Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave Full-Day Exploration from Hue

Hue , Vietnam

Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave Full-Day Exploration from Hue

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(37 reviews)

17h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Touch the Earth’s Hidden Wonders – One-Day Tour from Hue to Phong Nha & Paradise Cave

Escape the city and journey deep into the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise along the serene Son River, passing through the poetic Tram Me village, and glide straight into the jaw-dropping beauty of Phong Nha Cave – home to the world’s longest underground river and spectacular stalactites.

Then, trek 1.6 km through a lush tropical forest and conquer 500 stone steps to reach Paradise Cave, a true natural masterpiece. Nicknamed the "Palace beneath the Earth", its vast chambers and shimmering formations feel like stepping into another world.

In just one day, you’ll explore two of Vietnam’s greatest cave wonders, breathe in the purity of untouched nature, and return with memories that last a lifetime.

Available options

Drop off Dong Hoi/Phong Nha

Group Tour Duration: 1 hour Lunch Phong Nha & Paradise cave Bus/Van Pickup included

Private Tour

Private Tour Duration: 1 day Lunch Phong Nha & Paradise Caves Bus/Coach/Van Pickup included

Pick-up and Drop-off in Hue

Group Tour Duration: 1 day Lunch Phong Nha & Paradise Caves Bus Pickup included

What's included

Modern air-conditioned transportation is available from Dong Hoi City to Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Admission to Paradise Cave

Dragon boat tickets on the river

Electric cars move at Paradise Cave

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hue city (only option 2)

Lunch

Lavie bottled water 500ml: 2 bottles per guest per day

Travel insurance with a maximum compensation of 20,000,000 VND per guest per incident

Cold towels: 2 per guest per day

English-speaking guide specializing in tours for the entire route

Admission to Phong Nha Cave

Detailed itinerary

04:30: AM - Pick up

The bus picks up passengers at the meeting point in Hue city. You will depart for Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Travel time is about 4 hours, through beautiful routes and majestic natural scenery of the Central region.

08:30: AM - Arrive at Sovaba Travel Office in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh province. You rest and relax for about 10 minutes, drink water, and prepare for the journey to explore two famous caves.
The vehicle will take you to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, with a travel time of approximately one hour. Get ready to explore one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders.

Stop 3

09:30: AM - The car will take you to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park area, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone landscapes, caves, and rich biodiversity.

Stop 4

10:00: AM - Paradise Cave Exploration:

Visitors begin their journey with a 1.6 km tram ride, followed by a short hike to the narrow entrance of Paradise Cave. Once inside, the cave reveals a vast, cool space with ceilings up to 60 meters high and widths of 120 meters. Wooden stairs guide you through this "Underground Royal Palace," showcasing magnificent stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by soft LED lights. The cave's natural wonders, including formations resembling flowers, trees, and waterfalls, leave visitors in awe. After two hours of exploration, the tour concludes with a return to the parking lot, leaving unforgettable memories.

12:30: PM - Lunch Break:

After visiting Paradise Cave, you will be invited to a restaurant in the National Park area to have lunch with local specialties, in a peaceful and airy space.

Stop 6

01:30: PM - Journey to Phong Nha Cave:

• After enjoying lunch, visitors continue their journey to Phong Nha Cave. Here, visitors board a dragon boat to begin a 30-minute cruise along the green river, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
• Sitting on the boat, visitors will feel the peace of the scenery, watching the riverside villages and majestic limestone mountains in the distance. The river leads to the entrance of Phong Nha Cave, where the magic of nature gradually reveals itself through the majestic and mysterious beauty of rows of stalactites and stalagmites.
• Stepping inside, visitors will be overwhelmed by the shimmering beauty of the stalactite system illuminated under flashlight. Stone curtains, stalagmites, and stalactites shine like diamonds, creating unique shapes. The deeper you go, the more you will be amazed by the shoals, underground lakes and sparkling rocks, all creating a scene like a fairy tale world.

04:00: PM - Return to Dong Hoi:

Guests board the vehicle to return to Dong Hoi City.

05:00: PM - Arrival in Dong Hoi:

The vehicle will pick you up and continue the journey back to Hue.

08:00: PM - Arrival in Hue:

You arrive in Hue, concluding the tour. The driver bids you farewell and looks forward to welcoming you on future journeys.

What's not included

Far pick up surcharge if you stay out of the pick up area

Tet holiday fees (10 USD per person)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

31 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please provide the name and address of your hotel in Hue for pick-up arrangements.

You need to provide the tour leader's phone number and preferred method of contact so the tour operator can reach out to you directly after booking.

If you're vegetarian or have any special dietary needs, please let the local operator know in advance.

You can also end your trip in Dong Hoi/Phong Nha or Hue

Meeting point

About Hue

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its historic monuments, royal tombs, and beautiful architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past with its well-preserved citadel, palaces, and temples.

Top Attractions

Imperial City

The Imperial City is a walled fortress and palace in the former capital of Vietnam. It was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (around 150,000 VND for entrance)

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic Buddhist pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. It is one of the most beautiful and historic pagodas in Vietnam.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Tomb of Khai Dinh

The Tomb of Khai Dinh is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh, the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100,000 VND for entrance)

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, offering a wide variety of local products, including food, textiles, and souvenirs.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for items

Perfume River

The Perfume River is a scenic river that flows through Hue, known for its beautiful views and cultural significance. It is a popular spot for boat tours and leisurely walks along the riverbank.

Nature Varies by activity Low to moderate (boat tours around 100,000 VND)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bun Bo Hue

A spicy beef noodle soup with a rich, flavorful broth made from pork, beef, and lemongrass. It is typically served with rice vermicelli, slices of beef, and pork, and various herbs and vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Banh Khoai

A crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and water. It is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Snack/Dinner Contains shrimp and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Nem Lui

Grilled minced pork skewers wrapped in fresh herbs and served with a peanut hoisin sauce. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and lemongrass before being grilled.

Snack/Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Banh Beo

Steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork rinds. They are served in small dishes and eaten with a small spoon, accompanied by a fish sauce-based dipping sauce.

Snack/Appetizer Contains shrimp and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bach Ma National Park Boat tours on the Perfume River Water activities at Lang Co Beach Sunbathing and swimming at Lang Co Beach Visiting spas and wellness centers in Hue Exploring the Imperial City and its historical sites Visiting local markets and shopping streets Attending traditional performances and festivals

Best Time to Visit

February to August

The best time to visit Hue is during the dry season when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20°C to 33°C 68°F to 91°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

Hue is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is important to take standard precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas, and keeping valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi companies or app-based services, such as Grab or Mai Linh
• Bargain for better prices and be cautious when using ATMs or making purchases with credit cards

Getting there

By air

Phu Bai International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Hue Railway Station

By bus

Hue Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Hue. The system includes routes to major tourist sites like the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Mai Linh

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Hue University Area An Cuu Island

Day trips

Tam Giang Lagoon

15 km from Hue • Half day to full day

Tam Giang Lagoon is a scenic and tranquil destination located just a short drive from Hue. It is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, offering beautiful views, peaceful boat rides, and a variety of water activities.

Vinh Moc Tunnels

25 km from Hue • Half day

The Vinh Moc Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in central Vietnam. They were used by local residents during the Vietnam War to escape the bombing and shelling by American forces.

Bach Ma National Park

40 km from Hue • Full day

Bach Ma National Park is a stunning and biodiverse destination located just a short drive from Hue. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species, as well as beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Hue Festival • Biennial, typically held in April or May Hue Traditional Boat Racing Festival • Annually, typically held in May or June Hue Poetry Festival • Annually, typically held in August

Pro tips

Visit the Imperial City early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
Try the local street food, such as bun bo Hue and banh khoai, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Take a boat tour on the Perfume River for a unique and scenic perspective of the city
Hire a local guide or join a tour to learn more about the history and culture of Hue and the Nguyen Dynasty
Explore the local markets, such as Dong Ba Market, for a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the city