The weather in Phong Nha and best time for visiting
the phong nha weather

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh province, approximately 500 kilometers from Hanoi, 45 kilometers from Dong Hoi city and 210 kilometers from Hue city. Famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, Phong Nha has many unique caves with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park can be an unforgettable experience. However, Phong Nha weather will greatly affect your cave tour, as it significantly affects cave tours, especially those involving water caves and adventure activities.

1. An overview of Phong Nha weather

Located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, Phong Nha has the characteristics of the North Central region with two distinct seasons: dry season from April to early September and rainy season from September to March of the following year. The average annual rainfall is quite high, from 2,000mm to 2,300mm. In addition, floods often occur from October to November.

Due to the terrain and climate, during the flood or heavy rain season, the water level in the caves can rise rapidly, posing a danger to visitors. For safety reasons, many caves will have to be temporarily closed during this time.

2. Phong Nha weather characteristics by season

2.1. The weather in Phong Nha in the dry season

During the dry season, which lasts from April to August, Phong Nha has sunny weather with occasional rain showers. This period is  ideal for outdoor activities such as visiting Dark cave, Chay river, Mooc spring,… In addition, the dry season is suitable for exploring water caves and long term cave explorations because the dry trails make it easy for you to move and experience. However, the dry season Phong Nha weather can be a bit  intense. The highest temperature can reach 41°C with 83 – 84% humidity but if you move inside the caves, the temperature is only around 20°C.

2.2.The weather in Phong Nha National Park in the rainy season

The rainy season in Phong Nha – Ke Bang extends from September to March, with heavy rain lasting for many months. The steep terrain also contributes to the risk of flooding, which can be very dangerous. Annual flooding typically occurs from October to November. This season is not an ideal time for tourists to visit Phong Nha, as heavy rains can lead to high water levels that obstruct cave entrances and impede movement.

Phong Nha Ke Bang day trip

Hue city: Phong Nha Ke Bang day trip by car

Rent a private car from Hue To Phong Nha cave - Ke Bang National Park, and explore its karst mountains,

3. When is the best time to visit Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

The weather in Phong Nha is clearly divided into two seasons, so although the dry season is sometimes the high temperature, it is  a favorable time for visiting and experiencing Phong Nha. The dry weather of Phong Nha will ensure your safety while exploring the caves.

Additionally, it’s essential you should provide enough water and prepare suitable clothes to avoid the heat. Furthermore, checking the Phong Nha weather forecast and planning your trip accordingly is highly recommended.

4. How to get to Phong Nha National Park:

The railway station
Tourists arriving at Dong Hoi station and from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha

To travel to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, visitors have many options such as bus, train, airport, motorbike and private car. Each means of transport has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the visitor’s choice. 

  • Buses: Bus is a popular means of transportation to Phong Nha cave. Tourists can easily choose between local buses or open buses due to their convenience and low cost. However, the travel time is quite long from Ninh Binh, Ha Noi or Hue city. Almost of sleeping bus arrive Phong Nha at 21:00 from Hue, and from Hanoi/Ninh Binh to Phong Nha at 4:00 am. No public bus from nearby city Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, we just access from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha by private car or Motobike
  • Train:  there are not railway station in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. But You can book train ticket to Dong Hoi City and then connect to Phong Nha town
  • Plane: Like Train transport, Flight is the fasfest way to access Quang Binh Province, you will arrive Dong Hoi Airport (VDH). Dong Hoi Airport is Domestic Airport so you only access from 2 big cities Ha Noi (Noi Bai Aiport HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport SGN) After landing, you can choose one of the following means of transport to Phong Nha such as taxi, motorbike or private car.

Read morehow to get to from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha

  • Motorbike: Traveling by motorbike allows you to freely explore and have flexible time. However, you need to be in good health and have good driving skills. Understand traffic laws in Vietnam and have a driver’s license. From big cities, you can ride a motorbike along National Highway 1A or other routes to Phong Nha. This route is quite beautiful, you can admire the majestic scenery of the Truong Son mountain range.
  • Taxi: Taxi is suitable when you travel a short distance. It is convenient, fast, suitable for families or large groups of friends, especially when you have a lot of luggage. However, taxi costs will be higher than public transport. In addition, you should book a taxi in advance through ride hailing apps or contact local taxi companies directly to ensure a car is available. 
  • Private car:  Choosing a private car helps you flexibly customize your itinerary and enjoy your own space to relax. A knowledgeable driver can help you move safely and especially they can communicate in English to help you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

huracars Huracars offers chauffer services in Phong Nha town to nearby famous places. Our private car service is highly regarded, and our English-speaking drivers are experienced and knowledgeable. You will enjoy the comfort of a new car, equipped with free Wi-Fi and water.

5. How to dress according to Phong Nha weather?

Phong Nha weather is best in the dry season, visitors should prioritize choosing clothes that are cool, sweat-absorbent, light and comfortable. Avoid thick, stiff fabrics that can lead to discomfort.

Some suggested clothing options:

  • T-shirts: Cool, comfortable, suitable for outdoor activities, lots of movement.
  • Jackets: Jackets can also help protect you from sunburn, occasional rain showers, and insects when exploring the jungle.
  • Pants and shorts: Cool, comfortable, and suitable for trekking or visiting caves, offering protection for your legs.
  • Training shoes and slippers: Training shoes are suitable for many terrains and hiking, while slippers are suitable for visiting areas that are not too rugged.
  • Other items: Hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, gloves, hiking gear, camera, toiletries, etc

6. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park: 

Phong Nha cave
There is only one way to get into Phong Nha cave by boat on Son river, so if you go in the rainy season, we cannot get in here because the water level will cover the entrance cave

Phong Nha cave is a very famous tourist destination in Quang Binh. When entering the cave, visitors will take a boat along the Son River for more than 30 minutes, enjoying the pleasant, cool and fresh air. Inside the cave, visitors will visit the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, the masterpieces of miraculous nature. This experience is sure to be unforgettable for anyone visiting. However, Phong Nha weather in the rainy season is quite complicated, the water level in the cave will rise. To ensure the safety of visitors, the cave will not open during the rainy season.

  • Tien Son cave:
Tien Son Cave with Phong nha weather
You can visit Tien Son Cave after visiting Wet Cave – Phong Nha

Unlike Phong Nha cave, Tien Son cave is a famous dry cave hidden inside the Phong Nha – Ke Bang area and is located right next to Phong Nha Cave. This cave has a rich stalactite system with many strange shapes, from giant stone columns to small stalagmites, creating a beautiful natural picture.

  • Paradise cave:
Paradise cave in Quang Binh
Paradise cave in Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park, UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, 60 km northwest of DDong Hoi city

With its magical beauty and diverse stalactite system, Paradise Cave is known as “underground paradise”. This cave is identified as the longest dry cave in Asia, with a length of up to 31.4 km. Inside the cave, you’ll find crystal clear lakes reflecting light, creating a mesmerizing, shimmering scene. With its magical allure and stunning stalactites, this cave is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences.

  • Mooc spring:
mooc spring
Most of activities in Mooc Spring is swimming, Kayaking, water sport in Chay River so they closed almost in winter

Mooc spring with its wild beauty brings visitors a feeling of peace and refreshment. The clear, cool stream flows between the cliffs creating a poetic scene. Surrounding the stream are many species of green trees, flowers, and wild animals creating a diverse and rich ecosystem. Visitors can bathe in the stream, kayak, camp or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air. 

  • Chay river and Dark cave:

Chay river Dark cave with the best Phong Nha weather

Chay River and Dark Cave attract tourists with their wild beauty and unique experiences. Chay River is famous for its clear emerald green waters, while Dark Cave is famous for its dark caves that contain many wonders. When coming here, visitors cannot miss experiences such as mud bath, ziplining, and kayaking,…

  • Son Doong cave

Son Doong Cave is a magnificent natural wonder and the largest natural cave in the world discovered to date. Son Doong offers visitors an unforgettable exploration experience with mysterious stalactites, primeval forests inside the cave and mysterious rivers formed over millions of years.

Phong Nha weather contributes to the wild and majestic beauty of Phong Nha – Ke Bang cave. However, visitors should proactively update information about Phong Nha weather before departure to have the most complete trip.