Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen
15/08/2025
Discover the enthralling beauty of Paradise Cave with illuminated stairs and rocky interiors.
Kishan Rahul Jose, Pexels

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park captivates visitors with its vast and magnificent cave systems, including some of the world's largest. Beyond its underground wonders, the park features stunning karst mountains, serene rivers, and lush tropical forests, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.

The main social area is Phong Nha town (Son Trach village), which serves as the gateway to the park. It provides various accommodations, including hostels popular with solo travelers, alongside cafes and restaurants where visitors can gather and interact.

Top 6 Things to do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

The region offers a blend of exhilarating cave explorations, tranquil nature walks, and immersive cultural experiences in its surrounding countryside.

1. Phong Nha Cave Boat Tour

Embarking on a boat journey along the Son River, one glides into the majestic Phong Nha Cave, an experience that unveils stunning stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over millions of years. The gentle boat ride allows for serene contemplation of the cave's vast chambers and unique formations, with a section where one can disembark and walk further inside. This activity provides an accessible glimpse into the park's underground wonders, suitable for all ages.

Cost: The entrance fee is 150,000 VND per adult. A shared boat, accommodating up to 12 people, costs 550,000 VND for a round trip. The cost of the boat can be shared among passengers, making it more economical for groups. For a combined visit with Tien Son Cave, the boat fee is around 400,000 VND.

Transport: The Phong Nha Cave boat station is located within Phong Nha town (Son Trach village), making it easily walkable from many accommodations. Alternatively, a short taxi ride would be inexpensive if staying further out.

2. Paradise Cave Exploration

Discovering Paradise Cave involves ascending a scenic path to its entrance, revealing a dry cave of immense scale and breathtaking formations. Inside, wooden walkways guide one through the first kilometer of this 'underground palace,' showcasing intricate stalactites and stalagmites that resemble fantastical sculptures. It is a visually stunning experience, well-maintained and accessible, making it a highlight for many visitors. For a deeper adventure, multi-kilometer tours delve further into the cave's pristine sections, requiring a higher level of physical fitness.

Cost: The entrance fee is 250,000 VND per adult. An electric cart transfer from the entrance gate to the cave base costs an additional 20,000 VND for a round trip. For a more adventurous 7km tour, prices start around 2,650,000 VND per person (minimum two people).

Transport: Paradise Cave is approximately 28 km from Phong Nha town. One can rent a motorbike (150,000-200,000 VND per day) for an independent journey, take a taxi (around 300,000-500,000 VND per trip from Phong Nha town), or hire a private car. Many organized tours also include transport to Paradise Cave.

3. Dark Cave Ziplining and Mud Bath

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Dark Cave offers a unique combination of adventure activities. The experience typically begins with ziplining across the Chay River to the cave entrance. Inside, one navigates through dark, narrow passages, often wading through warm, thick mud before reaching a mud bath chamber. A refreshing swim in the underground river and kayaking on the Chay River complete this exhilarating and memorable adventure. It is an interactive and playful way to engage with the park's underground environment.

Cost: A full access package including ziplining, mud bath, kayaking, and caving gear costs approximately 450,000 VND per adult. A limited access package (ziplining, kayak/boat ride) is around 250,000 VND.

Transport: Dark Cave is about 20 km from Phong Nha town. Similar to Paradise Cave, it can be reached by rented motorbike (100,000-150,000 VND/day), taxi, or as part of an organized tour.

4. Phong Nha Botanic Garden Walk

Exploring the Phong Nha Botanic Garden offers a peaceful escape into the park's lush ecosystem. The garden provides well-maintained trails leading through pristine forest, past the striking Gio Waterfall, and to the clear Vang Anh Stream and a natural lake where one can swim. It is an excellent opportunity to observe diverse flora and fauna, learn about conservation, and enjoy the tranquility of nature without the intensity of deep caving expeditions.

Cost: Entrance fees are 40,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children.

Transport: Located approximately 9 km from Phong Nha town, the Botanic Garden is accessible by rented motorbike (100,000-200,000 VND per day), bicycle for a scenic ride, or a short taxi/private car trip (around 300,000-500,000 VND per trip).

5. Countryside Cycling Tour

A cycling tour through the rural areas surrounding Phong Nha offers a gentle and immersive way to experience local life and the picturesque Vietnamese countryside. Pedaling along quiet roads, one passes through rice paddies, traditional villages, and farmlands, with opportunities to interact with friendly locals. Stops at places like The Duck Stop or The Pub with Cold Beer provide unique cultural insights and a chance to relax amidst stunning scenery. This activity offers a refreshing contrast to the cave adventures.

Cost: Bicycle rentals are generally inexpensive, often available from accommodations. Guided cycling tours vary in price, with some offering full-day experiences for around 1,050,000 VND (approximately 45 USD).

Transport: Bicycles can be rented directly from most hotels and homestays in Phong Nha town. The cycling routes start directly from the town and weave through the surrounding countryside.

6. Multi-day Caving Expeditions

For the truly adventurous, Phong Nha-Ke Bang offers multi-day expeditions into its more remote and challenging cave systems, such as Tu Lan, Hang En, and even the world's largest, Son Doong. These expeditions involve significant jungle trekking, river crossings, swimming through underground passages, and sometimes overnight camping within the caves or jungle. They provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore pristine, rarely visited natural wonders and require a good level of physical fitness and a sense of adventure. These tours are typically organized by specialized operators like Oxalis Adventure or Jungle Boss.

Cost: Costs vary significantly depending on the cave and duration. For instance, a Hang En expedition (2-3 days) is a considerable investment, while the Son Doong expedition (4 days) is very costly, around 72,000,000 VND (approximately $3000 USD), and often booked months in advance. More budget-friendly options like Tra Ang Cave Adventure start from around $32 USD.

Transport: These expeditions are exclusively conducted through licensed tour operators, who provide all necessary transportation, equipment, and guides from Phong Nha town or Dong Hoi.

Check out our other pages on Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

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