Welcome to Paradise Cave, a hidden gem nestled in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh. More than just a magnificent natural wonder, Paradise Cave is a captivating journey of discovery, where light and shadow intertwine to create a surreal underground world. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to unveil the secrets of Asia’s longest dry cave and prepare for your unforgettable adventure!
The Overwhelming Beauty of Paradise Cave: More Than Just a Wonder
Paradise Cave, dubbed the “underground palace,” is truly a masterpiece of creation. Discovered accidentally in 2005 by a local resident and subsequently surveyed by British Royal cave experts, Paradise Cave quickly became a highlight on Vietnam’s tourism map. Officially opened to visitors in 2010, this cave has continuously captivated travelers with its pristine, majestic beauty and unique geological formations dating back millions of years.
Entrance to Paradise Cave hidden under green forest canopy
Nestled in the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh, Paradise Cave boasts a prime location, close to other famous tourist attractions such as Mooc Spring and Chay River – Dark Cave. To reach the cave entrance, you will embark on an exciting trekking journey under the green canopy of the primeval forest, passing winding stone steps, before entering the magical world of the cave.
With an impressive length of up to 31.4km, a width ranging from 30m to 100m, and an average height of 60m to 80m, Paradise Cave deserves the title of the longest dry cave in Asia. The cave entrance may be small and narrow, just enough for one person to descend, but upon entering, you will be completely overwhelmed by the vast, airy space with countless magical stalactites, towering cave ceilings, and unique limestone formations sculpted over millions of years.
Ideal Time to Explore Paradise Cave: Avoid Rain and Storms, Enjoy to the Fullest
Quang Binh has a transitional climate between the North and South of Vietnam, divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from September to March of the following year, characterized by prolonged rains and high humidity. The dry season is from April to August, with dry, hot weather, especially intense in June, July, and August.
Tourists exploring Paradise Cave during the dry season
For a complete and most comfortable Paradise Cave exploration trip, the ideal time to visit is in April and May. At this time, the weather in Quang Binh is very pleasant, cool, not rainy, and not too hot, very suitable for sightseeing and exploring outdoors and in caves. Avoid going in the rainy season, especially in September, October, and November, as the weather may affect your journey.
Directions to Paradise Cave: Convenient and Easy
To begin your journey to explore Paradise Cave, you first need to get to Dong Hoi city, the tourist center of Quang Binh.
Getting to Dong Hoi City
- By plane: This is the fastest and most convenient means of transport, especially if you are departing from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) has domestic flights from major cities. You can check airfares and book flights to Dong Hoi from reputable airlines.
- By train: Train is an interesting option to enjoy the scenery along the way. Dong Hoi Railway Station is a major station on the North-South railway line, with many trains stopping daily.
- By bus: Sleeper buses are a popular and cost-effective means of transport. Many bus operators run routes from Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi.
From Dong Hoi to Paradise Cave
From the city center of Dong Hoi, you can easily get to Paradise Cave by various means:
- Rent a self-drive or chauffeur-driven car: This is a comfortable and proactive option, suitable for large groups or families. The distance from Dong Hoi to Paradise Cave is about 70km, traveling along the Ho Chi Minh Road takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Rent a motorbike: If you are someone who likes freedom and is in good health, renting a motorbike is a great option. You can ride and admire the majestic natural scenery along the way.
- Taxi: Taxis are a convenient means of transport, suitable for small groups or solo travelers. However, taxi costs will be higher than other means of transport.
- Bus: There is a public bus route from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, you can take this bus and get off at the stop near Paradise Cave, then take a motorbike taxi or taxi to get in.
Preparing for Your Paradise Cave Exploration: Fully Equipped and Comfortable
To ensure your Paradise Cave exploration trip is smooth and complete, you need to prepare fully and appropriately:
- Clothing: You should choose comfortable, loose, sweat-absorbent, and easy-to-move clothing. Prioritize long pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid insects and scratches.
- Footwear: Sports shoes or hiking shoes are the best choice, helping you move easily on stairs and uneven terrain in the cave.
- Personal items: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, face towel, dry hand sanitizer, wet wipes.
- Flashlight: Although the lighting system in the cave is quite good, a small flashlight will be useful for you to explore deeper corners and see stalactites up close.
- Drinking water and snacks: Bring enough drinking water and some snacks such as bread, fruit, and snacks to replenish energy during the tour.
- Cash and personal papers: Bring enough cash to cover arising costs and personal papers to complete procedures when necessary.
- Camera or phone: Don’t forget to bring a camera or phone to record the beautiful moments in Paradise Cave.
What Makes Paradise Cave Attractive: Exploring the “Fairyland” Beauty
Paradise Cave is not just simply a cave, but a combination of unique and impressive experiences, taking you from one surprise to another:
Conquering the Winding Wooden Staircase
To go deep inside the cave, you will walk on a 1000m long wooden staircase system, winding along the cliff, following the flow of the underground stream. The wooden staircase is delicately designed, harmonizing with the natural landscape, both protecting the environment and creating a safe and convenient path for visitors.
Paradise Cave tourism: Walking on wooden stairs to explore a wonderland
Marveling at the Magnificent Stalactite System
The most special highlight of Paradise Cave is its extremely diverse and magnificent stalactite and stalagmite system. Through millions of years of geological formation, nature has bestowed upon this place limestone masterpieces of all shapes, sizes, and colors. From giant stalactite columns standing like ancient castles, to small, exquisite stalagmites like artistic sculptures, all create a vivid and mesmerizing natural picture.
You will be amazed by the stalactite formations named according to human imagination such as: Thach Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Stalactite), Dai Sanh Duong (Great Hall), Vuon Dia Dang (Garden of Eden), Thap Lien Hoa (Lotus Tower)… Each stalactite formation has its own beauty, stimulating the exploration and curiosity of visitors.
Admiring the Unique Natural Skylights
Another special feature of Paradise Cave is its natural skylight system. These skylights are holes in the cave ceiling, where sunlight shines down, creating shimmering, magical streaks of light. Skylights not only bring natural light to the cave but also create a harmony between the space above and below, between sky and earth, carrying deep spiritual meaning.
Exploring the Mysterious Underground Stream
Hidden deep beneath Paradise Cave is a system of clear, cool underground streams. Visitors can experience kayaking on the underground stream to explore deeper areas of the cave, enjoying a feeling of relaxation and peace in the quiet space of the underground.
Paradise Cave Entrance Fee (Updated 2024)
- Adults: 250,000 VND/ticket
- Children (height from 1.1m to 1.3m): 125,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1.1m: Free
- Electric car (optional):
- 4-seater car: 60,000 VND/trip (one way), 100,000 VND/trip (round trip)
- 6-seater car: 90,000 VND/trip (one way), 150,000 VND/trip (round trip)
- 8-seater car: 200,000 VND/trip
- 14-seater car: 350,000 VND/trip
Accommodation and Dining Near Paradise Cave: Experience Local Culture
Accommodation
Quang Binh offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly homestays, suitable for all needs and budgets:
- Dong Hoi City: Concentrated with many large hotels, high-class resorts such as Vinpearl Quang Binh, Muong Thanh Luxury Nhat Le Hotel, Dolphin Home Hotel…
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang area: Homestays, eco-resorts close to nature such as Phong Nha Eco Resort, Phong Nha Coco House, Pepperhouse Homestay…
Phong Nha Eco Resort: Eco-friendly accommodation option
Dining
When you come to Quang Binh, you cannot miss the delicious local specialties:
- Grilled chicken, hill chicken: Enjoy free-range chicken grilled over charcoal, irresistibly delicious.
- River shrimp, stream fish: Fresh seafood dishes prepared in local style.
- Forest vegetables: Discover the unique flavors of forest vegetables only found in Quang Binh.
- Chicken platter, pork platter: Ideal choices for large groups, enjoying a variety of delicious dishes in one platter.
Luxurious Vinpearl Quang Binh Hotel
Souvenir Shopping: Bringing the Flavors of Quang Binh Home
After exploring Paradise Cave, don’t forget to choose Quang Binh specialties as gifts for relatives and friends:
- Chewy sweet potato: Famous specialty with natural sweet and buttery taste, characteristic chewiness.
- Dried seafood: Dried squid, dried fish, dried shrimp… fresh and delicious, rich in the flavor of the sea.
- Shrimp paste (Mắm ruốc): Quang Binh shrimp paste is famous for its rich, delicious flavor, used for dipping or cooking dishes.
Quang Binh chewy sweet potato: A meaningful local specialty gift
Important Notes When Exploring Paradise Cave
- Health: The Paradise Cave exploration tour is suitable for all ages, however, if you have heart or blood pressure problems, you should consider before participating.
- Age: Children under 16 years old should be accompanied by an adult.
- Clothing: You should wear modest and polite clothing when visiting spiritual tourist sites.
- Environmental awareness: Do not litter indiscriminately, maintain general hygiene in the tourist area.
- Safety: Follow the instructions of the tourist area staff, ensure safety during the tour.
Paradise Cave is not just a simple tourist destination, but a journey to discover the magical beauty of nature, a unique cultural experience, and an unforgettable memory in the heart of every visitor. Come and feel the real “fairyland” beauty right in Quang Binh, Vietnam!
If you need more information or assistance booking air tickets or tours, do not hesitate to contact “Du lịch khắp thế gian” via hotline 1900.1796. Wishing you a fulfilling and meaningful Paradise Cave exploration trip!