Phong Nha Ke Bang: Guide to Vietnam's Most Stunning Caves
Looking for a unique natural destination in central Vietnam? Visit Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Explore breathtaking caves, hike through lush tropical forests, and enjoy scenic emerald rivers. Whether you’re into caving, zip-lining, or kayaking, Phong Nha has something for everyone. You’ll never run out of things to do here! Follow this mini-guide to discover the top attractions and activities in Phong Nha Ke Bang.
Where is Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park Located?
The Quang Binh Province in central Vietnam is home to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, which is well-known for its remarkable biodiversity and caves. It is almost 200 kilometres away from Hue, the historic imperial capital of Vietnam, which takes about 4 hours to drive there.
Due to its exceptional geological characteristics and abundant wildlife, this expansive park, which was first opened in 1979, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. The earliest karst formations in Asia, which date back to the Palaeolithic period (around 400 million years ago), may be seen near Phong Nha Ke Bang.
What is the Largest Cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?
The largest natural cave in the world, Hang Son Doong Cave, is the focal point of the cave complex in Phong Nha. It is a component of a vast underground system that links more than 150 caves in Vietnam, close to the Laotian border.
The 20th century saw the discovery of Son Doong Cave, a record-breaking wonder by explorers and scientists. It is large enough to accommodate a skyscraper, measuring close to 5 kilometres in length, 200 meters in height, and 150 meters in breadth. Regretfully, only researchers and seasoned adventurers are permitted entry to the cave.
Which Caves to Visit in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?
Phong Nha Cave
Perhaps the most well-liked tourist destination is Phong Nha Cave. This 7.7-kilometer-long tunnel is the longest underground cave in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. An authentic dragon boat ride kicks off the journey. You will glide along the gorgeous Son River, with its amazing emerald blue waters, for six km.
Admire karst formations covered in lush foliage, tropical forests, communities, and fishermen’s boats as you journey. After that, your vessel will reach Phong Nha Cave. With a variety of cave formations, enormous stalactites, stalagmites, and light reflections on the walls, the atmosphere is simply amazing. You will also get the opportunity to wander within the cave and get up close to the karst formations at the end of your stay.
Entrance Fee for Phong Nha Cave: 150,000 VND (~5.5 EUR) per person/ticket (2024)
Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave)
Without a doubt, one of the park’s most exquisite caverns is Thien Duong, also known as Paradise Cave. Thien Duong, which is 20 km from Phong Nha Cave, dazzles tourists with its immensity and enormous karst structures. It is the longest dry cave in Asia, measuring 31 kilometres in length and reaching a maximum elevation of 150 meters. You will descend wooden stairs to the cave’s entrance as soon as you enter.
After that, you’ll discover 1 km of breathtaking formations that are illuminated by captivating lighting, including amazing stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of sizes and shapes. It’s the ideal location for taking pictures! Adventuresome tourists can explore deeper areas of Thien Duong Cave by going on a 6 km trekking and spelunking excursion.
Thien Duong Cave entrance fee: 250,000 VND (around 9 EUR) per person/ticket (2024)
Tien Son Cave
Just 400 meters from Phong Nha Cave, the enigmatic Tien Son Cave can be reached after ascending a number of steps. Older than Phong Nha, Tien Son is a remarkable dry cave with striking stalactites and stalagmites. Tapping on the cave’s walls creates an echoing sound that sounds like gongs and drums, making you feel like Indiana Jones, an intrepid explorer!
Tien Son Cave entrance fee: 80,000 VND (around 3 EUR) per person/ticket (2024)
Weather in Phong Nha Ke Bang
The tropical climate of Phong Nha Ke Bang is comparable to that of northern Vietnam. Temperatures can drop as low as 10°C in the winter and rise as high as 41°C with significant humidity in the summer.
Heavy rains can ruin your trip, therefore it’s best to avoid going to Phong Nha Ke Bang between October and December, when it’s rainy season and typhoon season. Because of the more comfortable temperatures, February to August is the ideal time of year to visit Phong Nha.
Must-Do Activities in Phong Nha Ke Bang
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park offers not only giant caves but also a stunning tropical jungle with diverse biodiversity and emerald-blue rivers, making it a top ecotourism destination. Here are some of the top activities you should not miss:
Explore the Nuoc Mooc Ecological Park
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is home to an important ecological area, filled with tropical jungles, blue rivers, and limestone rocks. You can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the fresh air of this serene natural environment. During your walk through the forest and along the riverbanks, you’ll encounter rich biodiversity, including birds, butterflies, colorful dragonflies, and beautiful flowers like orchids. If the weather gets hot, it’s the perfect time to take a refreshing dip!
Fun at Dark Cave
Dark Cave, known for the black basalt rocks inside, is an ideal spot for travelers seeking a variety of adventurous activities. The program includes swimming, spelunking inside the cave with a headlamp, relaxing in a mud bath, kayaking, and water games.
Additionally, visitors can experience the thrilling giant zipline above the tropical forest and the emerald-blue river. The zipline ride gives you an exhilarating sense of adventure as you explore nature from a different perspective. For adrenaline junkies, the giant zipline at Dark Cave is a must!
Cycling Around Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Explore the rustic beauty of the Vietnamese countryside by cycling through Phong Nha. You’ll pass by stunning rice fields, majestic limestone rocks, peaceful buffaloes, lush banana trees, small traditional villages, and tranquil ponds. Cycling is a great way to immerse yourself in the local life and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of rural Vietnam. Don’t miss this unique chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature and Vietnamese culture.
Kayaking on the Con River
In addition to hiking, kayaking on the Con River, which originates in the park’s limestone mountains, is a must-do activity. You’ll get up close to the beautiful karst rocks covered in lush vegetation while having fun on the water. Keep in mind that this activity requires a bit of physical fitness.
Hiking in Phong Nha Park
Phong Nha is a natural oasis perfect for trekking and hiking. If you love walking, you can explore the park’s rich biodiversity in-depth. Some adventurers embark on multi-day treks, camping along the way and discovering hidden caves in the forest. It’s a great opportunity to marvel at nature’s beauty and feel deeply connected to it.
Where to Stay in Phong Nha Ke Bang?
There are many different types of lodging available in Phong Nha, ranging from luxurious lodgings to more affordable options. Making an informed decision is crucial to guaranteeing a positive visit. you assist you make a decision, make sure you look at trustworthy booking websites like Booking and Agoda and read other travellers’ reviews. The following accommodations are suggested:
Phong Nha Lake House
The quaint Phong Nha Lake House provides a distinctive and genuine experience. It is ideally placed close to the main tourist caves and on the shores of Dong Suon Lake, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the area. The hotel has a restaurant that serves both Western and Asian cuisine, a swimming pool, and large, cosy rooms with views of the lake.
Chày Lập Farmstay
Travellers looking for authenticity and a nature-focused experience can choose Chày Lập Farmstay. Surrounded by verdant fields and lovely tropical gardens, this quaint rural lodging provides cosy rooms in traditional wooden huts. Visitors can unwind on the wooden patio while taking in the serene views of the surrounding landscape. For nature enthusiasts and those looking for a rustic, wooden-style stay, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nguyen Shack – Phong Nha Eco Resort
Surrounded by limestone cliffs and a pond, Nguyen Shack – Phong Nha Eco Resort is tucked away in beautiful nature just a few kilometres from the Phong Nha tourist centre. The resort has a range of timber lodging options, such as cosy tents for an opulent camping experience. A small farm and the on-site restaurant and bar add a rustic element to the entire atmosphere.
How to Get to Phong Nha Ke Bang
By Train: It’s simple and practical to travel to Phong Nha by train. Numerous Vietnamese cities, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, have regular daytime and overnight trains. Just go to these cities’ central train station and disembark at the seaside town of Dong Hoi. From there, you can go to the Phong Nha tourism centre via cab or local bus.
Those seeking a genuine experience and good value are advised to use this kind of transportation. For added comfort, you can easily rent a private vehicle to get to Phong Nha from Dong Hoi.
By Sleeper Bus: Because they provide an opportunity to socialise with locals, sleeper buses are a well-liked and reasonably priced choice, particularly for backpackers. A reputable bus company, Hung Thanh frequently runs direct sleeper bus trips to Phong Nha Ke Bang from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, and Danang. Indirect routes are also available, including transfers from Hoi An in Danang and Hue.
By Air: The fastest way to get to Dong Hoi is by plane from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (it takes one hour and twenty-five minutes to fly from Hanoi to Dong Hoi). Vietnam carriers, Vietjet Air, and Hahn Air are among the carriers that offer flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. However, you will need to arrange a private transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, and the cost of the aeroplane
Final Words
This park, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, is a must-see for anyone travelling to Vietnam who loves nature, sports, adventure, exploring, or learning about rocks and minerals. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can make a trip that fits your needs and lets you fully enjoy the beauty of Phong Nha Park.
Thanh Nam Nguyen
Born in Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnamese-American roots, Thanh Nam Nguyen is passionate about adventures and traveling in Indochina. As a local guide for All Vietnam Senses, he leads tours in southern Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, sharing his knowledge with travelers and inspiring readers to explore the region. Leave a comment below for him to respond directly!
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