Phong Nha Zipline -Thrilling Dark Cave Adventure

phong nha zipline thrilling dark cave adventure

Table of Contents

Why the Dark Cave Zipline is a Must-Do Adventure
The Zipline: Soaring Over the Chay River
The Full Adventure Package: Mud Bath to Kayaking
Tickets, Costs & Opening Hours
Getting There: DIY or Guided Tour?
Insider Tips & Best Time to Visit
What to Pack

From soaring across the emerald Chay River on Southeast Asia’s longest double-wire zipline at speeds of up to 45 km/h, to plunging into a natural mud bath in pitch-black caverns and paddling your way back via kayak, the Phong Nha zipline experience is a must for any adventure seeker traveling Vietnam’s coast-to-coast route. The full package-priced at 450,000 VND for adults (150,000 VND for children 90-130 cm)-bundles ziplining, kayaking, mud bathing, all necessary equipment, and a guided tour into a 2.5-3 hour thrill ride open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Whether you buzz in on a rented motorbike , catch a hotel shuttle from Dong Hoi, or pre-book a combo tour online, you’ll find insider tips below to help you maximize fun and minimize fuss.


Why the Dark Cave Zipline is a Must-Do Adventure

Dark Cave, locally called Hang Tối is in the heart of Phong Nha national park, where its unlit basalt-and-limestone chambers remain largely untouched by artificial lighting. Far from a tranquil walking cave, it’s an action-packed playground: you’ll zip over the Chay River, swim to the cave mouth, trek through an underground chamber, float in a mineral-rich mud bath, then paddle back in a kayak.


The Zipline: Soaring Over the Chay River

You’ll launch from a platform and zip approximately 50 meters straight over the jade-green Chay River at speeds of up to 45 km/h - Vietnam’s longest double-wire zipline - before splashing into the water to swim the final stretch to the cave entrance.


The Full Adventure Package: Mud Bath to Kayaking

Tourists Kayaking in Chay River

Tourists Kayaking in Chay River

Your 450,000 VND “Full Access” ticket includes:

  • Zipline over the river

  • Natural mud bath deep inside the cave (famous for its skin-soothing minerals)

  • Kayak ride back across the Chay River

  • Headlamp, helmet, life jacket, and insurance

All guided and all in under three hours-plan for at least 2.5 hours to conquer every activity.


Tickets, Costs & Opening Hours

Phong Nha Dark Cave Activities Price Listing in Vietnamese

Phong Nha Dark Cave Activities Price Listing in Vietnamese

Ticket Type

Price

Full Package (adults)

450,000 VND

Full Package (children 0.9-1.3 m)

150,000 VND

Basic Entrance (no zipline/mud bath)

80,000 VND per adult; children under 1.3 m enter free

Boat Fee (shared Dragon boat)

360,000 VND per boat (split up to 12 people)

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM daily
Last full-package entry: Around 1:30 PM


Getting There: DIY or Guided Tour?

Besides Zipline Over Chay River Near Dark Cave There Are Other Dry Activities Too

Besides Zipline Over Chay River Near Dark Cave There Are Other Dry Activities Too

  • DIY by motorbike: Rent for ~100,000 VND/day and follow the scenic loop road through Phong Nha

  • Homestay tours: Many family-run stays offer all-inclusive 1 day packages (Paradise & Dark Cave, botanic gardens) for ~1.45 million VND/person

  • Hotel shuttle: Free pick-up/drop-off from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha 8:00-9:00 AM

  • Online booking: Combine Dark Cave + Paradise Cave for about $56-59 USD per adult


Insider Tips & Best Time to Visit

  • Weekday mornings are blissfully uncrowded and cooler

  • GoPro over DSLR: The initial zip-in splash and mud bath aren’t DSLR-friendly-strap on a waterproof action cam

  • Change of clothes: You’ll emerge caked in mud-pack a towel, swimsuit, and dry shirt

  • No leech worries: Recent visitors report zero leech encounters inside the cave

  • Hidden detours: Afterward, ride 10 minutes to nearby Phong Nha Botanical Garden for a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path jungle trek (entrance 40,000 VND)


What to Pack

Mud Bath in Dark Cave Is a Must Do Activity in Phong Nha!

Mud Bath in Dark Cave Is a Must Do Activity in Phong Nha!

  • Swimwear/quick-dry clothes and water-friendly shoes (no flip-flops that slip). They will reject you at entrance if you don’t bring proper swimwear and you might end up buying inflated price swimwear from the shop within!

  • Towel, spare socks, and a waterproof pouch for phone and cash

  • Small backpack with snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent for riverside picnics

  • Local currency: plenty of small bills for split boat fares, market snacks, and souvenir trinkets