halong Bay, Vietnam – Houses beautiful caves like Thien Cung and Sung Sot.
  7. El Nido, Philippines – Features spectacular sea caves and lagoons.
  8. Cappadocia, Turkey – Known for its underground cities and rock-hewn caves.
  9. Lascaux, France – Famous for its prehistoric cave paintings.
  10. Blue Grotto, Italy – A sea cave in Capri with mesmerizing blue water reflections.
 
Back
Top