Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most captivating travel destinations. Renowned for its magnificent cave systems and majestic landscapes, it also boasts unspoiled natural beauty, biodiversity, and unique cultural and historical values. If you’re seeking a journey to explore nature and experience new adventures, Phong Nha National Park is the perfect choice.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park: The Emerald of Vietnam Tourism
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, located in Quang Binh province, North Central Vietnam, was established in 2001 and recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site in 2003 and 2015. Covering a vast area of nearly 123,262 hectares in the core zone and a 171,952-hectare buffer zone, this national park is an invaluable treasure trove of nature, holding many wonders and mysteries waiting for visitors to explore.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang is famous for its complex and diverse limestone cave system, often referred to as the “kingdom of caves.” To date, scientists have surveyed and discovered over 400 caves, large and small, including world-renowned caves such as Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Son Doong Cave, and En Cave. Each cave possesses a unique beauty, with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites sculpted over millions of years.
Beyond caves, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is also a biodiversity hotspot, preserving a characteristic closed evergreen forest ecosystem on limestone mountains. It is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are listed in the Vietnam and World Red Books of endangered species. Visitors can immerse themselves in wild nature, explore primeval forests, and admire the beauty of unique flora and fauna.
Introduction to Phong Nha Ke Bang
Introduction to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (@bea_adventurous_)
Ideal Time to Visit Phong Nha National Park
The weather in Quang Binh is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season (from September to March of the following year) and the dry season (from April to August). For a complete trip to Phong Nha National Park, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to September. At this time, the weather is sunny and dry, with little rain, favorable for sightseeing, cave exploration, trekking, and other outdoor activities.
From March to May: The weather is cool and pleasant, not too hot, perfect for exploring caves and visiting eco-tourism sites.
From June to August: The weather is hot and sunny, but this is also summertime, ideal for water-based activities such as swimming in streams and kayaking. However, you should be well-prepared with sun protection when traveling during this time.
Rainy season (from September to March of the following year): The weather can be rainy, making it difficult to travel and sightsee, especially for water cave exploration. However, the rainy season also has its own beauty with greener landscapes and more majestic waterfalls. If you prefer tranquility and don’t mind the humid weather, the rainy season is also an option for visiting Phong Nha.
Ideal time to explore Phong Nha – Ke Bang is from April to late August
Ideal time to explore Phong Nha – Ke Bang is from April to late August (@ngockii)
Must-Visit Destinations in Phong Nha National Park
Phong Nha Cave – “The First Wonder Cave Under the Southern Sky”
Phong Nha Cave is one of the iconic tourist attractions of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, dubbed “The First Wonder Cave Under the Southern Sky.” The cave is located deep within a limestone mountain, with its entrance opening onto the clear blue Son River. To explore Phong Nha Cave, visitors will take a boat upstream on the Son River, weaving through majestic limestone mountains.
Phong Nha Cave impresses with the magical beauty of its magnificent stalactite system, formed over millions of years. Inside, the cave is divided into many large and small branches, each with its own unique beauty. Visitors will admire Bi Ky Cave, Fairy Cave, Royal Cave, and more, with uniquely shaped stalactites, likened to sculpted artworks of nature.
Entrance fees:
- Peak season (April – September): 150,000 VND/adult, children free.
- Off-peak season: 120,000 VND/adult, children free.
- Sightseeing boat: 550,000 VND/boat (12 seats).
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave (@thomaschuphoto)
Paradise Cave – “Underground Palace”
Paradise Cave was discovered in 2005 and quickly became a popular destination in Phong Nha National Park. The cave is known as the “underground palace” due to the magnificent and splendid beauty of its stalactite and stalagmite system. Paradise Cave is the longest dry cave in Asia, with a length of over 31km.
To reach the cave entrance, visitors will walk or take an electric car through a forest path, then climb about 500 stone steps. Inside the cave, a wooden staircase system is built to help visitors easily move and admire the beauty of the cave. Paradise Cave has a large, airy space, with magnificent stalactites of various shapes, illuminated by LED lighting, creating a shimmering and magical scene.
Entrance fees:
- Peak season (April – September): 250,000 VND/adult, 125,000 VND/child.
- Off-peak season: 200,000 VND/adult, 100,000 VND/child.
Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave (@dkadoption)
Botanical Garden – Explore Diverse Ecosystems
The Botanical Garden is a large nature reserve located within Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. This is an ideal place for visitors to explore diverse primeval forest ecosystems and admire the beauty of rare flora and fauna.
The Botanical Garden has many trekking routes suitable for various types of visitors. You can choose short walking routes to visit Gio Waterfall, Vang Anh Lake, the seedling nursery, the precious tree planting area, the animal release area, and more. Or challenge yourself with longer trekking routes to explore deeper into the primeval forest.
Entrance fee: 40,000 VND/adult and 20,000 VND/child from 1.1m tall.
Botanical Garden is a must-visit place when exploring Phong Nha – Ke Bang
Botanical Garden is a must-visit place when exploring Phong Nha – Ke Bang (@centralvietnamguide)
Ozo Park – Experience Fun and Entertainment Activities
Ozo Park is a newly nổi destination in Phong Nha National Park, attracting visitors with its diverse entertainment activities, especially its unique treetop adventure course system. The park is located in the middle of a primeval forest, with a green and fresh space.
At Ozo Park, visitors can participate in activities such as walking on wooden bridges in the forest, ziplining, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming in the cool Ozo stream. In particular, the zipline adventure in the air, crossing through dense forest canopies, provides thrilling and exciting experiences.
Entrance fees:
- Package 1: (sightseeing + treetop and water games + mountain biking): 200,000 VND/adult and 100,000 VND/child from 1m tall.
- Package 2: (Package 1 + challenge of kayaking 999m down Ozo stream within 1 hour + park shuttle): 450,000 VND/person (only for people over 1.4m tall).
Ozo Park
Ozo Park (@hello.qb)
Mooc Spring Eco-Tourism Area – Immerse Yourself in Fresh Nature
Mooc Spring Eco-Tourism Area is an ideal destination for visitors to immerse themselves in fresh and cool nature. Mooc Spring is located in a green valley, surrounded by majestic limestone mountains.
At Mooc Spring, visitors can participate in activities such as swimming in the spring, kayaking, fishing, and ziplining. The spring water here is crystal clear and cool, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. In addition, Mooc Spring also has beautiful natural scenery, with murmuring streams and shady green trees, creating a relaxing and peaceful space.
Entrance fees:
- Entrance ticket: 65,000 VND/adult and 35,000 VND/child over 1.1m tall.
- Package ticket: (including entertainment activities): 110,000 VND/adult and 70,000 VND/child over 1.1m tall.
Mooc Spring Eco-Tourism Area
Mooc Spring Eco-Tourism Area (@macanhh)
Unique Cuisine When Traveling to Phong Nha National Park
Traveling to Phong Nha National Park is not only about exploring nature but also an opportunity to enjoy the culinary specialties of Quang Binh province. Phong Nha cuisine has a strong Central Vietnamese flavor, with rustic, delicious, and unique dishes.
Banh Bot Loc – The Taste of Homeland
Banh Bot Loc (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings) is a famous specialty of Quang Binh, loved by many tourists. The dumplings are made from fresh tapioca flour, filled with shrimp, pork, wood ear mushrooms, or green beans. Banh Bot Loc in Quang Binh has a distinctive flavor, different from Banh Bot Loc in Hue or other regions.
There are many types, such as leaf-wrapped dumplings, open-faced dumplings served with bamboo shoots, and crispy fried dumplings. Each type offers a unique flavor, but they all share the common feature of being delicious, rich, and unforgettable.
Grilled Chicken with Salted Cheo – Rustic Deliciousness
Grilled Chicken with Salted Cheo is a familiar dish in Phong Nha, prepared simply but very appealing. The chicken chosen is free-range chicken, with firm and flavorful meat. The chicken is grilled over charcoal until golden brown, with crispy skin and tender, sweet meat.
The highlight of this dish is salted cheo, a distinctive dipping spice of Quang Binh. Salted cheo is made from basil, lime leaves, green peppercorns, green chilies, and fine salt, all pounded together. Grilled chicken dipped in salted cheo, served with hot sticky rice, is a perfect combination.
Grilled chicken with salted cheo
Grilled chicken with salted cheo (@duyen_legend)
Chat Chat Xuc Banh Trang – The Taste of the Sea
Chat Chat (small clams) is a small seafood found in the brackish waters of Quang Binh. Chat Chat is processed into many delicious dishes, the most famous of which is Chat Chat Xuc Banh Trang (stir-fried clams with rice crackers).
Chat Chat, after being caught, is washed, boiled, and the meat is extracted. The clam meat is stir-fried with onions and spices, served with crispy grilled rice crackers. The dish has the spiciness of chili, the crispiness of rice crackers, and the richness of clam meat, creating a unique and irresistible flavor.
You can enjoy these specialties at restaurants in the Phong Nha area such as:
- Tuan Ngoc Restaurant: Xuan Tien, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh.
- Bo Song Restaurant: Located in the main street area of the National Park.
- A Vietnam Corner Restaurant: Located right in the tourist area of the National Park.
Important Notes When Traveling to Phong Nha National Park
- Clothing: Choose comfortable, cool, and easy-to-move clothing. Sports shoes or hiking shoes are suitable choices for walking and trekking.
- Personal items: Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses. If participating in water activities, bring swimwear and a towel.
- Safety: When participating in water activities, always wear a life jacket and follow the safety regulations of the amusement area.
- Electronics: Fully charge your phone and camera batteries and bring a waterproof bag to protect your devices when visiting caves or participating in water activities.
- Environmental protection: Do not litter, maintain general hygiene, and protect the natural landscape.
Traveling to Phong Nha National Park is a journey to discover magnificent nature, experience new things, and enjoy unique cuisine. Plan your trip today to explore the hidden beauty of this emerald of Vietnam tourism!