Is the time of the great journey coming to you? Pack up as you are proceeding to Phong Nha Ke Bang from Da Nang which is akin to traveling right into in nature world! Embedded in Quang Binh province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a romantic exploration place for lovers of nature. Standing at 123,326 hectares, this UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts the world’s oldest karst mountains dating back 400 million years. Home to America’s largest cave system, vibrant biodiversity & unforgettable views, the park is an incredibly popular place to visit.
The following guide has been put together to ensure you plan an unforgettable experience. From best travel routes and must-visit landmarks to general tips and advantages of touring with a guide, we have got it all sorted for you. Prepare for a deep dive into a rigid adventure plan!
How to Travel to Phong Nha Ke Bang from Da Nang
From Da Nang to Quang Binh
Overview of Travel Options
Getting to Phong Nha Ke Bang from Da Nang To travel to Phong Nha Ke Bang Park, you have three options: bus, train, or car. All the mode of transport have their charm which would suit various choices and budgets.
Detailed Information on Bus Services
Buses are a favorite among travelers for their cost-effectiveness and frequent schedules. Here are some top choices:
- Queen Cafe
- Schedule: 14:00 (Da Nang) – 18:00 (Quang Binh)
- Ticket Price: 250,000 VND
- Contact: 0243 928 3999
- Dương Vũ
- Schedule: 17:15 (Da Nang) – 22:45 (Quang Binh)
- Ticket Price: 300,000 VND
- Contact: 1900 272 708
- Tú Tạc
- Schedule: 17:45 (Da Nang) – 20:30 (Quang Binh)
- Ticket Price: 240,000 – 320,000 VND
- Contact: 0978 914 895
Remember, prices may fluctuate during holidays and peak seasons, so booking in advance is always a good idea.
Train Travel Details
For a scenic and comfortable journey, trains are an excellent option. Here are the details:
- SE6
- Schedule: 03:04 (Da Nang) – 09:06 (Dong Hoi)
- Ticket Prices: 220,000 – 320,000 VND
- TN2
- Schedule: 09:25 (Da Nang) – 15:39 (Dong Hoi)
- Ticket Prices: 160,000 – 200,000 VND
- SE8
- Schedule: 22:59 (Da Nang) – 04:40 (Dong Hoi)
- Ticket Prices: 230,000 – 330,000 VND
Booking Tips:
- Buy tickets online from trustworthy sources to prevent yourself from waiting in long lines.
- Choose sleeping cars or soft seats for extra comfort.
From Quang Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Phong Nha Cave
Travel Options
Once you arrive in Quang Binh, you have several options to reach Phong Nha-Ke Bang:
- Motorbike: Ideal for thrill-seekers, motorbikes can be rented in Dong Hoi for about 150,000 VND/day.
- Taxi: Perfect for families, with fares around 400,000 VND for a 4-seater from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha.
- Bus: The B4 bus route from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha is available, costing about 35,000 VND per trip.
Detailed Route Descriptions
- By Motorbike: Go along QL16 (Phan Dinh Phung) for 40km to the park gates. Enjoy the scenic ride!
- By Taxi: While more expensive, there are direct routes and if you book in advance, can be available, especially in the peak seasons.
- By Bus: Though not the most comfortable, it’s the cheapest option, with buses running several times a day.
Recommendations for Reliable Transportation Services
For motorbike rentals, reputable providers in Dong Hoi include:
- Chị Thu’s Shop: 42 Nguyen Du, Dong My, Dong Hoi.
- Anh Tùng’s Shop: 44 Hoang Dieu and 07 Truong Phap, Dong My, Dong Hoi.
For taxis, booking through well-known companies ensures a safe and reliable journey.
Highlights of Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Unique Attractions
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is named the “First Wonder" for its enigmatic rock forms and winding river inside. Tours to the cave are inclusive of a boat ride and cost about 150,000 VND per person + a separate fee of 550,000 VND for the boat that holds up to 12 people. Steer through the beautifully cool and dark environment of the cave which almost feels like it belongs to another world and does not act on nature!
Paradise Cave
The 31.4 km length of Paradise Cave makes it the longest dry cave in Asia. Adult fee is around 250,000 VND and an E-car can be arranged from the entrance to the cave. It is like entering a cathedral formed by nature, the sky becomes a distant ceiling, and it is bathed in soft light that reveals de rock carving.
Dark Cave
Dark Cave
Dark Cave on the other hand offers ziplining, mud baths, and kayaking for the more adventurous souls. For the 450,000 VND, it costs total for every single activity and gear. The experience of ziplining INTO the cave is a thrill in and of itself, but then trekking through the mud baths (yes you will get deliciously gross)…. – then you best believe that this is quite an unforgettable experience.
Son Doong Cave
Packages are often available for the world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave, which fills up way in advance due to a limited number of slots. Tours are also priced at 3,000 USD, offering you one off adventures with pro guides and safety gear. It’s not a tour but an expedition. Like a real explorer, you’ll be as if you are discovering an underground universe…
Son Doong Cave
Special Activities
Kayaking and River Tours
Kayaking and River Tours
Kayaking on the Son River is a peaceful way to be in the midst of the natural beauty of the park. Local operators offer tours for something around 100,000 VND/hour. Just picture yourself gently paddling in emerald water surrounded by greens!
Ziplining
The zipline is an adrenaline-driven adventure with a speed boon on the one hand and incredible landscape beauty on you. Soaring, nothing compares to the rush of zipping through the sky over beautiful scenery.
Jungle Trekking
Exploration of Maze of paths of the jungle with rare breed plants & animals The tours differ in the limit of length and complexity, suitable for every harbinger level. Or come check it out if you are an experienced hiker or a novice there is a trail for all.
Top Attractions and Activities in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Phong Nha Cave
Paradise Cave
Tour Details:
- Highlights: S Stalactites, stalagmites, underground river and boat tour
- Pricing: 150,000 VND for entrance fee, 550,000 per boat (max of 12 pax).
- Duration: 2-3 hours.
Discover the dreamy underground river and admire the sculptures of natural holiness sculpted by nature over millions of years. either way, the name of that record just evokes a cool, underground vibe.
Paradise Cave
What to Expect:
- Available Tours: Cave walk guided tours, Electrical car transportation.
- 2020 Admission price: 250,000 VND per adult; and discount for kids.
- Duration: 2-4 hours.
Walk through the vast chambers of paradise cave which makes you feel like stepping into a fairy tale forest. The formations here look like nothing from this world, and the paths here are so well-lit that wandering around amidst these twisted, bright red stone shapes is a pretty cool experience.
Dark Cave
Activities Available:
- Zipling: 400m – zipline to the cave entrance.
- Mud Bath: Cave with a special mud pool
- Kayaking: On the Chay River.
- Prices: 1 full package 450,000 VND 1 basic entry 250,000 VND
Ticket Prices: Full package 450,000 VND, basic entry 250,000 VND.
Safety Tips:
- Dress for the weather (it may be muddy!)
- Follow the guide instructions.
- Drink plenty of water (it is quite the workout)!
Son Doong Cave
Description:
- Booking: Book through authorized tour operators years in advance.
- Price: 3000 USD per person.
- Safety: Training course provided, guides, all equipment included.
This is not for the faint of heart, but this cave guarantees an epic adventure. It involves trekking through the thick jungle walking over the rocks in the hills and spending a night inside deep of the cave. It is the best space for adrenaline junkies.
Practical Tips for Traveling in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Best Time to Visit
Planning your travel Phong Nha Ke Bang from Da Nang is all about timing. There are two main seasons in the park, which have features that could potentially shape your experience while traveling there; the dry and rainy seasons.
From April to August which is the dry season, it has consistently fine, sunny, and warm weather, perfect for hiking and exploring caves. It should be around 25°C cool enough but warm enough to survive the long hikes and boat rides through the caves. Please note that it is also very hot in June, July, and August, so make sure you have a lot of water available and avoid the direct sun.
Conversely, the period of September to March presents a greater abundance of rain and carries with it the risk of flooding. This season tends to make some trails and caves unpleasant or closed. The wettest months tend to be from September to November with rivers being in flood and conditions often unpleasant for outdoor activities. This period is best to be avoided for a safe and pleasant experience
Dining and Local Cuisine
Local cuisine
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is not only about natural beauty, but it also provides a wonderful culinary experience. Recommended restaurants and where to eat the local dishes:
- Phong Nha Farmstay Restaurant: The cuisine here makes you surprised with 2 flavors: Western & Vietnamese. A great place to have a good meal (something heavy) amid a peaceful farm environment.
- Nguyen Shack Art Café: Specializing mostly in fare sought by Dole vegetarians, it’s the place to go for those after something healthy and interesting. The artiness of this place only adds to its grace, making it the perfect destination for a slow meal.
- Phong Nha Bamboo Café: Vietnamese local food served at its best with a real taste of Quang Binh. Seek out their Lẩu cá khoai, a volcano hotpot with whiting fish that is bound to make seafood aficionados weak at the knees. Another favourite is the Cháo canh cá lóc, a noodle fish soup soul-warmer. Of course, you have to try Bánh xèo, the local Vietnamese favorite crispy pancakes.
Health and Safety Tips
When going to Phong Nha Ke Bang from Da Nang, or any sort of new destination that you haven’t been to before, you need to take some health and safety travel precautions.
First, check that your vaccinations are current. It is crucial to keep up with routine vaccines as well as possibly getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, especially if you are traveling through backwater areas with less than stellar sanitation standards.
Another non-negotiable is travel insurance. Medical coverage, travel disruption and other unexpected events Skipping this step can be financially devastating if something goes south!
Lastly, Always have an emergency contact list. And those should include the emergency contact information of your embassy and local emergency numbers. You never know when it comes in handy to have a resource like this in an emergency!
So put these tips in your sleeve now, to make sure you make the best out of your impending trip to Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Have fun during that exciting journey, and make memories!
Benefits of a Guided Tour from Da Nang to Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Convenience and Comfort
Imagine having all the transportation, lodging, and meals worked out for you so that you can relax and have a good time. Everything is easier and stress-free with Danang Tours catering to your needs, you can just sit back and enjoy life without bothering about the hassles. Everything from the time you leave Da Nang to the time you get back is meticulously planned to create the perfect travel experience. Never stress about getting the correct tickets, where to stay, or how to get around — it’s all organized for you.
A guided tour provides the extra benefit of expert guides. It is led by local experts who can give you an equally-enriching experience concerning the culture, history and geology of Croatia which you might not have noticed if you had been exploring on your own. Imagine yourself deep in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, learning from a local who knows (and has probably lived on) the land what makes these karst formations so special, and how they contribute to biodiversity. It’s as if you have a private storyteller recalling the story and mystery from earlier days.
Cost-Effective
Going on a tour may look costly than going on your own, at first sight. but think about the savings hidden in it. Booking all-inclusive packages via Danang Tours will offer discounts to all famous tourist attractions and a lot of group rates that you cannot get on your own. When one considers the ease and further experiences, it starts to make sense. In addition, when all its costs are included in one of those cruise fees, your budget will certainly not be exceeded by some unforeseen expenses – helping you to control the purse strings even more.
Zipline swing activity
Enhanced Experience
Even better, guided tours include one-of-a-kind sites and experiences that everyday tourists cannot access. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang Reserve contains some of the nation’s most stunning natural sights, which are carefully guarded to maintain their untouched conditions and enrich your experience. Picture yourself, wandering through caves and walking trails few others have experienced, with the added knowledge that you are safe in the hands of professionals.
Professional guides also make sure that you are safe as you see the best things. The expert guides know the territory and its local conditions as well as anyone, ensuring a fun, confident adventure. Whether you are juggling (they bring machete services), swimming in underground rivers, or even flying down into a cave on a zipline, then an expert guide is your key to all prepared beforehand.
Conclusion
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a land full of challenges and waits with good tours from Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave to Son Doong tour, Kayaking, Zipline, or trekking on the way to wildlife. Eager to start this massive adventure? Well-organized your remarkable tour with IMPRESS TRAVEL. Contact them today to reserve your next experience and live the rest of your life where the memories are made! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Fanpage for more interesting information about traveling Danang to and to book Danang Tours at the best prices.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, travel to Phong Nha Ke Bang from Da Nang!