Thrilling Cave Tours in Dong Hoi, Central Vietnam! 7 Must-Visit Spots

When people think of Vietnam's top tourist destinations, cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the historic towns and beaches of Central Vietnam often come to mind. However, did you know that Dong Hoi, a city in Central Vietnam, has been experiencing a significant increase in tourists in recent years? The reason behind this surge is the incredible caves within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

British cave explorer Limbart first visited this area in 1990. With the cooperation of Vietnamese researchers, he continued cave explorations, leading to the discovery of new routes and previously unknown caves.

Now that these caves have been fully developed for tourism and opened to the public, visitors can relive Limbart's thrilling explorations. After an adventurous cave tour, you can also relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Dong Hoi, which faces the South China Sea.

1. Phong Nha Cave

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Dong Hoi, Central Vietnam, has become a major attraction for tourists. With over 300 caves, Phong Nha Cave stands out as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the park.

It takes 30 minutes by boat to reach the cave entrance, offering a scenic cruise through lush nature. As you pass through the grand cave entrance, the engine is turned off, and the journey continues by rowing manually. With minimal artificial lighting, visitors can admire the stalactites and stalagmites in their natural form.

The best time to visit is at the beginning of the rainy season, but after heavy rain, water levels may rise, making the ceiling lower and boats unable to enter, so be sure to check conditions in advance.

Day trips from Hue are available, but since the bus ride takes around 4 hours one way, those who prefer a more comfortable experience may consider staying overnight in Dong Hoi.

For an even more exciting cave exploration, consider visiting "Paradise Cave" in the same national park!

2. Paradise Cave

Nicknamed "Paradise" due to its heavenly beauty, Paradise Cave (locally known as Thien Duong Cave) is one of the most breathtaking caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, west of Dong Hoi.

The first 1 km of the cave was opened to tourists in 2010, and in 2012, an additional 7 km section was opened, but visitors must be accompanied by an expert guide (park ranger). Although helmets and essential gear are provided, it’s recommended to bring sturdy shoes and gloves for safety.

The tour includes trekking through rugged terrain and canoeing inside the cave, making it a real adventure. The highlight of the tour is the 7 km mark, the only point where sunlight enters the cave, creating a surreal atmosphere.

Experiencing the enormous scale of the cave firsthand leaves visitors in awe of nature’s wonders. For those seeking an extraordinary adventure, Paradise Cave is a must-visit in Dong Hoi!

3. Nhat Le Beach

Dong Hoi is not just about caves—it’s also home to stunning beaches! The rapid development of beach resorts in recent years has led to the construction of many resort hotels along the coastline.

Among them, Nhat Le Beach is particularly famous for its crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. It’s the perfect place to take a barefoot stroll along the shoreline.

Why not wake up early and enjoy a morning walk along the endless curved coastline? Even simply relaxing under a giant parasol will let you soak in the tropical vibes.

Located about a 20-minute walk from Dong Hoi’s city center, the beach is easily accessible. Seaside restaurants along the coast offer fresh seafood from the South China Sea, making it an ideal spot for a beach getaway!

4. Dark Cave

For those seeking a thrilling adventure, Dark Cave is a must-visit! To enter, you harness up and zipline across a 10-meter-high cable, then swim to the cave entrance, making for an exciting start.

As its name suggests, Dark Cave is completely pitch black inside. Visitors must rely on headlamps to navigate the cave carefully. Inside, there’s a legendary small spider called the "Dark Cave spider", which is unique to this cave—if you spot one, consider yourself lucky!

The highlight of the tour is reaching a mud pool deep inside the cave, where visitors can experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly.
After exploring the cave, visitors paddle back by kayak to the starting point. Although the tour lasts just over an hour, it is packed with excitement!

During the rainy season, water levels rise and make it unsafe, leading to temporary closures, so be sure to check in advance. Dark Cave is located about an hour from Dong Hoi within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

5. Mooc Spring

Aside from caves, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has other natural attractions, including Mooc Spring, located about 2 km from Dark Cave.

This crystal-clear blue spring is a popular attraction, where visitors can enjoy scenic walks through stone paths and bamboo bridges while admiring the tropical flora, including orchids. The refreshing atmosphere makes it a favorite for those wanting to experience nature up close.

For more adventurous visitors, the site offers kayaking and rope obstacles above the river, providing fun activities for all ages.

If you get hungry, the eco-restaurant next to the spring serves traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Mooc Spring is definitely a must-visit spot in Dong Hoi!

6. Son Doong Cave

The discovery of Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, has transformed Dong Hoi into a world-famous travel destination.

Before 2009, when professional cave experts began their official research, Son Doong Cave remained untouched. With a total length of 9 km and a maximum height of 240 meters, it features underground rivers and jungle ecosystems, making it truly one of a kind on Earth.

Currently, only Oxalis, a local tour operator, is authorized to run 4 to 5-day expeditions into the cave. Tours operate for 9 months a year, with limited availability, making it one of the most sought-after cave tours in the world. Reservations sell out quickly each year, so early booking is essential!

More than just a tourist attraction, Son Doong Cave is an unparalleled adventure, making it a bucket-list destination for travelers visiting Dong Hoi.

7. Da Nhay Beach

If you need to relax after an adventurous cave tour, Da Nhay Beach, located 25 km from Dong Hoi, is the perfect place. Like other beaches in Dong Hoi, it features blue waters and fine white sand, ideal for swimming or simply enjoying the view.

Sipping on fresh coconut juice while listening to the waves in a hammock sounds like paradise! The beach also has restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it a great spot for food lovers.

The name "Da Nhay" means "Jumping Rocks" in Vietnamese, referring to the unique rugged rock formations along the shoreline. These varied rock formations make for an excellent photo spot.

For an even better view, hike up a small hill, where you can see the entire rock landscape and gaze at the South China Sea stretching beyond the horizon.

◎ Summary

Inspired by cave explorers' relentless curiosity, these incredible caves in Dong Hoi are now open to the public. With each cave offering a unique experience, it’s hard to choose which ones to visit!

Don’t forget to include Dong Hoi’s beautiful beaches in your itinerary.

Dong Hoi is easily accessible by train or bus from Hue, and day trips from Hue are also available. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Dong Hoi Airport make it even more convenient.

For a truly unforgettable Vietnam trip, add Dong Hoi to your travel plans!

Search

Customer Support

Thrilling Cave Tours in Dong Hoi, Central Vietnam! 7 Must-Visit Spots