Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is not yet among the must-see destinations in Vietnam. And yet, this park is home to some of the most beautiful and largest caves in the world—nothing less.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know to prepare for your stay in this new land of adventure in Southeast Asia. To include Phong Nha in your tailor-made trip, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Why should you visit Phong Nha Ke Bang?
Phong Nha Ke Bang is an exceptional destination to visit for several reasons:
The caves and karst formations: Phong Nha Ke Bang is famous for its caves and karst landscapes, considered among the most impressive and extensive in the world. Some caves are open to visitors, and exploring them offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Biodiversity: The Phong Nha Ke Bang reserve is home to a wide variety of unique flora and fauna, including many endemic species. Its lush tropical forests and crystal-clear rivers are a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Outdoor activities: Phong Nha Ke Bang offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and cycling. Visitors can explore the natural reserve and discover its wonders at their own pace.
Local culture: The local communities of Phong Nha Ke Bang are warm and proud of their cultural heritage. Visitors can discover local traditions and customs by visiting villages, taking part in cultural activities, and tasting local cuisine.
Visiting Phong Nha Ke Bang allows you to enjoy a unique combination of natural beauty, adventure, and local culture, making it a must-see destination for travelers seeking authentic and unforgettable experiences in Vietnam.
Phong Nha Ke Bang from above
How to get to Phong Nha Ke Bang?
From Hanoi
There are several ways to travel from Hanoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang:
By plane: There are daily flights from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, the nearest city to Phong Nha Ke Bang. From Dong Hoi, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Phong Nha Ke Bang.
By train: You can take a train from Hanoi station to Dong Hoi. The journey takes about 10 hours, and both day and night trains are available.
By bus: There are buses from Hanoi to Dong Hoi that depart early in the morning. The trip takes about 8 hours.
From Hanoi, we recommend the night train, which will bring you to Dong Hoi early in the morning.
From Ho Chi Minh city
You’ll find the same travel options from Ho Chi Minh City:
By plane: There are daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi.
By train: You can take a train from Ho Chi Minh City Station to Dong Hoi. However, be aware that the journey takes over 20 hours with many stops!
By bus: There are buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi that leave early in the morning. The trip takes about 12 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City, it’s best to take the plane.
From Danang
There are no direct flights from Danang, as Dong Hoi is quite close. You can take the train (the journey takes about 5 hours) or the bus (around 4 hours). From Danang, we highly recommend taking the bus.
From Hue
Hue is the closest major city to Dong Hoi (about 210 km), and it’s possible to take a bus directly to the center of Phong Nha (not just Dong Hoi).
Here are a few options:
Queen Bus Café
Address: 11 Doi Cung Street, Hue
Phone: 0234 3676 556
Departure: 5:00 p.m. — Arrival: 9:30 p.m.
The Sinh Tourist
Address: 38 Chu Van An Street, Hue
Phone: +84 234 384 5022
Departures: 6:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. — Arrivals: 11:30 a.m. & 9:30 p.m.
You can also take the train to Dong Hoi, which takes about three hours.
From Hue, the best option is to take The Sinh Tourist bus at 6:30 a.m. — you’ll arrive in time for lunch and have the whole afternoon to start exploring the area.
What to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang?
Here are the must-do activities during your visit to Phong Nha Ke Bang.
Explore the caves
This is, of course, the activity you shouldn’t miss. Visit the most famous caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang, such as Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave, and Paradise Cave.
Some of them can be visited independently, without a guide. Others—especially the largest ones—can only be accessed on organized tours (to protect the sites and ensure visitor safety).
Here are the top caves to prioritize:
Son Doong and Hang En Caves: these are the two largest caves in the park. Son Doong is currently recognized as the largest cave in the world, while Hang En ranks as the third largest. Excursions into these caves are extremely popular (and expensive) and require advance booking. Exploration is conducted exclusively through the professional teams at Oxalis.
Iconic photo of Son Doong. Photo credit: National Geographic
Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves: This cave gives its name to the national park and is its emblem. It stretches over 7 km and contains numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations. Access is by boat. It is possible to combine a visit to Phong Nha Cave with Tien Son Cave, which is also a popular snorkeling site. If you enjoy adventure and discovering new worlds, Tien Son Cave is an essential stop during your visit to Phong Nha Ke Bang.
Here are a few photos of Phong Nha Cave (photo credits: Mathieu Arnaudet):
Paradise Cave (Thien Duong): this cave is considered the longest and most beautiful in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. It stretches for more than 31 km and is home to numerous spectacular stalactite formations. Visitors can walk through narrow passages and admire the rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites while learning about the cave’s history and geology. Paradise Cave also offers a unique experience thanks to its colorful lighting system, which highlights the various rock formations. If you love exploring caves and admiring nature’s wonders, Paradise Cave is an excellent option for your first visit to Phong Nha Ke Bang.
Here are a few photos of Phong Nha Cave (photo credits: Mathieu Arnaudet):
Take part in outdoor activities
Beyond exploring the caves, Phong Nha Ke Bang is also an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and cycling. Enjoy the surrounding nature by exploring the tropical forests and crystal-clear rivers. You can also visit the Botanic Garden to admire a beautiful waterfall.
If you enjoy kayaking, you can try it on these rivers and bodies of water:
Son River: The Son River is a popular kayaking destination, with calm, clear waters and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Chay Lake: Chay Lake is another popular spot for kayaking, with calm, crystal-clear waters and views of the surrounding mountains.
Phong Nha River: The Phong Nha River is also a well-known site for kayaking, with many meanders and scenic views of the nearby mountains.
Entrance to Phong Nha Cave
Discover the local culture
The region is known for its unique cultural traditions, and visitors will find plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the local way of life.
There are traditional dance and music performances presented by local artists, offering a glimpse into the rhythms and movements characteristic of the region. Some hotels and restaurants also organize performances for their guests, and you can find traditional show programs in the local cultural centers.
Relaxing at the beach
The Quang Binh region is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of beaches and seaside activities. However, if you plan to stay there for a few days, you might want to go for a swim. Nhật Lệ Beach, near Dong Hoi, could be a great option. It is known for its clear waters and white sand, as well as for its peaceful setting and beautiful vegetation.
If you’re interested in outdoor activities, Nhật Lệ Beach also offers opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, or hiking in the surrounding mountains. It is always a good idea to check the weather conditions before heading to the beach, as some activities may not be possible in bad weather.
In summary, Nhật Lệ Beach in Quang Binh is worth a visit if you are looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature, or if you’re interested in outdoor activities.
Tasting the local cuisine
The cuisine of the Quang Binh region is a fusion of flavors from both northern and southern Vietnam.
Here are some of the most popular local dishes:
Cơm hến: a dish made with brown rice served with seafood such as clams, crab, and shrimp.
Bánh canh: a thick soup made with rice noodles and various ingredients such as crab, chicken, or shrimp.
Bún bò Huế: a spicy soup made with rice noodles and beef, served with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo: rice paper rolls filled with grilled pork and herbs.
These dishes can be found in local restaurants and markets throughout the region.
Where to stay in Phong Nha–Ke Bang?
There are many hotels in Phong Nha–Ke Bang for every budget and travel style. Here are some highly recommended options:
Victory Roads Villas – a high-end accommodation offering private villas, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant. Expect to pay around 120 USD per night for a beautiful villa of about 100 m².
Phong Nha Lake House Resort – a lovely property for those looking for comfort without spending a fortune (you can get a 60 m² “villa” for around 60 USD per night).
Nguyen Shack – owned by a Quebecois, this accommodation offers charming bungalows and also features a swimming pool. Expect to pay around 25 USD for a 45 m² bungalow.
All these hotels have received excellent reviews from travelers, so it is a good idea to check availability and prices depending on your needs and budget.
You now have everything you need to plan your stay in Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.
