If a cave-holic, when coming to Vietnam, you may wonder “How to get to Phong Nha Cave?”. Whenever you start in any of Vietnam’s highlights, such as Hanoi, Halong, or Saigon, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting this spectacular destination, from its exact location to the various transportation options available.
Where is exactly Phong Nha Cave?
Phong Nha Cave is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, situated in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam. The park is approximately 45 km west of Dong Hoi city, making it an easily accessible destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
This magnificent cave system is part of a larger network of over 300 caves and grottoes in the region. Phong Nha Cave itself stretches for 7,729 meters and boasts a remarkable underground river system. The cave’s entrance can only be accessed by boat, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
What can you expect in Phong Nha Cave?
- Awe-inspiring limestone formations sculpted over millions of years
- A mesmerizing underground river journey
- Stunning stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and sizes
- Ancient rock inscriptions dating back to the 9th-10th centuries
- Cool, misty atmosphere providing relief from Vietnam’s tropical heat
- Opportunity to explore both by boat and on foot in certain sections
So, how to get to Phong Nha Cave?
Getting to Phong Nha Cave is an adventure in itself, with various routes available depending on your starting point. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to reach this natural wonder from different locations in Vietnam:
From Dong Hoi Quang Binh to Phong Nha
As the closest major city, Dong Hoi offers the easiest access to Phong Nha Cave. You have several options:
- Taxi or Private Car: This is the most convenient option, taking about 1 hour and costing around VND 650,000 for a one-way trip in a 7-seater car.
- Public Bus: Regular buses run from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, taking about 1.5 hours.
- Motorbike: For the adventurous, renting a motorcycle offers flexibility and scenic views.
Hanoi to/from Phong Nha
If starting in the capital city Hanoi, this offers multiple transportation options to reach Phong Nha:
- Bus: Several companies like Hung Long, Queen Cafe, and Camel Travel operate overnight buses, departing between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM and arriving in Phong Nha around 5:00-6:00 AM the next day.
- Train: Take an overnight train (SE3) from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, departing at 7:20 PM and arriving at 5:00 AM. From Dong Hoi, arrange a transfer to Phong Nha.
- Flight: Fly from Hanoi to Dong Hoi Airport (1 hour 25 minutes), then take a transfer to Phong Nha.
Ninh Bình to/from Phong Nha
Ninh Binh, another popular tourist destination, offers similar options to those from Hanoi:
- Bus: Companies like Queen Café, Hung Long, and Camel Travel operate overnight buses, departing around 8:30-9:30 PM and arriving in Phong Nha at 5:00-6:00 AM.
- Train: Take the SE3 train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi, departing at 9:35 PM and arriving at 5:00 AM. Arrange a transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
Ha Long to/from Phong Nha
After enjoying wonderful Halong overnight cruises from the Heritage of the World Halong Bay, you’ll need to travel via Hanoi:
- Bus: Take a bus from Ha Long to Hanoi, then follow the Hanoi to Phong Nha route.
- Train/Flight: Return to Hanoi, then take a train or flight to Dong Hoi, followed by a transfer to Phong Nha.
Hue to/from Phong Nha
The imperial city of Hue offers convenient access to Phong Nha:
- Bus: Camel Travel operates a bus departing Hue at 5:00 PM, arriving in Phong Nha at 9:30 PM.
- Train: Although possible, train connections are less convenient, often arriving in Dong Hoi at odd hours.
- Private Transfer: A comfortable option, costing around VND 2,800,000 for a 7-seater car.
Da Nang/Hoi An to/from Phong Nha
From these popular central Vietnam destinations:
- Bus: Hanh Luyen Bus operates services from Da Nang Central Bus Station, departing at 9:45 AM and 5:30 PM.
- Train: Travel from Da Nang to Dong Hoi by train, then arrange a transfer to Phong Nha.
- Private Transfer: Available from both Da Nang (VND 3,700,000) and Hoi An (VND 4,400,000) per car, each way.
Ho Chi Minh City to/from Phong Nha
From Vietnam’s largest city:
- Flight: The most practical option is to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi, then arrange a transfer to Phong Nha.
- Alternative Route: For budget travelers, consider flying to Da Nang or Hue, then taking a bus or train to Phong Nha.
How to access Phong Nha Cave?
Accessing Phong Nha Cave is a unique experience that combines a scenic boat ride with cave exploration. Here’s a detailed guide on how to access the cave:
- Reach Phong Nha town: This is your starting point for visiting the cave. You can get here using any of the transportation methods mentioned later in this guide.
- Go to the boat landing: Head to the Son River boat landing in Phong Nha town. This is where all cave tours depart from.
- Purchase tickets: Buy your entrance tickets at the official ticket office near the boat landing. As of 2023, the ticket price is around 150,000 VND (about $6.50 USD) per person, which includes the boat ride and cave entrance.
- Board the boat: You’ll board a small wooden boat operated by local boatmen. These boats typically seat 12-14 people.
- Boat journey: Enjoy a scenic 30-minute boat ride along the Son River. The journey itself is picturesque, offering views of karst mountains and lush vegetation.
- Cave entrance: The boat will take you directly into the cave’s entrance. The cave mouth is relatively large, allowing boats to enter easily.
- Inside the cave: The boat will travel about 1.5 km into the cave. You’ll see stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites illuminated by the boat’s lights.
- Disembark: At a certain point, you’ll reach a sandbank where the boat will stop, and you can disembark to explore on foot.
- Walking tour: You can walk for another 400-500 meters inside the cave, where you’ll see even more impressive rock formations and ancient Cham altars.
- Return journey: After exploring on foot, you’ll board the boat again for the return trip to the cave entrance and back to the boat landing in Phong Nha town.
Important notes for accessing Phong Nha Cave:
- The entire tour typically takes about 2-3 hours.
- Boats run frequently throughout the day, usually from around 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- During rainy season (October to December), water levels might be too high for boats to enter the cave. Always check current conditions before your visit.
- While you can visit independently, joining a guided tour can provide more in-depth information about the cave’s geology, history, and ecosystem.
What to pack before going?
Before embarking on your Phong Nha adventure, make sure to pack these essentials:
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes with good grip
- Light, breathable clothing (long sleeves and pants for cave exploration)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Refillable water bottle
- Camera (waterproof if possible)
- Light jacket or fleece (caves can be cool)
- Small backpack for day trips
- Cash (ATMs are limited in Phong Nha)
FAQ
Can you do Phong Nha on your own?
Yes, it’s possible to explore Phong Nha independently. The town of Phong Nha is small and easy to navigate, with numerous guesthouses and restaurants catering to tourists. You can rent motorbikes or bicycles to explore the surrounding area.
Many accommodations offer free bicycle rentals, making it easy to get around. However, for the best experience and to access more remote parts of the national park, joining organized tours is recommended.
Can you visit Phong Nha Caves without a tour?
While you can visit some parts of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park independently, accessing Phong Nha Cave itself requires a boat tour. These boats are operated by local authorities, and you’ll need to purchase a ticket at the official entrance. For safety reasons and to preserve the delicate cave ecosystem, exploring the cave system beyond the main tourist areas is only permitted with licensed tour operators.
Phong Nha Cave and the surrounding national park offer a truly unique experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From its stunning geological formations to its rich biodiversity, this hidden gem of Vietnam promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re navigating the underground rivers or trekking through lush forests, Phong Nha is sure to leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur. Plan your trip carefully, respect the environment, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular natural wonders.
—
As you plan your journey to the mesmerizing Phong Nha Cave, consider enlisting the expertise of Indochina Voyages. Standing as one of the best Southeast Asia tour companies, we offer unparalleled service and local knowledge to make your trip truly extraordinary.
With Indochina Voyages, you’re not just booking a standard tour – you’re crafting a personalized adventure. Our team of seasoned travel experts is ready to work with you to customize every aspect of your tour, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your interests, preferences, and travel style.
Don’t just visit Phong Nha – experience it to its fullest with Indochina Voyages. Let our travel experts help you design the Southeast Asian adventure of your dreams, starting with the awe-inspiring Phong Nha Cave. Your journey into the heart of Vietnam’s natural beauty awaits!
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages
