Phong Nha is heavenly in terms of natural wonders, amazing culture, and extraordinary adventures available, among other things. This place takes pride in its breathtaking natural beauty, which may cause you to hold your breath on contemplating. The massive caves are arguably the primary draw, but stay longer and Phong Nha unveils hiking paths, lonely country lanes, and rivers ideal for kayaking. In this article, I’ll show you the top 10 finest things to do in Phong Nha, as well as how to make the most of your visit to this natural wonder.
TOP 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PHONG NHA, VIET NAM
1, Explore Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave and Dark Cave
Phong Nha Cave is a must-see destination in Quang Binh Province, located at the top of a fork in the Son River. The entrance fee to Phong Nha Cave is 150,000 VND ($7), and the journey takes about 3-3.5 hours. To get there, buy tickets at the town Tourism Center and then board a boat that will transport you 3 kilometers up the river to the cave’s mouth. The boat runs from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a cost of 550,000 VND ($24), which can be shared if you find a group (max 12 people) at the docks or hired privately.
Paradise Cave costs 250,000 VND ($11) and is easily accessible by motorbike. Inside the cave, you’ll find massive stalagmites and stalactites, as well as reflecting pools and beautiful rock formations. Unlike the other caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Paradise Cave is much easier to explore because it is dry. The cave’s recently installed led lighting and wooden steps make it easy for visitors to navigate. Many beautiful stalagmites and stalactites formations are also highlighted by the lighting.
Dark Cave is one of the top things to do in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. The price of Dark Cave – Chay River is 450,000 VND ($20). An journey to Dark Cave will require you to swim, kayak, and zipline, so it may look to be expensive, but it is quite exciting. You might want to budget extra time to relax in the surrounding springs if you have more than 2 hours to visit.
2, Discover Hang Son Doong – the World’s largest Cave
Son Doong, a cave in central Quang Binh Province’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang grotto system, has been discovered to be the world’s largest in 2010. It was discovered 18 years ago by a local and spans more than 200 meters in width, 150 meters in height, and at least 6.5 kilometers in length. It’s Phong Nha’s most exciting experience, but it’s not easy to get to. Many individuals are put off by the $3,000 price tag, not to mention the application process and wait list for this exclusive trip. If you plan on visiting Son Doong, start saving and contact Oxalis Adventure as soon as possible. They are the only tour company authorized to carry group tours into Hang Son Doong, and they do so with professionalism and, of course, all of the safety equipment that you will need on your adventure.
3, Riding a motorcycle to the Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden is a terrific place to visit if you like nature, especially if you have kids. The garden are on Highway 20 about 10 kilometers from town, on the approach to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. You can go into the jungle on your own (without a guide) on one of three different routes for hikes. There are also various natural pools where you may swim, as well as a gorgeous waterfall that you can explore.
It only costs 40,000 VND ($2), so regardless of your budget, they should be towards the top of your list of things to do in Phong Nha. While you can ride a bike here, we recommend riding a motorcycle because there are no bike pathways or lanes on this somewhat narrow highway.
4, Take a bike ride to the farms and neighboring Bong Lai Valley
Bong Lai Valley is a beautiful, rural valley in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, with rich of picturesque farms. This is the place to go if you want to spend a day relaxing in a hammock while watching the sunset with a refreshing drink. All you need to explore this valley is a bike – a map, and some snacks and drinks. It’s recommended to take the Ho Chi Minh Highway to Bong Lai Valley if you want to see more of the countryside.
It’s a great way to end the day with traditional grilled chicken and refreshing beer. The original Pub with Cold Beer is probably the most well-known, but Moi Moi Restaurant, Wild Boar Eco Farm or The Duck Stop now compete for excellent vistas, delicious food, and incredible hospitality. Fresh food from the garden or farm, served family-style, awaits you.
5, Enjoy a boat cruise down the Son River
The Son River is magnificent at any time of year, but especially before the monsoon rains muddy everything up. For about $20, you may take a private boat ride all the way to Phong Nha Cave or simply tell the driver you want to soak in the landscape. Along the trip, you’ll pass through stunning scenery, including mountains, jungle, ethnic minority villages, and rural areas. A water buffalo will most likely be washing and cooling itself next to you in the river. Bring a book or a camera and enjoy your time on the water!
6, Kayaking and Ziplining at Chay River
In 2014, Quang Binh mined a zipline game as a form of adventure tourism. This game has captivated tourists Quang Binh engaged when the tour arrived owing to its novelty and originality as well as thrills.
Kayaking is not only for the daring tourist; it is also a very gentle pastime that is suited for young people. You can go kayaking with friends to feel the tranquil river with pure blue water beneath your feet is as good as jade treasure.
Water activities are another exciting option on this list of the greatest things to do in Phong Nha. All of these aquatic activities can be combined with a visit to the Dark Cave – Chay River. You begin by riding the longest zipline in Vietnam to the cave’s entrance. You’ll ultimately get clean by swimming out of the cave, where kayaks are waiting to paddle you back to the beginning.
7, Spend the Night in tent in Hang En – Tu Lan Caves
Son Doong’s “cheaper” younger siblings are Hang En – Tu Lan caves. They are still enormous and amazing caves, but you can get to them with less expensive ($80-$330) one or two-day excursions.
Camping is another interesting activity in Phong Nha. Inside the Hang En cave, at one of the openings and adjacent to a tiny pond, the most magnificent campground is located. In Hang En’s main chamber, you have one of the most stunning camp sites in the world, with flying foxes darting in and out of the hole above you. If you get up early enough, you can swim in the blue pools and float while watching the sun reach the last reaches of the jungle.
8, Swimming in the Mooc Spring Eco-Trail
Mooc Spring Eco-Trail is hidden in the jungle, right off the main road of the national park loop. There are zip lines, hanging bridges, and boats here. It’s a great area to have fun and cool off on hot days.
Mooc Spring Eco-Trail can become a little crowded during the summer months when kids are on vacation, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re seeking to cool off.
9, Enjoy Phong Nha’s amazing cuisine
Trying the local cuisine is a must do activity if you visit Phong Nha. Phong Nha offers a wide range of great cuisines that will make your visit unforgettable. It has its unique indigenous delicacies that set Quang Binh cuisine apart. Many local dishes are waiting for you to try such as: Khoai deo (Soft Sweet Potatoes), Chao Banh Canh (Noodle Soup Porridge), Lau Ca Khoai (Tarpon Hot Pot), Banh Bot Loc (Filter cake),…
10, Jungle trekking
Quang Binh is known for its clear springs, lush green mountains, and deep underground caverns. So, if tourism in Quang Binh is about nature, then activities such as forest exploration and mountain trekking are indispensable. You might see some creatures if you walk through the woodlands and sometimes via low-lying rivers surrounded by mountains. Of course, going on a guided trekking excursion with an expert guide is the best way to go, as an experienced guide will take you through hidden trails that few other people know about.
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