Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave - the complex karst formations stretching throughout the surrounding Ke Bang National Park have formed approximately 400 million years ago, making them the oldest in Asia.
As a part of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Complex, Phong Nha Cave (675 110; admission 30,000d, charter boat 100, 000d; 7 am - 4 pm) is the largest and most beautiful cave in Vietnam. Located in the village of Son Trach, 55km northwest of Dong Hoi, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003.
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha means Cave of Teeth, but, unfortunately, the ‘teeth’ (or stalagmites) that were by the entrance are no longer there. Once you get further into the cave, it’s mostly unspoiled. In 1990 a British expedition explored 35km of the cave and made the first reliable map of the underground (and underwater) passageways. They discovered that the main cavern is nearly 8km long, with 14 other caves nearby.
How to get to Phong Nha cave?
From Dong Hoi head 20km north on Hwy 1A to Bo Trach and then turn west for the 30km to Son Trach. Some hotels in Dong Hoi offer tours, but a cheaper option is by motorbike.
Phong Nha Cave
The actual cave entrance is 3km by river from Son Trach. The one-way ride takes about 30 minutes and gives a great glimpse of the life of the river people. Overall, it takes about two hours to visit the river cave, or about four hours with a trip to the dry cave too.
