What to do in Phong Nha
Phong Nha is a destination which is not included in every travel itinerary. This is because it requires more travel time than most destinations in Vietnam. Maybe that is also the reason why you can still experience an almost untouched landscape.
The main reason to visit Phong Nha is, of course, its enormous cave system. Consisting of hundreds of caves which include the world’s largest cave (Hang Son Doong) and the longest dry cave in Asia (Paradise cave). The center of Phong Nha itself is not much more than a street with guesthouses and hotels. Do you want a more unique experience or are a big nature fan? Have a look at accommodations further away from the center like Phong Nha Lake House Resort.
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Which caves to visit?
Phong Nha cave is the closest to the center. You can easily reach this cave by foot from the main street in Phong Nha. 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 drive from the center and are easy to visit 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 65km loop trough Phong Nha National park. If you want an adventures 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 organization 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. This includes a jungle trek, river crossings and sleeping in the entrance of the world’s third largest cave (Hang En).
Visit the Oxalis website for more information about these tours.
How to get there
From Hanoi to Phong Nha
10 hours, 390.000 VND (€15)
11,5 hours, 564.000 VND (€21,50)
3,5 hours, 1.474.000 VND (€56)
From CatBa to Phong Nha
Via Tam Coc: 14,5 hours, 770.000 VND (€29,50)
Via Hanoi: 14 hours, 715.000 VND (€27)
From Ninh Binh to Phong Nha
7 hours, 220.000 VND (€8)
10 hours, 450.000 VND (€17)
From Hoi An to Phong Nha
8 hours, 263.000 VND (€10)
8,5 hours, 280.000 VND (€10,50)
From Hue to Phong Nha
4,5 hours, 150.000 VND (€6)
4,5 hours, 173.000 VND (€6,50)
From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
1-1,5 hours, 60.000 VND (€2)
1 hour, 500.000 VND (€19)
My favourite places to stay in Phong Nha
Thao Nguyen Homestay
Thanks to the great hospitality of the family, this 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 center of Phong Nha. Rooms with mountain views already start from €19,- including an outstanding breakfast!
Bonus: Free cancellation policy till the last day!
Phong Nha Rustic Home
Want a more unique experience? The interior of Phong Nha Rustic Home creates a real rustic feel which makes you feel one with nature. It's located outside the city center, but you can use their free-bicycle rental to explore the National Parks or get to the center. Rooms start from €22.
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