A UNESCO-listed national park hiding some of the largest and most spectacular cave systems on Earth, including Son Doong.
Home to Son Doong, the World's Largest Cave
An extraordinary passage big enough to hold city blocks.
A UNESCO-listed national park hiding some of the largest and most spectacular cave systems on Earth, including Son Doong.
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Vietnam, protects one of the world's oldest karst landscapes, hiding an extraordinary network of caves that includes Son Doong, the largest cave passage on Earth, big enough to hold entire city blocks within its chambers. The park's dense limestone forest, carved over hundreds of millions of years, also contains hundreds of other caves, many only discovered or explored in recent decades.
While Son Doong requires a demanding, expensive multi-day expedition with limited annual permits, more accessible caves such as Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave offer spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations within easy reach of most visitors, reachable by boat or a short walk. The combination of show-stopping scale, genuine adventure travel and relatively undeveloped jungle scenery makes the park one of Vietnam's premier natural attractions.
The park suits families, couples, groups and adventure travellers, for a visit ranging from a single day to several, depending on which caves you plan to see. Son Doong requires a demanding, costly, permit-limited expedition booked many months in advance, while Phong Nha and Paradise Cave are accessible on a standard day visit.
Phong Nha Cave is typically visited by boat along an underground river, while Paradise Cave involves a walk and a descent into a dry cave system with dramatic formations.
Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then connect to a domestic flight to Dong Hoi. Check current routes and book early.
Drive about 50 km, roughly 1 hour, by private car or tour to Phong Nha town.
Decide between accessible day-trip caves like Phong Nha and Paradise Cave, or arrange a Son Doong expedition well in advance.
Visit your chosen caves by boat, walking trail, or multi-day expedition.
February to August
The most reliable conditions for cave access and trekking.
September
Increasing rainfall, which can affect some cave access.
October to January
Heavy rain and flooding risk can close some caves, including parts of Son Doong.
Any month
Always confirm current cave access conditions before planning your visit.
Travel smart
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Permits are extremely limited and expeditions sell out months ahead.
Phong Nha and Paradise Cave suit a standard day trip.
Cave floors and jungle trails can be uneven and sometimes slippery.
Cave interiors can be noticeably cooler than outside.
Heavy rain in the wet season can close some caves, including Son Doong.
The cave formations are a major highlight of any visit.
A convenient and relaxed base for exploring the park.
Useful for entrance fees and boat trips not included in a package.
Location
Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam and get directions easily.
Vietnam
It is a UNESCO-listed national park in central Vietnam, home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave passage, and hundreds of other caves.
Let us plan your Vietnam trip while you enjoy Phong Nha-Ke Bang without the stress of handling it yourself.