Things to do in
Phong Nha
Phong Nha is a paradise for adventure and nature lovers. It’s renowned for its majestic caves and stunning karst landscapes. This guide explores the best activities in Phong Nha, from exploring colossal caves to enjoying serene riverside views. Whether you want to swim in underground rivers, explore vast caves, or relax in nature, Phong Nha offers an unforgettable experience.
Historical & Cultural Insights
Bong Lai Rattan House
Cycle to this destination for food, Vietnamese wine, buffalo cart rides, and stream bathing, surrounded by the valley’s natural beauty.
The Duck Stop
Get up close with friendly ducks, lead them around the farm, and even try the unique “duck massage” for a memorable experience.
Discover Local Cuisine at Moi Moi Restaurant
Although temporarily closed, this restaurant is known for its fresh pork and Vietnamese dishes, offering a relaxing atmosphere with hammocks.
Experience Rural Life
Wander through villages, interact with locals, and observe daily activities like farming. The valley is a peaceful retreat where you can see water buffaloes, encounter local children, and appreciate the lush greenery.
Nature Lovers
Swing at Bong Lai Swing Nature Farm
Capture Instagram-worthy moments on swings overlooking the river, offering breathtaking views.
Dong Soi Farm
Engage in farming activities, harvest vegetables, go fishing, and learn about organic farming methods. Enjoy meals prepared with ingredients from the farm.
Ồ Ồ Lake Silence
Enjoy the serene atmosphere at this café surrounded by mountains, offering local dishes and a chance to swim in the lake.
East Hills Phong Nha
Stop for delicious local specialties like grilled chicken dipped in Cheo salt amidst beautiful, peaceful scenery.
Walk in the Botanical Gardens
Take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens to explore diverse plant species, encounter wildlife, and enjoy serene picnic spots amidst natural beauty.
Leisure & Lifestyle
Dine Out
Discover the best dining experiences Phong Nha has to offer, from local flavors to international cuisines. Check out the top restaurants.
Unwind at the Spa
Phong Nha offers tranquil spa experiences to rejuvenate after adventurous days. Explore the best spas.
Relax at Your Hotel
Choose from various accommodations in Phong Nha, each providing unique views and comfort. Find the best hotels.
Dine at the Pub with Cold Beer
Enjoy farm-to-table dining at this famous low-key spot. Savor grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and vegetarian options amidst stunning river views.
Active & Creative Activities
Ziplining
Experience the thrill of ziplining at Dark Cave, part of the Phong Nha adventure loop.
Swim and Relax at Ồ Ồ Lake Silence
Take in the tranquil surroundings and cool off with a swim in the lake at this picturesque café.
Learn Farming at Dong Soi Farm
Become a farmer for a day, engaging in sustainable farming practices and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Cycle or Motorbike through the Valley
Explore the valley’s scenic routes on the Phong Nha Loop, experiencing its beauty and tranquility on two wheels.
Play at Funky Beach
Enjoy things to do in Phong Nha beyond the caves – try traditional games, float down the river, swim, and row a conventional basketboat surrounded by lush jungle – a fantastic sunset spot.
Caving Expeditions
Embark on more serious caving expeditions with Jungle Boss in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Explore the immense Son Doong Cave, the largest in the world, along with other awe-inspiring caves like Hang En, known for its vastness, and Paradise Cave, famous for its stunning formations. These tours offer an adventure through unique ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. Discover more about cave tours in Phong Nha.
Take a caving tour
Explore stunning landscapes on a Phong Nha Tour of Tra Ang & Elephant Cave or the Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek. Dive into adventure with river swims, jungle treks, and cave explorations, all while enjoying the rich biodiversity of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Each tour has professional guidance, delicious BBQ lunches, and all the necessary gear for a day full of discovery and natural beauty.
Book Guided Tours and Experiences
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Submit Your PlanFAQs: Things to do in Phong Nha
Absolutely. Nature lovers will be in heaven in Phong Nha, thanks to its vast and rugged National park and its incredible cave system. Even those who just want to experience Vietnam’s culture and history in a laid-back environment will love the sleepy towns outside of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park such as Dong Hoi.
If you want to experience the beauty of Phong Nha in one day, we’d recommend going on a day tour like this Phong Nha – Tra Ang Excursion or this Elephant Cave-Ma Da Jungle Trek. The tours allow you to cover a lot of ground in one day and the guides will give you a crash course in local culture and history.
The most popular caves in the park include:
- Paradise Cave
- Phong Nha Cave
- Dark Cave
- Tien Song Cave
- Tra Ang Cave
- Tam Co Cave
And, of course, Son Doong Cave, the largest cave on Earth.
A few popular outdoor activities in Phong Nha are:
- Jungle trekking
- Exploring hidden caves, often with a Phong Nha Cave tour.
- Kayaking on the Chay River.
- Ziplining at Dark Cave.
- Biking through the local villages.
- Offroad motorbiking around the park.
Yes, Phong Nha offers eco-friendly tours focusing on sustainable tourism. These include guided nature walks in the national park, responsible cave exploration tours, and community-based tours supporting local villages. These tours emphasize environmental conservation and cultural respect, both of which are pillars of the local culture
The best way to experience Phong Nha’s local culture is to visit the small villages near the park like Tram Me, Bong Lai, Doong, and the village of Phong Nha. While in the villages, make an effort to interact with families and local business owners, even though they likely won’t speak English. Also make sure to sample the local cuisine.
The best way to learn about the area’s history is by visiting the Phong Nha War Martyrs Memorial.
Popular day tours in Phong Nha include guided cave explorations, botanical garden treks, and village cycling tours. Adventure-seekers can also opt for the National Park’s adventure and wildlife-spotting tours for an exhilarating experience. For instance, Vietnam is Awesome offers great day tours of Phong Nha – Tra Ang or Elephant Cave – Ma Da Jungle Valley.
