PHONG NHA & DARK Cave: Day Cave tour in Phong Nha

Dong Hoi , Vietnam

PHONG NHA & DARK Cave: Day Cave tour in Phong Nha

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About this experience

Dark cave is an adventurous and action-packed experience. Visiting this cave includes harnessed zip lining over a turquoise river, swimming into the mouth of the cave (life jackets included), walking through the dark with only the head torch on your mining helmet to illuminate the way, having a mud fight in the buoyant mud baths deep in the cave, washing clean with a swim in the lake inside the cave, then kayaking back across the river to test your strength on the hanging obstacle course and open ziplines.
Phong Nha Cave is not only a natural legacy of the world. It also stands as a relic system of the historic Ho Chi Minh trail which, during the US war, served as a secret hiding place for floating bridges that were only brought out at night to avoid targeted bombings. These bridges were key components in the supply chain from the north to the south by allowing supply trucks to cross the rivers. It also once served as a hospital, with weapons installed at the entrance.

Available options

PHONG NHA & DARK Cave: Day Cave tour in Phong Nha

Pickup included

What's included

All entrance fee, transfer pick up and drop off, lunch, English speaking tour guide

Drinking water, Dragon boat Service fee (equipment, zip line harness, helmet, kayak etc.)

Detailed itinerary

07:45 – 08:00 Our car and tour guide will pick up guests at their hotel in Dong Hoi. From there, you will be taken to the Dark cave (located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park). -OR – 8:45-9:10: Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha village, then transfer you to Dark Cave (located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park).

Participate in the many adventure activities: zip line, mudbath, kayak, swimming, etc. (65 km from the city, about a 60 minute drive).

Activities: mud bath, zip-lining, swimming, kayaking, adventure course, caving etc.

12:30 Lunch at local restaurant in Phong Nha village. Here you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish. Vegetarian option available. Please contact us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate you.

13:30 Depart for your exploration of the most impressive Phong Nha caves. You will then take a 25 minute ride to the cave via traditional dragon boat. This cave is called a water cave as it boasts an underground river. After going into the cave by boat, you will explore 300 meters into the cave on foot. Then, you will be taken back by boat. This cave is famous for its spectacular rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”…

16:00 Back to Dong Hoi or Phong Nha Village. Tour ends when you will be dropped off at your hotel.

What's not included

Beverage

Personal expense

Tip for the tour guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Our tour guide will pick you up under the name you provide.

About Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi is a charming coastal city in central Vietnam, known for its beautiful beaches, dramatic karst landscapes, and rich history. It serves as the gateway to the stunning Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its caves and biodiversity.

Top Attractions

Nhat Le Beach

A beautiful, less crowded beach with soft sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Beach Half day Free

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its extensive network of caves, lush forests, and biodiversity.

Nature Full day Varies by tour and cave (50,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND)

Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel

A historic site that dates back to the Nguyen Dynasty, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Bang Lagoon

A scenic lagoon surrounded by limestone karst formations, offering boat tours and kayaking.

Nature Half day 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND for boat tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bún Chả Cá

Grilled fish cakes served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Bánh Xèo

Crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains shrimp and pork

Bánh Bèo

Steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork rinds, served with a savory dipping sauce.

Snack Contains shrimp and pork

Popular Activities

Cave exploration Kayaking Hiking Beach lounging Spas and massages Visiting historic sites Local markets and street food Swimming

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dong Hoi is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution, especially at night and in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and exchanging money

Getting there

By air

Dong Hoi Airport • 5 km from city center

By train

Dong Hoi Railway Station

By bus

Dong Hoi Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules can be irregular.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nhat Le Ward City Center

Day trips

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

30 km • Full day

Explore the stunning caves, lush forests, and diverse wildlife of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bang Lagoon

15 km • Half day

Enjoy a scenic boat tour or kayaking adventure through the picturesque lagoon surrounded by limestone karst formations.

Festivals

Dong Hoi Buffalo Fighting Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit Nhat Le Beach in the afternoon for stunning sunsets
Try the local seafood at Nhat Le Beach, especially the grilled fish and shrimp
Book tours to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in advance, especially during peak season
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth historical perspective at the Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and handmade crafts