Phong Nha, Vietnam
Phong Nha is nestled between lush green mountains and the deep blue Son River in Central Vietnam. This laidback village is the entry point for the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park, and the top Vietnam cave tour destination. Home to over 300 caves, including two of largest in the world, this is a perfect place for adventure seekers, photographers and leisure travelers alike.
What to do in Phong Nha: VIETNAM CAVE TOUR!
People go to Phong Nha for three reasons: caves, caves, and more caves! With so many to explore in the area surrounding Phong Nha, this place is truly a spelunker’s dream. If you’re looking for a Vietnam cave tour, here’s a few of the best:
SON DOONG: ADVANCED VIETNAM CAVE TOUR
First explored in 2009 and only opened to the public in 2013, Son Doong is the largest cave (by volume) on the entire planet. This cave is so big that a 747 could fly through some of the caverns. Inside you’ll find a jungle, clouds and even it’s own weather system. Fewer people have explored this cave than have stepped foot at the peak of Mt. Everest. Tours are limited, take five days, and run about $3000/person. Serious adventurers inquire within!
HANG EN: INTERMEDIATE VIETNAM CAVE TOUR
For adventurers with a bit less time and/or a smaller budget, Hang En could be a perfect fit. The beautiful hike through the river valleys of Phong Nha National Park and an overnight stay in this third largest cave in the world is nothing short of remarkable. Expect dozens of river crossings, a visit to a native village, camping on a sandy beach next to a turquoise lake INSIDE the cave, and lots of exploration. You can see in the video, we really had a ball!
PARADISE CAVE: NOVICE VIETNAM CAVE TOUR
Paradise Cave is by far the most visited in Phong Nha due to accessibility. A popular option is taking a boat ride upriver and into the cave’s mouth. Inside, the cave is illuminated and has paved paths and stairs. Paradise Cave is the perfect Vietnam cave tour for spelunkers of all ages.
Getting to Phong Nha:
FLY:
Our recommended option for getting to Phong Nha. Short, inexpensive flights to the nearest airport in Dong Hoi are available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. One-way tickets range between $30-$50 with our favorite flight search site, Skyscanner.
Dong Hoi Flight Deals
TRAIN:
Similar prices to flying, yet getting to Phong Nha takes exponentially longer. Only recommended for train lovers. The trip from Ho Chi Minh costs about $60 and takes 21 Hours. Coming from Hanoi? The $40 train ride takes about 11 Hours.
BUS:
Bus travel is a more affordable way for getting to Phong Nha, although increases travel time dramatically. If cost is key, a sleeping bus minimizes travel time while maximizing comfort. The sleeping bus from Hanoi costs 250,000 dong($12) and takes about 10 hrs, while the bus from Ho Chi Minh costs 800,000 dong($36) and takes 21 Hours.
Dong Hoi to Phong Nha
Planes, trains, and buses all arrive in the nearby city of Dong Hoi which is located about 27 miles from Phong Nha. How will you complete the journey to Phong Nha?
Bus
Look for blue signs that mark Dong Hoi bus stops that say: “Dong Hoi – Hoan Lao – Phong Nha”. Take the green and yellow B4 bus line to Phong Nha for 40,000 dong($1.75) in about 90 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are easy to find outside of the Dong Hoi Airport, as well as the train and bus stations. Expect to pay about 500,000dong($23) for the 45-minute ride to Phong Nha.
Private Transfer – **Recommended**
We recommend setting up a private transfer with your hotel or homestay. It costs just a bit more than a taxi, but there are no worries about communication or being overcharged. Expect to pay about 660,000 dong($30) for the 45-minute trip.
Motorbike/Scooter
As in most of Vietnam, the motorbike is a very popular form of travel. You can rent a motorbike in Dong Hoi for about 150,000dong($6.50). If you’re comfortable with the 45-minute ride with luggage, this is an affordable option that ensures transportation when you arrive in Phong Nha.
Getting around in Phong Nha
Walk
Walkscore.com gives Phong Nha a score of 14, calling it a “Car-Dependent.” Phong Nha is basically a small village that stretches along the Son River. However, stay near the Visitor’s Center and things become very walkable, with plenty of hostels, restaurants, and even an ATM!
Bicycle
Many of the homestays and hotels in Phong Nha have bicycles included or available for rent, making getting around in Phong Nha a breeze.
Where To Stay in Phong Nha:
Where To Stay in Phong Nha: HOTEL
There are a few small hotels in Phong Nha, and prices typically include breakfast. Agoda.com is far and away the most competitive resource when searching for hotels in Phong Nha.
Phong Nha Hotel Deals
Where To Stay in Phong Nha: HOSTEL
There are many hostel options in Phong Nha. A popular, affordable option, prices generally range from $5-$10 per night. Hostelworld is our recommended resource when searching for a hostel.
Phong Nha Hostel Deals
Where To Stay in Phong Nha: HOMESTAY
A homestay is similar to a bed and breakfast, accommodations within a family’s home or in separate nearby quarters, usually including breakfast. We liked Ho Khanh’s Homestay, which offers several nice units overlooking the river for $50/night. Ho Khanh is a bit of a local celebrity since his discovery of Son Doong, the world’s largest cave.
Where To Stay in Phong Nha: AIRBNB
We love using Airbnb. From private rooms to entire homes, Airbnb is available throughout Phong Nha and the average Airbnb price is only $30/night. If you’re a first timer to Airbnb, use our coupon for $35 off your first night’s stay.
Packing for Hang En:
The long hike to Hang En Cave is not for everyone, but for those who do make the journey it’s important to pack the right gear. Too much or little could make things uncomfortable, so here’s handy checklist to help with packing for Hang En:
The Checklist:
– Insect Repellent
– Sunglasses
– Comfortable, sturdy, quick-dry shoes
– Sunscreen
– Quick-Dry Long-Sleeve Shirt and Pants
– Two Pairs of Quick-Dry Long Socks
– Headband or Hat
– Flip Flops for the Campsite
– Swimsuit
– Headlamp
– Hand Sanitizer
– Diarrhea Meds
– Camera
– Plastic Bags for Wet and Dirty Cloths
– Towel
Phong Nha Travel Tips:
Phong Nha travel tips: Money
Vietnam’s national currency is the dong, which is currently exchanging at just over 22,000 to 1 USD. Both currencies are widely excepted in Phong Nha, although we found that paying in dollars earned us about a 10% discount, on average. Very few establishments accept credit/debit cards, and ATM’s are rare in Phong Nha, so make sure to grab some cash before leaving Dong Hoi.
Phong Nha travel tips: Tipping
Tip tour guides $3-$5/day per traveler. Tour drivers should get $1-$2/day. Round up to the nearest bill for taxis. House-keepers get $1-$2 per day, and restaurant servers should get 5%-10% IF it’s not already included in the bill. If it is, the server will likely not get much of it, so leave some change.
Phong Nha travel tips: Insurance
Traveling through Phong Nha is exciting and safe, but you never know when some good travel insurance could come in handy. World Nomads offers the best coverage in the business, is affordable, and is quick to act should something go wrong. For more info, check out our recent World Nomads blog post.