Phong Nha Ke Bang: Discover the Adventure Capital of Vietnam

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Phong Nha?

Booking hotels in Phong Nha: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing hotels. Here are the top hotels in Phong Nha.

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Budget

Phong Nha Memory Homestay

Mid-Range

Karst Villas

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Booking tours in Phong Nha: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Phong Nha. Here are some tours you can book right away that will let you experience the best of Phong Nha's caves.

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1. Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave

2. Paradise Cave and Dark Cave‍‍

3. Phong Nha Cave Kayak Tour

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‍Heading to Phong Nha from Ninh Binh? Book your bus here which takes you directly to the main town.

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Must-Visit Caves in Phong Nha

You cannot say you’ve been to Phong Nha without seeing one of its magnificent caves. With over 300 karst caves in the area, here are the most popular caves you can visit in Phong Nha-Khe Bang National Park.

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Phong Nha Cave

Located about 30 minutes by boat from the center and is about 7.7 kilometers long featuring an underground river and stunning stalactites. A ticket costs 150,000vnd ($6) and try to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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Tien Son Cave

A short hike from the entrance of Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son stretches around 1 kilometer in length with a winding steep pathway that leads through impressive cave formations. The entrance fee is 80,000vnd ($4).

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We recommend visiting both caves together, both open daily from 7:30am to 4:00pm. In addition to the entrance fee, you’ll need to hire a boat for 550,000vnd ($22), which can be shared among up to 12 passengers. To save costs, wait a bit and join a group. 

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Paradise Cave

This is Asia's longest dry cave, also known as Thien Son Cave, situated about 30 km from Phong Nha Cave. It features vast chambers with decks and stairs to view the hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites. A ticket costs 265,000vnd ($11) which includes an electric car to the cave’s entrance.

Dark Cave

Also known as Hang Toi Cave, it is located on the banks of the Chay River and has both wet and dry areas. A tour is required to explore the cave which costs 450,000vnd ($18). You can also enjoy an activity park at the entrance, which includes zip-lining, kayaking, and other water activities.

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Paradise Cave and Dark Cave are located farther from the main town, and you will need to rent a motorbike to reach them. 

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Book your Cave Tours

Here are the most popular day tours you can book in Phong Nha. These tours typically include an English-speaking guide, lunch, and transportation.

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Cave Exploration with Oxalis

The larger cave systems in Phong Nha include Son Doong Cave, the biggest cave in the world, and the Tu Lan Cave System. Due to their complexity and size, they can be explored on multi-day tours.

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Read More: Our 2-day Tu Lan Encounter Experience

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To visit, you will need to book a tour with the only company that operates in these caves: Oxalis Adventure. They offer a variety of tours from full-day to 4-nights, starting at $70. You can check their tours and updated prices on their website.

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Tip: Plan your cave expeditions ahead of time, especially if you want to explore the larger cave systems as only Oxalis has the right to explore these caves and they tend to fill up quickly.

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Beyond the Caves: Things to Do in Phong Nha

Many experiences await you in this adventurer's paradise in Vietnam. But if you simply want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities, then you can also just relax in this small town.

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Here are more activities in Phong Nha besides caving:

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Discover the Duck Stop

This charming little farm is a local, family-run gem that offers warm hospitality and fresh farm-to-table meals. As the name suggests, you’ll also get the chance to tend to hundreds of ducks. The Duck Stop experience costs 100,000vnd ($4) and includes a meal.

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Cycle Around Bong Lai Valley

Discover the valley as you ride through scenic rice paddies and charming small villages. If you visit in May, you'll be greeted by lush green fields, which transform into a vibrant golden yellow by June.

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Tip: Remember to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent!

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Hike the Botanical Garden

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Phong Nha Botanical Garden. Despite the name, it is more of a moderate hike than a garden with its lush tropical forest landscape, the Gio Waterfall, and Vang Anh Lake. So, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on some slippery and rocky paths. 

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Though we didn't get to visit, we’ve heard great things about it from other travelers. It opens from 7am to 5:30pm and the entrance fee costs 40,000vnd ($2).

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Located in northern Vietnam, Ha Giang is renowned for its motorbike adventures, but it also boasts incredible hiking opportunities. Conquer the peak of Chieu Lau Thi and be rewarded with a mystical sea of clouds awaiting you at the summit.

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Where to Eat and Drink in Phong Nha

Lotus Restaurant: Located next to the Con River serving fresh meals at reasonable prices. There are also lots of vegetarian options on offer, with the fresh spring rolls being the most popular. 7am-9pm.

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Tree House Cafe: Right in the center with a lovely patio seating and a wide variety of options from breakfast treats to pizzas. We enjoyed the fresh coffee. 7am-11pm

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Len Con Peak: Enjoy breathtaking views and excellent food in an unbeatable atmosphere nestled between a mountain and a rice field. Try their steamed river fish and grilled chicken. 6am-10pm

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When to Visit Phong Nha 

The best time to visit Phong Nha is during the dry season from January to August. Avoid visiting during the rainy season (September to December) as the caves get flooded and most tours don’t operate during these months.

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Tip: Check the weather forecast before you go, as light rain can already result in cave closures.

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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Where to Stay

The majority of the accommodations are located on Phong Nha's main street. If you want to be close to most of the restaurants and eateries, you should stay near the Phong Nha Cave Boat Station. If you want somewhere more local and quiet, choose a place to stay near the river around this area.

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Find all accommodations in Phong Nha here.

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Budget

Phong Nha Memory Homestay

Mid-Range

Karst Villas

How to Get to Phong Nha 

Plane: Dong Hoi Airport (HZO) is the closest airport to Phong Nha, around 40 kilometers away. You can find numerous taxis waiting outside the airport with varying prices, starting at 600,000vnd ($25) or book this private transfer for convenience. 

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Tip: You can arrange a pick-up with Oxalis if you book your tour with them. They pick you up in a van, ideal for large groups.

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Find flight rates and availability here

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Train: Dong Hoi Rail Station is part of the Reunification Express route which you can conveniently take if you’re coming from nearby cities such as Ninh Binh, Hue and Da Nang.

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Book you train to Phong Nha here

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From the train station, you can take a taxi or the B4 bus, located across Nam Ly bus station, to Phong Nha town. The bus costs around 60,000vnd ($3) but has no fixed schedule, so ask locals for the exact departure time.

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Bus: Depending on where you’re leaving from, taking the bus can be the cheapest option to reach Phong Nha with daily departures.

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If you’re taking the night bus from Ninh Binh, it drops you in town around 3 to 5am. Some accommodations may allow early check-in, but it's best to book in advance to guarantee a room.

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Book your bus to Phong Nha here

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Exploring Phong Nha

Phong Nha's main town is easily walkable, with plenty of restaurants and eateries nearby. Most accommodations offer free bicycle rentals for exploring the countryside if you're not comfortable riding a motorbike.

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However, renting a motorbike is the best way to explore the surrounding areas. Most roads are paved, making it easy to access more distant caves.

Now you are ready to explore Phong Nha Ke Bang!

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For more exciting adventures, head to Mui Ne, nestled along the southeast coast. Known as the adventure capital of Vietnam, it boasts a wide range of thrilling activities, from windsurfing to sailing and surfing. Read our complete guide to visiting Mui Ne!

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Have questions? Share them with us in the comments section below!