Phong Nha Cave Tours: Which to Skip, Which to Book (2025 Guide)

Most travel blogs show you three caves and call it a day. Then you arrive and realize there's SO much more. Or worse...you show up in November and everything's closed.
This guide isn't like that.

We're going to walk through this like you're asking a friend who actually lives here. Real talk about which caves are worth it. Hidden spots that tourists never find. 

And honestly? When to just skip certain caves because they're overrated or the season is wrong.

Phong Nha Caves Quick Guide (If You're In a Rush)

Go to Paradise Cave if you have half a day. It's easy, cheap ($10 usd) and genuinely stunning. 

If you have two days, add Dark Cave (you get to swim, zipline, and do a mud bath which is more fun that it looks like).

If you're here for three days, then Hang En/Hang Pygmy are the overnight cave experiences that actually changes people. You would be camping inside the world's third largest & fourth largest caves , waking to thousands of swallows flying out at sunrise.

Skip Son Doong unless you're an extreme adventurer with $3,000. It's the world's largest cave but it's also 5 days of serious hiking. Most people don't need that.

And don't come in October or November. Everything floods. Just don't.

Cost breakdown: $30-50 for your whole trip if you're budget-conscious. $300+ if you want comfort.

That's it. You now know Phong Nha better than 90% of tourists.

For people who are looking for guided Phong Nha tour, the combo tour of Paradise cave and Phong Nha cave by Klook is a good option which includes Entrance tickets + Roundtrip transfer + Lunch for $45 (1.1 Million VND).

How to choose which tour to do in Phong Nha?

Are you super fit and want an actual adventure?
Paradise Cave (easy warm-up) -> Dark Cave (fun but doable) -> maybe Hang Pygmy cave or Hang En cave overnight if you're feeling it.

Are you with kids or just want photos?
Stick with Paradise Cave. Stop there. It's perfect. You'll see the most famous stalactites, it's only 2 hours, and everyone goes home happy.

Are you on a shoestring budget ($20-30)? 
Paradise Cave ($10) + ride your bike around town + eat at street stalls ($1-2 per meal).
Honestly? You'll have one of the best days of your trip because you're not rushed. 

Are you solo and want to meet people?
Dark Cave tours are full of backpackers. You'll have a group automatically. The mud bath part always gets everyone laughing. You'll make friends. 

Do you have weird dates like October-November?
Only Paradise Cave is guaranteed open. Everything else shuts down except some Elephant cave/ Hang Pygmy/ Tiger cave and parts of Tu Lan cave. This is important. Don't ignore this.

Phong Nha Caves Breakdown

Paradise Cave: The must visit cave

Getting there takes a 30 minutes by motorbike from Phong Nha town. Your legs will hurt from climbing the stairs to the entrance. The interior is WET and muddy in places so don't wear your nice shoes. But once you're in? Worth it. 

Why visit it: Paradise cave feels like walking into a cathedral made of rock. Seriously. The photos don't do it justice. When you walk into that main chamber, your jaw literally (figuratively?) drops. 

Total duration: 2.5 hours total (1 hour actually inside, rest is drive + entry process + walking). 

Cost: $10 entry (250k VND)
Opening Hours: 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Who should skip it: Honestly? Nobody. Even if you just have 2 hours, do Paradise. It's the one cave everyone remembers (for people who have not done bigger exclusive cave tours of Phong Nha). 

When it closes: Can't really close because it's dry, but heavy rains in October-November sometimes block the road. Call ahead if you're visiting then.

Mini tip: Go at 7:30 AM before tour groups arrive. You'll have the cave almost to yourself for an hour. It's magical.

Phong Nha Cave: The Historical One With a Boat Ride

During the Vietnam War, they hid a hospital in this cave. You can see the scars on the rock walls from bombs trying to hit it. It's honestly humbling. 
It is the only cave (besides Tien Son cave) in Phong Nha where you reach by boat. The boat experience alone is worth it for the price.

Why visit it: You get a boat ride on a beautiful river, then float through the cave in darkness while your guide's spotlight hits stalactites. It feels like you're in a movie.

Total duration: 2 hours 

Cost: $6 entry (150k VND) + $20 (500k VND) boat (but you usually share with 6-12 other people, so it's like $2 per person). Way cheaper when you team up. 

Who should skip it: People who are terrified of water. 

When it closes: October-November when the river floods. The entrance literally gets submerged. This is important.

Mini tip: Find other travelers at your guesthouse in the morning. Share the boat cost. Negotiate directly with the boat guy as he'll often lower it if you have 8+ people.

NOTE: There is another cave near to Phong Nha cave called Tien Son cave which can be done as a combined tour. You will have to pay slightly extra for the boat trip and the entrance fee to Tien Son Cave is $3 (80k VND)

Dark Cave: The Adventure cave of Phong Nha

Dark Cave is a blast. You zipline or kayak in, swim through narrow passages with headlamps to a small cave, chill in a mud bath, then kayak to a water park. The food's legit good with massive shareable portions. Just bring swimwear and a waterproof phone case if you want photos.

Find it via Dark Cave restaurant on maps, no booking needed in advance. The zipline's decent but only 400m and has a strict 40-90kg weight limit. 
You need to be able to swim, or at least comfortable in water with a life jacket. The mud bath feels weird the first minute, then you can't stop laughing. Your clothes will be dirty. Accept this. 

Why visit it: The water park has everything - mini zipline, inflatables, kayaks. There's another identical water park (HaVa Valley) next door with the same price.

Total duration: 3 hours. Feels like a whole day of activities because it's so varied. 

Cost: Ticket price is $6 USD (150k VND) water park, $10 USD (250k VND) with zipline, $17 USD(450k VND) for the full experience. Lockers are free (you have to pay 50k deposit which will be refunded when you come back).

Who should skip it: Non-swimmers (unless you're OK with a life jacket). People who hate getting dirty. People who don't want to walk in wet caves.

When it closes: June-September is fine. October-November the water level gets too high and it's risky. They usually close it but not always.

Mini tip: The mud bath photo is Instagram gold. Bring a waterproof phone case. Seriously. Everyone regrets not taking that photo.
Also try to get there around 10 AM before tour groups arrive at 1 PM. Water's cold but you'll have the place to yourself.

Hang En / Hang Pygmy: Camping Inside Phong Nha caves (2 day 1 Night)

These are two of the world's largest caves. Hang En (by Oxalis) is ranked third globally, while Hang Pygmy (by Jungle Boss) is fourth largest. You hike deep into Phong Nha jungle, arrive at massive openings in the mountains (as big as stadium sized holes), set up camp inside, and wake up to an otherworldly experience. At Hang En, thousands of swallows fly out at sunrise. At Hang Pygmy, you abseil into the cavern and swim in underground pools. 
A lot of people have rated these caves as top experiences of Vietnam on google reviews!

Why visit: Because I slept in a cave is the story you tell for the next 5 years. Plus, you'll have explored caves that fewer people have visited than have summited Mt. Everest.

Total duration: 2 days, 1 night for both tours.

Cost: 

• Hang Pygmy (Jungle Boss): 7,900,000 VND ($300 USD) per person
• Hang En (Oxalis): 8,800,000 VND ($333 USD) per person

Who should skip it: People with zero hiking experience or poor fitness levels. People who need bathroom privacy. Anyone who can't handle sleeping on the ground or dealing with leeches.

Fitness level: Both tours can be considered challenging (Hang Pygmy is a bit more challenging cave). You should be able to run 5km in under 50 minutes or climb 5 flights of stairs without getting winded. Hang Pygmy involves technical rope work and rock scrambling, making it slightly more demanding.
Hang En cave has been rated as Moderate (Level 3 out of total 6 levels) by Oxalis meanwhile Hang Pygmy has been rated as Very Strenuous (Level 6 out of total 7 Levels) by Jungle Boss. Lower levels are easier while higher levels are harder.

When does it run: 

• Hang Pygmy: Open all year round (only closes during extremely heavy rain).
• Hang En: December to mid-September (closed October-November due to flooding)

Best time is December-March for cooler weather and magical sunbeams shining into Hang En/ Hang Pygmy campsites.

The honest truth: These trips are life changing for most people. If camping and adventure sound remotely interesting, do it. Even if you're nervous...especially then. Hang En offers the more established experience with incredible photo ops of sunbeams. Hang Pygmy gives you the thrill of exploring a newer and unexplored cave system with technical challenges.

Mini Tip: Book Hang Pygmy with official tour operator - Oxalis Adventure meanwhile for Hang Pygmy its Jungle Boss. You save money and avoid possible scams that way too. Additionally, you can use referral coupons (from people who have done the tours before) on Both Oxalis and Jungle Boss to get additional of 5%.

Son Doong & Kong Collapse: The Extreme Cave Adventures of Vietnam

Son Doong is THE world's largest cave... so massive it has its own jungle, river, and ecosystem inside. Kong Collapse is a 450-meter-deep sinkhole and one of Earth's deepest, with towering collapse formations and a secondary cave system. Both are legitimate bucket list expeditions with photos that look too surreal to be real.

Both demand serious extreme fitness. Son Doong requires running 5km in under 50 minutes and climbing 5 floors without breathlessness - rated Level 6/6, the hardest difficulty level in range of Oxalis tours. You'll trek 25km total with 800m elevation gain, cross multiple rivers (knee deep or deeper), spend 3 nights camping in caves, and handle a brutal 90-meter ascent up the "Great Wall of Vietnam" (a 45-degree slope with safety ropes).

Kong Collapse demands similar fitness but adds technical abseiling, including a terrifying (thrilling!) 100 meter descent split into 30m and 20m drops. You'll also hike through primary forest, swim in cave systems, and scramble through narrow rock passages. It's less about endurance and more about conquering your fear of heights.

Why visit: Bragging rights for life. Both trips redefine what adventure means. Son Doong is the ultimate extreme while Kong Collapse is the affordable alternative that's still absolutely insane.

Total duration: 

• Son Doong: 6 days, 5 nights
• Kong Collapse: 5 days, 4 nights

Cost:

• Son Doong: $3,000 USD per person (79.5 million VND)
• Kong Collapse: $1,330 USD per person (35 million VND)

Both prices are all-inclusive: guides, porters, meals, camping gear, technical equipment, park fees. Jungle Boss even provides 2 nights of pre/post-trip homestay accommodation.

Who should skip it: Honestly? 95% of people should skip Son Doong. If you're even questioning whether you can do it, you probably shouldn't. Kong Collapse is slightly more accessible but still only for people who are genuinely fit and comfortable with vertical rope work. If you have zero rock climbing or abseiling experience, consider beginner caving tours first.

Fitness level required:

Son Doong: Level 6 (Hard/Extreme). Must run 5km in 50 minutes, climb 5 floors without dizziness, and have 1+ overnight trekking experience plus 1-2 day treks covering 8km minimum with 300m elevation gain.
Kong Collapse: Still strenuous but slightly more forgiving than Son Doong. Requires good fitness and comfort with heights + rope work. Jungle Boss provides training on Day 1 before the expedition starts.

When does it run:

Son Doong: January through August only (dry season). Tours are fully booked for 2026 already; booking for 2027 is now open. Book 3+ months in advance.
Kong Collapse: Open year-round, including monsoon season, giving more flexibility. Off-peak seasons may have better availability.

The honest truth: Son Doong is life-changing but brutal, expensive, and extremely exclusive. Slots sell out nearly a year in advance. If it's out of reach financially or physically, Kong Collapse is a legitimate alternative...equally epic, still challenging enough to feel earned, and more accessible year round. Both change you. Neither is an easy choice.

Mini tip: Only Oxalis Adventure is licensed, so book nowhere else. Many websites claim to sell their tours but are scams or marked-up resellers. For, Kong Collapse book directly with Jungle Boss Tours for the best rates as third-party sites charge commissions. Check shoulder seasons (outside peak holidays) for potential better group sizes and flexibility.

Expect 3-6 months of fitness training before either trip. Be honest on your health declaration or you'll be turned back at the start with no refund.

Hidden Gems of Phong Nha

Beyond the famous caves, Phong Nha has a wealth of quirky attractions that adventurous travelers will love. In my travels, these local experiences often became the most memorable moments. Here are some insider favorites to check out:

The Duck Stop

There's a farmer family in Bong Lai Valley (near Phong Nha town) who decided to let tourists hang out with their ducks. You get a traditional hat, a bucket of food and suddenly you're surrounded by dozens of quacking ducks eating from your hands. One of their water buffaloes is named Donald Trump. You can ride it for $2 (50k VND). You can read full experience on our Duck Leader guide of Phong Nha.

Cost: ~$6 (150,000 VND) for the full experience of going in with ducks, a buffalo ride, and snacks + drink (You can save 50k VND if you skip the buffalo ride).
Time: 1-2 hours
Why: It's real. It's hilarious. Instagram heaven. Everyone who goes there says the same thing: This is the most memorable thing I did here. Go for the sunset or super early in the morning. It's magical.

The Pub With Cold Beer

Further into Bong Lai Valley there's a farm pub. They grill chicken over a wood fire. 
You wait 45 minutes watching it cook. Then you eat it with peanut sauce and rice while sitting by the river. Sunset. Cold beer. No rush.

Cost: $5-10
Time: As long as you want
Why: It is one of the most relaxing spots in Phong Nha and also the best spot to watch sunset!

Phong Nha Funky Beach

Its a hidden beach on the river that mostly locals hang out at. Folk music in evening. Most tourists coming for cave tours in Phong Nha do not know about this as its right across the main road separating Phong Nha town. Google map location linked here.

Cost: Local beer costs $1
Time: 2 hours (arrive just half an hour before sunset)
Why: Because it's real and everyone else is at tour group restaurants. I would rate it as the second best sunset watching location after the pub with cold beer.

Phong Nha Botanic Garden & Waterfall

Its name is actually deceiving as its less a manicured garden and more of a wild jungle accessible by foot. This 40k VND ($1.50) attraction sees far fewer visitors and offers a quiet 2 to 3 km forest trail that leads to Gio Waterfall and small pools where you can take a dip. Don’t expect elaborate flower beds since it’s more of a nature reserve with native trees but it’s a nice hiking place in Phong Nha.

It's a simple forest walk, very pretty, with a couple of places to swim in the streams. Go in with an open mind and you’ll likely have the place almost to yourself aside from birds and butterflies. It’s a great way to appreciate the park’s jungle without an intense trek. (Do bring insect repellent and proper shoes as it can be muddy.)

Eight Ladies Cave and War Memorial

Phong Nha was a significant area during the Vietnam/American War, riddled with hidden trails and caves used by the North Vietnamese Army​. History buffs can hire a car or ride a bike about 20 km along Highway 20 to visit the Eight Ladies Cave (Hang Tám Cô). This small roadside cave shrine, paired with a memorial temple, honors eight young volunteers who were tragically trapped and died during a bombing in 1972. The site is a local pilgrimage spot and offers a poignant glimpse into the war’s toll on this region​.

Nearby you’ll find a massive bomb crater and war relics. It’s a humble but moving stop that puts context to the peaceful landscape you see today. Combine it with a drive deeper into the park (the Ho Chi Minh Trail route) for some stunning jungle mountain scenery. The Ho Chi Minh Trail itself, once a secret wartime supply line, can now be cycled or trekked in sections which is a surreal experience for history enthusiasts​ on its own!

Getting There (Budget vs Luxury)

Budget: Overnight bus from Hanoi ($15-20). Cheap, gets the job done. Arrives early morning.

Luxury: Fly to Dong Hoi, private car transfer (~1 hour drive). Way faster. Private car or Grab taxi will cost around $20.
Danang to Dong Hoi average flight price = $90
Hanoi to Dong Hoi average flight price = $50
Ho Chi Minh to Dong Hoi average flight price = $65

That's it. You pick based on your comfort level and time.  

Seasons of Phong Nha you should know before booking a tour

October and November are rainy season. Fine, lots of places have rainy season. But here? The caves literally close. Not metaphorically. The river floods the entrances. Tour operators shut down because it's not safe.

Paradise Cave might stay open. Everything else? Don't count on it. 
But there are larger caves such as Hang Pygmy, Tu Lan cave, Tiger cave, Hang Tiend and Hung Thoong cave which stays open unless weather is extreme.

This is important enough that you should read it twice:

January-March: Perfect. Everything open, cool weather. Go now if you can.

April-May: Peak season. Everything open. Crowded. Expect to see families and tour groups.

June-August: Hot as hell (36°C+). But caves stay 20°C inside with natural air conditioning.
Still open. People still come.

September: Decent. Weather is starting to get wet. Most caves open but risky. Typhoon season starts across Vietnam.

October: Don't come. Most caves close. If you do come anyway, only Paradise Cave and some exclusive larger caves like Hang Pygmy/Tiger cave and Tu Lan/Hang Tien. 

November: Same as October, sometimes worse.

December: Less risky. Depends on rain. Avoid unless you're fine with everything closed.

How to spend your days in Phong Nha

If You Have One Day

Morning: Paradise Cave (2 hours, $10).
Lunch: Anywhere cheap. Grab a sandwich.
Afternoon: Chill at your hotel (if too hot ourside) or bike around rice paddies (if pleasant weather). 
Evening: Cold beer at Phong Nha Funky Beach, watch sunset.

Total cost: $15-20

If You Have Two Days

Day 1: Paradise Cave morning. Mooc spring or Botanic garden in afternoon
Day 2 morning: Dark Cave (zipline, swim, mud bath). You're back by lunch.
Day 2 afternoon: Rent a motorbike ($3), ride to Duck Stop (1-2 hours). Feed ducks. Take photos. Ride further to The Pub with cold beer. Eat grilled chicken. Watch sunset by river.

Total cost: $50-70

If You Have Three Days

Day 1 & Day 2: Overnight Hang Pygmy cave tour ($300) or Mada lake tour ($170) in Phong Nha
Day 3: Phong Nha cave + Botanic garden + Ride on Phong Nha loop

Total cost: $220 or $350 depending on which cave tour you do.

Where & What to Eat in Phong Nha

The food here is cheap, fresh, and incredible.

Specialty: Grilled Chicken

Phong Nha is famous for grilled chicken with peanut sauce (gà nướng). They grill it over charcoal until it's smoky and crispy. You wait 30-45 minutes, it's worth it.

Best places: Thang Nhung BBQ (town center), The Pub With Cold Beer (Bong Lai Valley), Moi Moi (town center)

Cost: $5-8

Top Restaurants

Bamboo Chopsticks - Spring rolls are amazing. Try their caramel pork. (4.7 google rating with over 2000 reviews) 

Friendly Garden - Fresh local ingredients, sunset views, cheap prices. (4.9 google rating with over 220 reviews) 

East Hill Phong Nha - One of the best place to try grilled chicken in Phong Nha (4.5 google rating with over 400 reviews) 

Lantern Vietnamese - Open all day, traditional dishes, cozy atmosphere.(4.8 google rating with over 1200 reviews) 

FAQ about Phong Nha

Q. Can I visit Phong Nha caves without a guide?
Yes. Paradise cave, Phong Nha cave and dark cave you can do solo without a guide. Licensed cave tours like Tiger cave, Hang En, Hang Pygmy, Hung Thoong, Kong Collapse and Son Doong require guides (licensed requirement).

Q. Is it safe?
Completely safe. Only concern is you have to be careful when driving due to slippery roads during rainy weather.

Q. What if I'm afraid of caves?
Do Paradise and Phong Nha as they're spacious and well lit. Skip Dark Cave (it's actually dark).
Skip Hang En, Hang Pygmy and Son Doong as it requires a lot of trekking and going through challenging paths inside caves.

Q. Best time to visit?
March, April, May. Perfect weather. Caves all open. Not too crowded.

Q. Should I visit if I see bad dates like October?
Only if you're OK with only Paradise Cave being reliably open. Otherwise wait. 
Another option is to do guided tours with tour operators like Jungle Boss and Oxalis. Hang Pygmy, Tiger cave, Tu Lan and Hang Tien remains open even during October in Phong Nha but they do close during extreme weather events.

Q. Can I visit Phong Nha with kids?
Paradise Cave and Phong Nha caves - YES (age over 6). Dark Cave yes (can swim and older than 5 with weight over 40 kg) but its a bit much. I would not recommend doing dark cave tour with smaller kids.
Hang En and Hung Thoong - Age over 16 years
Hang Pygmy - Age over 15 years
Son Doong - Not allowed for kids
These bigger cave tours require higher fitness level than self guided tours.

Q. Is $3,000 for Son Doong worth it?
Not for most people. Consider Hang Pygmy ($300) or Hang En ($330) instead. You get 90% of the experience for 10% of the price.
Do it only if you are extremely passionate about cave ecosystems.

Q. How fit I need to be to do Phong Nha caves tour?
Paradise / Phong Nha cave: None. 
Dark Cave: Can swim.
Elephant cave / Tra Ang cave : Easy. Basic trekking experience required.
Hang En/ Hung Thoong: Moderate fitness (hiking 4-5 hours). 
Tiger cave / Hang Pygmy : Higher fitness level required but doable if you climb 4-6 floors continuously or run a KM without going out of breath (huffing and puffing).
Son Doong/ Kong Collapse: Extreme fitness. Do not attempt unless you are confident in your fitness level.