Underground attractions: caves, tunnels, catacombs, Cold War bunkers – 7 of the world’s best subterranean sights

For some unusual sights, try these 7 underground tourist attractions around the world, from caves to wartime tunnels, Cold War bunkers and a former coal mine

Among them is the scene of the incredible rescue of a youth soccer team in Thailand, the Paris Catacombs and the world’s largest cave, in central Vietnam

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The Paris Catacombs, containing the remains of millions of Parisians, are among the world’s most popular underground attractions. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:15pm, 17 May 2024

Some of us find them cramped, others happily spend hours exploring them. Some were places of work, others places of death. Some were built as military deterrents, others are illuminated to create a fairy-tale world of colour.

Here are seven underground attractions, mines, caves, catacombs, concrete bunkers and tunnels that are well worth a visit – if you dare.

1. Tham Luang Nang Non, Thailand

For 18 days in 2018, Tham Luang Nang Non, in northern Thailand, became the most famous cave in the world.

Even five years after the drama of a youth football team’s rescue by divers made global headlines, Tham Luang Nang Non still attracts many tourists. Photo: Getty Images

After a heavy downpour, 12 members of the Wild Boars youth soccer team and their coach were trapped deep inside an underground cavern, which quickly became waterlogged, leaving them all stranded.

An international effort involving divers, engineers and volunteers led to their rescue from a rocky ledge 4km (2.5 miles) from the cave entrance.

Today, Tham Luang attracts enthusiasts keen to explore the celebrated site.

02:20

Thailand begins new guided tour of cave 5 years after football team’s rescue

Chamber 3, which is 800 metres (0.5 miles) inside, was used as a coordination centre and for storing oxygen tanks, ropes and communication cables. The area is now open for group tours run by forest officials and local guides.