Paradise Cave Phong Nha | Longest Dry Cave in Asia

Paradise Cave (Thiên Đường Cave) is a jaw-dropping underground cave that stretches over 31 km, making it Asia's longest dry cave. Its situated in Phong Nha, Quang Binh.

Discovered in 2005 by a local hunter and explored by the British Cave Research Association, its vast chambers-some soaring up to 72 m high and 150 m wide-are carpeted with ancient stalactites and stalagmites that glow under strategic lighting. 

Visitors pay 250,000 VND for adults and 125,000 VND for children (1.1-1.3 m tall), with those under 1.1 m admitted free. A well-lit 1 km boardwalk leads you through the main public section, where chilly, constant 18 °C air greets you as soon as you descend the stone steps. 
Just so you know that you don't need to hire a guide or book a guided tour to visit paradise cave. Do it yourself in Phong Nha by just paying the entrance ticket, easy peasy!

Ready to explore this "fairyland" of rock formations? Here's your complete, insider-friendly guide for this Phong Nha cave.

Getting There

From Dong Hoi & Phong Nha Town

• Public bus: Catch bus B4 from Dong Hoi; it costs 50,000 VND, runs roughly hourly from 6 AM to 5 PM, and takes about 1 hour.

• Motorbike: Rent one in town (around 150,000-200,000 VND/day) or hire a driver for 250,000 VND each way. Riding yourself along DT-20 and QL-15 is scenic and gives you freedom.

• Shuttle/taxi: Shared shuttles or taxis cost 400,000-500,000 VND total, best split among friends for comfort.

On-Site Transport

From the parking area, you can either:

• Walk 600 m through lush jungle paths to the cave gate.

• Take an electric buggy: 15,000 VND one-way, 25,000 VND round-trip, saving your legs for the stairs inside.

• Parking fees: 5,000 VND for motorbikes or cars.

History & Geology

Walkway Inside the Paradise Cave

A Recent Discovery

Paradise Cave was first spotted by a local hunter in 2005, but it wasn't until British speleologists surveyed the first 5 km later that year that its true scale emerged. By 2009, the entire 31 km system had been mapped and officially announced.
Here is the location of Paradise cave in Google maps.

Spectacular Formations

• Length: 31 km of subterranean passages.

• Height: Chambers soar up to 72 m;

• Width: Some galleries span 150 m.

• Temperature: A constant 18 °C, perfect for escaping the tropical heat.

The Cave Experience

Map of Paradise Cave, Phong Nha, Quang Binh

• Entrance & Descent: You'll squeeze through a narrow "door" before climbing down a wooden staircase into a colossal hall.

• Boardwalk Stroll: A 1 km raised walkway leads through the most photogenic section-don't miss the looming stalagmite nicknamed "The Pharaoh's Finger" near the stairs.

• Skylight Chamber: Beyond the boardwalk, sunlight filters down through a natural hole, creating ethereal beams that dance on the formations which is an Instagrammer's dream.

• Extended Adventure: For the truly adventurous, local guides offer a 7 km deeper exploration with head torches and helmets-book ahead if you crave more spelunking.

Tickets & Opening Times

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

• Entry Fees:

• Adults: 250,000 VND

• Children (1.1-1.3 m): 125,000 VND

• Under 1.1 m: Free

• Buggy Ride: 15,000 VND one-way, 25,000 VND return.

• Parking: 5,000 VND (cash only).

Best Time to Visit Paradise cave

• Season: Visit between February-August (dry season) to avoid flooded trails and muddy entrances.

• Time of Day: Arrive around noon if you prefer quieter halls-morning groups often flood in together.

• Crowd Tip: Early afternoon light filters best through the skylight, and the lower crowds make for a serene experience.

Simple tips to save you money and time

• Bring Cash Only: All fees (tickets, buggy, parking) are cash-only-ATMs in Phong Nha town dispense VND.

• Footwear & Gear: Wear sturdy, grippy shoes for the boardwalk and stairs; mozzies can be fierce near the jungle approach, so pack repellent.

• Hydration: Bring a refillable water bottle; you can top up at stalls by the parking area.

• Combine Adventures: On your way back, swing by the Dark Cave for ziplining and mud baths (80,000 VND entry; 450,000 VND zipline package), or explore the tranquil Botanic Garden next door for just 40,000 VND.

• Photo Ops: The ledge overlooking the multi-tiered stalactite hall makes a killer shot-arrive early to snag the best angles without the crowds.

Beyond Paradise Cave

A section of Dark Cave in Phong Nha Filled With Water During Rainy Season

If you've got more time (or energy), Phong Nha's cave circuit won't disappoint:

• Dark Cave (Hang Toi): Mud bathing, zipline, and a cool subterranean river.

• Phong Nha Cave: A boat ride under colossal white formations (boat rental 550,000 VND for 12 people).

• Son Doong Expedition: The world's largest cave, for those with deep pockets and daring spirits.

Whether you're a seasoned spelunker or a curious first-timer, Paradise Cave delivers a once-in-a-lifetime journey into Vietnam's underground realm. Lace up your hiking shoes, stash your camera, and prepare to be wowed-this is one cave you won't forget!