Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fantastic place to visit for those who love nature and want to have an eco-tour in Vietnam.
Situated in Quang Binh province, in the central-north part of Vietnam, the park is about 500 km south of Hanoi and 200 km north of Hue. This stunning natural area offers plenty of activities that you shouldn’t miss to make the most of your visit.
Discover the 8 must-do activities at Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam
1. Cycling around Bong Lai Valley
Spend a whole day exploring Bong Lai Valley with just a map and a bike – it’s perfect for your family trip in Vietnam. Follow the narrow trails made for mountain biking and uncover local villages while enjoying the serene beauty of the mountains and forests.
Wrap up this wonderful day by enjoying tasty traditional grilled chicken and sipping on a cold beer after a day of non-stop cycling.
Cycling with the family will be a fun activity in Bong Lai Valley
Tucked away in Bong Lai Valley is The Duck Stop, a hidden treasure that draws travelers with its special charm. This lovely spot is well-known for its welcoming locals, especially the adorable ducks that roam around freely.
The Duck Stop in Vietnam offers an affordable adventure, with prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND (around 4 USD to 10 USD), depending on the activities you choose. Visitors can see how various crops like Vietnamese peanuts, cassava, rice, and peppers are grown.
Become a Duck Leader at The Duck Stop
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you feed and interact with countless cute ducks, as well as meet other farm animals like cats, buffaloes, and dogs. Don’t miss out on the famous “duck massage” – it’s a highlight of the visit. It’s no surprise that visitors often fondly call themselves “Duck Leaders” during their time in this magical place.
2. Discovering the famous caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam
When visiting this National Park, make sure to set aside at least 2 days and 1 night in Phong Nha to explore its breathtaking caves in Quang Binh, known for their rich variety of plants and animals.
- Hang Va Cave, discovered in 2015, is a recent gem attracting adventurers worldwide with its untamed charm.
- Hang En, ranked as the third largest cave globally, promises an extraordinary adventure with its underground river and unique ecosystem, ideal for a memorable camping experience.
- Tu Lan Cave, surrounded by meandering streams and ever-flowing rivers, is a mysterious maze tucked amidst the rugged mountains of the Annamite Range.
- Dark Cave (Hang Toi), stretching over 6 km, houses an underground river carrying sediment filtered by limestone blocks for many kilometers. Inside, visitors can marvel at countless stalactites in different shapes and hues.
- Paradise Cave greets visitors with majestic stalagmites and mesmerizing formations from the moment they step in. Enhanced by gentle lighting, its otherworldly beauty creates a captivating ambiance.
3. Exploring Vietnam’s history
Discover the turbulent times of Vietnam’s past with a guided tour in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Learn about the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a crucial route during the fight against American forces.
During the tour, you’ll also visit Tam Co Cave, a tribute to eight brave young women who tragically lost their lives in a bombing raid in 1972.
4. Enjoying nature along the rivers
After a day full of adventures, unwind amidst the peaceful forest surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll on bamboo bridges beside gentle streams and the Chay River.
Kayaking on the Chay River
For those seeking excitement, kayaking and swimming are great options, while others can simply relax and soak in the beauty of nature around them.
5. Hiking Through Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
For nature lovers looking for adventure, a trek through the forest is a fantastic option. You’ll immerse yourself in vibrant greenery while visiting the Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Rescue Center, where you can discover fascinating animal species.
6. Ziplining adventure in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Experience an adrenaline rush with one of Asia’s most exciting ziplining adventures in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. It’s an incredible journey that blends thrilling ziplining with breathtaking views of natural wonders.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang is renowned for offering some of the most exhilarating ziplining experiences in Asia.
A must-do for adventure seekers is ziplining in the Dark Cave (Hang Toi). This zipline, stretching 400 meters above the Chay River, is the longest in Vietnam, providing an exhilarating ride to the cave’s entrance.
Once inside the cave, you’ll encounter complete darkness, surrounded by walls of gray and black stone, giving the cave its name. After exiting the cave, visitors can enjoy a short swim, followed by a guided walk (equipped with helmets and headlamps), a mud bath experience, and kayaking back to the starting point.
7. Camping Adventure in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
If you’re up for an extraordinary experience while visiting Central Vietnam, consider camping in the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Picture yourself surrounded by the mysteries of underground caves as night falls, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s not just thrilling; you’ll also learn about the park’s geology, history, and ecosystems.
Exploring the caves at night with expert guides will be unforgettable
8. Exploring Son Doong – The World’s Largest Cave
Since August 2013, exploring Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park has become one of the most expensive activities in Vietnam, offering unique experiences to travelers who want to have a luxury tour in Vietnam.
Son Doong is like stepping into another world, revealing Vietnam’s natural wonders, including underground rivers and a forest with rare species. The cave even has its own weather system, adding to its allure.
Each tour group consists of 10 explorers, guided by experts and supported by a team of safety assistants, cooks, porters, and a forest ranger.
Son Doong has gained international attention, appearing in Alan Walker’s music video “Faded” and “Peter Pan – The Neverland.” It was also featured on Good Morning America by ABC News in the United States in 2015.
Son Doong – The World’s Largest Cave in Vietnam
General Information about Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park:
Best time to visit: April to August
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Ticket prices:
- Phong Nha Cave: 150,000 VND (about 6 USD) per person per trip.
- Tien Son Cave: 80,000 VND (about 3.25 USD) per person per trip.
Being one of the most amazing national parks in Vietnam, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and geology enthusiasts, attracting visitors from around the globe. It’s a destination not to be missed during your travel in Vietnam.
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Hello mi Nguyen, thank you for the informative article. Can you tell me where it would be best to be based for these activities? A small village would be lovely! Jeanette
Hello Jeanette,
Thank you for your kind words! For a small village experience in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, I highly recommend Phong Nha village itself. It’s a peaceful spot along the river, with easy access to the national park’s main attractions like the caves, hiking trails, and river activities. You’ll find homestays and guesthouses run by locals, some bars open for tourism.
If you’re looking for something even quieter, Chày Lập village is another option, tucked away but still close to adventure spots like the Dark Cave and the Botanical Garden.
Let us know if you need any more tips!
Have a good day,
Mi Nguyen