Top 10 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Located in the centre of Vietnam, 200km north of Hue and 500km south of Hanoi, the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a must-see destination for all nature lovers and wildlife lovers in Vietnam. Do not miss the best activities that you need to do to make the most of this exceptional natural site.

Top 10 things you must do in Phong Nha Ke Bang

1. Exploring the caves

Son Doong, one of 5 best destinations to discover in 2019 according to Lonely Planet

Covering a limestone region of 2,000 km², Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park boasts numerous caves and rock cavities that highlight its unique geological features. Visitors can explore some of these stunning caves, such as Phong Nha Cave and Thien Duong (Paradise Cave), which showcase remarkable geological formations, stalagmites, and stalactites illuminated by lighting effects. The park is also home to the world's largest cave, Son Doong, which stretches 9 kilometers and features an uninterrupted chamber 200 meters high and 100 meters wide. Truly a spectacular sight!

2. Hiking

Featuring a natural tropical forest with high biodiversity, Phong Nha National Park is ideal for hiking. An excellent opportunity to discover one of Vietnam's richest biosystems. You can opt for a one- or multi-day trek with nights spent camping to explore more remote caves. A true adventure travel experience to be had in this beautiful region of Vietnam.

3. Exploring the countryside by bike

The Phong Nha countryside offers superb landscapes of rice paddies spreading out at the foot of the limestone formations. You will enjoy cycling the countryside to discover the small and quiet hamlets and then observing the life of the local people. By bike, you can go to many of the caves and sites that we mention below.

4. Discovering the Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park by Kayak

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is crisscrossed by numerous streams and rivers, and kayaking down them to discover the majestic natural beauty of the national park is a wonderful experience. You can kayak up the Chay River to the primary forest and enter certain underground rivers to admire the fantastic geological formations of some caves that are only accessible by kayak. This non-polluting activity allows you to discover this magnificent natural setting from a unique and rare perspective.

5. Ziplining

For thrill seekers, here's an activity you'll love.  A zip line crosses the Chay River and Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and then you can jump into the river for a refreshing swim. This is another unique way to discover the wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This adrenaline activity is accessible to everyone, young and old alike, and can therefore be enjoyed as a family.

6. Swimming in the river

During or after a day trip to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, how about a good swim? Take the plunge! Rivers and streams run through the beautiful countryside, inviting you to enjoy moments of pure relaxation. On the site of the Chay River, you can even enjoy an excellent mud bath with numerous therapeutic benefits.

7. Discovering the Botanical Garden

Spanning 40 hectares, the botanical garden inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an ecotourism site that will delight travelers seeking beautiful, unspoiled nature. The place is home to 500 plant species, including 133 of the rarest and most precious, as well as numerous animal species, including many birds, mammals, and reptiles. Within the Phong Nha botanical garden, you can enjoy the 30-meter-high Gio waterfall, the clear, peaceful waters of its lake, and an exhibition hall showcasing its rich fauna and flora.

8. Beach break at Nhat Le Beach

Make the most of your stay at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by visiting Nhat Le Beach, the most beautiful beach in Dong Hoi, a pleasant coastal town located just 50 kilometers from Phong Nha National Park. We are sure you will love its pretty little fishing port and, of course, its long, almost deserted white sand beaches. Nhat Le Beach is an off-the-beaten-track destination where you can enjoy the pleasures of the seaside in complete tranquility and get closer to the soul of Vietnam.

9. Unwinding at Bang Hot Spring

This is a wonderful activity to unwind after exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Located just a short drive from the park, Bang Hot Spring welcomes visitors to a beautiful natural setting. Here, you can enjoy mineral-rich water that contains high levels of sodium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and calcium. This water is an excellent remedy for conditions such as rheumatism, stomach issues, intestinal diseases, and stress. It’s a perfect way to relax and continue your adventures in Vietnam!

10. Dropping by the D-Arts Zone

You can have a nice evening out in this welcoming venue run by a Vietnamese artist and architect. While listening to jazz music, you can sample some local culinary specialties, including spicy sausages from northern Vietnam or barbecued farm-raised duck. Sit at the rustic wooden tables and watch the hustle and bustle of the main street in the Son Trach district.

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