A Complete Travel Guide to Phong Nha

Ever wanted to have a Jurassic Adventure experience? You don’t have to look further than Phong Nha kẻ bàng. This is where millions of years of flooding chiselled out some of the world’s largest caves, amidst jungle-clad mountains. The captivating destination is home to over 300 remarkable caves, making it a magnet for adventure travellers from around the globe. Recognised as the world’s cave capital, the UK National Geographic has highlighted the Son Doong Expedition tours and the Vietnam Paradise Cave as the top adventure travel experiences globally. In this Phong Nha Travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for an off-the-grid adventure unlike any other. I suggest you also read my incredible experience in Dong Phong Nha.

About Dong Phong Nha

Hang Sơn Đoòng (cave of the mountain river in Vietnamese) was discovered by a local, Ho Khanh, who sought refuge from a storm. The town’s name originates from “Phong” (wind) and “Nha” (teeth or fangs), which references the unique fang-like rock formations found at the entrances of its famous caves. This once-overlooked region behind Đoòng village is now renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique limestone caves, including the world’s most significant cave. Only a certain number of visitors can visit this natural wonder in Phong Nha Vietnam, every year.

Where is Phong Nha

Nestled within the breathtaking Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in the Annamite Mountain Range in the Quang Binh Province, on the North Central Coast of Vietnam. Located about 300 km north of Da Nang, 500 km south of Hanoi, and 45 km west of Dong Hoi City. The Park is 12 km from the Phong Nha Tourism Centre in Phong Nha town, formally known as Sơn Trạch and offers some of the world’s best caving adventures imaginable.

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How to Get to Phong Nha

Dong Hoi is the gateway to Phong Nha. When planning a visit to Phong Nha, it’s important to note that there are no direct flights to this destination. Travellers typically need to fly to Dong Hoi Airport, and then take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha. Additionally, road travel options from major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are available, offering a scenic route to this stunning national park.

A local bus service from the Dong Hoi Post Office to Phong Nha runs hourly from 5 am to 5 pm on route B4. Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Transport services operate between 5:30 am and 5:30 pm. The ride takes about 45 – 90 minutes.

Chances are you’ll book a tour, so check out a Cave and Springs trip from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha. So whether you’re seeking an exhilarating hike or a peaceful experience, Phong Nha offers them all. With so many choices, check out my experience and the best things you shouldn’t miss when visiting Phong Nha.

Where to Eat in Phong Nha

With several Places to eat in Phong Nha, including family-run restaurants, you won’t run out of options. In fact, you’d wished your stay was longer to experience more eateries. Eateries serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and some also offer Western dishes. Many cosy eateries are located along the riverside, enhancing the dining experience. Known for its fresh seafood due to its riverside and coastal location, popular dishes include grilled river fish and garlic shrimp.

The Pub with Cold Beer

One of the popular Restaurants in Phong Nha is nestled in the heart of the buffer zone of Phong Nha National Park and situated 12 km from the Phong Nha tourist centre along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Highway. The Pub with cold Beer, as it’s called, is surrounded by beautiful karst mountains and is worth visiting. Besides being famous for its cold beer, all food is freshly grown from farms nearby.

They boast about their stir-fried morning glory with garlic and peanut sauce. As all food is freshly prepared, don’t be in a hurry when you visit this Phong Nha pub. Hang around the farm, explore, or relax in a hammock with an ice-cold Huda while admiring views of the Bong Lai Valley. Alternatively, go tubing down the river nearby.

Quán Bamboochopsticks

The warm atmosphere of the cosy Phong Nha Bamboo Cafe and Restaurant is at the heart of town. Hai & Vang, a local couple’s cosy eatery, provides locally brewed coffee and traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Momma D’s Rooftop Lounge

Known for Momma D’s rooftop lounge, Soirée is located on the rooftop of the Thuong Hai Hotel Phong Nha. Although I haven’t been there, I’ve heard the place is fantastic. Besides panoramic views over Dong Phong Nha, it serves unique cocktails, craft beers, craft ciders and good food +84914962016.

What to eat in Phong Nha?

The street food scene is vibrant, with stalls offering local Dong Phong Nha Cuisine and specialities such as:

• “Bánh Mì” is a Vietnamese baguette, filled with fish or meat, fresh vegetables, and sauces.
• Nem Chua is a fermented pork dish wrapped in banana leaves.
• Bánh lọc: rolls featuring pink shrimp, spring onions and mung bean, steamed in banana leaves, and served with dipping sauce.
• “Cá Kho Tộ” features caramelised fish cooked in a clay pot with a rich fish sauce and black pepper.
• “Bánh Xèo: Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
• Vegetarians don’t worry; many vegan options feature local fresh vegetables, herbs and various tofu preparations.

Where to Stay in Phong Nha

Don’t miss the Best things to do and see in Phong Nha. Remember to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts, tours, and cave trekking options.

Check out related Posts on my Travels Around Vietnam

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