Best Things To Do in Phong Nha Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it’s easy to see why. It’s home to the largest limestone cave system in the world (as well as Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world!) and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

Phong Nha also has some of the best hiking trails, waterfalls and swimming holes in Vietnam and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers

Check out the list below for all the exciting things you can do and see in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park! 

Cycling Around The Area

Cycling in Phong Nha is an eco-friendly way to explore the area and is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, as there are options for both easy and challenging routes. Find out all the information you’ll need on my Cycling in Phong Nha blog post.

Eating Delicious Vegan Food

I was so surprised to find how easy it was to eat vegan in phong nha. I wrote a Vegan Food Guide to Phong Nha that has all the details you’ll need. 

Phong Nha Vegan – a vegan restaurant in Phong Nha

Paradise Cave

Paradise Cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is considered one of the most beautiful caves in the world. The cave stretches over 31 kilometers and features a range of stunning formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and large chambers with high ceilings. The lighting inside the cave highlights the natural beauty and makes the formations appear to glow. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave and explore its many chambers, taking in the stunning views and learning about the unique geology of the area.

Paradise Cave is also known for its unique ecosystem, as it is home to several species of bats and other animals that have adapted to life in the dark, humid cave environment.

Ticket price: 250,000 VND

Phong Nha Cave 

Phong Nha Cave is only accessible by boat and is a wet cave. Tourists embark on their tour by boarding a boat at the Phong Nha Cave boat station in the village. The 30 minute ride down the scenic Son River leads to the cave entrance. Once there, the boat owners use long sticks to gently propel the boat through the cave, allowing visitors to admire the towering stalactites and stalagmites and take in the intricate rock formations. In addition to its natural beauty, Phong Nha Cave holds significant cultural and historical significance, as it was used as a shelter and hideout by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Phong Nha Cave price: 120,000 VND

Boat ticket to go to cave: 550,000 VND for the entire boat with 12 seats. (Find other people to get a boat with or just go on a tour) 

Dark Cave

The Dark Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts. With a variety of activities to get your heart racing, it’s a perfect spot for teenagers and young adults.

The Dark Cave is a wet cave and is known for its complete darkness, as there is no natural light that penetrates the interior. Visitors must wear headlamps to explore the cave.

Upon arrival, visitors can zipline into the cave entrance and engage in thrilling experiences like kayaking, a water obstacle course, swings, ropes, and mud fights. This combination of adventure and natural beauty make the Dark Cave a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and exciting experience.

Ticket price for cave only (no zip line): 80,000 VND

Ticket price for cave with package of zip line, kayaking, water obstacle course: 450,000 VND

Other Caves In Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to many other caves, that include: Tien Son Cave, Hang En Cave, Va and Mooc Caves, Tiger Cave, Hang Pygmy, Nuoc Nut Cave, Hang Va Cave and Son Doong Cave (the largest cave in the world and only a certain number of people can trek there each year).

Please contact Jungle Boss and Oxalis to book a tour to explore these amazing caves

Botanic Gardens

Phong Nha Botanic Gardens is located about 8kms from the Phong Nha village and is a beautiful and tranquil oasis for nature lovers.

The garden is technically a forest that features a diverse array of plants, including tropical trees, lush ferns, and colorful flowers. Visitors can wander along the paths for hours and enjoy the nearby waterfall while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The ticket cost is 40,000 VND. 

Bong Lai Countryside

The Bong Lai area in Phong Nha, Vietnam is a charming and peaceful rural region roughly 8kms from the main Phong Nha village. 

Visitors to the Bong Lai area can explore the local countryside on a bicycle or on foot, taking in the sights and meeting friendly locals along the way. The region is dotted with small villages and homestays, providing visitors with an authentic experience of rural life in Vietnam.

Here are a few different highlights you should see when exploring Bong Lai:

1 – The Pub with Cold Beer

2 – Bong Lai Swing Nature Farm

3 – Lake Silence

4 – The Catholic Church called “Nhà thờ Giáo Xứ Bồng Lai”

5 – Walk or ride across the Bong Lai suspension bridge

WHERE TO STAY IN PHONG NHA?

I stayed in Phong Nha Coco Riverside Homestay and highly recommend this beautiful place! 

Great location, friendly owners and the view from your room is stunning! 

View from Phong Nha Coco Riverside Homestay

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN PHONG NHA?

Check out the Vegan Food Guide to Phong Nha 

HOW TO GET TO PHONG NHA? 

Follow this comprehensive guide on How to get to Phong Nha from Dong Hoi

Note: One thing I realised while staying here is that no travel bloggers ever mentioned that you will see poverty while staying in Phong Nha. Along the Main Street you’ll see wooden houses that people live in that are only one room with multiple beds in it. And on the side of the road, bamboo is being cut up to make into brooms. So please be mindful and help out where you can by spending your tourist dollars in small roadside eateries and similar places. 

MAP


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