Phong Nha Cave, Quang Binh: Information, Location, Entrance Fees

Phong Nha Cave stretching over 7,000 meters and comprising 14 chambers, is not only renowned for its pristine beauty but also holds scientific mysteries that remain unexplored. With its majestic cave system and winding underground river, this destination is perfect for adventurers and exploration enthusiasts. The allure of Phong Nha Cave lies in its perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and unique geological formations. More than just a symbol of Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha is an integral part of the world’s natural and cultural heritage.

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Overview of Phong Nha Cave, Quang Binh

Phong Nha Cave is located within Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, about 45 km northwest of Dong Hoi City. It is one of the largest national parks in Vietnam and is home to the country’s most extensive limestone karst region. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, in 2003 and 2015, based on two outstanding criteria: geology and geomorphology, and ecosystem and biodiversity. It is often compared to a vast geological museum of global significance.

With its unique geological features, mild climate, and rich biodiversity, the park offers stunning natural landscapes, most notably its mysterious and majestic cave systems. To date, nearly 400 caves have been discovered within Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, with a total length of 210 km, divided into three main cave systems: Phong Nha Cave system (103 km), Vom Cave system (48 km), and Nuoc Mooc Cave system (20 km). According to the British-Vietnamese Cave Expedition Team, only about 30% of the park’s total area has been surveyed, leaving a vast potential for the discovery of new, undiscovered caves.

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Beyond its impressive cave systems, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is also home to thousands of rare species of flora and fauna, contributing to its rich and diverse ecosystem. The pristine forests, majestic rivers, towering mountains, and fresh air create a stunning natural picture, attracting a large number of tourists each year.

When visiting Phong Nha – Ke Bang, you will encounter seven remarkable features that set it apart from any other destination in Vietnam:

The longest cave in Vietnam: Khe Ry Cave, stretching 13.8 km, is a testament to the complexity and vastness of the cave systems here.
Grand cave entrance: The entrance to Phong Nha Cave is 10 meters high and 25 meters wide, resembling a gateway to a magical world.
Crystal-clear underground lakes: These emerald green lakes, hidden deep within the caves, create breathtaking, picture-perfect scenery.
Magnificent Paradise Cave: With a length of over 31 km, a width of 100 meters, and a height of over 200 meters, Paradise Cave is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful caves in the world.
Stunning stalactites and stalagmites: Over millions of years, water and rock have combined to form unique and colorful formations, especially in Tien and Cung Dinh Caves.
Mysterious underground river: The 1,500-meter underground river flows through the caves, forming a mysterious and unique ecosystem.
Unique natural rock formations: These unusual rock formations, sculpted by nature, resemble intricate sculptures, bringing the caves to life with their artistry.

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How to Get to Phong Nha Cave

First, you need to reach Dong Hoi City in Quang Binh Province, then travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, and finally to Phong Nha Cave. The total distance is about 44 km, and the trip will take approximately one hour.

From the center of Dong Hoi City, head southwest on Ton Duc Thang Street toward National Highway 1A. Continue straight to the intersection and turn left onto Phan Dinh Phung Street. At the next junction, turn right onto Ho Chi Minh Road. Keep going straight until you reach an intersection near the Son River, then turn left onto Route 20. Follow the river, and you will arrive at the entrance gate to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. From here, you can continue your journey to visit Phong Nha Cave.

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Transportation Options to Phong Nha – Ke Bang

Motorbike: The 45 km route from the center of Dong Hoi via the eastern branch of Ho Chi Minh Road takes around 60 minutes by motorbike.
Car: Traveling by car from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha along the eastern branch of Ho Chi Minh Road takes only about 45-50 minutes.
Bus: Starting from the city center, the 50 km bus ride from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha takes approximately 65-70 minutes, including stops for picking up and dropping off passengers along the way.

Upon arriving at Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, you will need to stop at the ticket booth to purchase tickets for both entry to Phong Nha Cave and a boat ride to explore the cave. Once you have your tickets, head to the boat dock, where the staff will guide you to your boat. The boat will depart once there are enough passengers.

The Best Time to Visit Phong Nha Cave

Located in central Vietnam, Quang Binh experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (from September to March) and the dry season (from April to August). The average annual temperature ranges between 23-26°C, with the highest reaching 41°C during summer and the lowest dropping to 6°C in winter.

The dry season is the best time to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang! With sunny and dry weather, you can fully enjoy activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and forest trekking without worrying about rain or storms.

On the other hand, the rainy season in Quang Binh lasts from September to March, with heavy rains and frequent storms from September to November. During this time, river water levels rise, making travel and cave visits challenging. Some roads may experience landslides, potentially affecting your itinerary. Therefore, to have the best experience, it is highly recommended to plan your trip to Phong Nha – Ke Bang during the dry season.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Phong Nha Cave

Opening hours: From 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Ticket sales stop at 4:00 PM.
Duration of the visit: A typical tour of Phong Nha Cave lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, including the time spent traveling by boat to the cave and exploring inside.

How much are the entrance tickets to Phong Nha Cave?

For adults: Each entrance ticket costs 150,000 VND per person.
For children: Children under 1.3 meters tall are free of charge.
For boat tours to Phong Nha Cave: A boat rental costs 550,000 VND per boat, which can accommodate up to 12 passengers, including children. Life jackets are provided on the boat.

Exploring the Phong Nha Cave System

Khe Ry Cave

The entrance to Khe Ry Cave is a dry and spacious opening. Khe Ry Cave is considered a significant part of the Phong Nha system, with an underground river stretching over 19 km in total length. The water flows through the cave and eventually emerges at the surface in a small valley outside En Cave.

En Cave

En Cave, the third-largest cave in the world, is located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. It has become a popular trekking destination for many adventurers. En Cave serves as the gateway to Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world.

Thung Cave

Next in the Phong Nha cave system is Thung Cave, discovered in 1994. It is one of the most unique caves within the system. Water from En Cave and Khe Ry Cave flows through an unknown section of the cave before entering Thung Cave, which stretches for 3 km. This water then continues flowing to Tra Ang Cave.

In 2007, the exploration of caves like Tron Cave and Nightmare Abyss completed the connection between Thung Cave and Tra Ang Cave. Tra Ang Cave was first surveyed in 1992. It is about 600 meters long, ending with an underground river.

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave is the largest cave in the Phong Nha system, discovered in 1990 and fully explored and surveyed in 2009. The cave developed along a major fault line running north-south. Son Doong Cave is estimated to have formed between 2 and 5 million years ago, with an approximate width of 150 meters, a height of over 200 meters, and a length of nearly 9 km.

Va Cave

Va Cave is a uniquely special cave within the Phong Nha system, surveyed by the British-Vietnamese cave exploration team in 2012. It is an underground water cave, and experts believe it may be connected to the water flow from Son Doong Cave. Va Cave features a rare and distinctive system of stalagmites shaped like cone pyramids, which are especially remarkable for their number and size.

Nuoc Nut Cave

In 2001, the British-Vietnamese cave expedition team, with the assistance of a local resident, discovered Nuoc Nut Cave. Its dry entrance leads into a cave characterized by beautiful stalactite formations and a large underground stream. The stream stretches 2.2 km, flowing through the cave and then disappearing underground at its far end. The water later resurfaces and flows through the Mada Valley, eventually joining the Tra Ang River.

Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave is the final cave in the system and is renowned for its long underground river, stretching a total of 11 km. Members of the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team conducted explorations, surveys, and measurements of Phong Nha Cave in 1990 and 1992.

Hoa Huong Cave

Hoa Huong Cave was surveyed in 2012 and again in 2016. It has a total length of 3,910 meters and a depth of 118 meters. The rock bed through which the geological fault runs, forming Hoa Huong Cave, is estimated to be around 251 to 360 million years old. Hoa Huong Cave itself is believed to be around 5 million years old, making it the oldest cave in the Phong Nha system.

Important Notes When Visiting Phong Nha Cave

To ensure a perfect trip to Phong Nha Cave, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for easy movement during the visit. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket to avoid getting cold inside the cave. Additionally, wear sneakers or hiking shoes for safe and stable movement.
Waterproofing: Before entering Phong Nha Cave, it’s recommended to have a waterproof bag ready for your phone, wallet, and documents to prevent them from getting wet during the boat ride through the underground river and lakes.
Follow safety guidelines: Wear a life jacket while on the boat. Do not enter restricted or dangerous areas on your own.
Do not touch the stalactites: Touching the stalactites can damage their natural beauty and slow their formation process.
Respect the wildlife: Avoid disturbing or harming any wildlife living inside the cave.
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Phong Nha Cave is from April to August during the dry season when water levels are lower, allowing you to see more rock formations and stalactites.
Local specialties: After exploring the cave, don’t forget to try the local specialties, especially grilled eel caught from the Son River.

With its unique geological features and magnificent beauty, Phong Nha Cave is undoubtedly the most captivating tourist destination in Quang Binh Province. It attracts not only adventure seekers but also archaeologists who continue to explore and uncover even more majestic caves in this region.

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