Adventure through Ancient Caves – Phong Nha
Bite-sized tripDay 1 – Arrival in Phong Nha national park
As soon as you arrive into Dong Hoi, you’ll be whisked straight off to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Bordering Laos, Phong Nha has only recently opened its doors and only a fraction remains accessible. You’ll soon be far from the beaten track, taking a boat trip on the Son River to discover the staggeringly impressive Phong Nha and Tien Son caves.
You’ll stop for lunch before continuing on to reach your accommodation – a resort perched on the edge of the lake with an inviting pool overlooking the water. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore your local surroundings and get into the swing of rural life!
Day 2 – Jungle trekking & paradise cave
Make sure you all have a hearty breakfast this morning as an adventurous day awaits. Along with your private guide, you’ll first head out on a jungle hike (easy level, 2-3 hours) to learn all about the flora and biodiversity of the park. You’ll spot wild animals as you pass through pristine forestry and discover glittering waterfalls – don’t forget your bathing suit if you fancy a swim! After your hike you will explore Paradise Cave, discovered in 2005 and boasting incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.
Day 3 – Cycling & departure
For your final morning in the park, you will be taken on a leisurely cycle to the surrounding villages to witness rural life in full swing. It’s then sadly time to depart, as you begin your journey to Hue by private transfer. En route, you will pass through the DMZ – an area of huge historic significance. You’ll visit Vinh Moc, an immense underground tunnel complex built to shelter civilians during the war, and stop at the iconic Hien Luong Bridge before reaching the Imperial City.
In July and August, you can join a small group to do this trip if you prefer – just let your travel specialist know.