1. Where is Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park located?

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is a national park of Vietnam, located in Bo Trach and Minh Hoa districts, Quang Binh province, about 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi city, about 500 km from Hanoi capital South. 

World Natural Heritage Phong Nha – Ke Bang is known for its spectacular and magnificent cave system, along with diverse and rich geological and geomorphological values ​​and ecosystems that are rare to find anywhere else. This heritage site is currently one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia; Among them, Phong Nha-Tien Son cave, Son Doong cave, Thien Duong cave, Dark cave of this heritage are familiar addresses that tourists who love adventurous exploration especially go to.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park confirmed that the World Natural Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang has just had the honor of being the only representative of Vietnam to be honored by the Mekong Subregion International Tourism Association as a “World Heritage Site” and “Best tangible product of 2015”. 

 

Like the North Central region in general, and Quang Binh province in particular, the climate in this national park is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, hot and humid. The average annual temperature is 23-25°C, with highs of 41°C in summer and lows of 6°C in winter. The hottest period is June to August with an average temperature of 28 °C, while December to February has an average temperature of 18 °C. The average annual rainfall is measured at 2,000–2,500 mm, with 88% of the rainfall occurring between July and December. 

Therefore, the best time to visit Phong Nha Ke Bang is in the summer in Vietnam. Start your trip around March to June when the sun is not too hot and the travel route would be easier since you might have to travel though mountain terrains. 

 

2. How to get to Phong Nha Ke Bang national park? Ways to travel from hanoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park 

 

 

There are many ways to move to Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, visitors can refer to some of the following ways with the starting point in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city:

From Hanoi to Phong Nha – Ke Bang:

By Plane:

• Route: From Hanoi to Dong Hoi Airport (Quang Binh).
• Flight Duration: About 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Ticket Price: Around $35 – $80, depending on the time and airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways).
• After landing at Dong Hoi Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Phong Nha (about 45 km, approximately 1 hour).

By Bus:

• Travel Time: 9 – 10 hours.
• Ticket Price: Around $12 – $18 per person, depending on the type of bus (sleeper or seat).
• Recommended bus companies: Hoang Long, Hung Long, Queen Cafe.

By Train:

• Travel Time: Around 9 – 10 hours from Hanoi to Dong Hoi Station.
• Ticket Price: Around $15 – $45 per person (depending on seat type: hard seat, soft seat, or sleeper berth).
• From Dong Hoi Station, take a taxi or bus to Phong Nha.

By Private Car:

• Travel Time: Approximately 9 – 10 hours (around 500 km).
• The cost will depend on fuel and toll fees.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Phong Nha – Ke Bang:

By Plane:

• Route: From Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi Airport.
• Flight Duration: About 1 hour and 35 minutes.
• Ticket Price: Around $40 – $100, depending on the time and airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways).
• After landing at Dong Hoi Airport, take a taxi or bus to Phong Nha (about 45 km, approximately 1 hour).

By Bus:

• Travel Time: 22 – 24 hours.
• Ticket Price: Around $35 – $50 per person.
• Recommended bus companies: Hoang Long, Hung Long, Phuong Trang.

By Train:

• Travel Time: Around 22 – 24 hours from Saigon to Dong Hoi Station.
• Ticket Price: Around $35 – $85 per person (depending on seat type: hard seat, soft seat, or sleeper berth).
• From Dong Hoi Station, take a taxi or bus to Phong Nha.

By Private Car:

• Travel Time: About 22 hours (around 1,200 km).
• Costs will depend on fuel and toll fees.

These options offer flexibility depending on your budget and travel preferences.

 

3. Why should you visit Phong Nha cave?

Phong Nha Cave is a cave in Gia Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and is the most typical scenic spot in the cave complex here. This cave is 7,729 m long, has 14 caves, and has a river wharf 13,969 m long. The cave entrance is about 10 m high and 25 m wide. Over millions of years of construction, the stalactites are made from limestone, which is absorbed, dissolved and transformed by rainwater to form extremely strange stalactites such as lion-shaped, throne-shaped, Buddha image,…Currently, to enter the cave, visitors must take a boat from Phong Nha tourist center along the Son River.

 

 

4. How to go to Phong Nha cave? 

Phong Nha cave is in the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. To start the journey to explore Phong Nha cave, first you will have to take a motorboat down the Son River to reach the cave entrance. Travel time is about 40 minutes. Sitting on the boat, visitors will admire the beauty on both sides of the Son River. The clear blue water seems to reach the bottom, winding around the limestone range, creating a poetic picture.

The appropriate time to explore Phong Nha cave is in the dry season, from April to August. In dry weather, there is not much rain, making it easy to move into the cave, avoiding dangerous slippage. However, during the tour, visitors should still follow the pre-marked route and only visit when there are rescue workers at the cave.

 

 

To visit Phong Nha cave, visitors need to buy tickets to enter the cave. Entrance ticket price is 150,000 VND/person ( about $6.15/person)  and plus boat fee of 550,000 VND/turn/12 guests (about $22.55/turn/12 guests), the boatman and the manager at the boat station will get other guess to join the boat with tourists if the group is not enough 12 people. 

 

5. Where to stay in Phong Nha?

Phong Nha Farmstay

• Type: Mid-range
• Description: A cozy farmstay offering beautiful views of the rice paddies and mountains. It’s located about 8 km from Phong Nha town and is ideal for those looking for a peaceful retreat with a local vibe.
• Price: Around $40 – $60 per night.

Chay Lap Farmstay

• Type: Mid-range/Luxury
• Description: Surrounded by nature, this eco-friendly farmstay offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a variety of outdoor activities like cycling and kayaking. It’s perfect for travelers looking to experience both comfort and adventure.
• Price: Around $60 – $100 per night.

Phong Nha Eco Mountain Farmstay

• Type: Budget
• Description: A tranquil farmstay with bungalow-style rooms, located in the heart of the national park area. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a peaceful stay with nature views.
• Price: Around $15 – $30 per night.

Oxalis Home

• Type: Mid-range
• Description: A riverside accommodation offering modern rooms and easy access to the national park’s main attractions. It’s operated by Oxalis, the company famous for organizing cave expeditions, making it convenient for adventure travelers.
• Price: Around $50 – $80 per night.

Victory Road Villas

• Type: Luxury
• Description: A more luxurious option with a riverside view, spacious rooms, and modern amenities. It’s close to the Phong Nha cave system, making it ideal for those wanting a touch of luxury while exploring the natural wonders.
• Price: Around $90 – $150 per night.

Easy Tiger Hostel

• Type: Budget
• Description: A popular choice for backpackers, offering dorm rooms and private rooms. It has a lively atmosphere with a bar, pool, and communal activities, making it great for meeting other travelers.
• Price: Around $5 – $15 per night (dorm bed).

Green Riverside Homestay

• Type: Budget
• Description: A family-run homestay located along the Son River. It offers a friendly, local experience and is perfect for budget travelers who want a simple, comfortable stay with scenic views.
• Price: Around $10 – $25 per night.

These options provide a mix of comfort and accessibility to the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, depending on your budget and preferences. However, Asia Viva Travel would still recommend travelers to stay in a resorts to enjoy and immerse the view and the atmosphere of the fresh nature in Phong Nha – Ke Bang. 

 

6. What to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

Exploring Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave is one of the most iconic and magnificent caves in Vietnam, known for its stunning stalactites and underground river, the longest of its kind in the world. The boat tour takes you deep into the cave, where you can marvel at the shimmering rock formations and experience the mysterious, awe-inspiring atmosphere inside. It’s a must-see for nature and adventure lovers.

Visiting Tien Son Cave

Often called the “Dry Cave,” Tien Son Cave is located above Phong Nha Cave and offers a different experience with its dry, intricate limestone formations. As you walk through the cave, you’ll be captivated by the delicate, crystal-like stalactites and stalagmites, creating a magical atmosphere. The views from the entrance of the cave are also breathtaking, offering panoramic scenes of the surrounding forest.

 

 

Mooc Stream Eco Trail

Suối Nước Moọc is a refreshing eco-trail experience where you can walk through lush forests, dip your feet in crystal-clear streams, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to unwind and connect with nature. You can swim in the cool water, rent a floating raft, or simply relax by the streamside and take in the peaceful surroundings. Tourists can also swim here or do the zipline which is an interesting activity. 

Kayaking at Chay River and Chay Waterfall

Kayaking down the Chay River offers both adventure and relaxation. Paddle through the tranquil emerald waters surrounded by limestone mountains, and reach the Chay Waterfall for some fun water activities. The peaceful river turns into a more exciting experience as you navigate the rapids and enjoy the cool spray of the waterfall. It’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and thrill of Phong Nha. 

In addition, during the entire process of traveling in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, visitors will also have many opportunities to see plants and animals, and there is even a botanical garden to visit. Nature lovers can visit. In particular, visitors will always experience the above services by friendly local people. In addition, this place is also very famous for a cave named Son Doong, however currently the cave is still limited to visitors and guests who book tours to visit the cave must book at least 1 year in advance to get a spot.

For more tours in Phong Nha Quang Binh to explore with Asia Viva Travel. 

Visiting Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Phong Nha Quang Binh with Asia Viva Travel offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and adventure. From exploring the mystical caves of Phong Nha and Tiên Sơn to relaxing by Suối Nước Moọc and kayaking at Chày Waterfall, each activity immerses you in the stunning landscapes and unique experiences of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to unwind in a peaceful setting, Phong Nha Vietnam has something to offer for everyone. 

At Asia Viva Travel, we are committed to supporting society, especially in Vietnam’s remote regions. By traveling with us, you help support local tourism workers and contribute to building schools and providing free lunches for disadvantaged children in North Vietnam’s mountains. Join us to help build a better future for Vietnam’s children and vulnerable communities in the “Nuôi em” project.