Table Of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Where Is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?
- 3 The Name Phong Nha Ke Bang Meaning
- 4 Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park History
- 5 Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave Systems
- 6 Travel Guide
- 7 Conclusion
Introduction
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, one of eight UNESCO World Heritages in Vietnam, leaves tourists with untold curiosity. Its overwhelming scale and grand biodiversity offer nature enthusiasts a dream destination to discover.
A lot of visitors to Phong Nha Ke Bang long to witness with their eyes the geographic uniqueness, spectacular cave systems, limestone mountains, underground rivers, and various fauna and flora. With a square of 201.000 hectares, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Quang Binh will definitely satisfy adventure souls.
Together with Vietnam Limousine, you now will dive deeper into information about this world-class landscape. We will thoroughly introduce Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to all corners: facts, history, and a useful travel guide.
Where Is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park location is in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. It extends to two districts, Bo Trach and Minh Hoa, of Quang Binh.
It is 50 kilometers to the northwest of Dong Hoi, the main city of Quang Binh Province. Also, the distance from the capital city Ha Noi to Phong Nha Ke Bang is 500 kilometers to the south. Its west borderline meets another conservation area of Laos.
To get a visual understanding, you can refer to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park map below:
So, how to get to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park? Buses, trains, rental cars, airplanes, or even motorbikes are available. You can choose any transportation, depending on your present location, situation, travel purposes, and other preferences.
For a different transfer experience, you can choose limousine luxury car transfers by Vietnam Limousine, such as:
- Dong Hoi To Phong Nha Limousine – 89 USD/limousine
- Hue To Phong Nha Limousine – 172 USD/limousine
- Da Nang To Phong Nha Limousine – 362 USD/limousine
- Hoi An To Phong Nha Limousine – 362 USD/limousine
Our transfer service aims at top comfort and safety for travelers, so we always ensure high-quality vehicles, drivers, and customer support. We’re best for families, friend groups, elderly travelers, and people with small kids.
The Name Phong Nha Ke Bang Meaning
The national park was named after its two prominent features, Phong Nha Cave and the Ke Bang area of jungles and limestone mountains. Although greater caves have been discovered, only Phong Nha Cave was mentioned as it was the biggest cave at that time.
There are several explanations for the name Phong Nha Ke Bang but in general, they reflect the local viewpoints and beliefs.
Some think that “Phong” (or Wind in English) refers to the cool air blowing in the cave and “Nha” (or Teeth) refers to the stalagmites and stalactites.
Meanwhile, others explain that “Phong” means Mountain Peak and “Nha” means Mandarins, the officials in the past Vietnamese feudalism. They imagine the mountains standing in a row like the way mandarins stand in a royal court.
Besides, some people say that the name of Phong Nha originates from that of a nearby mountain village.
So, how to say Phong Nha Ke Bang? For many foreigners, Phong Nha Ke Bang pronunciation is quite tricky, as it contains some Vietnamese sounds and tone marks unfamiliar to English speakers. We may phonetize it this way /fɒŋ nɑː ke bɑːŋ/. Although it cannot fully reflect the tone marks, people can still understand what you refer to.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park History
Phong Nha Ke Bang Karst formation has started for 400 million years since the Paleozoic Era. Over time, this land has become a great natural creation with significant biodiversity, vast jungles, massive limestone mountains, and especially majestic caves.
Despite such long-establishing progress, not until 1990 did researchers start far-reaching research into its cave complex. Since then, the British Cave Research Association and other research teams have carried out many explorations, gradually opening the world to such a natural feat.
Let’s take a brief look at the highlights in the timeline of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park:
- 1990: Vom Cave discovery
- 1992: 7,729 meters in Phong Nha Cave and 13,690 meters in Vom Cave discovery
- 1994: Management Board establishment
- 2001: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park establishment
- 2003: UNESCO’s first recognition of a World’s Natural Heritage (geology – geomorphology)
- 2005: Paradise Cave discovery
- 2009: The discovery of Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world
- 2015: UNESCO’s second recognition of a World’s Natural Heritage (biodiversity)
Due to its gigantic scale, the expert exploration of this area still continues nowadays. 400 caves have been discovered with a total length of 210 kilometers, which makes up just 30 percent of the whole area.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave Systems
Are you impressed by the Vietnam National Park Phong Nha Ke Bang for its grandeur? We will dive into details about its cave systems to better understand what this land actually accommodates. Indeed, we will introduce prominent cave systems in Vietnam Phong Nha and their most featured caves.
The below caves have already been known to the public and you can join tours to visit them. Yet, as exploring caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang is extremely challenging, many of the over 400 caves haven’t been exploited for tourism.

Phong Nha Cave System
Phong Nha Cave System is the top feature of the whole park since it’s the longest with a total length of 103 kilometers. Besides, it’s home to 140 caves, including the famous Phong Nha Cave and the biggest cave in the world Son Doong.
Its highlighted features are numerous rivers and streams flowing through limestone mountain ranges. Its main rivers are Rao Thuong River and Son River, which run around mountains and valleys, and connect all caves in the system.
Phong Nha Cave

Although it’s the last cave in the system, Phong Nha Cave earned such a reputation thanks to its unique appearance. Along the poetic Son River into the cave, a harmonious combination of unusual formations and underground rivers will be your first impression. Its limestone formations and underground rivers are typical for the whole system’s features.
As mentioned, its length extends up to 7,729 meters, with a roughly 13-kilometer underground river. Interestingly, 44 kilometers of passages have been discovered but only the first 1500 meters are available for tourists.
Son Doong Cave
Son Doong Cave is not only the largest cave in Phong Nha Ke Bang Quang Binh but also the largest on the planet. Its impressive sizes are 150 meters in width, 200 meters in height, and 9 kilometers in length.
It is estimated to start forming 2-5 million years ago, with gigantic stalactites and primitive jungles. It even develops great biodiversity, its own weather, and endless underground rivers. Thus, visiting Son Doong Cave is described by many as “entering another world”.
Hang En Cave

A runner-up after Son Doong is Hang En Cave, also a considerable cave of Phong Nha and the world. It is 1.5 kilometers in total length, up to 140 meters in height, and up to 200 meters in width. The Rao Thuong River also flows through this cave before pouring into Son Doong Cave.
Apart from the above caves, the Phong Nha Cave System is home to many fantastic caves, such as Tien Son Cave, Khe Ry Cave, Thung Cave, Va Cave, and Nuoc Nut Cave.
Vom Cave System
With enormous scale and gorgeous beauty, the Vom Cave System is nominated as one of the greatest cave systems in Vietnam. 70 caves in this system have been surveyed with a total length of 48 kilometers.
Located mainly on limestone peaks, the first cave of this system lies at around 300 meters above sea level. Similar to most cave systems in Phong Nha Ke Bang Vietnam, it gets flown by several rivers named Ca Roong River, Chay River, and Son River.
Hang Vom Cave
Vom Cave gives its name to the whole system as it is the biggest cave here. Besides a total length of 15 kilometers, its entrance is 100 meters wide and 50 meters high.
One interesting feature is the large lake in front of the entrance, which visitors must conquer to enter the cave. Moreover, inside Vom Cave is a 200-meter-high and 50-meter-wide sinkhole, creating a spectacular view of the cave.
Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave, or Thien Duong Cave, gained the reputation as the longest dry cave in Southeast Asia. With 350-400 years of formation, it offers heavenly scenery of stunning stalagmites and novel stalactites.
It is the most popular among general tourists thanks to its first 1000 meters of dry and easy passages. This easily accessible path gives tourists an overall picture of what Phong Nha Ke Bang caves are like.
From the first kilometer on, real challenges appear inside this cave with more rocky paths, darker space, and more epic scenery of grand formations and paradise skylights.
Tiger Cave
Another outstanding cave in this system is Tiger Cave or Dai A Cave. Its length can be up to 1,616 meters and its depth is 46 meters. Additionally, its mouth always makes a strong impression on first-time visitors with a 50-meter width.
Furthermore, Pygmy Cave and Over Cave are two nearby immense caves that are worth noticing. Only 100 meters away from Tiger Cave is Over Cave, with a 3,244-meter length, 104-meter depth, and 25-meter-high entrance. Its broadest point can be up to 125 meters. Similarly, Hang Pygmy Cave has stunning dimesions of 845 meters long and 94 meters deep.
Nuoc Mooc Cave System
Nuoc Mooc Cave System is still a mystery to researchers, as its tremendous underground waterbody remarkably hinders exploration. The name “Nuoc Mooc” is a local way to refer to the unusual rising of water, causing researchers to believe there is a huge cave system here.
Up to this point, they have found out that it has 50 caves and a total length of 20 kilometers. These caves are hard to access due to hazardous entrances and short caves filled with underground water.
Dark Cave and Chay River are two notable features of this system, which have been in the tourism industry for decades.
Tu Lan Cave System
Nestled among primitive jungles and limestone ranges, the Tu Lan Cave System has had an unimaginable establishment over a long time. In fact, Tu Lan is a vast forested region connected by underground rivers and a cave system through 8 valleys and mountain ranges.
Although it is not a part of the National Park Phong Nha Ke Bang, but 70 kilometers away from it, Tu Lan is known to the world thanks to its superb landscape. Tu Lan system accommodates 20 caves, which are gorgeous but challenging for visitors.
Tu Lan Cave
Obviously, Tu Lan Cave was the largest cave in the Tu Lan System (before the Hang Tien discovery) with astonishing measurement and beauty. Its ground is up to 35 meters and its most extensive stalagmites can reach 30 meters.
Tu Lan Cave is likened to a gorgeous palace as its stalactites show up like “natural chandeliers” and its stalagmites stand tall like pillars.
Tien Cave
Tien Cave has two parts connecting with each other by an underground flow. After being fully discovered in 2016, Tien Cave has been the largest and oldest cave in the Tu Lan System so far. Anyone who can get inside the cave will be surprised by its sophisticated and extremely unusual formations.
The Hang Tien Cave 1 extends more than 2 kilometers with a 45-kilometer width. Besides the cosmic entrance of 100 meters, its formation is so complicated that it has at least 3 cave floors. The second floor has to be reached by climbing a dangerous 12-meter steep path while the third floor cannot even be accessed by experts.
Tu Lan Cave System is also home to a variety of unique caves, such as Kim Cave, Ken Cave, Hung Ton Cave, Secret Cave, and Rat Cave, to name a few.
Travel Guide
What To Do In Phong Nha Ke Bang?
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is native to an enormous ecosystem, including various natural patterns. Thus, visitors, especially nature lovers, will not easily get bored when coming to Phong Nha Ke Bang Vietnam. Let’s see things you can do on your visit to the land.
Cave Exploration
Obviously, with such a massive complex of stunning caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, visitors cannot come and leave without joining in cave explorations. The caves are so diverse that there are different levels for all tourists, from easy to extremely challenging. Therefore, you can take the cave tours that are suitable for you.
Some popular caves among visitors are Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Son Doong Cave, Dark Cave, Tu Lan Cave System, and Tiger Cave, to name a few.

Jungle Trekking
Jungle trekking appeals to many tourists as it gives them an authentic sense of engaging in nature. With biodiverse jungles, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a must-see destination for those interested in this activity. You will enjoy some little steps amidst a remote land while admiring its splendid beauty and gorgeous intimidation.
Some enjoyable attractions for trekking are Ma Da Valley, Abandoned Valley, E Cave, Elephant Cave, and Botanic Gardens.

Jungle Camping
Jungle camping, especially overnight camps, offers tourists a unique perspective of nature. Faraway from modern society, amid mysterious nature, you will enjoy jungle sounds, a fresh atmosphere, and particularly a whole night sky full of stars that have vanished from cities full of artificial lights. You will take in real relaxation and refreshment.
You can take part in some overnight tours to do jungle and cave camping, such as En Cave tours, Hang Pygmy exploration, Hung Thoong exploration, Hang Va tours, and so on.

River Swimming
Definitely, the nature-flourishing Phong Nha Ke Bang won’t disappoint you with its fantastic waterbody, including rivers, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and more. One special feature of most water here is the unique turquoise color on the surface. Moreover, without human influences, the water is extremely pure and crystal clear.
Chay River, Nuoc Mooc Spring, Ma Da Lake, Tra Ang Cave’s rivers, E Cave (Aquarium Cave), and other underground rivers inside the caves.
And especially, you can enjoy kayaking on the underground river of Phong Nha Cave, which is an original and popular activity among tourists.

Going Cycling
Phong Nha-Ke Bang runs the Ho Chi Minh Road, which is good for tougher cycling than regular ones. It’s a wonderful way to train your strength, improve your health, and give yourself some life challenges, amidst nature and its refreshing air.
You can see wildlife along the road, visit Phong Nha villages, and enjoy local life.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Entrance Fees
Phong Nha Cave Entrance Fee
- Phong Nha Cave entrance ticket is 150,000 VND/person (6.3 USD)
- For children under 1.3 meters: 75,000/person (3 USD)
- For children under 1 meter: free of charge
Besides, the boat service to Phong Nha Cave is 360,000 VND/boat (15 USD). A boat can seat around 12 people, so you can share the boat trip with other groups to lower the boat fee.
Paradise Cave Entrance Fee
- Paradise Cave entrance ticket costs 250,000/person (10.6 USD).
- For children under 1.3 meters: 125,000/person (5.3 USD)
- For children under 1 meter: free of charge
Also, you can enjoy the electric buggy to Paradise Cave instead of stair climbing:
Seats | Way(s) | Prices |
4 | one | 60,000 VND/pax (2.5 USD) |
4 | round | 100,000 VND/pax (4.2 USD) |
6 | one | 90,000 VND/pax (3.8 USD) |
6 | round | 150,000 VND/pax (6.3 USD) |
8 | one | 200,000 VND/car (8.5 USD) |
14 | one | 350,000 VND/car (14.8 USD) |
Nuoc Mooc Spring Entrance Fee
- Mooc Spring entrance ticket is 80,000 VND (3.4 USD) (entrance fee only, without games).
- All-in tickets cost 180,000 VND/person (7.6 USD). This includes full costs of entrance fee, games, lifejacket, and kayak.
- Children under 1.3 meters are free of charge.
Chay River-Dark Cave Entrance Fee
- All-in ticket costs 450,000 VND/person (19 USD). This includes every service of river swimming, kayak, mud bath (in Dark Cave), zipline, lifejacket, helmet, and head torch.
- A ticket without the mud bath costs 270,000 VND/person (11.4 USD).
- A ticket without the mud bath and 400-meter zipline costs 80,000 VND/person (3.4 USD).
- Tickets for children under 1.3 meters are 150,000/person (6.3 USD). Some games are limited.
- Children under 1 meter are free of charge (an adult’s supervision is required).
Tien Son Cave Entrance Fee
- Tien Son Cave entrance ticket is 80,000 VND/person (3.4 USD)
- For children under 1.3 meters: 40,000/person (1.7 USD)
- For children under 1 meter: free of charge
Plus, you can enjoy a boat visit to both Phong Nha Cave and Tien Son Cave at 550,000 VND/boat (23.4 USD). A boat can seat around 12 people, so you can share the boat trip with other groups to lower the boat fee.
Best Time To Visit
Quang Binh Province, which is home to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is located in the northern central region of Vietnam. Thus, it has the climate patterns of a tropical monsoon with two distinctive dry and wet seasons.
Therefore, for the best transportation and sightseeing, you should set a visit date between April and August. It’s sunny and less rainy, perfect for touring around and other interesting activities.

The period from September to December is less favorable, as it’s more likely to suffer from rain and even extreme weather, such as storms or floods. For the mountainous terrain like Phong Nha, this is inconvenient and dangerous.
Apart from that, the water level will rise extremely high during the time from January to March, which hinders the visits to Phong Nha Cave and other cave systems.
Useful Notes
- For the safest trip, you should notice the regulations and seriously follow them during your visit.
- Booking tickets in advance is a wise choice, as you can avoid lining up and waiting for a long time.
- We highly recommend you book a package tour from a travel agent, instead of setting everything up by yourself. They know how to take care of your visit.
- Phong Nha Ke Bang mainly offers outdoor activities, so you should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also, sunscreen and sunlight-proof items (like hats, sun coats, or umbrellas) are necessary to protect you from extreme sunlight.
- Bikinis for women and shorts for men are the dress code in Chay River, Mooc Spring, and some other places. So, you should bring them along if you want to join.
- You should consider the minimum ages and health conditions to join tours, as some adventure tours do not allow small kids, pregnant women, and people with certain illnesses.
Conclusion
You have read all about Phong Nha Ke Bang – its location, history, cave systems, and some helpful travel guides. Vietnam Limousine hopes that our blog Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park Travel Guide has provided you with handy information for your future trip to this mysterious land. Thanks for reading.