An outdoor adventure lovers dream! A combination of spectacular scenery sitting amongst the world’s largest caves, winding rivers and lush jungle hugging mountains lay a peaceful city full of cheerful, friendly locals. Phong Nha is the perfect place to go hiking, kayaking or engaging with the wilderness.
Population: 52,000
Vibe: Serene. Nature at its most magnificent.
Known for: Being a beautiful nature reserve and UNESCO heritage site with the longest underground river and the largest cave in the world, Thien Duong!
Must Do: Visit the recently discovered Thien Duong Cave with its glittering limestone walls, phallus shaped stalagmites and stalactites, claw shaped formations, and a limestone waterfall.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Explore ancient caves
Phong Nha National Park has over 300 different grottoes and caves which are thought to be 400 million years old!
Visit the Thien Duong Cave (discovered in 2009 by British and Vietnamese explorers) considered to be the largest cave in the world. Inside you’ll find glittering limestone walls, phallus shaped stalagmites and stalactites, claw shaped formations, and a limestone waterfall.
Before it was discovered Phong Nha was already famous for The Phong Nha Cave (from which the park gets its name) which has the longest underground river, the highest and longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, and the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
You can also take a guided tour of the ‘Dark Cave,’ suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you’ll explore the caves darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river.
Appreciate the beauty above ground
The caves below ground are fascinating and above ground the park does not disappoint. The plateau on which the park is situated is probably one of the finest and most distinctive examples of a complex karst landforms in Southeast Asia and there are beautiful rivers and forested areas. Phong Nha National Park was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2003.
Spot the local wildlife
The park is a protected nature area and is home to ten species of primates some of them are rare and endangered. Other endangered large mammals include the mainland serow and giant muntjac. You might also see an Asian black bear or sun bear or other smaller mammals like the Sunda pangolins and the recently discovered striped hare. The park is also home to ten species of bat, 59 recorded reptile and amphibian species, 72 fish species, 259 butterfly species and over 200 bird species!
Cool off
Take a refreshing dip in the pristine rivers or explore the waterways by kayak.
WHERE STRAY STAYS
Heritage By Night Hotel
Freestyle Tours (Private, deluxe and dorm rooms)
Son Trach Ward
Bo Trach District,
Quang Binh Province,
Phong Nha,
Vietnam
View in Google Maps
Tel: +84 232 3677 778
The Heritage by Night Hotel is situated in the perfect location to witness the natural beauty of the national park. You can rent a bicycle and explore the local area or relax at the on site restaurant and bar. Other sites are also easily accessible and tours can be booked in-house. The hotel offers a clean and friendly environment for an affordable price.
Facilities: Restaurant and bar, laundry service, tour booking service, currency exchange, bicycle rental, live music.
FIND VIETNAM TOURS & TRAVEL PASSES
CHECK OUT OUR TRAVEL BLOG:
- Want the rush of the wind in your hair, the exhilaration of flying and a big adrenaline hit? Here's where to go zip lining in Southeast Asia!
- Here's some tips on when to travel and what to do in the rainy season.