Introduction

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is one of the most famous and captivating destinations in Vietnam. With its pristine beauty and stunning cave systems, this national park attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. Phong Nha Ke Bang is not only one of the most significant natural conservation areas but also a UNESCO-recognized world heritage site.

History of Phong Nha - Ke Bang

The history of Phong Nha Ke Bang dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human presence in the region from the prehistoric era. The area's caves and limestone formations have long captured the imagination of local communities and have been an integral part of their cultural beliefs and traditions.

In more recent history, during the Vietnam War, the caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang served as a refuge for local communities and a strategic base for the North Vietnamese Army. The cave’s natural fortifications offered protection from aerial attacks, and they were also used as supply routes and storage areas.

In the early 1990s, a group of British cave explorers led by Howard Limbert and a group of Vietnamese explorers discovered Son Doong cave, currently recognized as the largest cave in the world. This discovery attracted international attention to the area and sparked interest in exploring the vast network of caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang.

In 2003, UNESCO designated  Phong Nha Ke Bang as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging its geological significance and unique biodiversity. Since then, the area has become a popular destination for both adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts, who come to witness the wonders of its underground landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

Best time to visit to Phong Nha - Ke Bang

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park has a tropical monsoon climate typical of North Central Vietnam, hot and humid all year round. The best time to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang is from March to August. This is the dry season, with sunny weather and minimal rainfall, ideal for cave exploration, boat trips along the Son River, and jungle trekking.

  • March – May: Cool, pleasant weather with lush green scenery.
  • June – August: Sunny and clear, perfect for adventure tours and deep-cave expeditions.

Note: From September to November, the area often experiences heavy rain and flooding, which may limit access. December to February is cooler, but still suitable for easy sightseeing activities.

How to Get There

Phong Nha Ke Bang is accessible from various parts of Vietnam, with Dong Hoi City being the nearest major city and transportation hub. Here are the main ways to get there:

  • Motorbike: From Dong Hoi city center to Phong Nha via the eastern branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road (about 45 km), traveling by motorbike takes around 60 minutes.

  • Car: Following the same route by car is faster, taking only 45–50 minutes.

  • Bus: The bus route from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is about 50 km and takes 65–70 minutes, including time for picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. 

Read more: En Cave Tour 2 Days Getaway: Escape the Ordinary

Thing to do and see in Phong Nha - Ke Bang

Phong Nha Cave

This is one of the typical and famous caves you should visit when traveling to Phong Nha Ke Bang. As it is a wet cave, you will need to take a boat throughout the tour to explore the cave. The boat will sail along the Son River, taking you to explore Phong Nha Cave with its diverse and captivating stalactite formations.

Phong Nha Cave is one of the famous caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Visitors can rent boats to visit Phong Nha cave

Ticket prices:

  • Adults: 150,000 VND/person
  • Children under 1.3m free
  • Seniors receive a 50% discount
  • Additional services: Boat tour: 550,000 VND/boat (maximum 12 people), taking you through the underground river sections to admire the mysterious beauty.

Tien Son Cave

Because it is located next to Phong Nha Cave, if you have already purchased tickets for the boat tour of Phong Nha Cave, you can visit Tien Son Cave without any additional cost. Despite being adjacent to the wet cave of Phong Nha, Tien Son Cave is a dry cave, so you won't need to take a boat. Upon entering the cave, you may be overwhelmed by the millions of years old stalactites and stalagmites here.

After visiting Phong Nha water cave, tourists often visit the dry cave, Tien Son cave

After visiting Phong Nha water cave, tourists often visit the dry cave, Tien Son cave

Ticket prices:

  • Adults: 80,000 VND/person
  • Children under 1.3m free
  • Seniors receive a 50% discount
  • Additional services: Boat tour: 550,000 VND/boat (maximum 12 people). If you have already purchased a boat tour for Phong Nha Cave, you can combine it and do not need to purchase an additional boat for this location.

Paradise Cave

As the name suggests, this is the most famous limestone cave here with incredibly beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Being the longest cave at 31.4 km, visitors must embark on a lengthy journey, climbing 524 steps to enter and explore the cave. The trek will be truly rewarding as the breathtaking scenery inside will provide you with a dreamlike experience.

The scene inside the cave is truly like heaven

The scene inside the cave is truly like heaven

Ticket prices:

  • Adults: 250,000 VND/person
  • Children (1.1m – 1.3m): 125,000 VND/person
  • Children under 1.1m: Free
  • Seniors: 50% discount
  • Electric shuttle: Round trip: 20,000 VND/person, offering convenience and comfort.

Cha Loi Cave

This is a new tourist destination recently opened for exploration in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The journey to explore Cha Loi Cave offers numerous exciting activities for you to experience. You can visit various historical sites such as Long Dai ferry terminal, A72 information station, and more. Additionally, you can participate in activities like camping and enjoy refreshing swims in the streams to fully immerse yourself in the splendid nature.

Visitors can participate in many activities when coming here

Visitors can participate in many activities when coming here

Chay River - Dark Cave

The Chay River and Dark Cave are two famous ecological tourist destinations in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Here, you can immerse yourself in various exciting adventure activities such as Zip-lining across the Dark Cave, kayaking on the river, and exploring the Dark Cave itself. With its deep blue waters, along with the breathtaking landscapes on both sides of the Chay River, you will have moments of pure bliss, connecting with nature.

Ziplining Across Chay River from Dark Cave

Ziplining Across Chay River from Dark Cave

Ticket Prices:

  • Adults: 450,000 VND/person: Includes: Entrance ticket: 80,000 VND Service fee: 370,000 VND
  • Children (1.1m – 1.3m): 150,000 VND/person. Includes: Entrance ticket: 40,000 VND Service fee: 110,000 VND
  • Children under 1.1m free
  • Seniors receive a 50% discount on tickets

Note: Chay River – Dark Cave Combo includes:

  • Includes: Short zipline and long double-rope zipline, 400m
  • Explore Dark Cave and enjoy cave mud baths
  • Kayaking and swimming in the river
  • Sasuku Adventure Bridge
  • Water slides and other river games.

Pygmy Cave

This is one of the largest caves and still preserves many primitive features in Phong Nha. Just approaching the entrance, you can witness thousands of swallows flying out, creating an interesting spectacle. Besides the unique geological beauty of the cave, there are also many entertaining activities for you to enjoy. Camping inside the cave, swimming in the cave, and zip-lining at sinkholes are fantastic experiences at Pygmy Cave.

Pygmy Cave is a great place for camping

This is a great place for camping

Ozo Park

If you want to participate in exciting games and enjoy the fresh air in the forest, Ozo is the ideal destination for you. The park is located in the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park area, offering picturesque landscapes of forests and crystal-clear waters. You can engage in activities such as kayaking, trekking through the forest on wooden bridges, or participate in thrilling rope games.

Ozo Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for tourists

Ozo Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for tourists

Ticket prices:

  • Adults: 200,000 VND/person
  • Children (1.1m – 1.3m): 100,000 VND/person
  • Children under 1.1m: Free
  • Seniors: 50% discount 

En Cave  (In-depth Exploration Tour)

En Cave is the ideal destination for adventure lovers. With its untouched cave system and majestic scenery, it’s a perfect choice for trekking tours.

The journey to En Cave takes you through pristine primary forests and refreshing streams. Inside the cave, travelers will be amazed by massive stalactite formations and its unique ecosystem. It is also home to tens of thousands of swifts, creating a lively and truly natural atmosphere. 

Hava Valley

Hava Valley offers a peaceful, refreshing retreat - an ideal spot for camping, team-building activities, and outdoor picnics. Its natural scenery easily captivates anyone who visits.

Nestled amid lush mountains and forests, Hava Valley resembles a vivid watercolor painting, with wide stretches of green grass and a gentle stream flowing through. It is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, set up camp, or join exciting outdoor activities such as volleyball or inflatable boat racing. 

Hava Valley offers a peaceful, refreshing retreat

Hava Valley offers a peaceful, refreshing retreat

Ticket prices: 

  • Adults: Ticket including Zipline: 250,000 VND/person; Ticket without Zipline: 150,000 VND
  • Children (1m – 1.4m): 80,000 VND/person
  • Children under 1m: Free of charge
  • Senior visitors: 50% discount on the ticket price

Tourist attractions in Phong Nha – Ke Bang that require advance booking:

Son Doong cave

Son Doong Cave is the world's largest cave, located in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Discovered in 1991 and opened to the public in 2013, it is a natural wonder with breathtaking beauty and unique features. The cave is known for its massive size, stunning stalactite formations, and an underground river. Exploring Son Doong is an adventure of a lifetime, offering a mesmerizing journey through enormous caverns and passages. Due to its popularity and environmental sensitivity, access to Son Doong is limited, and visitors typically need to join guided tours organized by authorized agencies.

Son Doong Cave - A masterpiece of nature

Son Doong Cave - A masterpiece of nature

Tu Lan Cave System

The Tu Lan Cave System is a captivating cave network located in the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty and adventure opportunities, Tu Lan offers a unique underground experience. The cave system includes various caves with impressive stalactite formations, underground rivers, and vast chambers. Adventurous activities like trekking, swimming, and caving are part of the Tu Lan experience. Guided tours are often required to explore this cave system, providing visitors with a thrilling and memorable journey through the heart of Vietnam's karst landscape.

Kim Cave is located in the Tu Lan cave system

Kim Cave is located in the Tu Lan cave system

Swift Cave

The cave is called Swift Cave because inside the cave, many swifts inhabit and build their nests. Swift Cave has a length of over 1.6 km, featuring three entrances. The cave's ceiling reaches a height of 100 m, and its widest point spans 170 m. It is the third-largest cave in the world, following Son Doong Cave and Deer Cave in Malaysia. Inside the cave, there is a crystal-clear stream that meanders through, leading to Son Doong Mountain.

Swift cave is a surreal setting in the Hollywood movie named PAN

Swift cave is a surreal setting in the Hollywood movie "PAN" 

FAQ Phong Nha - Ke Bang Travel 

  • Do I need to book tickets or tours in advance? 

Yes, some caves require advance booking due to limited capacity, including: Son Doong, Hang En, Va & Nuoc Nut, Tu Lan System, Tiger–Pygmy Expedition. 

  • How much time do I need to explore Phong Nha – Ke Bang?

A full visit typically takes 1–3 days depending on the number of caves and adventure tours you join. 

  • Are the caves suitable for children or seniors?

Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave: Suitable for families. And, adventure caves (Son Doong, Hang En, Tu Lan): Recommended for physically fit travelers only. 

  • What should I bring for a cave tour?

Comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag. For adventure tours, all specialized gear is provided by the operator. 

  • Where should I stay when visiting Phong Nha?

You can stay in Phong Nha town (convenient for tours) or Dong Hoi city (more hotels and services). 

Conclusion

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a unique and wonderful destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Book your tour with Asia King Travel now to explore this amazing location.

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