Phong Nha | see and do guide

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Exploring Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

| 29 Aug 2012

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Exploring Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh

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Our rating
29 Aug 2012

Son Doong, Phong Nha and Paradise caves maybe the best known features of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park but the park itself is great for exploring too.

Note: The information provided in this review was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service

The caves that have made the World Heritage listed Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park famous are but 3 of around 300 so far discovered within the park's 850sqkm boundary. More caves seem to open up each year to travellers. Some, like Dark Cave, are open to day trippers, others, like Son Doong, require longer trekking expeditions and big cash outlays.

Check out this National Geographic video on Son Doong Cave.

And it doesn't end with the caves. Asia's oldest and most spectacular karst landscapes are also found in Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

Check out the Botanical Gardens, war memorials such as Eight Lady Cave (Hang 8 Co). The road journey is also incredible. This is some of the most beautiful and unspoilt forest in Vietnam.

Many of the roads in the park are in good condition and don't experience heavy traffic. Unfortunately, good quality bicycles are hard to come by in Phong Nha. You may find yourself opting for a motorcycle taxi. Best not to ride a motorcycle unless you are licensed to do so - your insurance will not cover you in an accident. And they happen.

You can check out our guide to cycling in Phong Nha -Ke Bang here.

Oxalis is the only travel company we are aware of offering trekking and caving for the more adventurous in Phong Nha National Park. We have not sampled their services yet. They can be contacted here. 

Mark Bowyer
Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass.
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