Phong Nha Paradise Cave tour from Dong Hoi: Boat & walk

Boat into two UNESCO caves and walk 300 meters through formations named for lions and Buddha

A full-day guided tour from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, visiting Paradise Cave (Asia's longest dry cave with 72-meter-high chambers and white crystal stalactites), and Phong Nha Cave, where you ride a traditional dragonboat along an underground river, then walk into the cave to see rock formations. Hotel pickup, lunch, all entrance fees and a guide in English or Vietnamese are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Parkpassing by
2. Paradise Cave3h

Explore Paradise and Phong Nha Caves

• Pick up from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha
• Drive to Paradise Cave
• Ride golf cart through jungle
• Climb to cave entrance
• Explore Paradise Cave
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Travel to Phong Nha Cave
• Boat trip into Phong Nha Cave
• Walk inside Phong Nha Cave
• Return by boat
• Drive back to Dong Hoi or Phong Nha
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Dong Hoi hotel or train station before 8am, then an 80-minute drive to Paradise Cave in the national park's core zone. A golf cart takes you 1.6km through the jungle to the cave mouth: a climb that opens onto views of the surrounding mountains. Inside, the cave reaches 72 meters high and 150 meters wide, lined with white crystal stalactites and formations that look like natural pillars. The cave stretches 31.4km in total length and was discovered by British cave researchers in 2005.

After exploring Paradise Cave, you return to Phong Nha village for lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, with vegetarian options available. At 1:30pm you head to Phong Nha Cave for a 25-minute ride in a traditional dragonboat along the Son River. This is a water cave, the river runs underground through it, and after entering by boat you walk 300 meters into the cave on foot to see the rock formations. The cave's features have been named the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha. A guide in English or Vietnamese explains the geology and the cave's UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the national park.

The tour wraps up by 5pm with drop-off at your Dong Hoi hotel or Phong Nha village accommodation. Bottled water and a first aid kit travel with the group. If you're arriving by train or bus, the operator can arrange free pickup from the station. Luggage storage is also available at the Dong Hoi office if you need it.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by van in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village.
• English or Vietnamese-speaking guide.
• entrance tickets to both caves.
• dragonboat ride on the Son River.
• golf cart transfer through the jungle.
• lunch at a local restaurant with traditional Vietnamese dishes and vegetarian options.
• bottled water.
• first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Child (under 8)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by viola halong travel

Is this one for you?A nine-hour commitment leaves the morning free if you arrive early, or works as a full-day outing from a Dong Hoi base. The small-group format and fixed schedule mean you travel with fewer than a dozen people and return by 5pm, leaving the evening open.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Vietnamese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 8).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Dong Hoi to Paradise Cave?

The drive takes approximately 80 minutes. Paradise Cave is located 75km from Dong Hoi in the national park's core zone.

What is Paradise Cave and why is it notable?

Paradise Cave is the longest dry cave in Asia at 31.4km in length, discovered by British cave researchers in 2005. Inside, chambers reach up to 72 meters high and 150 meters wide, with white crystal stalactites and formations resembling natural pillars.

Do I ride a boat in Phong Nha Cave?

Yes, you take a traditional dragonboat for 25 minutes along the underground Son River to enter Phong Nha Cave, then walk 300 meters on foot to see the rock formations inside before the boat returns you to the entrance.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village; a guide in English or Vietnamese; lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian options; all entrance tickets and fees; dragonboat and golf cart transfers; bottled water; and a first aid kit.

Can I arrange pickup if I'm arriving by train or bus?

Yes, free pickup is available from 6:30am to 7:30am at the train or bus station in Dong Hoi if you request it in advance.