Why to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a stunning addition to Quang Binh Province in Vietnam. Characterised by broad karst landscapes, the park displays breathtaking limestone caves alongside underground watercourses and abundant forest regions. The attraction of Phong Nha Ke Bang extends from its adventurous offerings through its stunning biodiversity and rich cultural elements, which makes it essential for visitors who love nature.
What’s Special About Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- World-Class Caves: Visitors will find two remarkable caves in this park - the world's largest Son Doong Cave alongside Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave.
- Diverse Ecosystem: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park protects rare species and serves as a vital wildlife refuge, including both the Ha Tinh langur and the Asian black bear.
- Karst Landscapes: The limestone karst formations at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park maintain their status as Asia's oldest geological wonders after 400 million years.
- Cultural Significance: The park features cultural settlements which showcase untouched ethnic traditions while showing the daily existence of nearby communities.
Things to Do at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Explore the Caves: The national park offers two cave tours where visitors can experience the boats through Phong Nha Cave and explore Paradise Cave to see its stunning stalactite features.
- Trek the Jungle: The dense forest routes serve as a starting point for travellers to see the Nuoc Mooc Eco Trail and mystery caves along their way.
- Zipline Adventures: Adrenaline junkies can experience maximum excitement through their ziplining activities above river surfaces and inside Dark Cave.
- Kayak the Rivers: As you move with your paddle boat down both Son and Chay Rivers, you can enjoy the serene natural scenery with its limestone cliffs as the backdrop.
- Visit Local Villages: Join ethnic minority communities to gain insights about their culture and traditions while learning about local cooking and artistic handiwork.
Unknown Facts About Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Son Doong Cave is large enough to create its natural ecosystem that harbours forest and river systems.
- More than 300 caves exist in the park, but many remain undiscovered by human explorers.
- During the Vietnam War, the Phong Nha Cave hosted soldiers who used the cave for both medical care and secret operations.
- The park supports many plant species, together with several species of vertebrates.
- It is believed that the karst landscape formed more than 400 million years ago, making it one of the world's primary ancient formations.
Entry Fee
- General Admission: Visit fees at the park range between 150,000 Vietnamese Dong and 250,000 Vietnamese Dong based on visitor activities.
- Cave Tours: Visitors can expect to pay between 150,000 VND for Phong Nha Cave entry and higher costs for guided tours of the caves Son Doong and Paradise.
Timings
Regular operating hours at most park sites stretch from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
Average Duration to Explore
- 1 to 2 Days: A typical visit involving cave exploration and jungle trekking requires one to two days.
- 3 to 5 Days: For a more in-depth exploration of the park's extensive attractions.
Distance from Key Locations
- From Dong Hoi City: 45 km (approximately 1 hour by car).
- From Dong Hoi Airport: 50 km (approximately 1.5 hours by car).
- From Hue: 210 km (approximately 4 hours by car).
Nearby Tourist Spots
- Paradise Cave (8 km): A dry cave with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
- Dark Cave (15 km): This attraction site offers its famous mud baths and unique adventure ziplining attractions.
- Nuoc Mooc Eco Trail (10 km): A scenic trail through lush jungle and crystal-clear streams.
- Botanic Garden (12 km): A biodiversity hotspot with nature trails and waterfalls.
- Phong Nha Village (0 km): Visitors can enjoy village accommodations, characteristic dining experiences and natural riverbank calmness at the park entrance.
