Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave: Guided Boat Tour & Exploration
Active
10h
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
Embark on an Epic Journey into Phong Nha - Ke Bang’s Underground Kingdom
Discover one of Vietnam’s greatest natural marvels at Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, where ancient limestone mountains and lush jungles hide breathtaking underground worlds. Cruise through Phong Nha Cave, home to the world’s longest underground river and shimmering stalactites that reflect a surreal, mystical light.
Step into the heart of Paradise Cave, often called a "palace beneath the earth", with its vast chambers, towering formations, and a dramatic wooden walkway that stretches deep into the cave’s core.
Beyond the caves, explore a world of rich biodiversity, prehistoric geology, and tranquil beauty. This journey is not just a tour — it's an immersion into nature’s most awe-inspiring creations, where every step reveals a new wonder waiting to be uncovered.
Available options
Group tour: no tickets
Group Tour : If you want to explore both caves, the tour guide will assist you in purchasing the tickets.<br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Lunch and Bottled Water: Includes lunch and 2 bottles of water per person per tour<br/>Dong Hoi-Phong Nha Tour Route: Pick-up → Paradise Cave (no tickets) Lunch → Phong Nha Cave(no tickets) → Drop-off<br/>Minivan: Ford Transit and Hyundai Solati vans, offering spacious and comfortable transportation for groups of up to 16 passengers<br/>Services: Tour includes guide & insurance – tickets to 2 sites not included.<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour
Farm Life – Hands-on Fun: Feed ducks, ride buffaloes, fish, and pick fruits. Enjoy local snacks and fresh tea.
Price: 100,000 VND per person
<br/>Duration: 9 hours: Visit Phong Nha and Paradise Caves in 9 hours, including transportation from Dong Hoi and a boat ride to Phong Nha Cave.<br/>Local Specialty Lunch: Enjoy a tasty lunch with grilled meat, fish, rice, and fresh vegetables. Vegetarian options are available.<br/>Tourist SUV or Minivan: Travel in comfort with a tourist SUV or minivan, tailored to accommodate your group size.<br/>Pickup included
Group: Drop Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Group Tour : Includes a Son River boat ride to Phong Nha Cave and a buggy ride through the forest to Paradise Cave<br/>Standard Service<br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Lunch and Bottled Water: Includes lunch and 2 bottles of water per person per tour<br/>Dong Hoi-Phong Nha Tour Route: Pick-up from Dong Hoi & Phong Nha → Visit Paradise Cave → Lunch → Explore Phong Nha Cave → Drop-off at Phong Nha & Dong Hoi<br/>Minibus: Ford Transit and Hyundai Solati vans, offering spacious and comfortable transportation for groups of up to 16 passengers<br/>Services: Includes entrance fees, professional tour guide, & travel insurance to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all participants<br/>Pickup included
Group Tour: Drop-off in Hue
Group Tour : Includes a Son River boat ride to Phong Nha and a buggy ride through the forest to Paradise Cave <br/>Standard service<br/>Duration: 1 day<br/>Lunch and Bottled Water: Includes lunch and 2 bottles of water per person per tour<br/>Phong Nha and Paradise caves : Pick-up from Dong Hoi & Phong Nha → Visit Paradise Cave → Lunch → Explore
Phong Nha Cave → Drop-off at Hue<br/>Van/ Bus: Ford Transit and Hyundai Solati vans, offering spacious and comfortable transportation .<br/>Services: Includes entrance fees, professional tour guide, & travel insurance to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all participants<br/>Pickup included
What's included
An English-speaking tour guide with expertise in the history and culture of the caves
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dong Hoi city or Phong Nha village
Bottled water
Buggy ride through the jungle
Entrance tickets to Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave
300 meter exploration on foot inside Phong Nha Cave
1 kilometer exploration of Paradise Cave
Travel hat
• Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (with the option to choose vegetarian dishes)
Dragon boat ride on the Son river
Detailed itinerary
1
7:15 AM - 7:45 AM: Begin your adventure with a convenient hotel pick-up from Dong Hoi city or Dong Hoi train station.
2
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Pick-up from your hotel/homstay in the scenic Phong Nha Village area.
3
Stop 3
09:00 AM:
Paradise Cave Exploration: Guests will enjoy a 1.6 km electric vehicle ride and then walk up to the entrance of Paradise Cave. The cave opens into a vast chamber with ceilings 40-60 meters high and a width of 120 meters, offering a cool escape from the summer heat.
Scenic Walk: Wooden staircases lead to stunning stalactites and stalagmites, highlighted by soft LED lighting. Known as the "Palace in the Heart of the Earth," the cave features impressive rock formations and unique structures.
Natural Wonders: Inside, see nature’s wonders like flower-shaped stalagmites and stalactite waterfalls. Notable formations include the Rong House, Cham Towers, and Quan Am Buddha. Recognized as "The Most Unique and Magnificent Stalactite Cave System in Asia," the cave offers an unforgettable experience. After two hours, return to the parking area with lasting memories.
4
Stop 4
12:00 AM: After visiting Paradise Cave, enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant within the national park, featuring regional specialties in a tranquil and spacious setting.
5
Stop 5
01:30 PM:
Phong Nha Cave Exploration: After lunch, head to Phong Nha Cave. Board a traditional dragon boat for a 30-minute cruise on the Son River, surrounded by stunning scenery.
Scenic Boat Ride: Enjoy the serene river views, riverside villages, and majestic limestone mountains. The boat ride leads to the entrance of Phong Nha Cave, revealing its magnificent formations.
Inside the Cave: Inside, marvel at the illuminated stalactites, with formations resembling diamonds. Discover hidden sandbanks, underground lakes, and sparkling rock formations that create a fairytale landscape.
Notable Sections: Explore famous areas like Bi Ky, Co Tien, and Cung Dinh. Capture memorable photos and learn about ancient Cham inscriptions and the treasure of King Ham Nghi.
Cave Exploration: Walk through corridors adorned with stalactites, enjoying the cool, fresh atmosphere. This awe-inspiring experience will leave you with lasting memories of Quang Binh.
6
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM: Your unforgettable journey concludes at the stunning Phong Nha Cave, followed by a drop-off at your hotel in Phong Nha town.
7
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Return to Dong Hoi, where your tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel, train station, or airport, leaving you with cherished memories of an unforgettable adventure.
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
VI
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
25 reviews
5★
24
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
241 reviews
5★
227
4★
9
3★
4
2★
1
1★
0
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 Dong Hoi or Phong Nha 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 or Phong Nha.
Meeting point
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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