Phong Nha: All You Need to Know

Deep in the heart of central Vietnam lies an ancient landscape made up of dense jungle, snaking rivers, and limestone karsts. Beneath all of it lies one of Vietnam’s most precious gems: its prehistoric cave systems. Phong Nha is blessed with them, some of which are so big they could fit skyscrapers inside them. The cave networks of Phong Nha are one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets. Only brave tourists venturing that far off the beaten track.

Most visitors come for the colossal cave systems, but there’s much more to discover. Spend a bit of time in the area and you’ll find Phong Nha has many more treasures. Hikes through untouched jungles offer a glimpse into a rich and diverse ecology. Bike trips through mesmerizing valleys make for unforgettable memories. Though Phong Nha remains undiscovered by the masses, increasing tourism threatens the unspoiled beauty of the destination.

Make time for it now before it’s too late.

 

Phong Nha is the perfect destination for those who want something genuine. Tourists can be the worst part about travelling, but Phong Nha is regulated heavily to protect the delicate ecosystem.

Besides, the largest cave in the world, Son Doong Cave, was only discovered in 2009 and other giant caves are still being stumbled upon today. There’s a likelihood that there could be yet another giant cave sitting untouched, just waiting to be discovered. Outside of these enormous cave systems, is dense, magical jungle to trek through, making any adventurer feel like a pioneer in this majestic rural landscape.

The largest caves in the world

If you want to feast your eyes on something truly unique, Phong Nha is for you. With many of the world’s largest caves, huge unexplored areas, and a real chance of getting happily lost, Phong Nha offers an experience unlike anything else. 

Other outdoor pursuits

We’ve mentioned the unspoiled natural beauty of Phong Nha already, but we really can’t stop talking about it! Neither will be you after you visit. As well as being a relatively undiscovered treasure in Vietnam, Phong Nha has a rich ecology and history. You can track the American War through a hike on the Ho Chi Minh Trail then marvel at the lush forest.

Meandering through Bong Lai Valley is such a peaceful pastime that it would be ridiculous to not take a break from your busy caving schedule to take part. Phong Nha might be for the brave, but even the brave need a break at some point.

Along the way you’ll stop off at some of the local drinking haunts like the Pub with Cold Beer, or ride the notorious water buffalo, named Donald Trump, at the Duck Stop. What better way to break up the trip than with drinks, ducks and Donald?

For more on why Phong Nha is a must-visit destination, check 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit.

The Best Caves in Phong Nha 

  •  Paradise Cave

Unlike many of the other caves in Phong Nha, Paradise Cave is easily accessible and cheap – you can drive up to its entrance and pay a few dollars to get in. This is the cave for those who really don’t want to walk too much!

 

  • It’s Not Just About Caves: Trekking, Biking, Cycling and Eating in Phong Nha

  • Hiking

Now, treks and hikes within Phong Nha are hardly a walk in the park. This is an area of scarcely explored, dense jungle. Phong Nha is ideal for any hiker with moderate experience looking to take their adventure to the next level.

Here you can be closer to Vietnam’s history, both recent and prehistoric. This unspoiled tropical forest was a focal point in the American War, which means you can hike through the original Ho Chi Minh trail to the Abandoned Valley in the heart of the National Park. There are pristine waters to dive into, along with diverse ecological life and scrambles up rocky cliffs. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world.

Cycling

Taking a bike around Phong Nha is an absolute must if you’re not diving in and out of the caves. You won’t want one of those rickety upright bikes you’ve seen the locals riding around on though. These roads are muddy and full of dips and dives, so you’ll need to set yourself up with a nice reliable mountain bike. Easily one of the most relaxing places in the world to visit on two wheels, Phong Nha caters to budding cyclists as well as adventurers.

Motorbiking

It’s possible to hire a motorbike, though it can be a little dangerous for the inexperienced biker. If that doesn’t sound very appealing, you can always book a tour with Thang’s Phong Nha Riders. These guys will take you around for around $20 and know all the ins and outs of the local area.

The best place to go for a bike tour in the local area has got to be Bong Lai Valley. Full of winding back roads, picturesque villages and sleepy rivers, Bong Lai Valley offers a fantastic mix of authentic culture and stunning scenery. Feel the wind in your hair, the rush of the scenery rolling past your eyes, and the inescapable sensation of freedom, only in Phong Nha.

Eating

While the food may be the central point of this section, one place stands out amongst the rest. Initially ‘discovered’ by Ben, a local expat, The Pub with Cold Beer has become a beacon for foodies and has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post and The Guardian.

Few things satisfy an intrepid adventurer like a nice, cold beer after a long day of exploring.

All the food in Phong Nha is delicious but nothing is fresher than the chicken at The Pub with Cold Beer. You can even kill it yourself, if you’re into that sort of thing.

For more on what to do in Phong Nha (other than caving), check out our guide on Tour Options.

Getting to Phong Nha

While it’s possible to go to the companies directly, these days, with price comparison websites, everything has become that little bit easier. There are a few websites like BaoLau, Vexere and 12go.asia, which provide easy comparisons for trains, buses, and planes throughout different parts of Asia, all of which include Vietnam, so it’s best to check there first.

Getting from Dong Hoi station to Phong Nha

Annoyingly, Dong Hoi train station and Dong Hoi bus terminal are not next to one another. If you arrive by train and don’t want to spring for a taxi, you can either choose to walk (30 minutes) or take a taxi (5-10 minutes at 25,000vnd). Once you’re at Dong Hoi bus station, the bus will cost around 35,000vnd. Either way, the travel time will take around 2 hours, possibly more.

Hanoi to Phong Nha

Budget: Bus

Cost: 300,000vnd

Travel time: 9 hours

Mid-range: Train + bus or taxi

Cost: 650,000 – 1,200,000vnd

Travel time: 11 hours

Luxury: Fly

Cost: 2,000,000 – 3,500,000vnd

Travel time: 4-6 hours

Hue to Phong Nha

Budget: Bus

Cost: 150,000vnd

Travel time: 4.5 hours

Mid-range – Train + bus or taxi

Cost: 150,000 – 700,000vnd

Travel time: 4.5 hours

Luxury – Private Car

Cost: 2,500,000vnd

Travel time: 4 hours

Hoi An/Danang – Phong Nha

Budget: Bus

Cost: 250,000 – 300,000vnd

Travel time: 8 hours

Mid-range: Bus + train + bus/taxi

Cost: 250,000 – 700,000vnd

Travel time: 9 – 10 hours

Luxury: Private car

Cost: 4,000,000 – 4,500,000vnd

Travel time: 6 hours

Saigon to Phong Nha

Budget/mid-range/luxury: Fly

Cost: 1,800,000 – 2,800,000

Travel time: 4-6 hours

For more information on how to get to Phong Nha, have a read of this guide.

Where to Stay in Phong Nha

Best Budget Option: Thao Nguyen Homestay

Best Mid-range Option: Funny Monkeys, Camrabola Bungalow or Falcon Hotel. 

Best Luxury Option: Victory Road Villas and Phong Nha Lake House