Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
The world's ancient cave kingdom.
π₯ Best of Vietnam
4.7 β (800)
Introduction
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (VΖ°α»n quα»c gia Phong Nha - KαΊ» BΓ ng) is a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Binh province. The park protects one of the world's two largest karst regions, with formations dating back approximately 400 million years. Its system of over 300 caves and grottoes includes Son Doong Cave, currently recognized as the world's largest, making the park a globally significant site for geological and ecological exploration.
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Phong Nha Cave
This is the park's namesake cave, accessed via a 30-minute boat ride on the Son River. The boat motor is cut as you enter the cave, allowing you to float quietly through the first kilometer of this massive subterranean river system. Visitors can then disembark to explore a large, illuminated chamber on foot.
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Paradise Cave
Discovered in 2005, Paradise Cave is a dry cave that extends for over 31 kilometers. The public access section features a 1-kilometer-long wooden walkway that allows visitors to traverse the immense, cathedral-like chambers without disturbing the fragile floor. The scale and density of the stalactites and stalagmites here are extraordinary.
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Dark Cave
This is an adventure-focused experience. Visitors reach the cave entrance via a 400-meter zipline across the Chay River. The visit involves swimming into the cave's mouth with a headlamp, navigating a dark passage, and taking a therapeutic bath in a natural mud pool deep inside.
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Mooc Spring
A recreational area centered around a section of the river where water emerges from a limestone mountain base. The water is a clear, bright blue, and activities include swimming, kayaking, and using rope swings and suspension bridges. It offers a relaxing contrast to the cave explorations.
Getting there
From Dong Hoi City Center to Phong Nha Town (approx. 45 km):
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π Taxi: 45-60 mins | 500,000 - 600,000 VND ~ $20 - $24 USD.
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π Private Car: Can be booked through hotels for similar or slightly higher prices.
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π Public Bus (Route B4): 90 mins | Approx. 35,000 VND ~ $1.40 USD.
This is the most budget-friendly option, with regular departures from Dong Hoi's bus station.
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π΅ Motorbike: 60 mins. Motorbike rentals are available in Dong Hoi for experienced riders.
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β οΈ After arriving in Phong Nha town, the best way to explore the park's various sites is by renting a motorbike or hiring a private car with a driver for the day. Taxis are not readily available for hailing within the park itself.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- The ticket counters for most day-visit caves are generally open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The park itself does not have gates or closing times. Multi-day adventure tours operate on their own schedules.
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π« Ticket prices:
- Tickets are sold per attraction and do not include transportation. Prices are subject to change.
- Phong Nha Cave: 150,000 VND ~ $6 USD per person. Boat rental is separate and costs 550,000 VND ~ $22 USD per boat (fits up to 12 people; you can share).
- Paradise Cave: 250,000 VND ~ $10 USD for adults; 125,000 VND ~ $5 USD for children. Electric buggy transfer to the cave entrance is an additional fee.
- Dark Cave (Package): 450,000 VND ~ $18 USD per person (high season). This typically includes the zipline, mud bath, kayaking, and safety equipment.
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πΆ Best time to visit:
- The dry season, from March to August, is ideal for clear skies and accessible caves. Try to visit cave sites early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and larger tour groups. The rainy season, especially from October to December, can cause flooding that makes some attractions inaccessible.
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β Recommended duration:
- A minimum of two full days is needed to see the main highlights without feeling rushed. Three days allows for a more relaxed pace and additional activities like exploring the park loop by motorbike.
Tips from locals
Local tips
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π° Bring enough cash before you arrive. The few ATMs in Phong Nha town are known to be unreliable or out of service. It is best to withdraw sufficient Vietnamese Dong (VND) in a larger city like Dong Hoi or Hue beforehand.
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πΊοΈ Download offline maps. Mobile phone signal can be weak to non-existent in many parts of the national park, especially on the western Ho Chi Minh Highway loop. Having a map app like Maps.me or Google Maps with the area pre-downloaded is essential for navigation.
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π Wear appropriate footwear. Cave floors are often wet, uneven, and slippery. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are necessary for safety and comfort, especially for the long walk up to Paradise Cave or inside Tien Son Cave. Flip-flops are not recommended.
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Be aware
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β οΈ The park is susceptible to flooding during the rainy season (typically October to December). Heavy rains can make the Son River swell, leading to the temporary closure of river-based attractions like Phong Nha Cave. Always check local weather conditions and tour availability if visiting during this period.
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π΅ While renting a motorbike is a popular way to see the park, be aware that the roads can be winding with some steep sections. Ensure your rental bike is in good condition, particularly the brakes, and always wear a helmet. Drive cautiously, as cattle and other wildlife can sometimes be on the road.
FAQs
What is the difference between Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave?
Phong Nha Cave is a "wet cave" explored by boat along an underground river. Paradise Cave is a "dry cave" where you walk on a long wooden pathway through enormous, well-lit chambers.
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Can I visit the famous Son Doong Cave?
Yes, but it is extremely difficult and expensive. It requires booking a multi-day expedition tour with the sole licensed operator, which costs thousands of dollars and is often sold out more than a year in advance.
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Do I need to book a tour to see the main caves?
No, you can visit Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, and Tien Son Cave independently by arranging your own transport to the ticket offices and entrances. However, day tours from local operators can be convenient as they bundle transport, tickets, and a guide.
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What is the best way to get around the park?
Renting a motorbike in Phong Nha town is the most flexible and popular option. Alternatively, you can hire a private car with a driver for the day, which is a good choice for groups or families.
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How many days should I spend in Phong Nha?
Two to three full days are recommended. This allows you to visit two or three main caves, enjoy a recreational activity like Mooc Spring, and potentially explore the Bong Lai Valley or the park's main loop road.
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What should I wear for visiting the caves?
Wear light, comfortable clothing. For footwear, choose sturdy walking shoes or trainers with good grip as paths and stairs can be slippery. The temperature inside the caves is cool and stable, so a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt can be useful.
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Is it safe to swim in the rivers?
Swimming is generally safe in designated areas like Mooc Spring and at the Dark Cave entrance (with a lifejacket). Always follow local advice, as river currents can be strong, especially after rainfall.
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Are there places to eat inside the national park?
Yes, there are restaurants and food stalls located near the main tourist caves like Phong Nha and Paradise, as well as at Mooc Spring. Phong Nha town has a wide variety of restaurants serving both local and Western food.
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Is Phong Nha suitable for children?
The boat trip into Phong Nha Cave and the wooden walkway in Paradise Cave are suitable for all ages. The adventurous activities at Dark Cave, which involve ziplining and swimming, have age and height restrictions.
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Do I need to be very fit to visit the caves?
A basic level of fitness is required. Visiting Paradise Cave involves a significant number of steps up a hillside to reach the entrance. Phong Nha Cave is less physically demanding as it is primarily a boat trip with some walking on a flat surface.
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