Phong Nha Cave, nestled within Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, is one of Vietnam’s most prominent natural wonders, attracting visitors with its majestic and mysterious beauty. Formed over millions of years by limestone erosion, this cave system, with Phong Nha Cave at its heart, possesses unique geological, geomorphological, and ecological values, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Exploring Phong Nha Cave is not just a simple sightseeing trip, but a journey to experience the miraculous beauty of nature, immerse yourself in a mysterious space, and learn about the history and unique culture of this land.
Journey to the Miraculous Underground
The Phong Nha Cave discovery trip usually starts from the boat wharf on the Son River. Visitors will experience a 30-40 minute boat ride, drifting along the clear blue river, winding between majestic limestone mountains. This is a wonderful opportunity to admire the pristine, poetic beauty of this land before entering the mysterious cave. The entrance of Phong Nha Cave, over 10m high and 20 to 25m wide, is like an inviting call, opening up a magical world inside.
Entrance of Phong Nha Cave, Quang Binh, Vietnam, leading to a magical underground world
With a total length of nearly 8km, Phong Nha Cave is divided into two main sections: the dry cave and the water cave. The temperature inside the cave always stays around 19 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant, cool feeling, especially on hot summer days. On the exploration journey, visitors will admire nature’s masterpieces: stalactites and stalagmites in countless shapes and forms, stimulating the imagination. From the shapes of legendary animals like lions and unicorns, to magnificent images like palaces, thrones, or Buddha statues, all are created by the talented hand of nature.
Highlights Inside Phong Nha Cave
During the Phong Nha Cave tour, visitors cannot miss the outstanding grottoes, each with its own unique beauty:
- Fairy Cave (Hang Co Tien): Famous for its golden, soft stalactites like the hair of a fairy in legends, bringing a shimmering, magical beauty.
- Royal Palace Cave (Hang Cung Dinh): The stalactites here are shaped like majestic thrones, showing the sophistication and fantasy of nature.
- Bi Ky Cave: Not only beautiful, Bi Ky Cave also preserves traces of the ancient Champa people, proving the long history and connection between humans and nature here. This is an ideal destination for those who love exploring history and culture.
In addition, the legendary stories about King Ham Nghi and the treasure believed to be hidden in Phong Nha Cave further enhance the mystery and attractiveness of this location, stimulating the curiosity of visitors.
Seven “Most” Wonders of Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is not only famous for its beauty but also known for many world records, affirming its unique position:
- Longest water cave (28km): Vom Cave – the longest water cave in Vietnam, stretching 28km, is one of the important highlights of this cave system. Exploring Vom Cave, visitors will experience a sense of adventure and thrill, admiring the pristine, wild beauty of nature.
- Highest and widest cave entrance: With a height of 10m and a width of 20-25m, the entrance of Phong Nha Cave stands tall and majestic like a giant archway leading into a mysterious inner world.
- Unique sandbank and underground rock bank: The rocks in Phong Nha Cave with bizarre and unique shapes like lions, unicorns, Buddha statues, or palaces, create a magical space, attracting visitors.
- Mysterious blue underground lake: The underground lake in Phong Nha Cave has a length of up to 13,969m, with a mysterious, magical blue color. Boating on the lake, visitors will immerse themselves in a quiet space, admiring the miraculous beauty of the underground.
- Unique and diverse stalactite system: The stalactites and stalagmites in countless shapes and forms create a wonderful natural painting, shimmering with magical beauty.
- Longest underground river in Vietnam (1,500m): Exploring the 1,500m long underground river is an unforgettable experience, visitors will admire the miraculous beauty of the clear blue water, reflecting the shimmering light from the stalactites.
- Widest and most beautiful dry cave (Paradise Cave): Paradise Cave with a length of 31.4km, is the widest and most beautiful dry cave in the system, offering visitors a majestic and magnificent landscape.
Entrance of Phong Nha Cave, Quang Binh, Vietnam, leading to a magical underground world
Tips for Your Exploration Journey
To have a complete and memorable trip, please note a few points below:
- Ideal time: The dry season (April – August) is the ideal time to visit Phong Nha Cave, with favorable weather for travel and exploration.
- Ticket price: Entrance fees to Phong Nha Cave and boat service fees may vary, so contact travel service providers to get updated information.
- Local cuisine: Don’t forget to enjoy Quang Binh specialties, such as grilled eel from the Son River, for wonderful culinary experiences.
- Transportation: From Dong Hoi city, visitors can easily travel to Phong Nha Cave by motorbike or car following directions.
Phong Nha Cave is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a priceless natural heritage, which needs to be protected and preserved. Let’s explore and experience this miraculous beauty together, leaving beautiful imprints and the responsibility to protect the environment. Plan your Phong Nha Cave exploration journey today!