
Nature notes
Explore Phong Nha Cave: A Journey into the Underground Kingdom
Plan a thoughtful visit to Phong Nha Cave, from Dong Hoi transfers and river boats to season, safety and a cave-focused day.
Phong Nha Cave is one of the most beautiful and majestic caves in Vietnam, belonging to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (UNESCO world natural heritage). This article will take you on a journey to discover Phong Nha cave - the enchanting "underground kingdom".
Prices, schedules, venue names and operating conditions may change. Confirm current details directly before booking.
Some details about Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave was discovered in 1899 by French explorer Coubreau. The cave is 7,729m long, including 14,000m of underground river - the longest in the world. The cave was evaluated by the British Cave Research Association (BCRA) with 7 records:
- The longest water cave
- The cave entrance is the highest and widest
- There are many unique cave branches
- There are underground rivers and the most beautiful stalactites
- There are the largest and most beautiful underground lakes
- The dry cave is the most beautiful and spacious
- The cave has the most beautiful underground rock waterfall
How to get to Phong Nha Cave
From Dong Hoi
Phong Nha Cave is 45km from Dong Hoi, about 45 minutes by car. You can:
- Motorbike rental: 150,000 VND-200,000 VND/day
- Taxi: 500,000 VND-700,000 VND/way
- Bus number 5: 30,000 VND/person (takes 1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Package tour from Moterra Travel: Phong Nha Cave Tour 1 day price 1,242,000 VND
From Hanoi/Saigon
- Fly to Dong Hoi (1h15m), then drive to Phong Nha
- Fly to Da Nang, drive 4-5 hours to Phong Nha
Experience exploring Phong Nha Cave
Part 1: Cruise on the underground river
The unique feature of Phong Nha Cave is that you will take a boat on the underground river to enter the cave. The first sightseeing route is about 1,500m long, takes 30 minutes by train. The underground river is clear and cool, with mysterious limestone cliffs on both sides.
Part 2: Explore 3 cave branches
After taking the train, you continue walking to explore 3 main cave branches:
- Branch 1: Low living, with many animal-shaped and Buddha-shaped stalactites
- Branch 2: There is an underground lake and rock waterfall
- Branch 3: Dry cave with massive stalactites
Part 3: Dry Cave (Royal Cave)
The dry cave has a magnificent stalactite system, with many magical shapes such as "Adoring Lion", "Lady Buddha", "Flying Dragon". About 600m of walking in the dry cave.
Tickets to visit Phong Nha Cave
Ticket prices (2026)
- Adults: 150,000 VND (sightseeing ticket)
- Children (1m-1m3): 75,000 VND
- Children < 1m: free
- Boat: 350,000 VND/boat (maximum 12 people)
Savings combo
- Sightseeing ticket + train: 500,000 VND/person
- Combo 4 points (Phong Nha + Paradise + Tien Son + Chay River): 1,500,000 VND/person
Tour time
- Open: 07:00 - 16:30
- Tour schedule: 2-3 hours
- Ideal: Morning (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.), less crowded
Explore Tien Son Cave
Tien Son Cave is located right above Phong Nha Cave, 200m from the cave entrance. Dry cave with a magical stalactite system, you have to climb 330 steps. Tickets to visit Tien Son Cave: 80,000 VND/person.
See more: Phong Nha Cave - Tien Son Cave Tour 1 day
Explore Paradise Cave
Thien Duong Cave is located in the same area of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, 31.4km long - the longest cave in Vietnam. The cave can be walked for 5km with magnificent stalactites.
See more: Phong Nha Cave - Paradise Cave Tour 1 day
What season is best to go to Phong Nha Cave?
- Dry season (February - August): Nice weather, clear river water, convenient to explore the cave
- Rainy season (September - November): The river is flooded, you may not be able to travel by boat. Avoid October-November
Tips for going to Phong Nha Cave
- Go early: Avoid the crowd and stay cool
- Wear sandals: Slippery in the cave
- Light jacket: It's cold in the cave at 18-20 degrees Celsius
- Flashlight: Necessary if you want to see the dark cave branches
- Confirm a supported tour with Moterra: Ask about current tickets, boats, guiding and operating conditions before booking.
- Buy combo tickets: Save more than individual tickets
- Tour combination: Take a 1-day tour combining Phong Nha Cave + Paradise Cave or Ozo Park
Staying in Phong Nha - Ke Bang
The Phong Nha area has many homestays and hotels with prices ranging from 200,000 VND - 1,500,000 VND/night. Suggestion:
- Phong Nha Farmstay (1,500,000 VND/night)
- Easy Tiger Hostel (200,000 VND/night)
- Jungle Boot Hotel (500,000 VND/night)
Summary
Phong Nha Cave is a destination not to be missed when coming to Quang Tri. With mysterious beauty, diverse ecosystems and world records, this is truly the "underground kingdom". Make plans today to explore this natural wonder!
Use the contact options on this page to ask Moterra about current Phong Nha availability.
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