Phong Nha is located in Central Vietnam, in Quang Binh Province near the border with Laos. It lies within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its massive cave systems and striking limestone landscapes. The closest city is Dong Hoi, which has an airport and train station, making it easy to reach by plane, train, or bus. From Dong Hoi, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Phong Nha town, the main gateway to the park. It’s also around 8 hours south of Hanoi by road or about 1.5 hours by flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

Here in Phong Nha, caving takes center stage—with options for every age and adventure level. Begin with an easy stroll through Paradise Cave to admire its towering stalactites, or zipline into Dark Cave for a swim in underground waters and a playful mud bath. For true explorers, head into the jungle on multi-day treks to wild cave systems like Tiger Cave, Hung Thoong, or Ruc Mon—where you’ll scramble through hidden passages, swim through subterranean rivers, and camp under the stars beside remote cave entrances. Outside of caving, you can also join guided nature walks to explore the rich biodiversity of the national park, home to rare plants and wildlife.

Phong Nha is perfect for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious to explore a world beneath the surface. It’s a great fit for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, with experiences ranging from easy cave walks to full-on jungle treks and cave camping. Many tours are join-in, making it easy to meet other travelers along the way. Whether you're looking to try swimming in underground rivers, hike through pristine jungle, or simply see a different side of Vietnam, Phong Nha offers a refreshing alternative to the usual travel route.

The closest city to Phong Nha is Dong Hoi, located about 45 minutes away by car. Dong Hoi has both a train station and a domestic airport, making it the main gateway for travelers arriving from other parts of Vietnam.

From Hanoi, you can take an overnight sleeper bus directly to Phong Nha, or a train to Dong Hoi followed by a short car transfer. Flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi run daily and are the fastest way to reach the area from further afield.

If you're traveling from Hue or Da Nang, there are also direct buses and train routes to Dong Hoi, then a short ride onward to Phong Nha town, the main base for exploring the national park. Despite its remote feel, Phong Nha is surprisingly accessible once you know the way.

The best caving experiences in Phong Nha require at least 2D1N or 3D2N, as they include overnight camping deep in the jungle. To make the most of your visit, it’s worth adding an extra day before or after your expedition to account for travel time and explore easier-access spots like Paradise Cave, Dark Cave, or the peaceful countryside. While day trips are available, a 3 to 5-day stay gives you the chance to experience both the region’s wild underground world and its laid-back rural charm.

Phong Nha’s cave adventures are heavily weather-dependent, so timing your trip matters:

Jan – Mar: Start of the year is part of the rainy season. Some tours may run, but expect cooler temperatures (as low as 17°C) and occasional trip cancellations due to high water levels in caves or on jungle trails.

Apr – May: Peak time to visit. Dry, cool weather and vibrant jungle scenery make it ideal for both day trips and multi-day cave expeditions. April is also butterfly season—when thousands of butterflies fill the forest, adding a magical touch to your trek.

June – Aug: Still in the dry season, with hot temperatures but great conditions inside the caves, which stay naturally cool (around 23°C). Good for swimming in underground rivers, though more travelers start to arrive during school holidays.

Sept – Nov: Rainy season kicks in. Many multi-day cave tours are suspended due to flooding risks, and jungle treks can become slippery or inaccessible.

Dec: Rain starts to ease, but some tours may still be limited. Quieter trails and fewer crowds.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to over 350 caves, many of which are still being discovered and mapped. However, only a fraction are open for tourism. These include both easily accessible caves and those requiring guided expeditions. The exact number can vary as new caves are discovered and opened for tourism under strict regulations to protect the fragile environment. Whether you're looking for a quick glimpse or a full-on underground adventure, Phong Nha has something to match your curiosity—and your courage.

No—cave exploration in Phong Nha is not allowed without a licensed guide or tour. According to national park regulations, going into adventure caves on your own is illegal and can lead to serious fines. Most caves do not have marked trails, and the terrain can be dangerous without proper equipment and local knowledge. While popular spots like Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, and Dark Cave offer sightseeing with an entry ticket, the more remote caves—like Golden Cave, Ruc Mon Cave, Tiger Cave, or Hung Thoong—require a guided tour with trained experts and safety gear.

Every operator in Phong Nha is granted exclusive access to specific cave routes, meaning no two companies run the same itinerary. While most cave tours include both dry cave formations (for admiring massive stalactites and stalagmites) and wet cave experiences (like swimming or wading through underground rivers), they vary in what else they offer. Some tours include ziplining, kayaking, or abseiling, while others might incorporate cultural interactions, such as visiting the Rục people—an ethnic group who once lived in the caves. The difficulty level, trail conditions, and overall vibe also vary depending on the cave system itself.

When selecting a cave tour, consider the following factors:

Fitness Level: Some tours are light and family-friendly, while others involve long jungle treks, river crossings, and camping deep in the wild. Be honest about your stamina—there’s something for every level.

Experience Desired: Want an easy walk with stunning stalactites? Go for a sightseeing cave like Paradise Cave. Craving thrills? Choose a multi-day expedition with swimming, climbing, and even abseiling in remote cave systems.

Budget: Tours vary in cost; adventure expeditions are generally more expensive due to their complexity. These usually include everything: guides, porters, meals, and gear.

Still unsure? Chat with us! We’re happy to help you find the perfect cave tour based on your interests, fitness level, and travel style.

Short on time but craving adventure? This one-day jungle trek in Phong Nha packs in caves, swims, and cliff jumps—offering a thrilling taste of the region without the intensity of multi-day tours. It’s the only day trip with free pick-up from Dong Hoi, perfect if you're flying or arriving by train. Trek through lush jungle, explore the massive Elephant Cave, swim in Ma Da Lake, and float through the 600m-long Tra Ang Cave in pitch darkness. Top it off with a riverside BBQ lunch and natural cliff jumps.

Looking for a family-friendly jungle adventure without the crowds or overnight camping? This one-of-a-kind day trip in Phong Nha is perfect for kids aged 5+ and fun-loving adults alike. Explore the untouched Abandoned Valley, trek through lush rainforest, and discover two hidden caves—Golden Cave with glittering stalactites, and magical E Cave with glowing turquoise waters. You’ll paddle by SUP, snorkel, float on inflatables, and even pose with a giant rubber duck. With water games, stunning nature, a small group, and a hearty jungle lunch, this playful yet active experience is a refreshing alternative to the usual cave tours.

This is Vietnam’s only cave adventure where you’ll meet the Ruc people—an elusive tribe that lived in caves until 2007. Visiting their remote Hoa Son village near the Laos border, you’ll share tea and hear stories most travelers never encounter. Then, trek through jungle and rivers to Ruc Mon Cave, a vast, unlit cavern once used as shelter by the tribe. With only your headlamp, explore emerald pools, ancient formations, and the Snake Tomb Chamber—home to fossilized serpent skeletons nearly 3 meters long. Ideal for curious, conscious travelers seeking raw beauty, deep culture, and a journey far beyond the tourist path.

Looking for a fun, easy day in Phong Nha with stunning sights and just the right amount of adventure? This tour combines nature, light activity, and wow-worthy views. Start with a peaceful walk through the Phong Nha Botanical Garden, then explore the breathtaking Paradise Cave—known for its towering formations and cathedral-like beauty. Next, head to Dark Cave for ziplining, kayaking, swimming, and a therapeutic mud bath. With minimal hiking and plenty of fun, it’s ideal for travelers of all ages who want variety without going full-on jungle mode. A great mix of nature, soft adventure, and unforgettable scenery.

This expedition is one of Phong Nha’s most well-rounded jungle adventures—and only opened in 2023. Expect a mix of jungle trekking, underground swimming, and rope descents, including a 25m rappel into Thung Cave where you might catch magical sunbeams. The highlight? A heart-pounding 60m zipline soaring 250m across Nightmare Sinkhole—the only tour that offers it. You’ll also swim through Tron Cave’s underground river and explore untouched terrain few have seen. Perfect for those seeking variety beyond just trekking or cave walking, this tour delivers epic views, adrenaline, and stunning cave formations in one unforgettable package.

This is the only trek in Phong Nha that takes you through the legendary Tiger Cave system—featuring Hang Pygmy, the world’s fourth largest cave. Over three intense days, you’ll hike, swim, abseil, and camp in epic spots like one of Earth’s deepest sinkholes. Expect massive underground chambers, jungle trails few have touched, and surreal landscapes straight out of a sci-fi movie. With porter support, jungle meals, a sauna tent, and herbal foot bath, it’s a rugged adventure with just enough comfort. Easier to book than Son Doong but no less jaw-dropping, this is the ultimate cave expedition for true explorers.

This 2D2N adventure offers the perfect balance: one night camping deep inside Ruc Mon Cave and one night at a cozy local homestay. Ideal for those seeking real adventure without going full survival mode, it blends underground river swims, rock climbs, and stunning stalactites with cultural immersion. You'll visit Hoa Son village, home to the reclusive Ruc people, and explore one of Vietnam’s hidden caves few travelers know. Along the way, pass peaceful villages, farmlands, and even a Kong: Skull Island filming site. Nature, culture, and challenge come together in a meaningful, off-the-radar experience you won’t soon forget.

This 2D2N adventure is perfect for those who want to explore both Phong Nha’s iconic sights and hidden gems—without sacrificing comfort. Spend your nights in a cozy homestay and your days discovering Paradise Cave, boating through Phong Nha Cave, and trekking to the untouched Ruc Mon Cave, accessible only on this tour. It’s a great mix of easy sightseeing and wild adventure, topped off with local touches like a village BBQ and seasonal farming activities.

Quick-dry tops, pants & undergarments (1 set per trekking day – avoid cotton)

Long socks

Waterproof rain jacket / windbreaker (weather is unpredictable, even in dry season)

Swimwear (for underground river swims and natural pools)

Hat or cap (for sun protection during jungle trekking)

Gloves (optional, but helpful for rope sections or scrambling over rocks)

Neck gaiter / buff (for warmth and sun or dust protection)

Headlamp (often provided, but good to bring your own backup)

👉 Tip: Wear bright-colored clothing (think red, yellow, or blue) to really pop in your cave photos—it creates a striking contrast against the dark cave walls!

You’ll be trekking through streams, wet caves, and jungle trails, so expect your shoes to get soaked. Choose footwear that’s comfortable when wet, has strong grip, and drains well.

Do NOT wear Goretex or waterproof boots—they trap water and take a long time to dry.

Most tour operators offer rental jungle shoes (sizes 37–45), which are suitable for the terrain. If you wear a different size or prefer your own gear, we recommend bringing your own trekking shoes or trail runners that can handle wet conditions.

Also pack a pair of camp sandals or flip-flops for evenings at camp or the homestay—something easy to slip on and dry out.

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Muscle cream / pain relief gel (you’ll thank yourself later!)

Hand sanitiser

Insect repellent

Biodegradable body wipes and facial wipes

Toothbrush & toothpaste (or mouthwash if you’re lazy)

Tissues

Spare plastic/ziplock bags for trash

Personal medication

Electrolyte / isotonic sachets

Energy gels

Energy bars

In Phong Nha town and surrounding villages, 3G and 4G signals are generally reliable, especially with major Vietnamese carriers like Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. Once you venture into the caves or deeper into the jungle, mobile signal typically disappears. It's advisable to inform your contacts in advance about potential communication gaps.

On most adventure cave tours in Phong Nha, especially multi-day treks, composting toilets are used at campsites to minimize environmental impact. These are typically set up inside a private toilet tent, equipped with a standard seat and a waste bucket. After use, you’ll cover the waste with rice husks or sawdust provided to help control odor and support composting. While basic, these eco-friendly toilets are clean, private, and thoughtfully maintained—part of the adventure, without compromising on comfort or hygiene.

Nope — you won’t be hauling everything yourself. On most cave expeditions in Phong Nha, porters handle the heavy lifting, carrying shared gear like tents, sleeping bags, food, and cooking equipment. And they do it all while trekking the same rugged trails—often in nothing more than flip-flops.

You’ll only need to carry your personal items, like clothes, water, and snacks. On some tours, porters may even offer to carry up to 3kg of your gear, making the trek easier.