Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a place where nature shows off in all its glory! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a dream come true for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone who’s up for exploring some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet. Join Vietnam Original Travel as we discover the mysterious caves hidden underground and the most attractive spots in the national park.

In this super-detailed travel guide, we’ll be showing you what to see in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (other than caves), how to get there, where to stay, and everything else! So stay put and let’s get started!

What is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park known for

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a natural gem located in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park has its combined meaning of two places: the actual Phong Nha village and the extensive Ke Bang limestone forest. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 due to its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. This park covers an area of approximately 857.54 square kilometers and is known for its spectacular karst formations, including impressive caves and lush mountain and jungle landscapes.

Highlights of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Breathtaking caves

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is famous for being home to some of the largest and most spectacular caves in the world. These include Son Doong Cave, considered the largest cave on the planet, and Phong Nha Cave, famous for its beauty and complexity. This park has 300 caves with a total length of 70 kilometers; British and Vietnamese speleologists have explored only 20 of them. There are many subway rivers, waterfalls, and streams.

Unique biodiversity

The region has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered species. Numerous rare and endemic plant and animal species have been recorded in the park's protected area.

Underground rivers and cave systems

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to an extensive network of subway rivers and cave systems, which have been largely explored and mapped by speleologists and scientists. However, it is believed that there are still many more caves to be discovered in the region.

Activities for nature and adventure lovers

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as boat trips on the rivers, trekking through the mountains and jungles, and cave exploration. In addition, ecotourism enthusiasts will find an unforgettable experience in this unique place.

Historical significance

During the Vietnam War, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park region was a refuge and supply route for the Viet Cong. Remnants of the war's history can still be found in some areas of the park.

Traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an experience that will connect you with nature at its purest. This park offers a combination of natural beauty, intriguing history, and exciting adventures, making it a must-see destination for those visiting Vietnam.

What to do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park 

Phong Nha Cave

One of the most outstanding attractions of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is Phong Nha Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its unique features: the most extensive underground river, the most spectacular subway lake, the widest and most majestic cave entrance, the most impressive beaches and limestone formations, the largest and most elegant dry cave, the most amazing and grandiose stalactite and stalagmite system, and the cave with the deepest subway river.

To visit Phong Nha Cave, you need to take a boat downstream on the Son River, which runs through the national park. In the dry season, the Son River turns deep blue and clear, and colorful fish can be seen swimming underwater. As you approach the cave entrance, nestled beneath a mysterious mountain, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking—a true testament to the natural beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Tickets to Phong Nha cave :

Entrance fee: 150.000 VND/person
Boat ride: 550.000 VND/boat (12 pax max)

Chay River - Toi Cave

The Chay River - Toi Cave ecotourism route is a thrilling adventure in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. On this tour, you can enjoy various adventure activities such as ziplining to Toi Cave, enjoying a guided tour of Toi Cave, kayaking on the Chay River, and more.

The Chay River is a tributary of the Son River and is characterized by its emerald green color that reflects the natural beauty of the area. Along its 10 km length, the Chay River features spectacular rapids and rich aquatic biodiversity, including endangered species. During the journey along the Chay River, you will not only have the opportunity to contemplate the imposing Karst Mountains but also learn about the culture and history of the local communities living in the ancestral villages along the river, such as the villages of Tram, Me and Ha Loi.

The highlight of this route is Toi Cave, one of the many fascinating caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Toi Cave was so named by the UK Royal Cave Society expedition because of the “total darkness” found inside. Upon entering the cave, you will be given a flashlight and will have the unique experience of bathing in natural mineral mud.

Tickets to:

Adult: 270.000 VND – 450.000 VND/person (including exploring Toi Cave and mud bathing)
Children (1–1.3m): 150.000 VND (excluding ziplining) 

Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave)

Thien Duong Cave, or Paradise Cave, truly lives up to its name as a “palace in the heart of the earth.” Located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this cave is considered the longest dry cave in Asia, stretching over 31.4 km. The grandeur of Thien Duong Cave is evident in its vast chambers, towering ceilings, and intricate stalactite formations.

According to scientists belonging to the Royal Cave Society of the United Kingdom, Tien Son Cave was formed tens of millions of years ago when a flow of water passed through a hill and eroded the limestone rocks of Ke Bang, creating a void inside. Then, due to geological activity, this hill may have been raised or collapsed, which caused the collapse of rock blocks that blocked the water flow and formed the Tien Son Cave at the top. On the other hand, the part with a subway river formed Phong Nha Cave. Although Phong Nha Cave and Tien Son Cave are adjacent to each other, they are not connected internally.

Upon entering the cave, visitors will be amazed by countless stalactite formations in various shapes, including a stalactite formation that looks like a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a child. Compared to Phong Nha Cave, Thien Duong Cave has a greater variety of stalactite formations.

Tickets:

Adult: 250.000 VND/person
Children (1–1.3m): 125.000 VND; Children <1m: Free

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave, the largest and most majestic cave in the world, is a crown jewel of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Discovered in 1990 and later explored by a British-Vietnamese team, this cave has captured global attention for its immense size and unique ecosystem. At nearly 9 km long and with a volume of 38.5 million cubic meters, Son Doong Cave is something out of this world. Inside, you’ll find impressive stalactite formations, a forest of prehistoric trees, and an unexplored underground river that adds to the cave’s allure. Visiting Son Doong Cave is an adventure like no other, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The tour, operated exclusively by Oxalis Adventure, involves camping inside Hang En Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and trekking through the cave’s challenging terrain. This tour is highly exclusive, with limited spots available each year.

Here are 6 things you must know about the Son Doong Cave adventure tour:

Tour operation period : from January to August every year.

Cost : The price per person to join the tour is 3000 USD. This is the most expensive tour in Vietnam so far.

Tour registration : each year, only a maximum of 1,000 tourists are allowed to join the tour, so it is not always possible to register, and places usually sell out quickly.

Tour itinerary : consists of 4 days and 3 nights camping inside En Cave and Son Doong Cave, plus 2 nights in a hotel before and after the tour. This adventure tour is classified as risk level 6, the highest among the tours organized by Oxalis.

Number of participants per tour : to ensure safety, each tour is composed of a maximum of 10 tourists and 30 service staff members, including cave experts, guides, safety assistants, cooks, and porters.

Requirements for tour participants : to join this trek, you need to have trekking experience and meet the appropriate health requirements.

The Botanical Garden

Nestled within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the botanical garden, a lush area spanning over 40 hectares of natural forest. This garden is home to more than 500 varieties of native trees, offering visitors a glimpse into Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wildlife. The botanical garden is a haven for wildlife, with areas dedicated to rare species of plants and animals. One of the highlights of the garden is the majestic Thac Gio waterfall, which cascades down from a height of over 30 meters. The serene Vang Anh Lake and the nursery areas further add to the garden’s charm, making it a perfect spot to explore the natural beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Tickets:

Adult: 40.000 VND/person
Children: 20.000 VND/person

Mooc Springs – Phong Nha-Ke Bang

In the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park lies the charming and eco-friendly destination of Mooc Springs, accessible via a deep trail. This trail is surrounded by lush, unspoiled tropical forests.

The ideal season to explore Mooc Springs is summer. The crystal clear water flows peacefully under the shade of ancient trees, providing refreshing relief from the scorching summer heat. This area is ideal for families, as the natural environment and cool waters make it a great spot to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with kids.

The Mooc Springs tourist area offers a range of activities, including crossing charming bamboo bridges over the stream and capturing stunning photos. If you visit between mid-March and late April, you’ll be treated to the sight of fields of yellow flowers in full bloom, adding a magical touch to your experience in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Tickets:

Entrance fee: 80.000 VND
Adult: 80.000 VND (entrance fee) + 130.000 VND (activities)
Children: 50.000 VND/person (activities)

How to get to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Generally speaking, to get to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park from Hanoi or anywhere else, it is necessary to first go to Dong Hoi City, located in the center of Quang Binh province.

Getting to Dong Hoi City

There are several options to travel to Quang Binh. You can choose to travel by bus, train, or plane, depending on your preferences and budget. Each mode of transport offers a unique experience to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get closer to the wonderful Quang Binh region.

By plane

If we are looking for the fastest option to get to Dong Hoi, the plane is undoubtedly the best choice. Vietnam Airlines offers two daily flights from Hanoi, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with an approximate travel time of 1 hour. Similarly, from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) there are also two daily flights, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

By bus

Dong Hoi plays a crucial role as an important transportation hub on the route linking the North and South of Vietnam, making it an accessible destination for those wishing to travel by bus. For those in the central or northern region, taking the bus is a very convenient cost-saving option without having to spend too much time on travel. The trip from Hanoi to Dong Hoi usually takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on the quality of the bus and road conditions. As for those coming from Saigon, the bus trip to Dong Hoi is longer, taking approximately 1 full day, or about 24 hours. Due to the extended travel time from the South, it is recommended that those who want to travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and are in this region consider other transportation options if they wish to reach Dong Hoi more quickly and comfortably. However, for those who enjoy scenery and road travel, the bus remains a popular choice for exploring Vietnam's beauty and diversity.

By train

Traveling to Dong Hoi by train is a popular choice. If you’re moving from Hanoi, you can opt for the night trains that will take you to Dong Hoi early in the morning, saving you time. You can also choose the train that leaves at 6 AM and arrives in Dong Hoi at 4 PM, just in time for check-in at your hotel. For those who are in Saigon, it is advisable to choose trains that leave in the morning and arrive in Dong Hoi the next morning.

Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang

There are several transportation options to get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

By bike

For adventure lovers, a motorcycle is a popular choice as it offers the freedom to explore the region at your own pace. The motorcycle ride from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is approximately 45 km and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you decide to rent a motorcycle, there are several reliable options in Dong Hoi where you can get this service.

By taxi

A cab is a more comfortable and safer option, especially if you are traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with your family. You can get directly to Phong Nha from the train station or Dong Hoi Airport. Although the cost of a cab is higher compared to other options, it is a convenient alternative for those who prefer to avoid hassle and enjoy a smooth and direct trip.

By bus

Bus is another alternative, although the public transport network is not fully developed in the region. There is a single bus route, the B4, which connects the center of Dong Hoi with Phong Nha. While this may be a cheaper option, be aware that bus services may be limited and less comfortable.

Via a tour:

An excellent option is to enlist the services of a local agency such as Vietnam Original Travel, which offers complete tour packages that include transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing in and around Phong Nha. By choosing a local agency, you can enjoy a personalized and carefree travel experience, as they will take care of organizing the entire process. This way, you can concentrate on enjoying the beauty and charm of this amazing region to the fullest.

Best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

In the central region of Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh province. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang weather can be divided into two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

The dry season runs from April to August, with an average temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the wet season runs from September to March of the following year, with September, October, and November being the months with the most rainfall. During this period, floods also occur due to the increase of water levels in rivers and lakes, which can pose a danger to both inhabitants and visitors.

The best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is during the dry season, that is, from April to June. During this time, the weather is sunny and favorable for appreciating the spectacular scenery, boating on the streams, and exploring the rivers and lakes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang. In addition, this is the ideal time to enter the caves, as the wet season has not yet begun, ensuring that the caves are dry and easy to access. In July and August, although it’s during dry seasons, storms in the northern region of the country can affect Quang Tri province.

It is recommended to avoid traveling to Quang Binh during the rainy season, especially between September, October, and November, due to the risk of flooding caused by increased river flows and storms.

Where to stay Phong Nha-Ke Bang 

You have two options for selecting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park accommodation:

The first option is to immerse yourself in the unique homestay experience inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here, you can enjoy local hospitality and the authenticity of rural life while surrounded by the lush nature and tranquility of the park. Places like the Phong Nha Lake House or the cozy Chay Lap Farmstay will provide you with a memorable stay and connect you with the local culture in a special way.

If you prefer convenient access to tourist sites and the airport, the ideal option is to choose hotels located in the Dong Hoi area. In this bustling urban center, you will find a wide variety of lodging options, from luxury resorts to comfortable hotels of various categories. The Sun Spa Resort and the Muong Thanh Hotel are just a few examples of the excellent options available.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang tours

If you’re planning on visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang but don’t know where to start, you can check out our Phong Nha Ke Bang tour from Hue. The 3-day itinerary includes a visit to Vinh Moc Tunnels, a military base for the Viet Cong guerrillas, and a relaxing dip at Nhat Le Beach, before your exploration at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here’s the itinerary in brief: 

Day 1: Hue - Vinh Moc Tuunels - Dong Hoi - Phong Nha (L)

Day 2: Phong Nha - Tu Lan (B.L)  

Day 3: Phong Nha - Mooc Spring Eco- Trail - Hue (B.L)

Check out the tour listed below for the detailed itinerary and the price. You can also contact us if you want to make the trip longer, shorter, or tailored to your preference. We’d be glad to help! And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy travels!

 

=> 3 Day Phong Nha Tour From Hue