Phong Nha & Paradise Cave tour from Dong Hoi: Two UNESCO caves

Walk into Asia's longest dry cave, then boat through an underground river lined with limestone sculptures

A full-day tour from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park covers two of the region's most visited caves: Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia, reached by golf cart and a climb through jungle; and Phong Nha Cave, explored by traditional dragonboat along an underground river, then on foot 300 meters into the cavern. The tour includes hotel pickup in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village, lunch at a local restaurant, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees and transport between sites.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Parkpass by
2. Paradise Cave3m

Explore Paradise and Phong Nha Caves

• Pick up from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha
• Drive to Paradise Cave
• Take golf cart through jungle
• Climb to cave entrance
• Explore Paradise Cave
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Travel to Phong Nha Cave by dragonboat
• Explore Phong Nha Cave on foot
• Return by boat
• Drive back to Dong Hoi or Phong Nha
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village in the early morning and driven to Paradise Cave, about 80 minutes away in the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. A golf cart carries you 1.6 km through the jungle to the cave entrance, where a climb to the mouth opens onto views of the surrounding mountains. Inside, the cave reaches 72 meters high and 150 meters wide, with white crystal stalactites and formations that resemble natural pillars. At 31.4 km long, it's the longest dry cave in Asia, discovered by British cave researchers in 2005.

Lunch happens at a local restaurant in Phong Nha village around midday, where you eat a traditional Vietnamese dish with a vegetarian option available if you request it in advance. After eating, you head to Phong Nha Cave for a 25-minute ride by traditional dragonboat along an underground river. The cave is known for its dramatic rock formations, each named for what it resembles: the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, the Buddha. You walk 300 meters into the cavern on foot before the boat carries you back out. By late afternoon, the van returns you to your hotel in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village.

The tour runs about ten hours door-to-door. Drinking water is provided throughout the day, and a first aid kit travels with the guide. If you're arriving by train or bus station in Dong Hoi, free pickup is available from 6:30 to 7:30 am. Luggage storage is offered at the Dong Hoi office, or you can bring bags in the van if space allows.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha village.
• English-speaking guide.
• lunch with a traditional Vietnamese dish and vegetarian option.
• entrance tickets to Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave.
• golf cart transfer through the jungle.
• dragonboat ride on the underground river.
• drinking water throughout the day.
• first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (9 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 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 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Phong Nha Cave Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Dong Hoi and want both caves in one day. The fixed route combines them without gaps, though expect an early start and moderate walking on uneven cave floors.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 8 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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.

What is Paradise Cave like inside?

Paradise Cave reaches up to 72 meters high and 150 meters wide, with white crystal stalactites and limestone formations that resemble natural pillars throughout. At 31.4 kilometers long, it is the longest dry cave in Asia and was discovered by British cave researchers in 2005.

How do I get to the entrance of Paradise Cave?

A golf cart takes you 1.6 kilometers through the jungle from the main gate to the cave entrance, where you then climb to the mouth of the cave with views of the mountainous region around it.

What happens at Phong Nha Cave?

Phong Nha Cave is explored by traditional dragonboat along an underground river for about 25 minutes, then you walk 300 meters into the cavern on foot to see rock formations named after things they resemble (the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, the Buddha) before the boat returns you to the entrance.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off by van are included from your hotel in Dong Hoi city or Phong Nha village. If you're arriving by train or bus station in Dong Hoi, free pickup is available from 6:30 to 7:30 am.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, lunch at a local restaurant with a vegetarian option, entrance tickets to both caves, the dragonboat ride, golf cart transfer, drinking water, and a first aid kit.