Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This park boasts majestic and pristine mountains, magnificent caves, and a rich biodiversity with unique flora and fauna. If you’re looking for an authentic nature exploration, come to Quang Binh and immerse yourself in the endless beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a must-visit destination when traveling to Quang Binh. Spanning nearly 200,000 hectares, this national park holds countless wonders, from spectacular limestone cave systems and mysterious underground rivers to lush primeval forests. To have a complete and memorable exploration of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) equip you with detailed and useful travel tips below:
1. Overview of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh province, about 50km northwest of Dong Hoi city center. The name “Phong Nha – Ke Bang” is derived from Phong Nha Cave and the Ke Bang limestone mountain range. It was established to conserve the diverse and unique ecosystem and the special geological and geomorphological values.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is one of the largest nature reserves in Vietnam and the world, stretching across several districts of Quang Binh province. This national park is part of a vast limestone massif extending from the Vietnam-Laos border to the East Sea. Over millions of years of geological formation, Phong Nha-Ke Bang has formed a complex and magnificent cave system, considered a “kingdom of caves” underground.
Besides its famous cave system, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is also home to many rare and precious species of flora and fauna, of high scientific and conservation value. The national park is a habitat for hundreds of species of higher plants, dozens of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and many endemic invertebrate species. Coming to Phong Nha-Ke Bang, you will immerse yourself in pristine nature and discover the wonders bestowed by creation.
Overview of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
2. Ideal Time to Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Quang Binh is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, influenced by both the Northeast and Southwest monsoons. The weather here is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. To have a favorable and complete trip to Phong Nha-Ke Bang, you should choose the appropriate time.
Dry season (from March to September): This is the best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang. The weather is dry and sunny with little rain, which is ideal for sightseeing, cave exploration, trekking, and other outdoor activities. Especially from April to August, it is summer in Central Vietnam, the weather is hot but it is a great time to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang because the Son River water is clear and blue, suitable for boating and swimming in streams.
Rainy season (from October to February of the following year): The rainy season in Quang Binh usually lasts from October to February of the following year. The weather at this time is often rainy, humid, and sometimes there are storms and floods. Visiting and exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang in the rainy season can be difficult and limited. However, if you want to experience a more peaceful and deserted Phong Nha-Ke Bang and don’t mind the humid weather, the rainy season can also be an option. It is necessary to follow the weather forecast before going to ensure safety.
3. Transportation to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
To get to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, you first need to travel to Quang Binh, and then continue your journey to Phong Nha.
3.1. Getting to Quang Binh
Quang Binh has Dong Hoi Airport, Dong Hoi Railway Station, and a developed road system, making it easy to get here from many other provinces and cities.
By Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Quang Binh, especially if you are traveling from major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways all have flights to Dong Hoi Airport. The flight time from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is about 1 – 1.5 hours.
By Train
Train is an interesting and cost-effective option to travel to Quang Binh. Dong Hoi Railway Station is located on the North-South railway line, with many trains stopping here daily. The train journey from Hanoi to Dong Hoi takes about 10-12 hours, from Da Nang about 4-5 hours, and from Ho Chi Minh City about 24-28 hours.
By Bus
Bus is a popular and economical means of transportation to Quang Binh. There are many high-quality bus companies operating routes to Quang Binh from Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Vinh, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces and cities. You can easily find sleeper buses or limousine buses with various departure times.
Bus travel to Phong Nha Ke Bang offering scenic roadside views
Bus journeys to Phong Nha-Ke Bang offer chances to admire the beautiful scenery along the way.
3.2. Getting from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
From Dong Hoi city, you can choose the following means of transport to reach Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park:
Public Bus
Public bus route B4 is the most economical way to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. Bus B4 runs from Dong Hoi city center to Phong Nha, with a frequency of about 30-60 minutes/trip. The bus fare is about VND 35,000/person/trip. However, buses can be crowded during peak season and are not suitable if you are carrying a lot of luggage.
Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om), Taxi
Motorbike taxis and taxis are faster and more convenient means of transport than buses. You can easily catch a motorbike taxi or taxi in the airport area, train station, bus station, or Dong Hoi city center. Motorbike taxi fares are about VND 200,000 – 250,000/trip, taxi fares are about VND 300,000 – 350,000/trip. Negotiate the price before going to avoid being overcharged.
Motorbike, Car Rental (Self-driving)
Renting a motorbike or self-driving car is an ideal option for those who want to freely explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang and the surrounding areas. There are many motorbike and car rental locations in Dong Hoi at affordable prices. Motorbike rental prices are about VND 150,000 – 200,000/day, self-driving car rental prices start from VND 500,000/day depending on the type of car. Remember to bring all vehicle documents and appropriate driving license.
4. Accommodation when traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and high-end resorts to budget guesthouses and cozy homestays. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose suitable accommodation.
4.1. Hotels, Resorts near Phong Nha-Ke Bang
If you want to enjoy a quiet space, close to nature and convenient to visit tourist attractions in the national park, hotels and resorts near Phong Nha-Ke Bang are a great choice. The Phong Nha area has many beautiful resorts, hotels, and bungalows located along the Son River or nestled in lush green gardens.
Some suggested hotels and resorts near Phong Nha-Ke Bang:
- Son Doong Riverside: 4-star resort with green space and romantic Son River view.
- Phong Nha Farmstay: Peaceful countryside-style homestay, with a swimming pool and restaurant serving local dishes.
- Victory Road Villas: High-end resort with private villas, swimming pool, and spa.
- Carambola Bungalow: Charming bungalows with nature-friendly design, affordable prices.
- Phong Nha Coco Riverside: Cozy hotel with Son River view, friendly service.
Hotel near Phong Nha Ke Bang
Green and peaceful space at a hotel near Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
4.2. Hotels in Dong Hoi City
If you want to combine visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang with exploring Dong Hoi city and nearby tourist attractions, staying in Dong Hoi is a reasonable option. Dong Hoi has many hotels from budget to luxury, guesthouses, and homestays at affordable prices.
Some suggested hotels in Dong Hoi:
- Vinpearl Quang Binh: Luxurious 5-star hotel of international standard with many high-class amenities and services.
- Riverside Hotel – Quang Binh: 4-star hotel located by the Nhat Le River, beautiful view, good service.
- Muong Thanh Holiday Quang Binh Hotel: 4-star hotel with central location, modern facilities.
- Hoa Binh Hotel: Affordable 3-star hotel, convenient location.
- Sun Spa Resort & Villa: Luxurious 5-star resort by Nhat Le beach, suitable for relaxation.
5. Famous Tourist Attractions in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a tourist “paradise” with countless attractive destinations, from magnificent caves and clear streams to pristine primeval forests.
5.1. Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave, known as “The First Cave of the Southern Realm”, is a tourism symbol of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. To enter Phong Nha Cave, you will take a boat along the Son River, admiring the majestic mountains on both banks. The entrance to Phong Nha Cave is vast, opening up a magical world underground.
Phong Nha Cave is famous for the magnificent beauty of its stalactite and stalagmite system formed over millions of years. The cave has many branches, each with its own unique beauty. The water cave is the main branch, the longest, with a gentle underground river flowing. The dry cave is located above, with many unique stalactite formations. Exploring Phong Nha Cave by boat is an unmissable experience when coming to Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Phong Nha Cave entrance fees:
- Peak season (April – September): VND 150,000/adult, children free.
- Off-peak season: VND 120,000/adult, children free.
- Boat rental: VND 550,000/boat (maximum 12 people).
Phong Nha Cave interior with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites
The mystical beauty of Phong Nha Cave with shimmering stalactites.
5.2. Paradise Cave (Động Thiên Đường)
Paradise Cave, discovered in 2005, quickly became one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Paradise Cave is known as the “underground palace” with its magnificent and majestic beauty. This is the longest dry cave in Asia, with a total length of over 31km.
To reach Paradise Cave, you need to walk or take an electric car for about 2km from the entrance, then climb about 500 stone steps to reach the cave entrance. Inside the cave, a wooden staircase system helps visitors easily move and admire the beauty of the cave. Paradise Cave has a large, airy space, with a diverse stalactite system, unique shapes, illuminated by a modern LED lighting system, creating a shimmering and magical scene.
Paradise Cave entrance fees:
- Peak season (April – September): VND 250,000/adult, VND 125,000/child.
- Off-peak season: VND 200,000/adult, VND 100,000/child.
Explore the magnificent and majestic beauty inside Paradise Cave.
5.3. Phong Nha-Ke Bang Botanical Garden
Phong Nha-Ke Bang Botanical Garden is a large primeval forest, covering an area of over 40ha, where typical plant species of the national park are conserved and displayed. Coming to the botanical garden, you will immerse yourself in green nature, explore the diverse ecosystem, and admire the beauty of rare plant species.
The botanical garden has many walking routes, leading you to attractive attractions such as Gio Waterfall, Vang Anh Lake, seedling nursery, and wildlife conservation area. This is an ideal destination for those who love trekking, exploring nature, and want to learn about the Phong Nha-Ke Bang ecosystem.
Botanical Garden entrance fee: VND 40,000/adult, VND 20,000/child (from 1.1m tall).
Botanical Garden in Phong Nha Ke Bang showcasing diverse plant life
Immerse yourself in the green space and biodiversity at Phong Nha-Ke Bang Botanical Garden.
5.4. Ozo Park
Ozo Park is a new destination in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, offering unique entertainment and recreational experiences in pristine nature. Ozo Park is famous for having the largest treetop adventure course system in Vietnam, with many different levels of challenges, suitable for both adults and children.
In addition to treetop games, Ozo Park also has many other interesting activities such as walking on wooden bridges through the forest, swimming in the cool Ozo stream, kayaking, SUP, and especially the 999m waterfall kayaking challenge. Ozo Park is an ideal destination for those who love adventure, want to explore nature, and experience thrilling games.
Ozo Park entrance fees:
- Package 1: VND 200,000/adult, VND 100,000/child (from 1m tall).
- Package 2: VND 450,000/person (only for people from 1.4m tall).
Experience adventurous and unique games at Ozo Park amidst the green forest of Phong Nha.
5.5. Nuoc Mooc Stream Ecotourism Area (Suối Nước Moọc)
Nuoc Mooc Stream (Suối Nước Moọc) is an attractive ecotourism destination in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, located in a green valley on the banks of the Chay River. Nuoc Mooc Stream is famous for its jade-green stream, originating from the heart of the limestone mountain, flowing murmuringly all year round.
Coming to Nuoc Mooc Stream, you will immerse yourself in beautiful nature, participate in water entertainment activities such as swimming in the stream, kayaking, ziplining, and adventurous cliff jumping. Nuoc Mooc Stream is an ideal destination to relax, cool off, and enjoy the fresh air of Phong Nha mountains and forests.
Nuoc Mooc Stream entrance fees:
- Entrance ticket: VND 80,000/adult, VND 40,000/child (from 1.1m tall).
- Package ticket (including entertainment activities): VND 180,000/adult, VND 100,000/child (from 1.1m tall).
Nuoc Mooc Stream in Phong Nha Ke Bang with clear turquoise water
Enjoy the clear and cool water at Nuoc Mooc Stream ecotourism area.
6. Unique Cuisine When Traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang is not only about exploring nature but also an opportunity for you to enjoy the unique local specialties of Quang Binh.
6.1. Banh Bot Loc (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)
Banh Bot Loc is a rustic and familiar dish of Quang Binh people. The dumplings are made from fresh tapioca flour, filled with shrimp, pork, wood ear mushrooms, or green beans. Quang Binh Banh Bot Loc has many types such as leaf-wrapped dumplings, unwrapped dumplings, and fried dumplings, each with its own flavor. Enjoying hot, chewy Banh Bot Loc with spicy chili fish sauce is an unforgettable culinary experience.
6.2. Grilled Chicken with Salt and Cheo Dip (Gà nướng muối cheo)
Grilled chicken with salt and cheo dip is a famous specialty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang. The chicken is selected from free-range chickens, with firm and fragrant meat. The chicken is grilled over charcoal until golden brown, crispy skin but still soft and sweet meat. The special point of this dish is cheo salt, a unique dipping salt of Quang Binh, made from basil, lime leaves, green peppercorns, green chili, and fine salt, all finely ground. Grilled chicken with cheo salt served with sticky rice is a perfect combination.
Delicious and appealing grilled chicken with salt and cheo dip, a Phong Nha-Ke Bang specialty.
6.3. Stir-fried Baby Clams with Rice Crackers (Chắt chắt xúc bánh tráng)
Chat Chat is a small bivalve mollusk, living in brackish water areas, abundant in Quang Binh. Chat Chat is processed into many delicious dishes, the most famous of which is Chat Chat served with rice crackers. Chat Chat is stir-fried to perfection, rich in flavor, served with crispy grilled rice crackers. The natural sweetness of Chat Chat, the spiciness of chili, the aroma of fried onions combined with crispy rice crackers create an attractive and irresistible dish.
Some good restaurants in Phong Nha-Ke Bang:
- Tuan Ngoc Restaurant
- Bo Song Restaurant
- A Vietnam Corner Restaurant
7. Notes When Traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
To have a safe and complete trip to Phong Nha-Ke Bang, you need to note a few things:
- Prepare clothing: Wear comfortable, lightweight, and sweat-absorbent clothing. Wear sports shoes or hiking shoes for easy movement and exploration.
- Personal items: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and necessary personal medications.
- Safety when participating in water activities: Always wear a life jacket when participating in water activities. Comply with safety regulations at the amusement park.
- Protect the environment: Do not litter indiscriminately, maintain general hygiene.
- Book services in advance: If traveling during peak season, book hotel rooms, air tickets, train tickets, bus tickets, and travel services in advance to ensure good prices and avoid running out of space.
- Weather: Follow the weather forecast before going to proactively prepare and plan accordingly.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a wonderful tourist destination where you can explore the magnificent beauty of nature, experience exciting activities, and enjoy unique cuisine. Plan your trip to Phong Nha-Ke Bang today to discover the wonders that this “kingdom of caves” has to offer!