Best Dong Hoi Caves

Travelling through Vietnam, arriving in Dong Hoi signals one thing for me: cave time. Dong Hoi sits in Quang Binh Province, the gateway to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - a “cave kingdom” with hundreds of caverns and underground rivers. From here I set off on boat rides, jungle treks and ziplines, eager to explore caves both famed and hidden. In this post I’ll walk you through the must-see caves (Phong Nha, Paradise, Son Doong, etc.) and lesser-known gems (Hang En, Hang Tối/Dark Cave, Hang Va, Hang Pygmy, Tu Lan, and more).
I’ll share practical tips on when to go, what to pack, ticket prices, and safety advice - everything a traveler needs for a Quang Binh cave expedition.

Phong Nha Cave - The Classic Boat Ride into Darkness

One of my favorite experiences was the peaceful boat trip from Son Trach Town to Phong Nha Cave. We hopped into a motorized boat on the Son River and drifted through lush jungle scenery before reaching the cave entrance. The official tour runs daily from about 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and costs 150,000 VND per adult for cave entry (free for kids under 1.3m) plus 550,000 VND per boat (up to 12 people). (Vinpearl’s guide lists hours 7:30-17:00, but note the boat station often stops tours by 15:30.) We went early to catch the first boats and avoid crowds.

Inside the cave the emerald-green water reflects towering stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by soft lighting. Only the first ~1.5 km of Phong Nha’s 7,700m length are open to tourists. We floated quietly through a series of vast chambers, peering at rock formations nicknamed for their shapes (the Lion, Unicorn, etc.). The cool cave air felt refreshingly damp after the heat outside. After about 30 minutes on the water, we tied up and strolled on wooden boardwalks through the dry part of the cave, marveling at gargantuan columns and sparkling dripstone. The entire visit (boat ride + walking) takes about 2-3 hours. Phong Nha Cave is relatively easy and family-friendly (no climbing needed), making it a perfect half-day trip.

When you approach Phong Nha Cave’s mouth, the river turns a brilliant blue-green under the sheer rock overhang. The driver will steer the boat right under the cave entrance - it feels like entering another world. As we floated in darkness, guided by helmets and life jackets provided by the tour, the cave felt calm and otherworldly. Unlike many wild caves, this route is well-lit and flat, so even kids can enjoy it. Just remember to bring insect repellent and a light sweater (it can be cool inside), and you’re set for an unforgettable ride.

Note: You might be interested in another most visited cave in Vietnam The Pac Bo caves!

Paradise Cave - Vietnam’s “Heavenly” Dry Cave

Not far from Phong Nha Cave lies Paradise Cave (Thiên Đường) - the longest dry cave in Asia. Its grand halls soar up to 60 meters high, stretching some 31 km from end to end. Since its public opening in 2010, Paradise Cave has earned its name: wooden walkways and electric lights guide visitors past bizarre rock formations that glint like chandeliers. Entrance is 250,000 VND per adult (kids under 1.1m free; children 1.1-1.3m tall are 125,000 VND). A shuttle “buggy” (electric car or jeep) can carry you 1-2 km from the parking lot up the hill (optional, for a fee) so you don’t have to hike the steep road.

I entered Paradise Cave at midday when a little sun shone through entrance holes, casting rainbows on the massive chambers. Inside, the air is dry and cool, and the wooden boardwalk snakes gently upward.
No guides are needed - just take it slow and look up. You’ll pass a “Christmas tree” formation that dazzles with calcite layers, and a “greetings chamber” that reverberates if you speak. The cave goes on for seven kilometers (though tourists usually see 2-3 km of it). This is a pleasant, family-friendly adventure - a peaceful contrast to the drama of Dark Cave or Son Doong. Tours back in Dong Hoi often lump Paradise and Dark Cave together in a day trip, or you can visit independently by taxi/motorbike plus ticket entry at the gate.

Son Doong - The Ultimate Cave Expedition

No cave list in Quang Binh is complete without Hang Sơn Đoòng. Son Doong is the largest cave in the world by volume, discovered only in the 1990s. It’s 3 million years old and so vast that it has its own jungle and river system inside - even weather patterns and cloud forests grow underground! Reaching Son Doong is neither cheap nor easy. Only one company (Oxalis) runs expeditions here, typically a 4-day/3-night trek. The cost is around US$3,000 per person and the schedule fills up months, even a year in advance. In fact, Vietnam limits visits to just 1,000 people per year, so spots go fast.

If you’re up for it, the trek to Son Doong involves steep jungle climbs, river crossings, abseils and ladder climbs to enter the cave. Inside, you camp twice under giant skylights (e.g. the “Great Wall of Vietnam” is a famous limestone cliff you must climb). Only experienced trekkers in good shape are accepted. (Oxalis requires proof of prior multi-day trekking experience and age 18-70.) For most travelers, the usual plan is simpler: either join the limited Sonhttps://junglebosstours.com/explorer/tourism-blog/son-doong-cave-animals Doong tour if budget allows, or aim for the less demanding Hang En cave trek (see next). If nothing else, it’s a thrill just to see the massive Son Doong entrance from the outside - a 90m-high mouth big enough to fly a helicopter through. In any case, plan far ahead if you want this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Hang En and Other Hidden Treks

Just a stone’s throw from Son Doong is Hang En, another superlative cave adventure. It’s the world’s third-largest cave chamber and is featured as the first night campsite on the Son Doong trek. Oxalis runs a 2-day/1-night Hang En Trek for about 8,000,000 VND (~$333) per person. This involves a moderate jungle trek (usually via Hang Va), then camping on a sandy beach inside Hang En. Imagine waking up to sunbeams shooting through the cave ceiling onto an emerald pool below. The adventure is rugged but accessible: you’ll wade through a stream and climb in/out of caves with the help of ladders/ropes. (Early booking is a must; Hang En tours only run from Dec-mid-Sep when park conditions allow.)

For adventurers wanting more, the national park offers even tougher multi-day treks. The Hang Va and Hang Nước Nứt route is a two-day expedition through sharp karsts and pools - Hang Va’s jade pools are fuller in the dry season (Jan-Mar). Further out, Oxalis’s Tu Làn Cave System expedition (6 days/5 nights) covers seven caves (including river caves and the huge Hang Tiên dry cave) and jungle camp - this is so epic, parts were featured in the movie Kong: Skull Island. Tu Làn is rated a “demanding” level trek (just below Son Doong in difficulty).
These deep adventures usually need booking through an operator, guides, and special permits, but they’re less touristy than the one-day shows.

Dark Cave (Hang Tối) - Zipline, Mud Bath & Kayaking Fun

Not all caves here are serene - Hang Tối (the Dark Cave) is pure adrenaline and mud. This cave is a playground: you zipline 400 meters straight over the Chày River (the longest zipline in Vietnam) to reach its entrance. After plunging into the cave mouth, you crawl and wade barefoot through pitch-dark tunnels until you reach the giant mud chamber. The highlight: a deep mud bath that’s so thick you float effortlessly (like a mini Dead Sea). We spent a silly half-hour wallowing in the mud under our headlamps, then slid down a natural mud chute into a cool cave river. At the end, you can kayak back along the emerald waters of the Chày or Son River (a second zipline exit is available if you want another thrill).

A 1-day excursion to Dark Cave (often combined with Paradise Cave) costs about 450,000 VND per adult. This usually covers the zipline, kayaking, mud bath, and cave entrance. (There’s a cheaper “tourist” ticket of ~270k VND that skips the zipline and uses kayaks, but most travelers take the full adventure.) Guides and helmets are included - just bring a quick-dry swimsuit and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. One local guide wryly calls the Dark Cave “Vietnam’s mud playground,” and it’s easy to see why. It’s wild, silly fun - great for thrill-seekers and families with older kids alike.

Other Caves & Adventure Spots

Beyond the big names, Quang Binh has even more to explore. Tu Lan, Hang Va/Nước Nứt and Hang Tien were mentioned above as part of trek circuits. Closer to Dong Hoi, check out the Trạ Ang cave (a tourist-friendly spot with gardens) or join a boat tour on the long Loong Cave river. For nature breaks, the Mòoc Spring area offers a lush riverside with clear pools and rope swings (not a cave, but refreshing after caving). Adventure parks like Ozo Treetop Park offer zip lines through the canopy and quick access to the Dark Cave by zipline.

In short, if you have time and energy, there’s always another valley or gorge to hike in Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Many travelers we met on the road recommended the small caves off the beaten path. Part of the fun here is letting local suggestions guide you to those quiet spots beyond the main tourist loops.

Tips for Cave Explorations

Here are some practical tips drawn from official advice and traveler experiences to make your trip smooth:

• Best Time to Visit: Try to travel in the dry season (roughly April-August). Heavy rains and floods hit this region in September-November, when many tours shut down. For example, local guides note that “many of Phong Nha’s caves are inaccessible during the rainy season (Oct-Dec)”. (December-February can be cool but dry; Hang En’s sunbeams are strongest Dec-Feb.)

• Advance Bookings: Tours like Hang En and Son Doong have limited dates. The Son Doong expedition is snapped up months ahead (Oxalis sells roughly 1000 seats per year). We recommend booking these at least 3-6 months out. Day tours to Phong Nha/Paradise/Dark Cave can usually be arranged last-minute in Dong Hoi or Phong Nha Town.

• Entrance Fees & Tickets: Carry cash (VND). Major caves charge on-site: Phong Nha Cave ~150k/person (plus 550k boat), Paradise 250k/person, Dark Cave zip/kayak ~450k. Prices can change yearly, so double-check. Combo tickets (e.g. boat + cave) are often sold together. Tourist agencies in Dong Hoi can pre-book these if you prefer.

• Physical Fitness: Most show caves (Phong Nha, Paradise) are easy walks. However, Son Doong/Hang En and the Tu Lan circuits are strenuous jungle treks that demand good fitness. If you have any health issues, pick the easy tours or cave visits only.

• Respect the Environment: These caves are fragile ecosystems. Don’t touch or break formations, don’t litter, and follow guide instructions. The park enforces rules: for instance, cameras are allowed in Son Doong only with a special permit (included in tour) - no selfies without permission!

What to Pack

Here’s a quick checklist for a comfortable cave trip:

• Clothing: Quick-dry sportswear and swimsuits. You’ll get wet in Dark Cave (mud and river), and hot/humid in jungle treks. Long sleeves and pants can protect against scrapes or sun on hikes.

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking sandals that can get wet and muddy. In Dark Cave many people go barefoot through the mud, but shoes are needed outside.

• Gear: A small waterproof flashlight or headlamp (most tours provide a light, but having your own is handy). Spare batteries or power bank. A good waterproof phone/camera bag or dry bag.

• Essentials: Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a lightweight rain jacket (for unexpected showers). Sunglasses if it’s sunny.

• Hydration & Snacks: Bring plenty of water (especially in the dry season, it’s very hot). Energy bars or fruit are good for long treks. Tours often include lunch, but carry snacks for between meals.

• Miscellaneous: Cash in small notes (ticket booths rarely take cards). A small towel, a change of clothes, and zip-lock bags for wet stuff. If you’re prone to vertigo or claustrophobia, note the zipline into Dark Cave is high (10-15m), and some crawl spaces are tight.

Getting There & Around

Reaching Dong Hoi: Dong Hoi has its own airport (VDH) with flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The North-South train (Reunification Express) stops in Dong Hoi (connects Hue-Da Nang to Hanoi). Buses also run from Hue (~2-3h, ~150km north) and from Nha Trang or Quy Nhơn in the south. Many travelers come from Hue by bus or train as they make their way up Vietnam’s coast.

From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha: Phong Nha-Ke Bang Park is about 45 km northwest of Dong Hoi. You can rent a motorbike or take a taxi; the ride along Highway 16 takes roughly 1-1.5 hours. (Oxalis also offers van transfers from Dong Hoi to their lodges.) Local buses/coaches run occasionally, but renting a scooter or hiring a car is the most flexible way. For Phong Nha Cave specifically, you drive/ride to the Son Trach boat wharf and pay the boat fee there. Paradise Cave has its own ticket booth in the forest (ask any taxi driver).

In Phong Nha Town (a small community near the park), most hotels and homestays can help arrange tours or transfers. Many travelers rent bicycles or e-bikes to zip around the rural roads (the area around Phong Nha Village is very bike-friendly). Always negotiate prices with taxi/motorbike drivers, and confirm if any petrol station is needed (fuel here can be scarce).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a tour guide to visit the caves?
A: It depends on the cave. Phong Nha and Paradise caves have boatmen or staff at the site, and you can do them without a guide - just pay at the gate. Dark Cave has staff and an optional guide, but you can join a group on-the-spot. Major expeditions (Hang En, Son Doong, Tu Làn,, Hang Pygmy, Tiger Cave) require licensed guides and pre-booking through companies like Oxalis or Jungle Boss. The guides provide safety gear and local knowledge for those treks.
Serious Warning: Besides being very dangerous to do the exclusive caves on your own, it is strictly prohibited by local Vietnamese laws and if caught by forest rangers, you can get charged a heavy fine in hundreds of dollars (it has happened before). 

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Dong Hoi’s caves?
A: Aim for the dry season, April through August, when trails are accessible and rivers are manageable. The official advice is to avoid the rainy/flood season (roughly September-November) as tours often close due to high water. Early spring (Mar-Apr) or late summer (Jul-Aug) are popular.
Note: in the hottest months (May-Aug) it can be 35°C+ outside, but caves stay cool. If you go in winter (Dec-Feb) it’s a bit cooler and drier, which some prefer.

Q: How much time do I need in Dong Hoi/Phong Nha?
A: If you just want Phong Nha, Paradise, and Dark Caves, plan 2-3 days: one day for Phong Nha Cave, one for Paradise + Dark, and maybe a rest day or side trip (like the Phong Nha Botanical Garden or zipline at Ozo). For trekking adventures, add days: 2 days/1 night for Hang En, 4-5 days for Son Doong, 6 days for Tu Làn. Each trip starts/ends in Phong Nha Town (Oxalis’ Commander Lodge or Phong Nha Farmstay).

Q: What are cave prices and how to pay?
A: Caves take Vietnamese dong only. Examples (2025 rates): Phong Nha Cave entry ~150,000 VND + 550,000 VND boat; Paradise ~250,000 VND; Dark Cave zip/kayak ~450,000 VND. Hang En tour ~8,000,000 VND/person. Son Doong ~US$3,000/person. Always ask for the latest price or check an official site just before you go.

Q: Is it safe to visit these caves?
A: Generally yes, if you stick to organized tours or marked paths. For easy caves (Phong Nha, Paradise), staff and paths ensure safety. Dark Cave has safety gear (helmets, life jackets) and guides. The main risks are muddy floors (slippery), strong sun outside, and fatigue. Drink lots of water and rest when needed. For wild treks (Hang En, Son Doong), the guides are very experienced and provide equipment, but expect physically challenging hiking. Basic travel insurance covering adventure activities is a good idea.

Q: Can I take children to the caves?
A: Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave are suitable for families (young kids often love the boat ride and easy walkways). Dark Cave usually has a 1.3m height minimum for ziplining, so only older kids join the zipline; younger children can often tube on the river instead. Hang En requires participants to be at least 12-18 (depending on operator) and fit for a jungle trek. Son Doong tours are 18+ and very strenuous - not for kids.

Q: Any hidden gems around Dong Hoi?
A: Definitely explore beyond the obvious in Dong Hoi. Locals recommend visiting tiny caves by boat up side rivers, or the Nước Mọoc Spring park for swimming. Phong Nha Village itself is charming - hop a motorbike to nearby caves like Núi Nước (Water Mountain) Cave or take a sunset cruise on the Son River. Talk to guest house owners in Phong Nha Town; they often know of quiet spots off the beaten path.