A Phong Nha cave tour brings travelers closer to the awe-inspiring natural wonders in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. It offers an opportunity to delve into the breathtaking underground marvels of Phong Nha caves, where you will be left in awe by lush jungles, intricate caves, karst formations, and scenic rivers.
1. What is included in a Phong Nha cave tour?
Nestled within the depths of Central Vietnam's lush jungles, valleys, karst mountains, and serene rivers, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park stands as a marvel of nature. A Phong Nha cave tour invites you to explore this captivating landscape. From iconic sites like Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave to exhilarating adventures in Son Doong Cave, Hang En Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Hang Tien Cave, and Hang Va Cave, the park offers a diverse range of experiences.
1.1. Things to do in Phong Nha cave tours
There is a wide range of activities in a Phong Nha cave tour, including:
- Camping and caving: Explore caves of various sizes, from small to immense. Some larger caves have restricted access due to conservation efforts. While Son Doong Cave is the most famous, don't overlook the charm of other caves in Phong Nha.
- Kayaking: Discover Phong Nha Cave in a unique way through kayaking tours, away from the crowds.
- Walking and hiking: If Vietnam caves Phong Nha are not your type, a guided hiking tour allows you to experience the lush surroundings. Night tours for wildlife enthusiasts or eco-tours that include visits to animal rescue centers are also viable options.
- Cycling and biking: Explore the countryside by bicycle or motorbike, meandering through narrow lanes, rice fields, and fresh streams.
1.2. Phong Nha cave tour facilities
The facilities provided for a Phong Nha cave tour vary based on its duration and difficulty. Day tours are simpler, while overnight tours bring more comprehensive preparations. It is better to check the itinerary for a clear understanding of what to expect on your Phong Nha cave tour.
- Gear: The tour covers essential caving equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and ropes. A high-powered head torch is provided for daily caving, but it is recommended to bring a smaller head torch for camping use in the evening.
- Accommodation: Accommodations vary based on the type of tour. Overnight jungle adventures include tents (single or double), sleeping bags, mattresses, and pillows. Alternatively, some tours may involve stays in hotels if they do not include overnight caving.
- Food: Phong Nha cave tours offer a wide variety of food options to suit different preferences. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice, allowing for better preparation.
- Hygiene: Inside the caves, proper hygiene practices are essential. Composting toilets are available at campsites, ensuring a relatively comfortable bathroom experience. Rice husks aid in odor control. Hand gel, soap, and water are all accessible.
2. Highly-recommended Phong Nha cave tours & their updated prices
Below is our suggestion of the best Phong Nha cave tours and the brief information on each tour, including duration, difficulty, itinerary, and price.
2.1. Phong Nha cave day tours
- Phong Nha cave boat tour
- Duration: 1 day
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Itinerary: A boat ride on Son River and in Phong Nha Cave
- Phong Nha cave price for boat tours: 150,000 VND/person, free of charge for those below 1.3 meters tall
- Phong Nha Paradise Cave tour
- Duration: 1 day
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Itinerary: Paradise Cave
- Price: 250,000 VND/person for those over 1.3 meters tall, 125,000 VND/person for those between 1.1 and 1.3 meters tall, free of charge for those below 1.1 meters tall
- Mooc Spring Eco-trail
- Duration: 1 day
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Itinerary: Mooc Spring
- Price:
- Package ticket: 180,000 VND/person for those over 1.3 meters tall, 100,000 VND/person for those between 1.1 - 1.3 meters tall. This ticket grants access to all services, including stream bathing, kayaking, life jackets rental, hut rental, and participation in outdoor games.
- Entrance ticket: 80,000 VND/person for those over 1.3 meters tall. This ticket does not include services at the site.
- Hang Tien discovery tour
- Duration: 1 day
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Itinerary: Hang Tien 1 Cave
- Price: 2,000,000 VND/person
2.2. Phong Nha cave overnight tours
- Tu Lan Cave encounter tour
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Ken Cave - Tu Lan Campsite
- Day 2: Tu Lan Cave - Kim Cave - Hung Ton Cave
- Price: 5,500,000 VND/person
- Hang En Cave adventure
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Phong Nha - Ban Doong Village - Hang En Cave
- Day 2: Hang En - Phong Nha
- Price: 7,600,000 VND/person
- Tu Lan family adventure tour
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Tan Hoa - Little Rat Cave, Riverside Camp
- Day 2: Riverside Camp - Rat Cave - Tan Hoa - Phong Nha
- Price: 6,500,000 VND/person
2.3. Phong Nha cave multi-day tours
- Son Doong cave tour
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty level: Very hard
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Phong Nha - Safety Briefing
- Day 2: Doong Village - Hang En Cave
- Day 3: Son Doong Entrance - Campsite Doline 1
- Day 4: Garden Of Edam - Campsite Doline 2
- Day 5: The Great Wall Of Vietnam - Son Doong Exit - Chay Lap Farmstay
- Day 6: Chay Lap Farmstay - Dong Hoi
- Price: 72,000,000 VND/person
- Hang Ba deep jungle expedition
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty level: Very hard
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Safety Briefing - Phong Nha
- Day 2: Phong Nha - KM 23 Road 20 - Deep Jungle Trek - Dai Cao Cave - Dai Cao Campsite
- Day 3: Hang Ba - Circle Lake - Light Cave Campsite
- Day 4: Morning Nature Concert - Circle Lake Cave - Vinh Dai Cave and Campsite
- Day 5: Vinh Dai Campsite - KM23 - Phong Nha
- Day 6: Chay Lap Farmstay - Dong Hoi
- Price: 50,000,000 VND/person
- Hang Tien exploration tour
- Duration: 4 days
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hung Ton - Hung Dung Campsite
- Day 2: Hung Nhai - Hang Tien Campsite
- Day 3: Hang Tien 1 & 2 - Tu Lan Lodge
- Day 4: Leaving
- Price: 9,900,000 VND/person
>>> Read more: Vietnam cave: Get inside and explore the mesmerizing beauty of nature
3. Frequently asked questions about Phong Nha cave tours
3.1. Are Phong Nha cave tours safe?
Ensuring the safety of visitors during the tour is of paramount importance. Oxalis, the operator of Phong Nha cave tours, strictly schedules their tours during the dry season, avoiding the rainy period from mid-September to early November. Their commitment to safety extends to the use of high-quality equipment sourced from Europe, including helmets, lights, harnesses, ropes, karabiners, floating ropes, and throw bags. Clear instructions are consistently provided, and guests are continually assisted by the dedicated safety staff to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Concerning the wildlife within the national park, the majority of animals are naturally wary of humans. If they sense human presence, they will tend to avoid encounters. Guides or safety staff always lead the way, checking for any signs of animals to ensure the utmost safety of participants. In addition, most Phong Nha Ke Bang caves boast multiple entrances, enabling participants to access various points for enhanced safety.
3.2. How to book a Phong Nha cave tour?
To reserve your participation in a Phong Nha Vietnam cave tour, visit the official website of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Here, you can access details about the tours organized by both the local authorities and tour operators.
For more daring explorations of challenging caves like Son Doong Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Hang Tien Cave, and others, Oxalis is the premier tour operator. Their team includes local and international experts, including the British Vietnam Caving Expedition Team, ensuring a seamless jungle adventure. All-inclusive tours provide equipment and a skilled team of tour guides, cave experts, safety assistants, and porters.
- Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
- Website: https://phongnhakebang.vn/tour/
- Hotline: +84 232 367 7021
- Oxalis - the leading Phong Nha cave tour operator
- Website: https://oxalisadventure.com/
- Hotline: +84 919 900 357
3.3. How long does a Phong Nha cave tour typically last?
The duration of a Phong Nha Ke Bang cave tour depends on the specific tour you choose. Day tours to well-known caves like Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave typically last 2-4 hours. Tours involving exploration of additional caves and activities such as kayaking, hiking, and trekking might take from half a day to a whole day or even multiple days. An Oxalis tour to Son Doong Cave spans six days. It is advisable to contact the Phong Nha Ke Bang tour operator for details.
3.4. What to bring on a Phong Nha cave tour?
Embarking on most Phong Nha cave tours, travelers can rest assured that the trips are typically all-inclusive, alleviating the need for excessive packing. However, a few essential items that you should bring include suitable clothing for the tour, such as trekking outfits, swimsuit, camping wear, and so on.
Additionally, personal necessities like hats, sandals, towels, toiletries, head torches, water bottles, and underwear are advised. It is also wise to pack medicine, insect spray, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A water-resistant bag will be handy for safeguarding belongings. Backup batteries for your phone and camera ensure that you can capture every moment seamlessly.
3.5. Are there any age restrictions for Phong Nha cave tours?
While many Phong Nha cave tours are open to participants of different ages (including children), certain tours have age restrictions due to safety considerations. These restrictions are particularly relevant for tours involving physically demanding activities like trekking, caving, and swimming. Notably, adventurous expeditions such as the Son Doong tour might only be accessible to individuals aged 18 and above. It is recommended to inquire about this directly with the tour operator before making your choice.
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A Phong Nha cave tour offers a captivating journey into the wonders of nature. With awe-inspiring caves and lush landscapes, each tour ensures unforgettable experiences. Whether delving into depths or reveling in beauty, Phong Nha's unique charm will transform your expedition into a captivating exploration.
