Phong Nha Botanic Garden - Hiking and swimming tour

If you are reading this, then there is a high chance you heard about Hang Son Doong in Vietnam and then came here haha
Anyways, in the middle of the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the Phong Nha Botanic Garden, a tranquil way into the richness of Vietnamese nature with its many trails, colorful ecosystems, and enchants at Gio Waterfall. This will be one of these nature escapes that should not be missed whenever one journeys to Central Vietnam.
It is less crowded than the rest of the popular options in Phong Nha and we do think you definitely should give it a visit when the weather is not too hot/humid.

1. What exactly is Phong Nha Botanic Garden

It is a protection area for flora and fauna in the locality, with a total area of 40 hectares. In the Phong Nha town itself lies the botanical garden, which contains over 500 plant species and different native animal species. The purpose is not confined to tourism, but it helps people understand the importance of the conservation process, highly significant in these rich biodiversity areas and geologically important ones.

2. How to get to the Botanic Garden

The garden is located approximately 12 km from the Phong Nha Tourism Center and can be easily reached on a day trip by scooter, by taxi, or even by bicycle if one wants a scenic ride. The tickets are quite reasonably priced at around 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD), hence opening admission to well-maintained trails and other various sights in the garden.

3. Best Time to Visit

The best time for visiting is between March and August; the dry season ensures trails are accessible, and it is under comfortable conditions. The rainy season from September to November is not impossible, but trails can get super slippery. This time does show the waterfalls at their fullest, adding a touch of magic to the landscape.

4. The Key Sights

• Gio (Wind) Waterfall:

One of the key attractions, the Gio Waterfall tumbles 30 meters down a rugged rock face, which is an ideal spot for photos and relaxation. The path to the waterfall is generally short but steep in sections; hence, be careful with the tread. This waterfall offers a refreshing break after a jungle hike and is highly recommended as a great place to cool off on days of high temperatures.

• Vang Anh Lake:

This small emerald lake allows visitors to swim in its waters amidst tranquility. Further down from the second route of hiking, Vang Anh Lake is much preferred as a rest area, especially after the jungle trek, because of its serene waters.

• Wildlife Enclosure and Plant Propagation Area:

Wildlife lovers are catered to by the sanctuary for extended stay native species' facility, which includes the langurs, civets, and porcupines. The plant propagation area represents the native species display and study zone for the flora of Vietnamese origin.

5. Nature Trails

The Phong Nha Botanic Garden has three different trails, each catering to a different sense of adventure.

• Route 1: Gio Waterfall Trail (40 minutes)
  A relatively short and light hike that leads directly to Gio Waterfall for the hurried traveler.

• Route 2: Lake and Waterfall Loop (1.5 hours)
  This medium route takes visitors both to Vang Anh Lake and Gio Waterfall, with time for enjoying a swim at the lake.

• Route 3: Full Jungle Trek (3 hours)
  This much longer trail allows the visitor to see both major sights, yet takes them deeper into the jungle for a complete experience. To nature lovers, this route means more challenging terrain that rewards hikers with great views of the dense forest and rolling hills.

6. Flora and Fauna Highlighted

Besides the rare and indigenous plant species found in Phong Nha Botanic Garden, one can also find medicinal plants and hardwood trees well above 20 meters tall and over 100 years old. Possible animal sightings include butterflies and cicadas, besides bird species, with the occasional native monkeys and other mammals being spotted in the protection areas of the park.

7. Recommendations on what to pack and tips

• Bring Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a hat, insect repellent, and comfortable hiking shoes. Even though the routes are well-marked, they may be challenging, especially on Route 3.

• Swimming Costumes: You can swim at Vang Anh Lake, so remember to bring your swimsuits and towels along.

• Respect Wildlife: No one must approach or feed the animals found on the way because it upsets the balance of nature.

8. Nearby attractions and day trips from Phong Nha

The Phong Nha Botanic Garden is a part of one big natural paradise. Visits here can be combined with tours around the nearby Phong Nha and Paradise Caves or as an excursion on a day trip to see other areas of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

9. FAQs About Phong Nha Botanic Garden

Q. How long do you need in Phong Nha?
A full day is recommended to explore both the botanic garden and other highlights like Phong Nha Cave. The botanic garden alone can be toured in 1-3 hours, depending on the trail chosen.

Q. Where is the world’s largest botanical garden?
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London is often considered the largest and one of the most comprehensive botanical gardens globally. Although, Phong Nha botanic garden is not as large but it is still quite interesting and super cheap to visit!

Q. What is Phong Nha known for?
Phong Nha is famous for its limestone karst landscapes, extensive cave systems (including Son Doong, the world’s largest cave), and rich biodiversity.

Q. Is Phong Nha worth it?
Absolutely! With its breathtaking natural beauty, adventurous activities, and historical significance, Phong Nha is a must-visit for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Q. What is the closest city to Phong Nha?
The closest major city is Dong Hoi, about 50 kilometers away, and it’s well connected to other Vietnamese cities.

Q. Can you explore Phong Nha by yourself? Do I need a guide?
Yes, it’s easy to explore the Phong Nha Botanic Garden and many other attractions independently, especially with available maps and marked trails. Trails are clearly marked so you don't need a guide anyway.

Q. Can you get Grab rides in Phong Nha?
While Grab services are limited, taxis and bike rentals are readily available.

Q. How to get from Phong Nha to Hoi An?
Buses and trains run from nearby Dong Hoi to Da Nang, from where you can take a bus or private transfer to Hoi An.

Q. How to get from Da Nang to Phong Nha?
Buses and trains from Da Nang to Dong Hoi are the best options. Once in Dong Hoi, a taxi or bus can bring you directly to Phong Nha.

Q. Can you swim at the waterholes?
Yes. There are designated swimming spots, check signage. Most of the people swim at the larger waterfall which is like 20 mins hike down from the entrance.