Whether you're exploring the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park or delving into the mysterious depths of the caves, you're sure to find a sense of peace and wonder in this secluded corner of Vietnam.
Phong Nha is 6 hours drive by Bus from Ninh Binh, and 9 hours by bus from Hanoï, and 4 hours by bus from Hué
Hanoï
Hoi An
Hué
Ha Long
Ninh Binh
Sapa
Phong Nha
Hoh Chi Minh
Mui Né
1 - Phong Nha Ke-Bang natural park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Quang Binh Province of central Vietnam. Renowned for its stunning limestone karst landscapes and extensive cave systems, the park offers visitors a wealth of natural wonders to explore.
One of the main attractions of the national park is its vast network of caves, including the world's largest cave, Son Doong Cave. Guided tours are available to marvel at the breathtaking formations and underground rivers.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers excellent hiking opportunities amidst lush jungle scenery. Trails wind through the forest, leading to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the karst mountains and river valleys below.
Trekking through the park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of the region, with the chance to spot rare flora and fauna along the way.
Adventure seekers can also partake in activities such as zip-lining and kayaking, which provide unique perspectives of the park's natural beauty. Zip-lining through the canopy offers an exhilarating way to take in the scenery from above, while kayaking allows for peaceful exploration of the park's waterways, including the scenic Son River.
As for ticket prices, entrance fees to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park vary depending on the specific attractions and activities chosen. Generally, visitors can expect to pay a modest fee for access to the park, with additional charges for guided cave tours and other activities.
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Entrance Fee: The standard entrance fee to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for adults is typically around 80,000 to 150,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong) per person. Children may have reduced rates or even free admission, depending on their age.
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Cave Tours: Guided cave tours are available for various caves within the park, each with its own ticket price. Prices for cave tours can range from around 150,000 to 500,000 VND or more per person, depending on the length and complexity of the tour. Popular caves like Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave may have higher ticket prices due to their popularity and infrastructure
The ideal amount of time to spend in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park largely depends on your interests and the activities you wish to experience. Here's a more specific breakdown:
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One Day: If you're short on time, it's still possible to experience some of the park's highlights in a single day. A one-day visit could include a guided tour of one of the major caves, such as Paradise Cave or Phong Nha Cave, followed by a hike or a short trek to enjoy the scenic views from one of the park's viewpoints. Keep in mind that you'll need to prioritize which attractions to visit, and you may have limited time for additional activities beyond cave exploration.
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Two to Three Days: Allowing for two to three days in the national park provides a more leisurely experience, allowing you to explore multiple caves, engage in outdoor activities, and fully immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty. With this timeframe, you could take guided tours of several caves, including some of the lesser-known ones, which offer unique geological formations and less crowded experiences. You'll also have time for activities like hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, or simply relaxing amidst the tranquil surroundings.
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Extended Stay: For those who want to fully delve into the park's offerings and take their time to explore at a relaxed pace, consider staying for four days or more. This allows for deeper exploration of the park's trails, caves, and surrounding areas, as well as the opportunity to engage in multiple adventure activities and cultural experiences. You can also take advantage of any multi-day trekking or camping options offered within the park for a more immersive outdoor adventure.
Whether you're a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers something for everyone to enjoy.
2 - Phong Nha popular caves
1- Paradise Cave (Thiên Đường Cave):
Paradise Cave is one of the most famous and spectacular caves in Phong Nha. Its name truly reflects its beauty, with intricate stalactites and stalagmites adorning its vast chambers. The cave stretches for over 31 kilometers, although only a portion of it is open to the public. Visitors can explore well-lit pathways that lead deep into the cave, revealing stunning natural formations at every turn. Ticket prices for Paradise Cave typically range from 250,000 to 350,000 VND per person, depending on the type of tour or access package.
2. Phong Nha Cave:
Phong Nha Cave is another iconic attraction in the national park, known for its immense chambers and underground river. Visitors can embark on boat tours that glide through the dark waters of the cave, allowing for close-up views of its impressive limestone formations. The cave is also significant historically, with evidence of ancient human habitation discovered within its depths. Ticket prices for Phong Nha Cave boat tours generally range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per person, depending on the tour duration and group size.
3. Dark Cave (Hang Toi):
Dark Cave offers a unique and adventurous experience for visitors, with opportunities for zip-lining, swimming, and mud bathing. As its name suggests, this cave is not illuminated like the others, requiring visitors to wear headlamps as they navigate its passages. The highlight of a visit to Dark Cave is the chance to wade through its muddy passages and indulge in a therapeutic mud bath. Ticket prices for Dark Cave tours typically start from around 450,000 VND per person, including transportation, equipment rental, and guided activities.
4. Hang En Cave:
Hang En Cave is renowned as one of the largest and most beautiful river caves in the world. It's especially famous for its massive cavern, which is large enough to accommodate an entire forest and a sandy beach. Exploring Hang En Cave usually involves multi-day trekking tours that combine camping in the cave with hiking through the surrounding jungle. Due to its remote location and the need for specialized equipment and guides, ticket prices for Hang En Cave tours can be higher, starting from around 7,000,000 VND per person for multi-day expeditions.
5. Son Doong Cave:
Son Doong Cave is often regarded as the crown jewel of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and is recognized as the world's largest cave passage. Exploring Son Doong is an extraordinary adventure that takes visitors through vast chambers, towering stalagmites, and underground rivers. Due to its immense size and challenging terrain, expeditions to Son Doong Cave are limited and require advanced planning and a specific level and skills, for this cave, not everyone is eligible to access it.
The journey typically involves multi-day trekking and camping, providing a truly unforgettable experience for adventurous explorers. Ticket prices for Son Doong Cave expeditions can be quite high, starting from around 70,000,000 VND per person for the full expedition package, including permits, equipment, guides, and accommodations.
Where to stay ?
We carefully selected accommodations that offered comfort and convenience. Our chosen stays enhanced our exploration and provided moments of relaxation throughout our adventure.
Phong Nha : Funny monkeys homestay ($) , Phong Nha memory homestay ($)
Explore Phong Nha safely and efficienctly
By Plane:
Phong Nha may not have its own airport, but you can easily reach this captivating destination by flying into Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Binh Province. From there, Phong Nha is just a scenic 45-minute to 1-hour drive away. Upon arrival at Dong Hoi Airport, you'll find various transportation options available, including taxis, airport shuttles, and private car services, making it convenient to continue your journey to Phong Nha.
By Train:
Traveling to Phong Nha by train offers a convenient and picturesque option for those coming from other parts of Vietnam. Dong Hoi Railway Station serves as the nearest major transportation hub, with regular train services connecting the region to cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. You can book your train tickets online through Vietnam Railways' official website or third-party platforms like Baolau or 12go.asia. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased directly at Dong Hoi Railway Station or through local travel agencies.
By Car:
Exploring Phong Nha by car provides flexibility and convenience for travelers who prefer to navigate at their own pace. Renting a car in Dong Hoi or Hue and driving to Phong Nha can be an option (even if renting a car in Vietnam is not a very popular option), it will allow you to explore the surrounding countryside and attractions at your leisure. While traffic within Phong Nha is generally less congested compared to larger cities, having a car gives you the freedom to visit remote areas and off-the-beaten-path destinations within the region.
By Bus:
Local buses are an affordable and practical way to travel within Phong Nha and its surrounding areas. The region has a well-developed bus network, you can easily arrive from Hanoï or Ninh Binh or Hué.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the designated ticket counters at departure cities, or by using 12Go application.
Phong Nha is 6 hours drive by Bus from Ninh Binh, and 9 hours by bus from Hanoï, and 4 hours by bus from Hué
Discover Phong Nha cuisine and restaurants
Phong Nha's culinary scene offers a mouthwatering array of dishes to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some must-try eateries while in Phong Nha:
($$) Phong Nha Vegetarian Restaurant: Delight in the flavors of vegetarian cuisine at Phong Nha Vegetarian Restaurant, where dishes like tofu stir-fry, fresh spring rolls, and vegetable curry showcase the bounty of local produce in healthy and satisfying meals.
($$) Moi Moi Restaurant: Indulge in the local specialty of river fish at Moi Moi Restaurant, where freshly caught fish from the Son River is grilled to perfection and served with fragrant herbs and zesty dipping sauces. This culinary experience offers a taste of Phong Nha's aquatic treasures in a cozy and welcoming setting.
($) Banh Beo Street Vendors: Treat yourself to Banh Beo, a savory rice cake topped with shrimp, pork cracklings, and scallion oil, served with a side of sweet fish sauce. These street vendors offer a convenient and affordable snack option, perfect for enjoying on-the-go while exploring Phong Nha.
($$) Farmstay Restaurants: Experience dining amidst the serene countryside of Phong Nha at local farmstay restaurants, where farm-to-table cuisine is prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby fields and gardens. Enjoy dishes like lemongrass chicken, crispy spring rolls, and papaya salad while soaking in the rustic charm of the countryside.
($$$) Phong Nha Lake House Resort: Indulge in a fine dining experience at Phong Nha Lake House Resort, where Vietnamese fusion cuisine takes center stage. From succulent grilled meats to delicate seafood dishes, each meal is crafted with care to showcase the rich flavors of Phong Nha in an elegant lakeside setting.
($) Phong Nha Night Market: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Phong Nha Night Market, where local vendors offer an array of street food delights and culinary treasures. Sample regional specialties like Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), Banh Khot (miniature savory pancakes), and Che (sweet dessert soup) while mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
($$$) Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort: Indulge in a romantic dining experience at Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort, where candlelit dinners are served amidst lush gardens and serene lakes. Feast on gourmet Vietnamese cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients, and savor the flavors of Phong Nha in an enchanting natural setting.
