The cave is probably one of the great and mysterious masterpieces of "Mother Nature". There are countless different caves in the world, where each cave has a distinct beauty. So where are the biggest caves in the world? Here is an article about the top 10 largest caves in the world.
1. Clearwater cave system, Malaysia
The Clearwater cave system, Malaysia was discovered in the late 1978 and is one of the largest caves in the world by volume. Until now, this cave is 236,796 km long. This length could be increased if human exploration continues. The Clearwater cave system in Malaysia has also been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
2. Lechuguilla Cave, New Mexico, USA
Among the top 10 largest caves in the world is Lechuguilla cave with a total length of up to 242 km and a depth of 489 m. With this depth, Lechuguilla Cave becomes the second deepest cave in the continental United States.
Besides the huge numbers in length and depth, Lechuguilla cave also leaves many impressions because of its very special geology. Previously, this cave was a concentrated habitat of bats. In 1914, people came here with the purpose of extracting bat droppings from the entrances. After that, mining was halted.
However, in 1950 wind was heard from inside the cave and they proceeded to explore. After many discoveries, Lechuguilla cave finally became one of the largest caves in the world.
3. Wind Cave, South Dakota, USA
The third cave that we explore together is called Wind Cave in South Dakota, USA. As of 2021, "Wind Cave" has a total length of 248.16 km.
You may not know, but Wind Cave is one of the few caves with very few stalactites and stalagmites. However, in the cave there are countless unusual rock shapes and various minerals. This cave also attracts many visitors because of its thin acid fins resembling honeycombs.
The road to Wind Cave is also very poetic and has many entrances. You can feel it when walking around the natural mixed grasslands above the ground of this cave..
4. Shuanghe Dong Cave Network, China
With a length of at least 283,284 meters, Shuanghe Dong is recorded as the longest cave cluster in Asia and the 6th longest in the world. This limestone cave was formed about 100 million years ago, located in Wenquan town, Guizhou province, southwest China.
From 1987 until now, there have been more than 20 expeditions, mainly by the French and Japanese, but have encountered many difficulties due to geographical and political influences.
5. Optymistychna Cave, Ukraine
Optymistychna is a plaster cave located in Ukraine discovered in 1966. With more than 235 km in length, this is the longest cave in Eurasia and the 5th longest cave in the world. Not only that, Optymistychna is also the longest plaster cave in the world.
There is an interesting fact about the name of this cave, “Optymistychna” which means “optimistic”. Because, when discovering this cave, experts only thought that the length or depth that the cave could reach was only 3km. Later, the optimists of the Tsyklop club made further expeditions, and after 170 expeditions, Optymistychna became one of the largest caves in the world.
6. Ox Bel Ha Cave System, Mexico
The Ox Bel Ha underground cave system is located on the Yucatan peninsula - a peninsula with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Mexico.
For the Yucatan peninsula, the Ox Bel Ha cave system is one of the most remarkable wonders because it is hidden underground and has a length of up to 319.5km (as of January 2022).
In the Maya language, Ox Bel Ha is translated as "three paths of water". This cave is an important source of fresh water for the people of the area. Divers and scientists have long considered this intricate system of limestone tunnels and corridors one of Mexico's most fascinating destinations.
7. Jewel Cave, South Dakota
Jewel Cave, South Dakota, USA with a length of 322km is one of the largest and longest caves in the world. This cave was discovered in 1900 by 2 men, when they felt a cool air coming out through a small hole in the ground.
With the name Jewel, this cave makes people think of a cave with a huge amount of gems. Inside the cave is covered with unique calcite crystals with many eye-catching colors.
8. Sac Actun Caves, Mexico
Going back to Mexico, Sac Actun is known as the longest underwater cave in the world with a length of about 345km. The great beauty of Sac Actun attracts a large number of tourists to visit every year.
9. Mammoth Cave, USA
Mammoth Cave, USA is a cave with a huge length. The length of this cave is almost twice the length of the Sac Actun cave in Mexico. Specifically, the length of Mammoth Cave is about 676km, which has been surveyed and is the longest cave in the world today.
Unlike other caves that were only discovered recently. Mammoth Cave has a history of thousands of years with geological, political and spiritual importance.
10. Son Doong Cave
There are many questions raised about the largest cave in the world. So where is the largest cave in the world? The answer is Son Doong cave located in Tan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, Vietnam.
Son Doong Cave was found in 1991 by a local named Ho Khanh. In 2009, Ho Khanh led two members of the British Cave Research Association (BRCA) here to explore.
What was announced about Son Doong cave surprised the world. The total capacity of this cave is 38.5 million m3, can accommodate a skyscraper up to 40 stories high and can hold 38 Boeing 777 aircraft. Even this number is likely to be larger because according to According to scientists, the most modern means have not yet helped people discover all about Son Doong cave.
