Historic Trails & Hidden Caves
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Phong Nha National Park
Today you will arrive into a diverse area of Vietnam and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Previous limited access to this area has maintained its pristine forests and jungles, as well as hidden a labyrinth of impressive caves which were only discovered in the last 20 years.
First up is a boat ride on the Son river to visit Phong Nha cave and Tien Son. You’ll pass limestone peaks and grazing buffalo as you reach the mouth of the cave before floating along the calm water to take in the sheer size of these epic caves. Your accommodation is a resort close to the National Park with lush gardens and an inviting swimming pool to cool off in.
Day 2 – Trekking & Paradise Cave
Today you will learn even more about the National Park and its flora and biodiversity, with a trek and visit to the Botanical Garden. This afternoon you will explore Paradise Cave, where wooden staircases allow you to get up close to the mighty stalagmites and stalactites covering the inside of this impressive cave system.
Day 3 – Cycling & departure
Before you head off today you will take a cycling tour to learn about rural life in the surrounding villages. You’ll then swap a bike for a minibus to head to Hue. On your way, you will visit the Vinh Moc tunnels that were used to shelter people from the intense bombing over Vinh Linh county during the Vietnam War. When you arrive in Hue you’ll be dropped at your hotel for your next adventure.
In July and August, you can join a small group to do this trip if you prefer – just let your travel specialist know.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Phong Nha - Ziplining, kayaking & Dark Cave experience
During your stay in Phong Nha, prepare for an unforgettable adventure through the Dark Cave in Vietnam, where thrills and natural wonders await. Accessed by boat or zipline, this journey takes you deep into the heart of the cave, where you’ll navigate through mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites. Dive into the underground river for a refreshing swim and brave the muddy passages for an adrenaline rush. Expert guides lead the way, sharing insights into the cave’s geological marvels and unique ecosystem. Plus, don’t miss the exhilarating zip line ride and obstacle course that add an extra dose of excitement to this extraordinary experience in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Phong Nha - Kayaking in Phong Nha cave
If you want a bit more adventure, we can arrange a kayak experience at Phong Nha Cave, where you can paddle your way through the dark, narrow passages. In the early morning, you’ll be picked up and taken to the starting point. You’ll begin with a short instruction before heading onto the water. The first 3 kilometres you paddle in pitch blackness, where your flashlight is your only companion. The echo of paddles and water droplets fills the air, and every turn takes you deeper into the unknown. Stalactites loom menacingly above you, and the rocks seem to close in suddenly as you proceed. Eventually, you’ll reach the hiking point, and from here, you’ll walk to an underground lake where you can enjoy a swim in the dark. After lunch, you’ll head back towards the starting point.
Phong Nha - Elephant Cave & Mada Valley
We can also arrange a trek to the Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley for you. After a brief introduction, you depart for your first stop, the Elephant Cave. You’ll walk through the jungle and explore the cave with a flashlight. Afterward, you head to Ma Da Lake where you can take a break with a refreshing swim and a BBQ lunch. After about an hour, you put your hiking shoes back on and walk for approximately an hour to the Tra Ang Cave, which you enter via the water. At the end of the afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Phong Nha.
