Phong Nha & Paradise Cave tour: Two caves in one day

Walk into two of Asia's largest cave systems in a single morning and afternoon

A small group tour from Dong Hoi that visits Phong Nha cave and Paradise cave, the two most famous caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The day includes a 25-minute boat ride through Son River to reach Phong Nha cave, a jungle buggy ride to Paradise cave's entrance, lunch at a local restaurant, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours with an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Phong Nha and Paradise Caves

• Pickup from hotels in Dong Hoi
• Visit Paradise Cave and climb to entrance
• Lunch at local restaurant in Phong Nha village
• Boat cruise to Phong Nha Cave
• Explore Phong Nha Cave by boat
• Return to Dong Hoi and drop off

The experience

Hotel pickup starts between 8:00 and 8:30 am from Dong Hoi, with the vehicle collecting guests from different hotels across the central area. The first stop is Paradise cave, the longest dry cave in Asia, which extends for 31 kilometers though visitors typically explore the first kilometre. A buggy ride takes you from the ticket booth through the jungle, then you climb a steep 600-meter-plus staircase to the cave entrance. Inside, wooden staircases descend into a cathedral-like cavern with massive stalagmites and stalactites. The cave is also home to eyeless fish adapted to the darkness.

Lunch follows at a local restaurant in Phong Nha village around 12:30, with vegetarian options available. The afternoon centers on Phong Nha cave, reached by a 25-minute dragon boat ride up Son River. From the water, you'll see greenfields, houses and limestone cliffs before the boats enter the cave one or two at a time. Boatmen pole the vessels slowly through the entrance into an immense cavern hung with giant stalactite formations. The cave's rock shapes have been named the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court and the Buddha. The return journey to Dong Hoi takes about an hour and a half, with drop-off at your hotel around 5:30 pm.

The tour operates as a small group, keeping numbers manageable enough that the cave experience doesn't devolve into megaphone-led crowds. Bottled water is provided on the bus, and both Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park entrance fees and the boat ride are included. Contact the operator via WhatsApp through the booking platform to confirm your exact pickup time the day before.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dong Hoi.
• entrance fees to both Phong Nha cave and Paradise cave.
• jungle buggy ride to Paradise cave.
• dragon boat ride on Son River.
• lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian options.
• bottled water on the tour bus.
• bilingual English or Vietnamese-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:45

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (7 to 95 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Vietnamese

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

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 with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Paradise Indochina Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha town and want to visit both caves in one trip with hotel pickup included. The small group keeps the pace manageable through the caves rather than the crowded afternoon waves.

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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 (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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 steep is the climb to Paradise cave's entrance?

Paradise cave requires a 600-meter-plus climb up wooden staircases from the buggy drop-off to reach the cave entrance. The ascent is steep and involves significant elevation gain, though the operator notes the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What is the boat ride like on Son River?

The dragon boat ride to Phong Nha cave lasts about 25 minutes and travels upriver through a valley with greenfields, houses and limestone cliffs. Once at the cave, boats enter slowly one or two at a time, with boatmen using long poles to guide them through the entrance into the main cavern.

Can I get vegetarian food on this tour?

Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Phong Nha village around 12:30, and vegetarian meals are available upon request.

What time does the tour end and how do I get back to my hotel?

The tour returns to Dong Hoi around 5:30 pm, with drop-off at your hotel included. Hotel pickup and return are part of the package, and you should confirm your exact pickup time with the operator the day before via WhatsApp.