| Phong Nha National Park
Go on an adventure in the largest and most beautiful caves in the world
Phong Nha National Park is one of Vietnam's hidden treasures. It is one of the country's most beautiful natural areas, known for its breathtaking caves and limestone formations, some of which are among the largest in the world. The park is located in the Quang Binh province, in the middle of Vietnam, a little off the beaten tourist path. However, it is certainly worth taking extra time and energy to include this unique park in your Vietnam travel itinerary. Why? And how to do it? You'll find out here.
In this blog post, you'll discover the most spectacular attractions in the park, with the enchanting Paradise Cave and Phong Nha caves as highlights.
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About Phong Nha National Park
Phong Nha National Park is a protected area in the Quang Binh province of Vietnam, famous for its stunning caves and impressive landscapes. The park covers an area of 123,326 hectares and includes some of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world. The park was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of the region's unique geological formations and biodiversity.
The largest cave in the world, Son Doong Cave, is located here and is an essential destination for photographers looking for a unique underground experience. But this comes with a price tag.
To protect the unique ecosystem as much as possible, only about 1,000 people are allowed to enter the giant rooms of the cave, which can house multiple Boeing 747s, each year. As a result, the Son Doong Cave can only be visited with a special multi-day caving expedition , with prices ranging from €3,000 to around €5,000 per person.
Fortunately, Son Doong Cave is not the only very impressive cave that Phong Nha National Park has to offer. The Paradise Cave and the Phong Nha Caves are also world-famous and among the largest in the world, with stalactites and stalagmites that can be as high as 70 meters.Â
These caves are open to the public and are accessible by a boat trip (Phong Nha Caves) and a relatively easy hike through the jungle (Paradise Cave).
Why is Phong Nha National Park famous?
Phong Nha National Park in Vietnam is known for its beautiful caves and limestone formations. The park has more than 300 caves and cave systems, some of which are only accessible to experienced caving experts. Of all the caves found in the park, there are a few that really stand out. Below we give an overview of the most beautiful caves in the park.
1. Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave is one of the most popular caves in Phong Nha National Park and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The cave was discovered in 2005 and opened to the public in 2010. It has a length of no less than 31 km and has some of the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites you will ever see!
The cave is easily accessible by car and then by a 500-meter walk through the jungle on well-maintained paths. Keep in mind that this route is uphill and can be quite slippery in places due to moss growth. But remember: this destination is definitely worth it!
Besides the entrance fee, there are no mandatory guides for Paradise Cave. You can choose to explore the cave independently or hire an optional guide at extra cost, depending on your preference. At the time of writing, an entrance ticket costs approximately 250,000 VND (about €9.60) per person over 14 years old.
2. Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is another famous cave in the park. It is one of the oldest caves in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior of the cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and there is even an underground river that you can explore by boat.
Visitors can explore the cave by boat and have the opportunity to admire some of the beautiful formations through short walks during the journey through the cave chambers.
We found this cave to be just as impressive as Paradise Cave and definitely recommend visiting both caves. You can choose to rent a boat for two, or share with other visitors for a significantly lower price.
Prices for a boat tour in Phong Nha Cave can range from about 150,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong, which is about €5.75) to 300,000 VND (about €11.50) per person, depending on the duration of the tour and included activities.
These are the rates for the standard boat tours approved by local authorities. There are also more adventurous and extensive tours available, such as cave-expedition tours or adventurous kayak tours, which may have higher prices.
3. Hang En Cave
Hang En Cave is the third largest cave in the world and offers a spectacular view of the Rao Thuong river. It is one of the lesser-known caves in the park, but provides a unique experience for visitors. It is only accessible after a 6 km trek through the jungle, but the view of the cave and the surrounding nature makes the trip worth it.
Hang En Cave is also known as the "Swallows Cave" and can only be accessed through organized tours managed by recognized tour operators in Phong Nha. If you join such a caving expedition, you can also camp here in a tent on a beach at the entrance of the cave. A very special experience!
4. Son Doong Cave
If you are looking for the ultimate cave experience, then Son Doong Cave is the cave you cannot miss! It is the largest cave in the world and offers some of the most impressive views and formations you will ever see. The cave can only be accessed through organized expeditions and the number of visitors is limited. But if you get the chance to explore Son Doong Cave, it is an experience you will never forget.
5. Tu Lan Cave
Tu Lan Cave is also one of the lesser-known caves in Phong Nha National Park, but is definitely worth exploring. The cave is only accessible after a 2 km trek through the jungle, so it's best to join an excursion. The cave is filled with crystal-clear water and there are some beautiful rock formations to see.
This cave is especially interesting for adventurers who enjoy swimming in caves and finding their way through narrow passages. This can be done during a day trip, but if you want, you can also spend 4 days here.
Caving expeditions in Phong Nha National Park
One of the most unique experiences that Phong Nha National Park offers are the caving expeditions. During these (often multi-day) expeditions, you have the chance to explore parts of the caves that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. Below are some of the most popular expeditions:
Son Doong Cave Expedition - 5 days
The Son Doong cave is the largest cave in the world and these expeditions offer the unique opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of this impressive cave. The expedition includes trekking through the jungle, climbing and abseiling, and crossing underground rivers.
If you are one of the 1,000 chosen ones who can visit this cave per year, you will be amazed by the huge cave chambers, underground beaches, and a spectacular underground waterfall.
Visiting this giant is a real challenge and requires good physical condition.
Hang Va Expedition - 2 days
This expedition goes through the Hang Va cave, which (like all other caves in the park) is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites and beautiful underground lakes.
The journey includes trekking through the jungle, climbing, abseiling, and swimming through the caves. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views and unique experiences in the Vietnamese jungle.
The Hang Va expedition is suitable for travelers with an average to good physical condition.
Hang En Expedition - 2 days
If you have an average physical condition, this 2-day trek to and through the Hang En cave is for you!
Hang En cave is one of the largest caves in Phong Nha National Park and is the third largest cave in the world after the Son Doong cave and the Paradise cave. This is also an adventurous journey with beautiful views and a unique underground river, including climbing, abseiling, and swimming through the cave.
But what makes a tour of this cave really unique is that you can camp at the entrance of the cave on an idyllic beach next to a beautiful blue lake.
Tu Lan Expedition - 2 days
Tu Lan is a series of beautiful caves and lagoons, offering spectacular views and unique underground waterfalls. Here too, you will climb, abseil, and swim through the caves. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Ken Cave, one of the largest caves in the area. The tour is suitable for anyone with an average to good physical condition.
Paradise Cave tour - 1 day
If you don't want or have time to take a multi-day tour of the caves of Phong Nha, then this 1-day tour of Paradise Cave, the most beautiful cave in Phong Nha, is highly recommended!
During this 7km trek, you will see the ultimate beauty of the illuminated stalactites and stalagmites that attract many people to this area every year, but you will also visit places that remain closed to other tourists. So, you will explore the spectacular cave formations in the dark, with only the light of your headlamp.
You will swim through part of the cave (or take a boat if you don't want to swim) before exploring more of this underground wonder and emerging into the light of the doline chamber. You will have an underground lunch and, if you're lucky, admire the sunbeams that penetrate the cave on a sunny day. Maybe you'll even encounter the endemic blind cave fish along the way.
Curious? This tour is offered here and is suitable for anyone with an average fitness level.
However, you don't necessarily need to join an expedition to experience the beauty of Phong Nha. You can also go on challenging hikes on the numerous hiking trails that run through the beautiful forests and mountains of the park. Especially the trail that leads to the top of Paradise Cave mountain offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Best time to visit Phong Nha National Park
Phong Nha National Park can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is from February to August, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The park is easily accessible from the city of Dong Hoi, where you can find direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
How to get there?
Phong Nha is best reached via the city of Dong Hoi, which has both an airport and a train station, from where it's a 45-minute taxi ride. Dong Hoi can be reached by plane from major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you're coming from the old imperial city of Hue, it's best to take the train to Dong Hoi and then a taxi.
>> Consult 12GOAsia for the best routes and current fares.
Of course, it's also possible to travel by bus. There are daily bus services from various cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Ninh Binh. Travel time may vary depending on the departure point, but it can take several hours (from Hue and Da Nang) to a whole day (from Ninh Binh and Hanoi).
Best place to stay?
The best place to stay in Phong Nha naturally depends on your preferences and budget. In general, a stay here doesn't have to be expensive, but be prepared that most accommodations are somewhat basic. You don't come here for the resort life, but for the beautiful natural environment and the opportunity to experience a 'different' unique part of Vietnam.
But after a day (or even days) of wandering through the jungle and caves, you naturally want to be able to take a warm shower and step into a clean bed in the evening. Below you will find the best accommodations for this:
Karst Villas Phong Nha
We start with the most expensive option which features an amazing infinity pool overlooking the limestone mountains that are so characteristic of this area. At Karst Villas Phong Nha, you'll stay in a spacious villa with a balcony and a private enclosed bathroom with a rain shower and toilet. The villas are located in a peaceful area where you can relax, eat and drink well, and enjoy a comfortable bed (by Vietnamese standards).
Photo source: Booking.com
This is a unique and luxurious experience for the area, but keep in mind that it may not quite meet the luxury you can experience in resorts elsewhere in the country. The nature in Phong Nha is rugged, and the accommodation has had to deal with a terrible flood in the past, which required everything to be restored.
Nevertheless, it's a nice place with friendly staff who speak good English, and where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset under the right conditions.
Average price €80 to €150 per night.
>> Book through Booking.com
Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort
Slightly cheaper than Karst Villas Phong Nha is Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort. Here too, you can stay in lovely detached villas, but also in a cozy traditional hut. This accommodation is relatively close to the Paradise Cave, which is only a 25-minute drive away. From here, you can also reach the Phong Nha caves in the same amount of time. The location is therefore very central and convenient for those who don't have much time to explore this area.
Photo source: TripAdvisor
When you stay here, you can also enjoy a nice swimming pool and restaurant.
Average price €50 to €100 per night.
>> Book through TripAdvisor.
Phong Nha Farmstay
The name already gives it away. Here, you stay on an authentic farm in a rural environment, with an infinity pool overlooking the nearby rice fields. Compared to the above-mentioned accommodations, it is slightly further away from important attractions such as the Phong Nha caves and the Paradise Cave, but the surroundings are therefore also quieter.
Photo source: Booking.com
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean and equipped with air conditioning and wifi. Some rooms have an outdoor bathtub. Keep in mind when booking that this can be nice in the summer, but not in the winter! It gets really cold in this area during the winter, and you probably prefer to shower inside.
Average price €40 to €60 per night.
>> Book through Booking.com
Phong Nha Memory Homestay
Now we are entering the territory of budget accommodations. For this, Phong Nha Memory Homestay is a good option, located very cozily by the water with authentic wooden rooms. Here, you can go directly on the water for kayaking, but you can also borrow a bike for free to explore the area further.
Photo source: Booking.com
Very unique about this homestay is that each room has its own kitchen, including an oven, in addition to a bathroom. So, you don't have to use the family restaurant that focuses on American cuisine, but of course you could still go there if you like. 😉
Average price €20 to €40 per night.
>> Book through Booking.com
Funny Monkeys Homestay
Our best budget option is also an accommodation with a phenomenal view! This time, overlooking the Song Con River and the karst mountains behind it. You will pass this homestay during a boat tour through the Phong Nha caves. These caves are very close by and easy to reach. But this accommodation has more to offer: free parking, bicycles, wifi, breakfast, clean rooms, and friendly staff.
Average price €15 to €30 per night.
>> Book through Booking.com
Photo source: Booking.com
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