Welcome to Phong Nha! This beautiful region is home to some of Asia’s oldest karst mountains and breathtaking caves. We hope you’ll love this village as much as we do. To help you navigate the area smoothly, here are a few tips.
Best Time to Visit Phong Nha
- April to August: Dry months, ideal for exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- December to March: Wetter and colder.
- Flood Season: Mid-September to mid-November. Check weather forecasts as flooding may affect tours.
How to Get There
Phong Nha is limited in transportation, but Dong Hoi offers more options:
- Flights: Take a flight to Dong Hoi, then travel by bus, taxi, or private car to Phong Nha. Daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are available through VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines.
- Buses: Major bus companies (HK Buslines, Hung Thanh, Queen Café, Camel Travel) run night buses from Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Bus tickets are available at most hotels and hostels.
- Trains: The nearest station is in Dong Hoi, with trains running from the north (Ninh Bình, Hanoi) and south (Hue, Da Nang). Book tickets online or at the station. From Dong Hoi, take a taxi or bus to Phong Nha.
Top Attractions in Phong Nha Vietnam
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is known as the “Adventure Capital of Asia” with stunning caves, rivers, and forests. Here’s a list of must-see attractions:
- Paradise Cave: One of Asia’s longest dry caves with stunning stalactites.
- Phong Nha Cave: Famous for its underground river and rock formations.
- Chay River – Dark Cave: Offers zip-lining, kayaking, and mud baths.
- Cha Loi Cave: Breathtaking stalactites, crystal-clear lakes, serene underground rivers, all enveloped in a tranquil, enchanting atmosphere.
- Mooc Stream Eco-tourism Site: Perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Tien Son Cave: Beautiful chambers with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Botanic Garden: A serene spot showcasing diverse plant species.
- Hava Valley: A peaceful escape with lush landscapes.
- Son Doong Cave: The world’s largest natural cave.
- Tu Lan Cave: Combines trekking, climbing, and swimming in a cave system.
- En Cave: The world’s third-largest cave, including a 22 km trek through the forest.
- Pygmy Cave: Features natural forests and a stunning cave system.
- Tra Ang Cave: Known for its crystal-clear underground water system.
Where to Stay
- Phong Nha Town: Options range from hostels and homestays to high-end resorts.
- Budget: Easy Tiger Hostel, Phong Nha Gecko Hostel.
- Mid-range: Phong Nha Coco House, Jungle Boss Homestay, Celia Homestay, Sai Gon Phong Nha Hotel
- High-end: Victory Road Villas, Chay Lap Farmstay.
- Dong Hoi: 45 km from Phong Nha, offering budget-friendly and beachside accommodations.
- 2-star: Ngan Ha Hotel, Thuy Duong Hotel.
- 3-star: Riverside Hotel, Luxe Hotel, Amanda Hotel Quang Binh. Anh Linh 2 Hotel.1
- 4-star: Phuong Bac Luxury, Muong Thanh Quang Binh Hotel, Saigon Quang Binh Hotel., Rex Quang Binh hotel
- 5-star: Sunspa Resort, Gold Coast Resort, Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh, Celina Peninsula Resort.
Food & Drink
- Food: Phong Nha’s specialty is “Thit Nuong” (BBQ meat), available almost everywhere. You’ll also find a wide variety of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
- Drinks: Avoid tap water as it contains high levels of minerals. Drink bottled or boiled water.
ATMs & Money Exchange
- ATMs: Available from Sacombank, Agribank, and Vietinbank, all accepting international cards. Carry small bills as not all businesses can change larger notes.
- Money Exchange: Some hotels and resorts offer money-changing services, or you can exchange currency at the airport.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Phong Nha’s nightlife is lively, especially with its karaoke culture. There are also bars and nightclubs like Andy’s Disco Bar and Hair of the Dog. Karaoke prices are around VND 80,000 ($4 USD) per hour, excluding drinks.
Phong Nha Market
Located between the Best BBQ Pork & Noodle Shop and the Phong Nha Tourism Center, the market is worth a visit for fresh produce and basic items. Best time to visit: 6–9 AM.
Health and Safety
- Medical Care: Phong Nha has a small clinic offering basic care, while more serious cases are handled at Dong Hoi’s Cuba Hospital.
- Emergency Numbers:
- Police: +84 113
- Ambulance: +84 115
- Phong Nha Clinic: +84 (0)232 3677047
Getting Around
- By Bicycle or Motorbike: The best way to explore Phong Nha is on two wheels, with easy rentals available. For newcomers, local guides can drive you on a motorbike.
- Taxis and Motorbike Taxis: Available for trips around town or to nearby areas like Dong Hoi.
Safety
Phong Nha is a safe destination, with locals known for their hospitality towards tourists. Always carry small bills, and contact your accommodation or guide for any issues.
Holidays to Note
Major holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year), Reunification Day, and Independence Day can affect transportation and accommodation availability, so plan ahead by booking at least a month in advance.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang Daily Tours
Whether you’re staying for a day or several, Phong Nha-Ke Bang offers a variety of tours to suit all preferences.
- Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave: Visit two of the most famous caves in Vietnam, exploring their stunning underground beauty.
- Cha Loi Cave Tour: Learn about the history of this cave, once used by General Vo Nguyen Giap, and explore its majestic natural landscape.
- Hava Valley & Paradise Cave: Perfect for busy travelers, this tour combines cave exploration with river baths and boat rides.
- Paradise Cave & Mooc Stream: Spend a day hiking through the national park and cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of Mooc Stream.
- Dark Cave Adventure: Zip-line, kayak, and swim through Dark Cave, complete with a unique mud bath experience.
Multi-day Tours
For longer stays, consider:
Discovery Phong Nha-Ke Bang (2 Days): Explore Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Chay River, and Phong Nha Botanical Garden.
Cha Loi Cave Exploration (2 Days, 1 Night): Immerse yourself in nature, camp in a beautiful valley, and learn about the local culture.
Phong Nha-Quang Binh (3 Days): This itinerary showcases the beauty of Quang Binh’s caves, including Phong Nha Cave, and Paradise Cave. Guests will also enjoy the unique mud baths of the Dark Cave, as well as swimming in Mooc Stream and kayaking in its refreshing waters.
Visitors will have the chance to explore Da Nhay Beach, known for its stunning rock formations shaped by sea salt intrusion. Additionally, the itinerary includes a visit to the Quang Phu sand dunes for sandboarding activities organized by Netin, and a stop at the tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap on Vung Chua – Yen Island (subject to family permission). Guests can pay their respects at the General’s grave and capture memorable photos while exploring the scenic landscape of Vung Chua – Yen Island.
For more information or to book a tour, visit our website at Phongnhacave.org or contact us via email at info@netintravel.com. We’re here to help make your Phong Nha adventure unforgettable!