Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is Vietnam's cave capital - a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 400-million-year-old karst hiding the world's largest cave system, including Son Doong Cave. Most visitors come for Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave (by boat), and Dark Cave's zip line and mud bath. The jungle village of Son Trach is the base - small, friendly, and still feels like an actual place rather than a tourist town.
Best Months to Visit
Highlights
What To Do
Places to Visit · 9 spots
Suggested Itineraries
Phong Nha Cave by boat - 1.5 hours on the Son underground river, stalactites, Buddhist altars. Dark Cave: zip line across the river, swim through 400m of darkness, mud bath at the end. Best fun you'll have in a cave anywhere.
Paradise Cave is 30km from Son Trach. 1km of boardwalk through a cathedral-scale cave - one of the most visually spectacular in the world. Go early before the tour buses arrive. Mooc Spring (swimming hole in the jungle) on the way back.
Classic first day. Book Dark Cave in advance during peak season.
Full day at Paradise Cave and surroundings. Mooc Spring for swimming in the afternoon.
Hang En is the world's third largest cave - requires a 2-day overnight trek (book weeks in advance, 4,500,000–6,000,000 VND). Or: rent a motorbike and explore the Ho Chi Minh Road through the jungle. Duck Stop hostel arranges excellent local tours.
Getting There
To Dong Hoi station (50km south of Son Trach). Taxi or bus from Dong Hoi to Son Trach: 150,000–200,000 VND.
Direct buses to Dong Hoi. Some run direct to Son Trach.
Overnight train to Dong Hoi. Most convenient from Hanoi.
Budget per Day
Phong Nha Cave: 150,000 VND. Paradise Cave: 250,000 VND. Dark Cave: 450,000 VND. Son Doong Cave: ~70,000,000 VND per person (book 1 year ahead). Hang En overnight: 4,500,000–6,000,000 VND.
Plan Your Trip
Practical Info