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Phong Nha - Kẻ BàngCentral Vietnam
Giant caves, jungle-covered limestone and a quiet river valley in one of Vietnam's great national parks. Here is how to choose your cave, when to go and how to get there via Dong Hoi.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, in Quang Binh province, protects a huge area of limestone mountains and rainforest running west to the border with Laos. Beneath it lies a vast network of caves, some among the largest on earth, and the park was listed by UNESCO in 2003. The small town of Phong Nha, also known as Son Trach, sits on the Son River and is the base for exploring it.
Most visitors come for the show caves: Phong Nha Cave by boat, the long boardwalk of Paradise Cave and the mud and zip line of Dark Cave. Beyond these, licensed operators run guided expeditions into wilder caves, including Son Doong, the world's largest known cave passage, which can only be entered on a multi-day expedition with special permits. The valley around town, all rice fields, water buffalo and limestone peaks, is a joy to cycle.
This page also covers Dong Hoi and Quang Binh. Dong Hoi, the provincial capital about an hour away, has the nearest airport and railway station. Two nights is enough for the main caves; adventurers can happily stay much longer.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so you can add Phong Nha between Hue and Hanoi, choose the caves that suit you and stay as long as you like.
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Phong Nha has caves for every age and energy level. Here is how we help travellers choose.
A wooden boardwalk leads through the first kilometre or so of an enormous dry cave, past towering stalagmites and glittering formations. No special fitness needed beyond the steep steps up to the entrance.
A boat glides up the Son River and into the mouth of the cave, where an underground river runs beneath the formations. Gentle, scenic and good for older travellers and young children.
A zip line over the river to the cave mouth, a swim into the dark and a soak in a mud pool, then kayaking back. Messy, active and great for families with older children.
Son Doong is reached only on a multi-day, fully supported expedition with a licensed operator and special permits that are limited each year. Shorter guided treks to caves such as Hang En and Tu Lan are a more accessible taste of the wild.
The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
A vast, dry cave with a boardwalk through its spectacular first section. One of the most impressive easy cave visits in Vietnam, and cool even on hot days.
Float along the Son River and deep into a cave carved by an underground river, then walk back past the formations. Often paired with the smaller Tien Son Cave.
Zip line, swim, mud bath and kayak in one muddy, joyful half day. Best from late spring to late summer, when the water is warm.
Quiet lanes through rice fields and farms behind Phong Nha town, with limestone peaks all around. Easy riding and very local.
Guided treks through the jungle to giant caves, camping on underground beaches. A serious but achievable adventure for fit travellers.
The world's largest known cave passage, first explored in 2009 and open only to small expedition groups with permits. Book many months ahead and train for it.
A group of caves and river passages reached on guided day or overnight trips that combine hiking, swimming and wonderful scenery.
Forest trails to streams, waterfalls and viewpoints, a cooler and quieter break between caves.
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Small hotels and guesthouses by the Son River, close to the boat wharf and local restaurants.
Homestays and farmstays among the rice fields a short ride from town, many with bicycles to borrow.
The provincial capital has beach hotels and the airport, but it is about an hour from the caves.
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A restored heritage house, a quiet lakeside villa or a family-run boutique: we match the hidden gem to you, and reveal it with your itinerary.
Ask for a surprise stayDong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh province, has the nearest airport, with flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and a station on the main railway. Many travellers instead drive up from Hue in about 4 hours, often stopping at the DMZ sites on the way.
The flat valley roads around town are perfect for cycling.
Best for: CountrysideBoats carry you along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave.
Best for: Phong Nha CaveIncluded on our journeys for Paradise Cave, Dark Cave and the transfers.
Best for: Caves and transfersPlaces that pair well with Phong Nha, with approximate travel times.
February to August is the best time, and March to May is especially pleasant. June to August is hot but ideal for Dark Cave and river swims. From about September to December heavy rain and floods are common, and some caves and river trips close at short notice. December and January are cool and grey.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, if you enjoy nature and a little adventure. Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave are among the most impressive sights in Vietnam, and the valley is lovely to cycle. It is a detour from the main route, so allow at least two nights.
Two nights covers Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave and either Dark Cave or a bicycle ride through the valley. Add more days for jungle treks or overnight cave expeditions such as Hang En or Tu Lan.
Yes, but only on a multi-day expedition run by a licensed operator, with special permits that are limited each year. It requires good fitness and booking many months ahead. For most travellers, Paradise Cave plus a shorter guided cave trek is a better fit.
Fly to Dong Hoi, the capital of Quang Binh province, from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then drive about an hour to Phong Nha. Dong Hoi is also on the north to south railway. From Hue, the drive takes about four hours.
February to August is best, with dry, warm weather. Summer is hot but ideal for the water-based caves. The rainy season, roughly September to December, can bring floods that close caves and river trips.
Dong Hoi is a pleasant provincial city with a long beach and is handy for early or late flights, but there is little to keep you more than a night. Most travellers stay closer to the caves, in Phong Nha town or the valley.
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