Phong Nha | Gecko Routes

Exploring Phong Nha How to get to Phong Nha Where to stay

Discover Phong Nha

The main reason to visit Phong Nha is, of course, its enormous cave system. It consists of hundreds of caves, which include the world’s largest cave (Hang Son Doong) and the longest dry cave in Asia (Paradise Cave).

The centre of Phong Nha itself is not much more than a street with guesthouses and hotels. Do you want a more unique experience or are you a big nature fan? Have a look at accommodations further away from the centre like Phong Nha Lake House Resort.

Which caves to visit?

Phong Nha Cave is the closest to the centre. You can reach this cave on foot from the main street. That’s also why it is a great cave to visit when you arrive in the afternoon or still have a morning to spend in Phong Nha.

Most other caves are about half an hour’s drive from the centre. You can visit them by joining a tour or renting a motorbike.

When you rent a motorbike, you can visit several caves and the botanic garden in one day by making a 65 km loop through Phong Nha National Park. If you want to go on an adventurous caving experience, have a look at Hong Tai Cave, also referred to as the dark cave.

Did you get enthusiastic reading about Hang Son Doong Cave? I am afraid I have to disappoint you. There is only one organisation permitted to operate a limited number of tours in the world’s largest cave. You have to book this tour at least one year in advance.

However, there are great alternatives for big cave fans who want to have an extraordinary experience. These include a jungle trek, river crossings and sleeping at the entrance of the world’s third-largest cave (Hang En).

Visit the Oxalis website for more information about these tours.

How to get to Phong Nha

Leaving from	Duration	Prices from	See details
Hanoi	3-12 hours	from 281,000 VND (€9.50)	Hanoi to Phong Nha
Cat Ba	6.5-12.5 hours	from 712,000 VND (€24)	Cat Ba to Phong Nha
Ninh Binh	8-9.5 hours	from 428,000 VND (€14.50)	Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
Hoi An	6.5-8 hours	from 407,000 VND (€13.80)	Hoi An to Phong Nha
Hue	4-4.5 hours	from 183,000 VND (€6.20)	Hue to Phong Nha
Dong Hoi	1-1.5 hours	from 50,000 VND (€1.70)	Dong Hoi to Phong Nha

Best places to stay in Phong Nha

Thao Nguyen Homestay - Budget Friendly

Thanks to the great hospitality of the family, Thao Nguyen Homestay will feel like your home. After a day of trekking, you can take a dive in the pool or sit back and relax with a Netflix movie.

The homestay is located right in front of the bus stop in the centre of Phong Nha. The rooms are bright and spacious, with some of them offering spectacular views of the mountains.

Mountain views
Outdoor swimming pool
Bright and spacious rooms
Delicious free breakfast

Private rooms start from $16 per night.

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Phong Nha Dawn House - Budget Friendly

You’ll probably find it slightly hard to believe that rooms also start at $16 at Phong Nha Dawn House. This place has an almost perfect rating for a reason.

Tu Tu and her family make you feel right at home in their beautiful homestay where you can enjoy a refreshing swimming pool, delicious restaurant and comfortable rooms.

Great value for money
Outdoor swimming pool
Delicious restaurant
Free breakfast

Private rooms start from $16 per night.

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Karst Villas Phong Nha - Mid Range

Floating in an infinity pool overlooking endless rice fields, can you think of anything better? How about if on top of that, there are mountains in the background and you’re staying with a beautiful Vietnamese family?

Karst Villas offer all of that plus modern room and unique bathrooms. A very memorable stay!

Infinity pool
Incredible views
Amazing family
Delicious free breakfast

Private rooms start from $38 per night.

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About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

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