Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (UNESCO) holds some of the largest caves on earth. From the village of Son Trach, boats go up the river into Phong Nha Cave, a wooden walkway runs a kilometre into Paradise Cave, and the Dark Cave has a zipline and mud bath. Multi-day expeditions to Hang En and Son Doong, the biggest cave known, are booked months ahead through the licensed operator and run only in the dry season. Flooding from September to December closes many caves.
Highlights
- Paradise Cave walkway
- Boat into Phong Nha Cave
- Dark Cave zipline and mud bath
- Cycling the Bong Lai valley
- Hang En overnight expedition
- Son Doong expedition (booked far ahead)
- Botanical garden waterfall
Things to do
- Paradise CaveMorning · 3h
- Boat trip into Phong Nha CaveAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Dark Cave zipline, kayak and mud bathAfternoon · 3h
- Cycle the Bong Lai valley farmsMorning · 3h
- Botanical garden jungle walkMorning · 2h
Tours & tickets
Tourisma may earn a small commission if you book — it never changes your price.
When to go
Best time: February – August
Worth knowing
Typhoon and Flood Season on the Central Coast
⚠️ From September to December typhoons and heavy rains hit central Vietnam, worst in October and November. Hoi An's old town and parts of Hue flood most years, flights are cancelled when a storm passes, and floods can cut the railway and roads for days (they did in late 2025). Keep a spare day, book refundable trains and rooms, and follow the storm warnings.
Worth knowing
Cave Expeditions Closed for the Flood Season
Son Doong, Hang En and the other multi-day cave expeditions run only in the dry season and stop from about September to December, when the rivers flood. Phong Nha Cave's boats stop on flood days; Paradise Cave and the Dark Cave usually stay open.
Worth knowing
Tet: Closures and a Travel Rush
Tet (Lunar New Year) falls on 6 February in 2027. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and fares rise; for three to five days after, many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close. Check the date for your year, book transport a month or more ahead, and expect higher prices.
- Tet (Lunar New Year) — Vietnam's biggest holiday. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and prices rise as everyone travels home; for three to five days after New Year's Eve many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close, while temples and flower markets are at their liveliest. Book transport a month or more ahead, or avoid travelling in the days either side.