9 Best things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National park

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is an impressive park where colossal caves, mountains, lakes, jungles and exotic wildlife and an impressive stalagmite and stalactite system. So, when you come to Phong Nha, you don’t miss things to do because they will definitely make you fall in love. This post is the comprehensive guide to the top 9 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. It covers exploring caves, trekking, kayaking, camping, ziplining, bathing in springs and mud baths, bike riding, boat trips, and experiencing the local cuisine. For each activity, it also offers a set of tips and precautions for visitors.

1. Explore the caves system of the national park

The top things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is explore the caves. The Phong Nha Cave System is the long cave system, with a length of over 100 km and comprising over 140 caves. Hang En cave is one of the biggest caves in the world, and Hang Son Doong Cave also part of the Phong Nha Cave System, has the largest cave passage in the world. Embark on a journey to the Phong Nha Caves, where breathtaking natural wonders await. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible variety of rock formations that have been sculpted by time and water. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Phong Nha Cave, one of the largest caves in the world to past towering limestone cliffs and hidden caves. Or take a challenging trek in Paradise Cave, a dry cave with a lot of stalactites and stalagmites with different shapes and sizes.

Tips for exploring Phong Nha Caves:

• Choose the right season: The dry season in late ò November to September (next year) offers pleasant weather for exploration.
• Avoid the flood in late of september to early of november. Some people says that we should avoid arrive Phong Nha at June or July because of the hot day, but I think that time is perfect for swiming and kayyaking in the fresh water
• Preparation: Choose suitable clothes and shoes. Choose long pants, quick-drying shirts, and sturdy shoes with good soles for moving on uneven surfaces. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses on your journey into the cave entrance.
• Headlamp: Bring a reliable headlamp with extra batteries for comfortable exploration in the dark.

2. Trekking and outdoor activities

Phong Nha National Park is a great opportunity to discover one of the richest bio-systems in Vietnam. The National park is famous for its stunning karst landscapes, lush jungles, and hidden caves, making it a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. With its diverse range of trails, from gentle half-day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions, Phong Nha Ke Bang offers trekkers of all experience levels an unforgettable experience. 

Tips things to do for trekking and Outdoor Activities

• Preparation: choose clothes and shoes suitable for the climate and terrain. Bring layers of clothing to cope with changing weather conditions and choose sturdy shoes with good grip. Pack essentials like a backpack, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, and map
• Check the weather: Always check the weather forecast before going out. Be prepared for rain, sun or unexpected changes in temperature.

3. Kayaking in Son River

The park’s rivers are a great place to go kayaking and offer stunning views of the surrounding karst landscape. Kayaking in Phong Nha Ke Bang is more than just a water sport; it’s an immersive journey of nature’s wonders. It’s a chance to connect with the tranquility of the rivers, the awe-inspiring beauty of the caves, and the thrill of adventure. So,  the best things to do in Phong Nha is grab your paddle, embark on this unforgettable expedition, and create best memories

4.Camping – greatest things to do in Phong Nha

Camping in the caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang is more than just a camping trip. It’s a journey into the heart of the earth, a chance to witness the wonders of nature, and to create memories that will stay with you forever. You can camp inside the Hang En cave or the Son Doong cave… Campsites of other caving trips are often outside in the jungle, next to a waterfall or river. This promises to be a unique experience that you must have done at least once in your life

So, for this activity, you’ve got to set aside 2 days to a week. You’ll be booking a tour with Oxalis – they’re the only guys running these tours.

5. Zipline at Dark Cave

Ziplining in Phong Nha takes you on an exciting adventure through the heart of the rainforest. You’ll fly over lush foliage, hidden waterfalls, and stunning rock formations. You’ll zipline over the cave entrance and then have the opportunity to explore the caves on foot. Ziplining offer stunning views and free your soul

Tips for ziplining in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park:

• Dress for adventure: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes with good tread. Avoid loose clothing or anything that could snag on the zipline. Option for quick drying materials for hot and humid weather.
• Don’t Take Selfies : sure you’re dying to post your zip line adventure to Instagram, but play it safe and avoid taking selfies while in fly

  

6. Spring baths – River bathing – Mud bath in Chay River

There are a lot of activities waiting for you at Mooc Spring such as swimming in the crystal clear cool water, take a dip in the cool, hanging yourself in a hammock or a scenic waterfall.

Addition, for a unique and potentially therapeutic experience you can wallow in a natural mud bath at Dark Cave believed to have health benefits for the skin. Keep in mind this cave has no lighting system, so the experience is quite unique!

7. Take a bike ride to the farms and neighboring Bong Lai Valley 

This is one of the best things to do in Phong Nha if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The journey takes you on a scenic cycling adventure. The route allows you to explore the valley at your own pace, stopping at points of interest or simply basking in the tranquility.

This bike tour offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Phong Nha’s tourist attractions. This is an opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in Vietnamese rural life, and a delicious local lunch will energize your exploration. This is not just a bike ride but a sensory experience, an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with nature and slow down the pace of life. So, embrace the adventure in the most pleasant way.

8. Enjoy the boat trip at the Son River 

The Son River invites you to explore its splendid underground world. As you journey, an awe-inspiring landscape reveals itself, featuring towering cliffs dotted then disappear at the hidden grottoes. the local people along Son river banks provide a peek into the unchanging rhythm of their life. This boat trip is an opportunity to plunge into the tranquility and alluring beauty of Phong Nha National Park.

9. Enjoy Phong Nha’s amazing cuisine

The last things to do in Phong Nha is to enjoy the local food. Like other provinces in Vietnam, Phong Nha people have secrets to cooking their food. The locals offer foodies eager to delve into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine with a local twist. Some of the must-try dishes include soft sweet potatoes, brown rice pancakes, tarpon hot pot, and filter cake. No matter what your taste buds are craving, you are sure to find something to your liking in the cuisine of Phong Nha. So be sure to try some of the local specialties during your visit and savor the flavors of this unique region.

I trust this article about things to do in Phong Nha will prove helpful for your visit. Phong Nha will overwhelm you with its majestic landscape and unforgettable experiences.