7 Phong Nha attractions you don't want to miss!

Entrance to Phong Nha cave

If you love wild nature (there are many areas in the reserve that have not been explored at all!), caves, kayaking, jungle trails, and of course good food and people, then Phong Nha This is the place for you. Many people skip it due to lack of time, and that's a shame! Phong Nha It is a sleeper bus ride from Hanoi and Tam Coc and 4 hours from Hue . Here you can find useful information for travelers such as weather, attractions, hotels and restaurants.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Phong Nha, Vietnam?

The town is located 500 kilometers south of Hanoi, roughly in the center of the country, and most people travel there in sleeper cars.

You can easily find convenient travel options from many destinations in Vietnam with 12GO.

Weather Phong Nha : When should you visit?

Phong Nha Located in central Vietnam, the area has four seasons:

winter

December to February. Slightly rainy, between 10-20 degrees.

spring

March to May. Hot and humid, everything is blooming, lots of butterflies and green rice fields. 23-29 degrees. Recommended season.

summer

June to August. Many say this is the best season to visit. 26-32 degrees.

autumn

September to November. Can be very rainy but humidity drops. 25-30 degrees. Also a good season for hiking.

7 Phong Nha attractions you don't want to miss!

In Phong Nha, the caves are the main attraction! There are all kinds of caves, some suitable for a day trip and some you can explore in a few days. So which ones are the most worth seeing?

Paradise Cave

Among the popular attractions. It takes about half a day to get there, walk around there and come back. There are stairs and a wooden path so you can walk there easily, even with children.

Phong Nha cave
Paradise Cave

A small group tour that combines both caves in one day. You can choose the pick-up point, and customize the itinerary to your preferences, including the option to visit Dark Cave instead of one of the other caves. The tour includes lunch and English-language guidance.

⭐ High rating of 5/5 from 154 raters!
✅ Includes pickup and drop-off, lunch and an English-speaking guide
✅ Choose a personalized route from three options
✅ A small, cohesive group experience
💰 Starting from $59.90!

Reserve your spot on the trip now ↓

Phong Nha Cave

Also one of the popular attractions. You can get to the station and from there take a twenty-minute boat ride to the cave.

Phong Nha Cave station
The boat station to the cave Phong Nha
Phong Nha cave
Phong Nha Cave
Stalactites in a cave Phong Nha
Phong Nha Cave

Dark Cave

Some would say this is the most beautiful cave in the nature reserve. It is full of attractions like ziplining, kayaking, a hiking trail, a swimming area, and mud pools. 

Phong Nha cave
Dark Cave

A guided tour is a wonderful way to discover the wonders of the national park. Phong Nha , with a small, intimate tour that allows for a personal and focused experience. You receive comfortable transportation services, lunch, and all the equipment needed for fun attractions like ziplining and kayaking.

⭐ Rated 5/5 on Viator
✅ Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and a professional guide
✅ Visit two amazing caves
✅ Small groups of up to 15 participants for a personal and pleasant experience
✅ Full equipment for activities: ziplines, helmets, kayaks and more
💰 Price starting from $89!

Reserve your spot on the trip now ↓

Son Doong Cave

The largest cave in the world! And probably one of the most beautiful. You can only get there with an expedition that takes about five days (sleeping in a campsite). 

Tu Lan

A huge cave system with an underground river. Through travel agents in the area, you can also book a trip there for a few days.

Hang Va Cave

Ideal for two challenging days of hiking with climbing, swimming, and walking inside the cave.

Phong Nha cave
Hang Va Cave

Phong Nha Botanic Garden

The truth is that it is not really a botanical garden but a beautiful walking trail in the jungle. There are two trail options, one of an hour and one of three hours. The difficulty level is medium, there are ladders and ropes to climb along the way. It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent but you can also buy it there. There is a small restaurant with local food, snacks and drinks.

Botanical Garden Phong Nha
The Botanical Gardens
Fungi in Phong Nha
Fungi in the jungle of the botanical gardens

Recommended hotels in Phong Nha

There are plenty of good places to stay at good prices. Most of the places are near the river so you can enjoy the view.
Here are some highly recommended places, from lowest to highest price:

Green Riverside Cozy Home

⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ Dormitory or private rooms
✅ Breakfast included
✅ Central location

To book a room immediately:

Phong Nha Coco Riverside

⭐ Rating of 9.1 on Booking.com
✅ Private rooms with river views and air conditioning
✅ Includes an excellent breakfast
✅ Central location

To book a room immediately:

Victory Road Villas

⭐ Rating of 9.5 on Booking.com
✅ Luxurious 4-star hotel
✅ Includes an amazing breakfast
✅ Pool and mountain view

To book a room immediately:

Recommended restaurants

The food everywhere is simply excellent! You will find mostly Vietnamese food, and there are many options for vegetarian food.
Here are some recommendations for really delicious places:

Family Restaurant

Highly recommended! A variety of fresh, delicious and creative dishes. There is an amazing hot pot (there is also vegetarian). There is a dish of fried vegetable meatballs that is simply a must. 

Hot Pot in Phong Nha
Vegetarian hot pot in the family

Bamboo Chopsticks

Super delicious food and they have great cocktails!

Tofu and beef stew in Phong Na
Caramelized tofu and beef stew in bamboo

Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant

Delicious, fresh and creative. Seating above the river so there is also a lovely view. Mushroom skewers one of the most recommended dishes!

Other destinations to continue after Phong Nha Vietnam

If you continue north , a 7-hour bus ride will take you to Tam Coc – a beautiful town with river cruises, ancient temples, and good food.
If you continue south, it is worth passing through Hue , which is 3 and a half hours away by bus and was the capital of Vietnam.
Or continue to Da Nang and Hoi An , 7 and a half hours away by bus – two cities with lots of interesting attractions, beaches and amazing cuisine!

Questions and Answers

What is the weather like in Phong Nha? 🌤️

The area has a tropical climate with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Temperatures range from 18°C to 35°C.

What caves are there in Phong Nha? 🏞️

The most famous caves are the cave Phong Nha , Paradise Cave, Dark Cave and Son Dong Cave – which is the largest cave in the world!

What are the recommended attractions in the area? 📸

In the park you will find activities such as river cruising, cave tours, ziplining, kayaking, and even jungle hiking trails.

Is Phong Nha Vietnam suitable for a family trip? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Yes! The amazing caves, wild nature, and attractions make the park a destination suitable for all ages, including families with children.

Why do I recommend Viator?