Paradise & Dark Cave Adventure Tour from Dong Hoi

Summary

Phong Nha National Park Caves Day Trip with Ziplining & Mud Bath

Get ready for a full day of adventure—explore Paradise Cave’s huge chambers, zipline over the Chay River, and float in Dark Cave’s mud bath. You’ll eat local food and travel with a friendly guide who knows all the best spots. Perfect if you want something active and different near Dong Hoi.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Dong Hoi, the air felt a bit cool and fresh—perfect for a day outside. Our guide, Minh, showed up right on time, chatting with us about local breakfast spots as we hopped in the van. The drive to Phong Nha National Park took about an hour, and you could see limestone mountains peeking through the mist as we got closer. By 9, we were standing at the entrance of Paradise Cave, helmets on, ready to head in. The first steps inside felt like walking into another world—quiet, a bit chilly, and you could hear water dripping somewhere deep in the dark. Minh pointed out rock formations that looked like giant curtains and even a spot where bats sometimes sleep. The cave just kept going—honestly, it’s hard to believe it stretches over 30 kilometers underground.

By lunchtime, we’d worked up an appetite. The local restaurant nearby served up hot rice, grilled pork, and a veggie stir-fry that tasted way better than I expected. After lunch, it was time for the Dark Cave. The zipline over the Chay River was a rush—I could hear people laughing and shouting as they zipped across. The water below looked almost turquoise. Inside the Dark Cave, you’ll need a headlamp (they hand them out), and it gets muddy fast. We ended up wading through thick, cool mud—honestly, it’s impossible not to laugh when you’re slipping around with strangers. There’s a spot where you just float in the mud, and it’s so weirdly relaxing. After rinsing off in the river, we tried kayaking and even a mini zipline into the water. By the time we got back to Dong Hoi, I was tired but grinning. If you like a bit of adventure and don’t mind getting messy, this is one for the memory books.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paradise and Dark Cave Tour

• Pickup from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village
• Visit Paradise Cave
• Travel to Dark Cave center
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit and activities at Dark Cave
• Return to Dong Hoi city

Top questions

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included. Vegetarian options are available—just let us know in advance.

Do I need to bring my own swimsuit?

Yes, please bring your own swimsuit for the Dark Cave activities. You’ll definitely need it for the mud bath and swimming.

Are there any fitness requirements?

This tour suits most fitness levels, but you’ll need to be comfortable with some walking and swimming. Let us know if you have any concerns.

Is hotel pickup available from Dong Hoi?

Absolutely! We offer free pickup from your hotel in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village, as well as train or bus stations and the airport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, bottled water, lunch with local dishes, an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide, and all gear for activities like ziplining and kayaking. We’ll also handle transfers by van so you can just relax and enjoy the caves.