Dong Hoi: Paradise Cave & Phong Nha Boat Tour

The Cave That Took 5 Years to Map, and Why You'll Want to Walk It

You explore two caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: the dry Paradise Cave with its 31-kilometer length and massive chambers, then float through the water-filled Phong Nha Cave on an underground river. Hotel pickup, professional guide, lunch, and all park fees are included, so you show up and walk: no logistics to handle yourself.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 20 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Only Transfer 07:30 Guide in English Notes: Only a round-trip transfer is included (hotel pickup and drop-off). Entrance tickets are not included. A tour guide is not included. Lunch is not included. Pickup is included.

Group tour, all-inclusive 07:30 Guide in English Inclusions: transfer, guide, lunch, tickets, water and insurance are all included. Pickup is included.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Paradise and Phong Nha Caves

• Pick up from hotel in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha
• Visit Paradise Cave and explore formations
• Take boat trip through Phong Nha Cave

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Paradise Cave 4h
2. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park 4h

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha, a professional guide throughout, entry to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the boat trip through Phong Nha Cave, lunch, bottled water, and all activity fees.
• National park environmental charges are covered.
• Vegetarian meals are available if requested at booking.

Times

• Every day 07:30

Before you book

Group Up to 14

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 9h before

Ages Adult (7 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 6 years) · Infant (under 2): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Phong Nha - Tour to the caves

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The British explorers who first squeezed into Paradise Cave in 2005 thought they'd found the whole thing in a few weeks. Turns out they were wrong. It took until 2010 to realize the cave keeps going for 31 kilometers, making it the longest dry cave in all of Asia. You won't walk all of it, obviously, but the first stretch alone is enough to make you understand why they kept coming back. The limestone walls open up to 150 meters wide in places, and the stalactites hang like frozen glass pillars. Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Dong Hoi between 7:50 and 8:15 am, or from Phong Nha around 9:00 am, and from there it's a short drive to the park entrance.

After Paradise Cave, you switch gears entirely. Phong Nha Cave is the opposite. It's a water cave, and you'll float through it on a boat while an underground river carries you deeper into the limestone. The stalactites and stalagmites are lit up with colored lights, which sounds like it could be cheesy, but it actually works. The cave stretches over 13 kilometers and reaches toward the Laos border. What's less obvious from the photos is that this place was part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the war. It's not just geology, it's history carved into the rock. Your guide will point out how the cave system was used, which adds a layer you wouldn't get just looking at the formations.

The whole day runs from morning pickup through lunch and back to your hotel by evening. You're not scrambling to arrange transport, buy tickets separately, or figure out where to eat. It's all handled. The national park fees, the guide, the boat ride, lunch, even bottled water are included. If you're vegetarian, let them know when you book and they'll sort that. The pace is steady but not rushed. You're moving between two very different cave experiences in one day, which means you get the contrast without feeling like you're being herded through a checklist.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 6 years); Infant (under 2): free.

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs from early morning pickup (7:50–8:15 am from Dong Hoi, or 9:00–9:15 am from Phong Nha) through lunch and return to your hotel in the evening. Plan for a full day.

Do I walk the entire 31km of Paradise Cave?

No. You explore the first section of Paradise Cave, which is the most spectacular part with the largest chambers and formations. The full 31km has been mapped but isn't open as a walking route.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guide, national park entry fees, the boat trip through Phong Nha Cave, lunch, bottled water, and all activity costs. Local taxes are also included.

Is this suitable if I'm not very fit?

The tour is listed as suitable for all fitness levels. Paradise Cave involves walking and some stairs, but there's no climbing or technical difficulty. The Phong Nha boat ride is passive.

Can I get a vegetarian meal?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available. Just mention your dietary requirement when you book.

What time should I be ready for pickup?

If you're staying in Dong Hoi, be ready between 7:50 and 8:15 am. If you're in Phong Nha, between 9:00 and 9:15 am. Confirm your exact pickup time with the operator after booking.

Is this tour recommended for pregnant travelers?

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the walking and cave conditions. Check with your doctor and the operator before booking.