​Phong Nha Itinerary - 2025

If you're charting your way through Vietnam from south to north, squeezing in a few days in Phong Nha is an absolute no-brainer for your Phong Nha itinerary.
Located in Quảng Bình Province, this slice of paradise offers epic cave systems, jungle treks, and off-the-beaten-path gems. Below is a friendly, detailed 3 day Phong Nha itinerary that'll have you spelunking by day, savoring mango-coconut smoothies by night, and feeling like an insider by the end. Let's dive in!

Getting There: Hue → Phong Nha or Dong Hoi → Phong Nha

From Hue by Sleeper Bus

For a budget-friendly ride, hop on a sleeper bus (Hung Thanh or Queen Café) from central Hue-tickets hover around $10 USD and the journey takes about 4 to 4.5 hours. You'll roll into Phong Nha's laid-back town center right in time for dinner!
We also have a Hue to Phong Nha travel guide if you want more travel options.

From Dong Hoi by Local Bus or Scooter

If you fly or train into Dong Hoi, catch the B4 local bus for just 35,000 VND (≈$1.50 USD) per ride-it departs hourly between 5:30 am and 5 pm and takes roughly one hour. Feeling adventurous? Rent a motorbike (100,000-120,000 VND/day) and enjoy a 1-2-hour scenic ride into Phong Nha.

Where to Crash: Homestays, Hostels & Farmstay

Tien's Cosy Homestay: Budget-friendly rooms with crisp linens and a simple free breakfast-locals rave about the banana pancakes!

Farmstay Escape: On the outskirts, unwind in bamboo bungalows surrounded by rice paddies-perfect if you crave peace away from the main drag.

You can check some of the best backpacker hotels with our Phong Nha guide which are quite cheap and yet high quality/clean rooms!

Day 1: Phong Nha Cave + Tien Son Cave Duo

Phong Nha Cave

• Entrance: 150,000 VND per adult, free for under-1.3 m kids

• Boat Ride: 550,000 VND per boat (up to 12 people, life jackets included)

• Hours: 7:30 am-5:00 pm daily

Plan at least 2.5 hours to soak in the stalactite cathedral and glide along the underground river.
Tip: Aim for the first boat at 8 am from Phong Nha station to beat the crowds and snag better photo angles.

Tien Son Cave

Right next door and often bundled with your boat ticket:

• Entrance: 80,000 VND per adult

• Boat (combined): 550,000 VND per boat for both caves

Tien Son's illuminated pathways make for easy exploration-add an extra hour if you're keen on spotting hidden chambers.

Day 2: Paradise Cave & Dark Cave Adventure

Paradise Cave (Thiên Đường Cave)

• Entrance: 250,000 VND per adult; children 1.1-1.3 m pay 125,000 VND; under 1.1 m free

• Electric Shuttle: Optional round-trip car from gate to cave mouth, 20,000 VND pp

With 31 km of chambers (open to the public: 1 km, ~45 min guided walk), this "Underground Palace" dazzles with golden columns and cathedral-like halls. Bring a light jacket-the temperature dips to 18°C inside.

Dark Cave (Hang Tối)

• Mud & Zipline Combo: 450,000 VND per person (kids 1.1-1.3 m: 150,000 VND; under 1.1 m free)

Start with a kayak down the Chày River, then zipline into the cave, mud-bath through tunnels, and finish with cliff-jumping into turquoise pools. Expect a 3-4-hour adrenaline fest!

Day 3: Beyond the Caves - Nature & Hidden Gems

Phong Nha Botanical Garden

Stroll or cycle through 40 hectares of primary forest, cascades, and natural swimming holes-home to over 500 plant species and a serene spot for photos. Pack swimmers; the jungle pools are irresistible.
I personally feel Phong Nha Botanic garden is kinda under-rated compared to other major tour activities like Paradise cave or dark cave. Do it, its cheap and fun!

Nuoc Nut Cave Discovery

For a quieter cave escape, Oxalis Adventures runs the Nuoc Nut Cave tour (1,950,000 VND pp, includes all fees)-perfect for those with a bigger budget who want off-road jungle treks and pristine caverns.

Local Eats & Treats

Swing by Phong Nha Vegan for killer mango-coconut smoothies-the #1 thirst-quencher after a day of spelunking, according to fellow travelers-plus tasty plant-based bowls and a warm community vibe. Don't miss the nightly market stalls for banh mi and fresh fruit shakes.

Pro Tips & Packing List

Best Season: Feb-Aug for dry caves (Monsoon season can flood river caves).

Essentials: Quick-dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, headlamp, insect repellent, sturdy sandals you don't mind getting muddy.

Money Matters: ATMs in town but carry cash for cave tickets and homestays.

Health & Safety: Wear life jackets for all water activities (provided) and follow guide instructions-caves can be slippery!

There you have it-your action-packed, friendly Phong Nha itinerary to crush three days of cave adventures, jungle treks, and vegan smoothie runs. Trust me, once you've plunged into that turquoise river and stepped into Paradise Cave's golden halls, you'll be scheming ways to come back. Happy travels!

Note - Planning to go to Hoi an next after Phong Nha? We have got an excellent motorbike road trip guide for you to plan your route!