Phong Nha - Ke Bang

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.

Weather

Like the climate of the North Central region in general and Quang Binh province in particular, this national park is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The average annual temperature ranges from 23-25°C, with the highest being 41°C in the summer and the lowest being 6°C in the winter. The dry season typically spans from April to August. During this period, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 38°C (82°F to 100°F). The dry season is ideal for exploring the caves and engaging in outdoor activities, as rain is infrequent. The wet season lasts from September to March, with the peak rainfall occurring from October to December. During this time, the region experiences heavy rains and occasional storms. The wet season can result in temporary closures of some caves due to flooding, making it less favorable for cave exploration. It is essential to consider the weather when planning a visit to Phong Nha Ke Bang, as the experience can vary significantly depending on the season.

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:
• The closest airport to Phong Nha Ke Bang is Dong Hoi Airport, which receives flights from major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Phong Nha, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away.
• Dong Hoi also has a railway station, and there are regular train services connecting Dong Hoi to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From the station, travelers can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Phong Nha.
• Phong Nha Ke Bang is well connected by bus services from various cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang. Several tour operators and bus companies offer direct bus services to Phong Nha.
• For adventurous travelers, motorbiking to Phong Nha Ke Bang is an option. The scenic journey allows for a more immersive experience of the Vietnamese countryside. However, it's essential to have prior motorbiking experience and a valid license.

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.

Visitors can rent boats to visit Phong Nha cave

Ticket prices:

• Adults: 150,000 VND per ticket
• Children under 1.3 meters: Free of charge
• Boat entrance to the cave: 550,000 VND per trip, maximum of 12 passengers

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

Ticket prices:

• Adults: 80,000 VND per ticket
• Children under 1.3 meters: Free

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

Ticket prices:

• Adults: 250,000 VND per ticket
• Children from 1.1 meters to 1.3 meters: 125,000 VND per ticket
• Children under 1.1 meters: Free of charge

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

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

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 80,000 VND/ticket
• Children from 1.1 meters to 1.3 meters: 40,000 VND/ticket
• Children under 1.1 meters: Free of charge

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.

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

Ticket prices:

• Adults: 200,000 VND/ticket
• Children from 1 meter to 1.4 meters: 100,000 VND/ticket
• Children under 1 meter: Free of charge

Tourist attractions that need to be booked in advance to visit in Phong Nha Ke Bang

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

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

Fresh nature at the entrance of Co Mo cave

Fairy Cave is also 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 "PAN"

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.