Phong Nha Ke Bang is more than just a place to explore Son Doong, the world’s largest cave; it’s also a paradise for anyone who loves adventure. Save this guide for your trip to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park!
Phong Nha Ke Bang is not just a tourist destination; it is a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage Site. With the magnificent Son Doong Cave, a diverse cave system, and a unique ecosystem, Phong Nha Ke Bang stands as one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam. Join Viet Travel Guide to experience exciting activities like boating, trekking, camping, and exploring the local culture. Don’t miss the chance to discover one of the most beautiful natural wonders on the planet!
Where is Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park?
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders, located about 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi City, spanning the two districts of Bo Trach and Minh Hoa. It serves as both a significant nature reserve and a World Heritage Site, twice recognized by UNESCO—once for its geology and geomorphology and again for its biodiversity.
About Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha Ke Bang acts like a living geological museum with a world-class system of majestic, pristine, and diverse caves. Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest natural cave, clearly demonstrates the region’s incredible, magical beauty. Hundreds of other caves, featuring countless shapes of stalactites and stalagmites and mysterious underground rivers, create a hidden and captivating subterranean world.
Furthermore, Phong Nha – Ke Bang provides a home for thousands of rare species of flora and fauna, forming an incredibly diverse and rich ecosystem. The unspoiled forest cover, majestic mountains and rivers, and clean climate paint a stunning natural picture that attracts millions of visitors every year.
The “Superlatives” of Phong Nha Ke Bang You May Not Know
Phong Nha Ke Bang has amazed the world with its unique cave records. Here, you discover an underground world where nature has created masterpieces that will leave anyone speechless:
- Vietnam’s Longest Cave: Khe Ry Cave, stretching up to 13.8 km, clearly shows the vast and complex nature of the cave system here.
- Grand Cave Entrance: The entrance to Phong Nha Cave, measuring 10m high and 25m wide, feels like a gate leading into a fairy tale world.
- Crystal-Clear Underground Lakes: Underground lakes with jade-green water hide within the caves, painting a picturesque scene.
- Magnificent Paradise Cave: With a length exceeding 31 km, a width up to 100m, and a height of over 200m, Paradise Cave rightly earns its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful caves.
- Countless Shapes of Stalactites: Over millions of years, water and rock combined to form stalactites and stalagmites with bizarre shapes and vibrant colors, particularly in Tien Cave and Cung Dinh Cave.
- Mysterious Underground River: A 1,500-meter-long underground river flows through the caves, creating a unique and hidden ecosystem.
- Unique Natural Rock Formations: Nature sculpted the rock formations into strange, lifelike shapes, resembling living sculptures.
Do you want to explore these unique natural wonders? Let us help you plan an unforgettable adventure in Phong Nha Ke Bang!
When is the Best Time to Visit Phong Nha Ke Bang?
Quảng Bình has a tropical monsoon climate, which clearly divides the year into two seasons: the rainy season (September to March) and the dry season (April to August). So, which season offers the ideal time to explore Phong Nha – Ke Bang’s magnificent beauty?
The dry season provides the most ideal time to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang! With sunny and dry weather, you can comfortably join cave exploration, kayaking, and jungle trekking without worrying about heavy rain or storms.
In contrast, the rainy season in Quảng Bình usually runs from September to March. Heavy rain and floods are common, especially from September to November. During this time, high river levels make travel and cave visits difficult. Landslides can affect some routes and disrupt your schedule. Therefore, plan your Phong Nha – Ke Bang adventure for the dry season to ensure a truly complete trip.
How to Get to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Dong Hoi, the beautiful city of Quảng Bình province, is the perfect starting point for your Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park journey. With many convenient transportation options, you can easily reach Dong Hoi from major cities across Vietnam.
1. Travel by Plane to Dong Hoi
- Pros: Saves time, comfortable, and suits travelers who want to move quickly.
- Airlines: Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines frequently operate flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi Airport.
- Note: Book your plane ticket in advance to get a good price and choose a suitable flight time.
2. Travel by Train
- Pros: Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way, reasonable ticket prices.
- Routes: Trains run from Hanoi, Vinh, Hue, and Da Nang to Dong Hoi Station.
- Note: Book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Prepare necessary personal items for the long journey.
3. Travel by Bus
- Pros: Cheap ticket prices, many daily trips.
- Routes: Many bus companies operate the Hanoi – Dong Hoi route.
- Note: Choose reputable, high-quality bus companies to ensure safety and comfort. Prepare motion sickness medicine and a neck pillow for a more comfortable trip.
4. How to Get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha – Ke Bang
From Dong Hoi, you only need about 30 minutes to drive to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. You can take a taxi or catch bus number B4, which costs only 35,000 VND/ticket and runs every 90 minutes.
Beautiful Caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a vast area with many sightseeing and exploration points. We has compiled some of the most outstanding places for you:
1. Phong Nha Cave
This is one of the most famous and typical caves you should visit. Because it’s a wet cave, you’ll travel by boat throughout your exploration. The boat glides along the deep blue Son River, taking you inside Phong Nha Cave to see the diverse rock formations. Many tourists love and choose this experience.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 150,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1.3 meters: Free
- Boat to the cave: 550,000 VND/trip (maximum 12 guests)
2. Tien Son Cave
If you’ve had the chance to explore the mysterious beauty of Phong Nha Cave, don’t miss the opportunity to admire another natural masterpiece right next door: Tien Son Cave. The great thing is that your Phong Nha Cave ticket includes a visit to Tien Son Cave at no extra cost. Unlike Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave is a dry cave. Instead of a boat ride, you walk on stone steps built inside the cave to explore its diverse and unique system of stalactites and stalagmites.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 80,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1.3 meters: Free
3. Paradise Cave (Động Thiên Đường)
Living up to its name, this is the most famous limestone cave here, boasting stunning rock formations. Because it is the longest cave (31.4 km), visitors must climb a long route of 524 steps to enter the viewing area. That journey is completely worth it, as the heavenly scenery inside will give you a dreamlike experience.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 250,000 VND/ticket
- Children from 1.1 meters to 1.3 meters: 125,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1.1 meters: Free
4. Cha Loi Cave (Hang Chà Lòi)
Cha Loi Cave, a new destination in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, promises unique experiences. It is not only a beautiful cave but also a living canvas of history and nature. You get the chance to discover historical relics like Long Dai ferry terminal and A72 information station, all while immersing yourself in beautiful natural scenery by camping and swimming in the stream. Let Cha Loi Cave surprise and delight you!
5. Chay River – Dark Cave (Sông Chày – Hang Tối)
Chay River and Dark Cave are two famous eco-tourism spots in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Here, you experience many exciting adventure games like ziplining over Dark Cave, kayaking on the river, and exploring the cave itself. The deep blue river and the beautiful scenery along the banks of the Chay River give you refreshing moments in nature.
- Entrance Fee (Basic):
- Adults: 80,000 VND/ticket
- Children from 1.1 meters to 1.3 meters: 40,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1.1 meters: Free
- All-Inclusive Package Price:
- Adults: 270,000 VND – 450,000 VND/ticket
- Children from 1.1 meters to 1.3 meters: 110,000 – 150,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1.1 meters: Free
6. Pygmy Cave (Hang Pygmy)
This stands as one of the largest and best-preserved caves in Phong Nha. Just from the entrance, you can watch thousands of swallows fly in and out, creating an interesting spectacle. Besides the cave’s unique geological beauty, the area offers many exciting recreational activities. Camping inside the cave, swimming inside, and rope swinging into the sinkhole are great experiences at Pygmy Cave.
7. Ozo Park (Công Viên Ozo)
If you want to join many exciting games and enjoy the fresh forest air, Ozo Park is an ideal spot. The park sits right inside the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park area, offering picturesque forest and water scenery. You can kayak, trek through the forest on wooden bridges, or try exciting high-rope challenges.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 200,000 VND/ticket
- Children from 1 meter to 1.4 meters: 100,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1 meter: Free
- Seniors over 60 years old: 100,000 VND/ticket
8. Hung Thoong Cave (Hang Hung Thoòng)
Hung Thoong Cave represents an exciting new discovery in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. This is a pristine cave system, hidden deep in the old-growth forest, offering unique and challenging exploration experiences. With its original natural beauty and unique cave system, Hung Thoong Cave is becoming an attractive destination for nature and adventure lovers.
9. Tiger Cave (Hang Hổ)
Tiger Cave is a challenging and pristine cave system belonging to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Famous for its rugged terrain and unique landscape, Tiger Cave is the ideal destination for those who love exploration and conquest. With an underground river system, lakes inside the cave, and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, Tiger Cave promises unforgettable experiences. To fully discover the beauty of Tiger Cave, you need good health and an adventurous spirit.
10. Duong Cam Waterfall (Thác Dương Cầm)
Duong Cam Waterfall is a natural masterpiece located in the heart of Quảng Bình province. Known for its impressive height and pristine natural scenery, the waterfall offers unforgettable experiences. Surrounded by lush greenery and a powerful rush of water, Duong Cam promises a fantastic nature exploration adventure. Besides admiring the beauty of the waterfall, visitors also have the opportunity to experience activities like trekking, swimming under the falls, and camping, creating a fun and memorable trip.
Popular Hotels Near Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Quảng Bình
Check out this list of accommodation spots in Phong Nha to arrange your stay conveniently:
1. Mường Thanh Luxury Nhật Lệ
-
- Address: 121 Truong Phap Street, Hai Thanh Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province
- Reference Price: from 820,000 VND/night
2. Gold Coast Hotel Resort & Spa
-
-
- Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Bao Ninh Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province
- Reference Price: from 1,316,000 VND/night
-
3. Regal Collection House
-
-
-
- Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Bao Ninh Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province
- Reference Price: from 1,105,000 VND/night
-
-
4. Rex Quảng Bình Hotel
-
- Address: 9 Bach Dang Street, Nam Ly Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province
- Reference Price: from 550,000 VND/night
5. Riverside Hotel
-
- Address: 15 Truong Phap Street, Dong Hai Ward, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province
- Reference Price: from 452,000 VND/night
What to Eat When You Visit Phong Nha Ke Bang?
The Phong Nha Ke Bang area is not only famous for the majestic beauty of its caves and streams; it also brings together unique dishes that carry the flavors of Central Vietnam. Here are some suggestions to help you have a complete culinary experience when you visit:
- Son River Carp (Cá trắm sông Son): This fish lives in the Son River; its meat is fragrant, firm, and has few bones. You can enjoy dishes like steamed, grilled, or congee (porridge) with carp.
- Carp Congee Noodle Soup (Cháo canh cá trắm): This simple dish is very appealing. They cook carp with rice to create a sweet, rich flavor.
- Grilled Chicken with Cheo Salt (Gà nướng chấm muối cheo): They marinate the chicken with special spices and grill it over hot coals. You dip it in spicy cheo salt and eat it with fragrant sticky rice.
- Stewed Goby with Pepper (Cá bống kho tiêu): They simmer small goby fish with pepper, chili, and other spices, creating a rich, spicy, and flavorful dish.
- Ruoc Snail (Ốc ruốc): This small snail is unique to the Phong Nha area. They cook it in many ways, such as stir-fried with lemongrass and chili or grilled with scallion oil.
- Wild Vegetables (Rau rừng): Wild vegetables like rau sắng (cat-stomach vegetable), rau dớn (fiddlehead ferns), and rau bò khai (ox-pee vegetable) are specialties of the Phong Nha – Ke Bang mountain region, bringing a fresh, unique flavor to your meal.
- (*) Many restaurants serve local and international dishes, meeting the diverse needs of tourists. Famous restaurants include Bamboo Chopsticks Restaurant, Vững Huế, and Thang Nhung BBQ.
- (*) If you want an authentic local culinary experience, visit small, popular eateries. Here, you’ll enjoy delicious, affordable food and learn more about the region’s food culture.
Phong Nha Ke Bang offers a unique and wonderful destination for those who love nature and exploration. Phong Nha Ke Bang travel guide hopes to help you have a memorable journey and wonderful experience in this magical land.
