Located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Phong Nha Cave is one of Vietnam’s most stunning wet caves and a must-visit for those exploring central Vietnam. Known for its underground river and majestic stalactites and stalagmites, the cave offers a unique experience for visitors. Accessible only by boat, Phong Nha Cave provides travelers with a tranquil journey through lush jungle landscapes before entering a world of geological wonders. Let this guide help you navigate your visit to this incredible natural treasure.
- An introduction to Phong Nha Cave
- Visiting Phong Nha Cave
- What to see
- Kayaking in Phong Nha Cave
- Getting to Phong Nha National Park
- Getting to Phong Nha Cave
- Tips for visiting
An introduction to Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha National park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh province in central Vietnam, approximately 500 kilometers south of Hanoi and 200 kilometers north of Hue. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is known for its unique karst landscape, which contains hundreds of caves and underground rivers. The park covers more than 800 square kilometers of jungle, limestone mountains, and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for adventurers, nature lovers, and caving enthusiasts alike.
What makes Phong Nha Cave unique
Phong Nha Cave is famous for its extensive underground river, which stretches 13,969 meters, making it one of the longest underground rivers in the world. The cave itself is 7,729 meters long and contains 14 grottoes, but only the first 1,500 meters are open for tourists to explore. The boat ride through the cave allows visitors to glide through the stunning rock formations.
Visiting Phong Nha Cave
Location
Phong Nha Cave is located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and the entrance to the cave is via the Phong Nha Cave Boat Station in Son Trach Town. The boat station is conveniently situated in the heart of Son Trach, making it easy to access for visitors staying in or near the town.
Opening times
The Phong Nha Cave Boat Station operates daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, so it’s best to plan your visit early in the day to avoid missing the last boats.
Entrance Fee
Entrance fee: 150,000 VND (approximately $6.30 USD) per person, free for children under 1.3 meters tall.
Boat fee: 550,000 VND (approximately $23 USD) per boat, which can hold up to 12 people (including children). If you’re traveling in a smaller group, you can split the cost with other visitors.
Accessibility
Phong Nha Cave is relatively easy to explore, with well-maintained paths inside the cave. There is no need to climb or navigate difficult terrain, making it accessible to most visitors. The cave is well-lit, and you won’t need a flashlight to see the stunning formations. Once inside, you’ll spend part of the tour on foot and part of it on a boat, offering a comfortable and scenic way to experience the cave.
What to see
1. Scenic boat ride
Your journey to Phong Nha Cave begins with a peaceful boat ride from the Phong Nha Cave Boat Station, passing through the lush countryside and jungle scenery of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
As you glide along the tranquil Son River, you’ll be surrounded by towering limestone karsts, dense green forests, and rural life on the riverbanks. The boat ride itself is a scenic experience, offering breathtaking views before you even enter the cave.
2. Going inside the cave
As you approach the entrance of Phong Nha Cave, the boat will take you directly inside. The cool air from the cave provides a welcome respite from the heat outside. The boat ride inside the cave allows you to float through the vast, dark chambers, illuminated by well-placed lighting that highlights the majestic stalactites and stalagmites. The boat glides silently through the still waters, creating a calm and serene atmosphere as you explore the first section of the cave.
3. Explore the cave on foot
After the initial boat ride, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and explore the cave on foot. Phong Nha Cave features a system of impressive stalactites and stalagmites, with formations that are uniquely shaped.
Some of the most fascinating formations have been given names based on their resemblance to animals or mythological figures, such as the “Lion,” the “Unicorn,” the “Kneeling Elephant,” the “Buddha,” and the “Royal Court.” As you walk through the cave, you’ll be amazed by the intricate rock formations and the natural beauty of the underground world.
Kayaking in Phong Nha Cave
For those looking to experience Phong Nha Cave in a more adventurous way, kayaking is an exciting option. The Phong Nha Cave Expedition offers a 4.5-kilometer kayaking tour that allows visitors to become real explorers, venturing deeper into the cave’s underground river system.
This kayaking tour takes you through the mysterious underground river, where you’ll navigate with the help of flashlights and specialized equipment. The experience lets you explore the impressive beauty of Phong Nha Cave at your own pace, providing a more intimate and thrilling adventure compared to the traditional boat ride. As you paddle through the dark passages, you’ll encounter breathtaking stalactite formations, hidden grottoes, and the eerie quiet of the cave’s depths.
The kayaking tour offers a sense of discovery, as you’ll be able to explore areas not typically visited on the standard tours. It’s an exhilarating experience for those seeking a more hands-on way to uncover the secrets of this magnificent cave.
How to get to Phong Nha National Park?
Getting Directly to Son Trach Town
Phong Nha National Park is located in a remote area, and Son Trach Town serves as the main base for visitors to the park. There are a few ways to reach the town directly:
- Bus: There are direct bus routes from nearby cities like Hue and Ninh Binh to Son Trach. These buses typically take several hours but are a budget-friendly and convenient option for travelers.
- Private Car: Hiring a private car with a driver is another popular option, especially for those looking for more comfort and flexibility. A private car can pick you up from your location and drop you off directly in Son Trach Town.
Traveling to Phong Nha via Dong Hoi
If you’re coming from other parts of Vietnam, you’ll likely need to travel to Dong Hoi first before continuing on to Phong Nha. Dong Hoi is the largest city near the national park and offers more transport options:
- Bus: Many long-distance buses stop in Dong Hoi, particularly those traveling between Hanoi and Da Nang. From Dong Hoi, you can catch a local bus or arrange for private transport to Phong Nha.
- Train: Dong Hoi is well-connected by train, with regular services from major cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang. The train is a comfortable way to travel, with scenic views along the route.
- Flights: Dong Hoi Airport offers domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Flights are the quickest way to reach the area, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. From Dong Hoi Airport, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Son Trach Town.
Once you arrive in Dong Hoi, you can take a local bus, taxi, or private car to reach Phong Nha, which is about 50 kilometers away.
Getting to Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is one of the most accessible caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The entrance to the cave is reached by boat, and the journey starts right from the heart of Son Trach Town at the Phong Nha Cave Boat Station.
Getting to the Boat Station
Cycling: If you’re staying in or near Son Trach Town, cycling is a great way to reach the boat station. Many accommodations offer bicycles for free, and the short ride through town provides a pleasant introduction to the area.
Motorbike: Renting a motorbike is another popular way to get around Phong Nha. You can rent a scooter for around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day. This gives you the freedom to explore the park at your own pace. If you’re interested in more details, check out our guide to renting a motorbike in Phong Nha.
Taxi or Car with Driver: If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can hire a taxi or a private car with a driver. A private driver will wait for you while you explore the cave and can also take you to other attractions around the park.
Phong Nha National Park Tours
Many visitors choose to join a tour that combines Phong Nha Cave with other nearby attractions. These tours typically include pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, entrance fees, a guide, and lunch. The most popular combination is Phong Nha Cave with Paradise Cave, offering a full day of exploring the park’s most iconic sights. Small group tours are recommended for a more personalized experience.
Check our Phong Nha tours here, to see all options.
Tips for visiting Phong Nha Cave
1. Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
While much of the cave exploration involves a boat ride, you’ll also spend time walking inside the cave. The paths are easy to navigate, but comfortable shoes will ensure you can explore the cave at ease.
2. Combine With Other Sights
To make the most of your trip, consider combining your visit to Phong Nha Cave with other attractions nearby:
- Tien Son Cave: Located just 1 kilometer from Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son offers another fascinating cave experience.
- Paradise Cave: Another stunning dry cave in Phong Nha National Park that is often paired with Phong Nha Cave tours.
- Botanical Garden: A beautiful natural reserve with hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife located within the park.
3. Bring Cash
There are ATMs near the Phong Nha Cave Boat Station, but they may not always be reliable. It’s wise to bring cash with you from a larger town in case the ATMs are out of service or have limited funds. You’ll need cash to pay for the entrance fees and boat ride.
4. Plan for 2-3 Hours
A typical visit to Phong Nha Cave, including the boat trip, will take around 2 to 3 hours. This includes about 30 minutes each way on the boat ride and 1 to 2 hours inside the cave. Plan accordingly to ensure you have enough time for other activities.
5. Explore Other Caves in the Area
Phong Nha National Park is home to many other stunning caves worth visiting. Beyond Phong Nha Cave, you can explore a variety of both wet and dry caves, each offering a unique experience. Make sure to check out the best caves in Phong Nha, where you can find everything from easy cave walks to more challenging cave expeditions.
