Experience of traveling to Phong Nha Cave tour

The Phong Nha Cave tour is an unforgettable adventure that will take you through stunning underground formations, serene rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls, offering a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of central Vietnam. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or looking to explore the best of what the region has to offer, this tour promises to be an experience of a lifetime. Get ready to pack your bags and embark on an exciting journey that will create memories to cherish forever!

Experience of traveling to Phong Nha Cave tour

Phong Nha Cave is a limestone cave system located in the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam. The cave system is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique geological features and stunning natural beauty.

The cave system is made up of many interconnected caves and underground rivers that stretch for more than 70 kilometers. The main cave, also called the Phong Nha Cave, is around 7.7 kilometers long and features an underground river that runs through it.

Among the caves, Phong Nha stands out as the most remarkable with a surveyed length of nearly 8 km, mainly with an underground river, ranked as one of the longest underground river caves in the world.

Visitors take a motorboat down the Son River to enter Phong Nha Cave. When arriving at Phong Nha, you will feel a sense of wonder, relaxation, and comfort. The air here is fresh and cool. During the summer days, when the heat of Quang Binh can be scorching, the temperature inside the cave is only around 17-19°C. Riding the boat for more than 600m on the waterway inside the cave, visitors can admire the magnificent natural beauty of the First Cave.

Explore the Fairy Cave and the Palace Cave one after another to admire the various colors and shapes of stalactites, listen to the melody of music in the wine party of the mountain god wafting in the wind, and contemplate the grandeur of the limestone chambers and corridors covered in glittering stalactites, and feel the thrill of being inside a giant monster’s mouth.

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Means of transportation to Phong Nha Cave

There are several means of transportation to get to Phong Nha Cave, below are some popular options:

• Airplane:

Flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi airport are a quick and convenient option. From Dong Hoi airport, you can rent a taxi or shuttle to Phong Nha.

• Bus:

Bus companies like Hoang Long, Camel Travel, or Duc Phat all have bus services from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Binh. From there, you can rent a shuttle or taxi to Phong Nha.

• Motorcycle or car:

If you plan to explore Quang Binh by self-driving, you can go to Phong Nha on the Hoang Dieu expressway or National Highway 1A.

• Train:

Trains SE1 and SE3 from Hanoi to Dong Hoi or trains SE2 and SE4 from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi are the trains passing through Quang Binh. From Dong Hoi station, you can move to Phong Nha by taxi or shuttle.

Note that if you go on an organized tour, transportation will be arranged by the tour guide team.

The ideal time to travel to Phong Nha Cave

Quang Binh province is located in the tropical monsoon region and is always influenced by the climate from the North and the South, and is divided into two distinct seasons:

The dry season (from April to August) is a favorable time to participate in cave exploration tours at the World Natural Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang. While the temperature outside is around 36-37°C, the temperature inside the cave is always at a cool and comfortable 20-21°C. You should bring along sunscreen, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, swimwear, etc.

The rainy season (Sept – Mar) brings Northeast monsoon, with annual rainfall of 2,000-2,300mm. Son River floods, blocking Phong Nha Cave (Water Cave) entrance, and halting tourist boats and exploration. The Chay River Dark Cave, Mooc Stream, Ozo Ecological Tourist Area, and Hava Valley have strong and muddy currents. Dry caves such as Tien Son Cave and Thien Duong Cave can still be visited normally. Most of the tourist spots are not convenient during this time; however, it is the most beautiful and ideal time for trekking to the Wind Waterfall – Botanical Garden. You need to pay attention to the timing of your itinerary and prepare appropriate clothing and equipment such as warm clothing, raincoats, umbrellas, insect repellent, and non-slip shoes.

Ticket prices for the Phong Nha cave tour

• Adults: 150,000 VND/1 ticket/1 adult.
• Children under 1.3 meters in height are exempt from entrance fees.
• Boat tour in Phong Nha cave: 550,000 VND/1 boat with life jackets, maximum capacity of 12 passengers including children.

Ticket prices for visiting Phong Nha Cave may vary over time and depending on the tourist season. Therefore, visitors should check the ticket prices before visiting.

In addition, the price of the boat tour in Phong Nha Cave may also vary depending on the number of passengers and the tourist season. Visitors should also consult the information about ticket prices before booking a tour to visit.

Phong Nha cave itinerary

Here’s a possible itinerary for visiting Phong Nha cave:

Day 1:

• Arrive in Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province
• Transfer to Phong Nha town (about 45 km north of Dong Hoi) by private car or shuttle bus
• Check-in hotel/hostel and have lunch
• Afternoon: visit Phong Nha cave by boat. This cave is about 7.7 km long and offers stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as an underground river. The boat trip takes about 1 hour.
• Return to Phong Nha town and have dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2:

• Morning: visit Paradise cave by shuttle bus. This cave is even larger than Phong Nha cave and features a 31 km long system of underground passageways. The shuttle bus will take you to the entrance of the cave, from where you can walk along a wooden pathway to explore the cave interior. The walking distance is about 1 km.
• Return to Phong Nha town for lunch
• Afternoon: go on a jungle trek to visit Dark cave. This cave is not as well-known as Phong Nha or Paradise, but it offers a unique adventure experience. You will need to zipline, swim and wade through a river to reach the cave entrance. Inside the cave, you can try mud bathing and kayaking. The jungle trek takes about 2 hours round-trip.
• Return to Phong Nha town and have dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3:

• Morning: explore the countryside around Phong Nha by bicycle. You can rent a bike from your hotel/hostel and ride to nearby villages and farms, where you can see rice paddies, buffalo fields, and traditional houses. You can also visit local markets and temples.
• Return to Phong Nha town for lunch
• Afternoon: transfer back to Dong Hoi city for your onward travel.

Here are some tips for visiting Phong Nha cave

• Dress appropriately:

The cave is quite humid and cool, so it’s best to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. A light jacket or sweater may also be useful.

• Bring a camera:

The cave features some of the most beautiful natural formations in Vietnam, so make sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views.

• Follow the rules:

There are certain rules and regulations to follow when visiting the cave, such as not touching the formations or littering. Be sure to listen to your guide’s instructions and be respectful of the natural environment.

• Be prepared for the boat ride:

The boat ride to Phong Nha cave can be bumpy and wet, so be prepared with a raincoat or poncho. Also, be sure to hold on tight to your belongings.

• Stay hydrated:

The cave can be quite humid and exhausting, so make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Bring cash:

There may not be many ATMs or places to use credit cards in the area, so it’s best to bring cash for any purchases or fees.

• Plan ahead:

Phong Nha cave can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to book your tour in advance to avoid long waits or disappointment.

• Respect the local culture:

Phong Nha is a small town with a rich culture and history. Be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and try to learn about the local way of life while you’re there.

In conclusion, visiting Phong Nha Cave is a truly unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. With its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground rivers, and jungle treks, Phong Nha offers something for everyone. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, travelers can make the most of their trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.