North-Central Vietnam

The spectacular karst limestone landscapes around Ninh Binh and Tam Coc are ideal for exploring by boat or bicycle, and there are stellar opportunities for caving and trekking amid the fast-developing travellers' scene of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Dong Hoi, the coastal gateway to Phong Nha, also has an enjoyable low-key beach scene and good restaurants.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Boats at Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    North-Central Vietnam

    Designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2003, the remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed…

  • Hang Son Doong cave in the heart of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam.

    Hang Son Doong

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave), located in the heart of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, is known as the world's largest cave, and is one of the…

  • Tu Lan Cave.

    Tu Lan Cave

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    The Tu Lan cave system comprises of more than 20 wet and dry caves, which are thought to be between three and five million years old. Huge caverns,…

  • Paradise Cave,Vietnam.

    Paradise Cave

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Surrounded by forested karst peaks, this staggering cave system in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park extends for 31km, though most people only visit the…

  • Landscape with boat in Van Long natural reserve in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

    Van Long Nature Reserve

    Ninh Binh Province

    Set amid glorious limestone pinnacles, this tranquil reserve comprises a reedy wetland that’s popular with birdwatchers. Among the bird species that have…

  • Inside the worlds 3rd largest cave that has its own camping site and beach

    Hang En

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    This gigantic cave is very close to Hang Son Doong; both have been featured in a National Geographic photographic spread. Getting here involves a trek…

  • Interior view of building with golden sculpture at Chua Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temple in country.

    Chua Bai Dinh

    Ninh Binh Province

    Chua Bai Dinh is a bombastic Buddhist complex, built on a vast scale, that rises up a hillside near Ninh Binh. Construction was completed in 2014, and it…

  • Phong Nha Cave

    Phong Nha Cave & Boat Trip

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    The spectacular boat trip through Phong Nha Cave is an enjoyable though touristy experience beginning in Son Trach town. Boats cruise past buffalo,…

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A woman gazes up to a hole in the ceiling of Hang Son Doong cave

Hiking

How to explore the world's largest cave, Hang Son Doong, in Vietnam

Aug 27, 2024 • 11 min read

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