WHAT CAN YOU DO WIHTOUT A GUIDED TOUR IN PHONG NHA?
Phong Nha, nestled in the heart of Vietnam, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and thrilling adventures. Embarking on a tour can undoubtedly be a convenient way to explore this lush destination, but don't restrict yourself just yet. Phong Nha is teeming with myriad activities that allow you to channel your inner explorer without the need for a guided tour. From the enchanting caves to the captivating jungles, there's an array of experiences waiting to be embraced independently. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the untamed splendor of Phong Nha, going at your own pace, forging your own path, and discovering the truly authentic essence of this awe-inspiring destination.
Explore caves
More than 400 caves have been found in Phong Nha; it’s undeniable to say that Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the Cave Kingdom and visiting caves is kind-of-a-must here. Though most of the caves require you to trek through jungles, cross the rivers or even spend nights camping in the jungle, there are several easy-to-access caves available for you to explore by yourself.
1.1. Phong Nha cave and Tien Son cave:
Phong Nha cave is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. It is nested amidst limestone karst and lush jungle, making the surrounding landscape incredibly picturesque. The cave entrance is hidden beneath a towering limestone cliff and can be reached by a short boat ride along the Son river.
Meanwhile, Tien Son cave, of which entrance is around 1,000m away from Phong Nha’s, is another preferred one. The cave has a length of 980 m and is at altitude of about 200 m above sea level. With that said, you will have to climb up 583 steps to access the entrance of cave. It also means you will have an amazing photogenic view of the Son river, paddy fields and the villages nearby from the viewpoint.
Phong Nha Cave is easily accessible from Phong Nha town. If you stay at a homestay/ hotel in Phong Nha, it is actually just a short walk to the ticket counter. Please check the price list of the ticket price as below:
Adult price:
Phong Nha cave: 150.000VND/ pax (US$7)
Tien Son cave: 80.000VND/ pax (US$3.5)
Kid price (below 1.3m tall): Free
Boat ride (maximum 12 pax): 550.000VND/ boat (US$24) for both caves
Opening time: 7:30am – 4:00pm.
If you are a solo traveler, no worries. You can ask other solo to share the boat with you; great chance to meet other wonderful traveler, isn’t it?
1.2. Paradise cave (Thien Duong cave in Vietnamese)
Paradise Cave is about a 30-minute drive from Phong Nha town. You can arrange transportation through your accommodation to reach the cave. If you are not confident with driving motorbike but still would love to experience the motorcycle, we would recommend you to take the easy rider.
When reaching the cave, purchase the tickets at ticket counter:
Adult: 270.000VND/ pax including goft cart transfer
Kid (1.1m – 1.3m): 145,000VND/ kid
Kid (under 1.1m): Free
Please make sure you bring a bottle of water, your camera and sun hat/ sun glass to set off.
Paradise Cave is actually 200m above sea level, with the entrance set high into the side of the mountain with a set of 560m slope to take you up. To get to the foot of the hill, you can either walk about 1.6km to the start of the steps, or take a goft cart to the stairs (already included in your tickets). If you choose to take the cart, there is a waiting area next to the ticket gantry. If you opt to take a walk, there will be a high chance for you to see the wildlife along the way. You might see a lot of butterflies, different kinds of birds, owls or squirrels.
From the entrance, you descend into Paradise. Please be advised that the steps down and up at the entrance of the cave are unavoidable so, unfortunately, Paradise cave is not accessible for those with disabilities.
That first glimpse into the dark of the cave is really something. The boardwalk takes you 1km into the cave, with lights illuminating the rock formations and sheer scale of the cave.
You will spend approximately 1-1.5hr in total exploring, including the walk up to the cave and the boardwalk.
2. Fill the day with excitement at Dark cave
If you’re wondering why this cave got the name ‘Dark Cave’, it is because the whole cave has absolutely no artificial lighting system; and you’ll find that the majority of the rocks are dark; primarily dark gray or black. Also, after an unforgettable mud bath, you will be even darker than the cave!
After arrive at the Dark cave, please follow the steps:
Get the locker’s key for your belongings with the deposit of 50.000VND/ locker. The amount of money will be refunded upon return of the locker key.
Change your clothes to swimwear
Sign your name at the commitment form
Purchase the tickets. There are different package options for you:
2.1.Full Access (Ziplining, Mudbathing and other water activities)
Includes: Zipline (weight 40kg and under 90kg), kayak, swimming, water sports, helmets, headlamps, safety equipment.
Adults: 450.000VND/ pax
Kid (1.1-1.3m): 150.000VND/ pax
Kid (under 1.1m): Free
Please be advised that kids are not allowed to do the ziplining.
2.2.Limited Access (Ziplining and other water activities, No Mudbathing)
Includes: Zipline (weight 40kg and under 90kg), Kayak, swimming, water sports, safety equipment.
Excludes: Mud bathing in Dark cave
Adults: 270.000VND/ pax
Kid (1.1-1.3m): 110.000VND/ pax
Kid (under 1.1m): Free
Safety Precautions:
Listen carefully to your guide's safety instructions, especially when participating in adventure activities.
Be cautious while walking and swimming inside the cave, as it can be dark and slippery.
Please be sure to bring:
Swimwear (no surf suit).
Towel
Sunscreen
Waterproof phone pouch (to take photo in the water)
Notice: Using the zip-line requires you to be between 40-90 kg. No exceptions.
3. Become a duck leader at the Duck Stop
Spending time at the Duck Stop in Phong Nha is a unique and relaxing way to connect with nature, interact with ducks, and enjoy the peaceful countryside of the region.
The Duck Stop is located in Bong Lai valley. Along the way to get there, you will be able to see the rice fields surrounded by the limestone ranges and farmers working on the fields.
The journey at the Duck Stop usually with a taste of fried peanut and home-made salt powder with their special recipe. Please take this chance to play with ducks, feed the ducks and learn how to become the duck leader. And, don’t forget to try the Vietnamese pancake after spending time with the ducks.
Full package price: 100.000VND/ pax (no other options).
How to get to the Duck Stop: The Duck Stop is located in Bong Lai valley. You can take the bicycle from your hotel/ homestay or rent a motorbike for longer use. Please be advised that Bong Lai valley is around 10km away from Phong Nha center; consider to choose the proper vehicle for you.
4. Challenge your cycling skill at Cuong Rung Farm
Phong Nha is not only the Cave Kingdom but also the heaven of adventures. And you don’t need to trek through the jungle to test your adrenaline level, you totally can do that at Cuong Rung Farm.
Why?
Because you can’t stop laughing when falling into water while trying to cross the monkey bridge with a bicycle.
Because you can learn about the rubber tree from the fun and welcoming host. A stunning view over the river and not too busy with lots of people.
Cycling challenge fee: 90.000VND/ pax
5. Sunset at Phong Nha Funky Beach
Sunset at Phong Nha Funky Beach is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that captivates visitors with its stunning beauty and serene ambiance.
During sunset, the sky gradually transitions from shades of blue to hues of orange, pink, and purple. The sun's rays reflect off the water's surface, creating a shimmering effect that adds to the enchantment of the scene. The tranquil atmosphere combined with the picturesque scenery makes sunset at Phong Nha Funky Beach an unforgettable experience.
Phong Nha Funky Beach offers benches and deckchairs from which you can enjoy the sunset. You can choose to relax on the sandy beach, sit on the pier or even take a basket boat ride to witness the sunset from a different perspective while having a sip of cocktail.
Best time to come to Phong Nha Funky Beach: 3:00pm - 6:30pm.
Price: The entry is free. You just need to pay for food/ drinks there and all game packages are free.
Touch the river: Basket boat paddling, swim and snorkel, rope swing, monkey bridge, water hammock.
Don’t get wet: Tipsy tubing, basket boat paddling, swim and snorkel, rope swing, monkey bridge, funky swing, water hammock, walk on stilts.
If you are traveling with kids, Phong Nha Funky Beach is an amazing place. While your kids are able to join all the activities here, get so excited with water and can catch some fish and little crabs, the price is by half for children under 1.4m tall.
What to bring:
Swimwear
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Sunscreen
Happy hours: 5pm-7pm every day for the best sunset.
6. Tang’s farm
Tang, a revered Vietnamese veteran, is the mastermind behind this charming establishment. If your journey brings you to Vietnam for a taste of countryside life, look no further. Tang's farm presents a genuine Vietnamese rural experience, complete with a cozy 3-room wooden dwelling, a flourishing garden awaiting your green thumb, a serene lake for leisurely fishing, a friendly buffalo offering rides, and a delightful flock of ducklings for playful interactions. For visitors arriving in the months of May or June, an exciting opportunity arises to partake in the rice harvesting rituals alongside the amiable local farmers.
Price: 100,000VND/ pax for all activities
7. Jungle hiking in Botanic Garden
This is my favorite place in Phong Nha even though the name can be misleading. Please don’t expect something like Botanic Garden in Singapore or in Sydney, it’s totally jungle hiking in Phong Nha Botanic Garden.
The botanic garden is around 8.6km (5.34 miles) away from Phong Nha downtown. If you opt to take the bicycles which are free at your hotel, it’s a total of more than 10-mile journey. Honestly, you need to be in good shape for cycling. The roads are quite flat but it gets a little tougher as you get closer to the place. Intense heat, humidity and a 10% road incline are things you have to take into consideration.
Another easy option for you in this condition: Rent a motorbike. The rental price is between 120.000 and 150.000VND/ day excluding gas.
Why do I love this place?
It is not crowded. The botanic garden is open from 7:30am to 5:00pm; and it almost never really gets too crowded so you don’t need to “go early to beat the crowds”.
You can get away from the hustle and bustle Vietnam and enjoy your own world. I’m sure you will find yourself really calm, peaceful and relaxed in pure nature, lush green, birds and crickets’ sounds. Fill your lungs with oxygen and exhale all stress or anxiety in your life. This moment is yours.
The garden really offers you chance to keep fit. Imagine it’s 40 Celsius degrees outside and you step to the jungle filled with canopies and water flowing. How much energy will you get back? There are 3 routes for you to choose:
Route 1: A 40- minute round trip to Gio Waterfall and straight back again up the same path. Not much to see. Only do this if you really don’t have time for a longer walk.
Route 2: You can see Vang Anh Lake, quite a lot of jungle, bomb craters and if you are lucky enough, you can see birds or squirrels. It’s a 1.5km walk that will take you around an hour unless you stop for a swim.
Route 3: This is the best (in my opinion). It’s a 3km walk that allows you to see all the best parts of the forest, including Vang Anh lake, some decent hiking through moderately exciting terrain, two century-old Sao trees and of course, Gio Waterfall. It’s a big loop and will take you no longer than 2 hours total if you don’t stop for long.
You can enjoy all jungle trekking and swimming with a very affordable price: 40.000VND/ pax (less than US$2 per person). While the cave is pretty high, you are looking for a more reasonable place to have a break. Then Botanic Garden is absolutely the right choice.
There are some cautions, though:
The best time to visit Botanic garden is anytime that isn’t rainy season. The rainy season in Phong Nha is between late September and November. There are sunny dry days during this period, so please be flexible with your schedule though.
At the last part of route 2 and route 3, there is steep decent rocky path. There is rope to assist you but please make sure that you are fit enough to keep your body balanced. Otherwise, the trails can be really slippery and dangerous. If you are really burned out, have a break, take a deep breath and slow down your heart beats. It helps.
If you visit Botanic garden in summer time, consider to bring along the swimsuit. Gio waterfall is a place for a rewarding swim after a long sweaty trek. However, there is no changing room at the waterfall.
What to bring: Insect repellent. DON’T forget it. There are mosquitos that can leave you bites and itches. (I’m sure it’s not fun).
6. Additional Tips
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
People in Vietnam generally and in Phong Nha particularly are very friendly. Don’t forget to say “Xin chào” or wave your hands when seeing them as a greeting etiquette.
Carry a small backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Follow the instructions of your tour guide and respect the cave's rules and regulations to preserve its natural beauty.
Consider visiting Phong Nha Cave during the dry season (from April to August) when water levels are lower, allowing for better exploration. If you reach Phong Nha in later September and October, please keep your schedule open in case some tourist attractions close due to the high level of water. Except for the rainy days or even stormy days, the weather is super nice with bright sunlight, moderate temperature and pleasant breezes.
How to get to Phong Nha from Dong Hoi by local bus:
There are several buses between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha and they pass by Phong Nha Funky Beach. If you take the bus from Dong Hoi, please make sure that you wait at the bus stop nearby Nam Ly market or you inform the bus your waiting spot. It takes you around 1 hour to transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
Following are some buses you can book the tickets in advance:
Ngoc Anh Bus: +84 913 559 357
+ Dong Hoi – Phong Nha: 8am/ 3pm
+ Phong Nha – Dong Hoi: 10:30am/ 5pm
Thao Van Bus: + 84 128 282 73
+ Dong Hoi – Phong Nha: 9am/ 2pm
+ Phong Nha – Dong Hoi: 11am/ 4pm
Đạt Dũng Bus: + 84 911 858 772
+ Dong Hoi – Phong Nha: 5:30am/ 11pm
+ Phong Nha – Dong Hoi: 8:15am/ 4:45pm
Hoai Niem Bus: +84 82 472 4333
+ Phong Nha – Dong Hoi: 7am/ 2:30pm
+ Dong Hoi – Phong Nha: 5:40am/ 9:10am
Bằng Châu bus: + 84 911 808 567
+ Phong Nha – Dong Hoi: 7:20am
+ Dong Hoi – Phong Nha: 1:20pm
Price is between 60,000-70,000VND/ pax/ way.
Though guided tours can be easy and convenient, there are ways for independent exploration, allowing you to connect with the natural beauty and local culture at your own pace. Just make sure to check local regulations, safety guidelines, and ticketing procedures when visiting specific attractions.
Enjoy your endless Phong Nha!
