The best things to do in Phong Nha
Surrounded by lush green mountains with caves and winding rivers, Phong Nha is a stunning region in central Vietnam with some of the most adventurous escapes you could imagine. Although Son Doong looms as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, don’t let that overshadow all the other treasures of this unique destination. Here are my top picks for the attractions and things to experience when visiting this stunning region.
Top 9 Activities and Attractions in Phong Nha Khe Bang
1. Engage in Adventure Activities
Phong Nha offers several exciting activities. Besides hiking in the National Park, trekking through the jungle to the most beautiful caves, cycling, kayaking down the Son River, and zip-lining. The exhilarating experience of jungle trekking and exploring caves was a highlight of my trip to Phong Nha. With the abundance of caves, selecting the right ones to explore can be overwhelming. Each of the 300 caves offers unique features, breathtaking landscapes, and experiences, making it challenging to narrow down the options.
2. Jungle trekking to Caves
With several options to explore the best caves in Vietnam, choosing one felt almost impossible. Options range from a 1-day Phong Nha caves tour to 5-day treks. The most popular day trip includes a visit to Paradise Cave in Vietnam. Although overnight Cave tours require different fitness levels, you will surely find one that fits your profile. Whatever you choose, don’t miss Jungle trekking in Vietnam for one of the most memorable, surreal experiences that should be added to your bucket list.
Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley
With so many options on Jungle trek cave expeditions, I booked the 2-day Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley Jungle trek with Jungle Boss Tours and gladly share my unforgettable experience. Trekking through the jungle, crossing rivers and streams, swimming through another cave, and continuing to the most crystal-clear blue water I’ve ever seen was like a wonderful dream. We had great fun jumping from the cliffs into the turquoise waters, and really enjoyed the group’s company.
Our camp was next to the tranquil Lake, where Jungle Boss even provided saunas hidden in the jungle. After a delicious dinner with a variety of dishes freshly prepared by a local chef, we had a lot of fun playing card games. The frogs’ calls were utterly different from what I’m used to in South Africa. After admiring the starry skies, I head to my tents where I slept comfortably after removing a leech from my ankle, which I didn’t feel. A Jungle adventure to the Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley was an unforgettable experience.
Be cautious of poison ivy and leeches along the way. Note that there is no cellphone reception, so you’ll be entirely away from civilisation. Exploring the cave was captivating, especially having lunch inside and seeing artefacts left behind from the Vietnam War. Some fitness level is required, as climbing will be involved in reaching the cave through the lush forest. Here are other options for overnight Phong Nha Cave tours, as well as how to get to Paradise Cave Vietnam.
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3. Visit the Phong Nha Botanic Garden
If you don’t have enough time to venture into the deep forests, visit the Dong Phong Nha Botanical Gardens. The 40-hectare forest is home to various plant species. Located in the heart of the National Park, only 9 km on Route 20 Quyet Thang, and 12 km from town, it is easily accessible by road, with well-maintained trails and an array of fauna, plus scenic waterfalls and streams where you can swim. Highlights in the park include a 30-meter-high Gio (Wind) Waterfall (Thác Gió in Vietnamese). Altogether, a Peafowl Watching Area, an Animal Occupational Therapy Area, and Vang Anh Lake.
- The Phong Nha Botanic Garden Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Phong Nha Botanical Garden entrance fees: Adults: 40,000 VND, Children under 1,3m: 20,000 VND
- Book a Day trek through the Jungle, Phong Nha Botanical Garden and Paradise Cave, including a BBQ lunch.
4. Experience Mooc Springs Phong Nha
Phong Nha’s most famous spring, Mooc Springs, also known as Nuoc Mooc, is an eco-tourism destination within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Renowned for clear, turquoise water, lush surroundings, and outdoor activities. Situated 22 kilometres from Son Trach Town, Mooc Springs in Quang Binh’s national park, nestled between towering limestone mountains in the dense jungle.
If you want reasons to visit Mooc Spring in Phong Nha, this natural paradise features stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters. In addition to swimming and kayaking, you can take walks to connect with nature and experience the tranquillity. The central hub for visitors to Phong Nha National Park, Mooc Springs provides an excellent opportunity for adventurers to immerse themself in adventurous activities ranging from swimming to hiking on scenic trails. Altogether, an ideal place for kayaking and relaxing. From Dong Hoi, experience the best of Phong Nha on a day trip.
5. Explore the Bong Lai Valley
The picturesque Bong Lai Valley is a rural region with small villages and farms, which can be easily explored by bicycle. The scenic 11-kilometre journey through Bong Lai Valley offers a unique glimpse into the local culture. It’s worth spending at least half a day here to enjoy the scenery, have a bite to eat and partake in some of the activities. In Vietnamese culture, Bong Lai is known as Mount Penglai, while in Japanese mythology, it is referred to as Hōrai. This location is from Chinese mythology and is celebrated as the home of fairies, due to its stunning scenery. The Valley is home to several popular attractions, such as The Duck Stop, Wild Boar Eco Farm, The Pub With Cold Beer, and Soi Farm, all of which are worthwhile to experience.
6. The Duck Farm
Phong Nha’s Duck Farm is located in the picturesque Bong Lai Valley, which some call Duck Valley. Here you can interact with farm animals, feed the ducks, ride a buffalo or participate in a cooking class. A popular activity at Duck Farm Phong Nha is feeding the ducks, which brings much laughter as you watch them tickle your feet while they nibble. This experience reminds me of the fish spas in Cambodia, where fish nibble on the dead skin of your feet.
The farm also offers delicious local Vietnamese duck dishes in a beautiful rural setting. Additionally, you can ride a water buffalo named Donald Trump through the rice fields. While you might get a little wet during the ride, it’s all part of the fun! You can find the Duck Stop on Google Maps – Phong nha kẻ bàng ở đâu. If you don’t want to travel alone, book a Phong Nha adventure cycling tour or a motorbike tour with a local licensed driver.
7. Take a Boat to Phong Nha Cave
The Phong Nha Cave is situated deep within the limestone mountains and is only accessible by boat. The cave is 7,729 m long, but only about 1,500 meters are open for tourism. On the Phong Nha River cave tour, you’ll pass karst mountains and see water buffalo grazing along the banks.
Arriving at the cave mouth, the boat’s engine will stop, allowing you to experience the silent wonder and illuminated cavern. During the war, the Cave served as a hospital and ammunition depot. On the way back, you can climb 330 steps up the mountainside.
The Phong Nha boat entrance fee is separate from the cost of renting a boat. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the cave and back, and about 45 minutes inside the cave. Another option is the Zipline Dark Cave tour.
- Where is Phong Nha Cave Boat Station Located? Located in Son Trach village, book online to save time.
- Phong Nha Cave entrance fees: 150,000 VND pp, free for children under u/1,3 metres tall. Boat rental: 550,000 VND.
- Duration: It takes about 30 minutes to get to the cave and back, and about 45 minutes inside the cave.
- The Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park overlooks the Son River.
- Book a guided boat tour of the Phong Nha caves.
8. Explore the Riverside
Bicycling is a fantastic way to experience the countryside and Phong Nha town. I enjoyed the fresh air and sunny skies while cycling in a safe environment. Many hotels and accommodations provide free bicycles to explore the area. Cycling along the river and through the countryside past farm animals and water buffalo grazing in the field, enjoying the fresh air and tranquillity.
Discover the lovely riverside of Phong Nha town on foot or by bicycle. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with locals and tourists who gather at cosy restaurants along the river. Serving as the gateway to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, this riverside town offers an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and taste authentic dishes from charming eateries. Even late at night, there are several places for late-night bites.
9. Discover Phong Nha Town
While cycling through town, a small eatery tucked away in the backstreets caught my attention. The aroma of barbecued duck and chicken filled the air, making it impossible for me to resist. Within moments, a friendly host directed me to a place to park my bicycle and served me a generous portion of delicious duck accompanied by turmeric rice.
Most homestays and guest houses offer their menus for guests, which is handy after a day of outdoor adventure. All around Phong Nha town, you’ll find several small family-run restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese food. There are also many Phong Nha Restaurants that serve both Vietnamese and Western dishes.
A Comprehensive Guide: Essential Tips for Planning Your Trip to Phong Nha. This guide provides all the information, including when to go, how to get there, and where to eat, as well as insider tips to make the most of your visit to the stunning region. This resource enhances your travel experience and ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
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