Nestled within the heart of Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park lies the captivating Phong Nha Underground River. Adventurous travelers can conquer its 4.5-kilometer expanse, seeing a world of natural wonders. From kayaking along limestone cliffs to uncovering vibrant stalactites and stalagmites, this exhilarating tour promises an unforgettable experience. As visitors explore the park’s rich ecosystem, they’ll uncover the breathtaking beauty that makes this destination a true natural marvel.
Key Points
- Explore a 4.5 km subterranean waterway on the Phong Nha Underground River tour, which lasts 9.5 hours and costs $99.40 per person.
- Kayak through stunning limestone cliffs and marvel at the vibrant stalactites and stalagmites within the pristine rainforest ecosystem.
- Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and take advantage of pickup and drop-off services from 5 convenient locations.
- The tour is offered in English and Vietnamese and is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Bring recommended items like a hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and prepare for moderate walking and a change of clothes for kayaking.
Tour Overview
The Phong Nha Underground River tour offers visitors the chance to conquer a 4.5 km stretch of this captivating subterranean waterway.
The 9.5-hour tour is priced from $99.40 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Languages offered include English and Vietnamese, and pickup/drop-off is available at 5 convenient locations.
The tour runs for 9.5 hours and costs $99.40 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance. Pickup and drop-off at 5 locations in English and Vietnamese.
The itinerary features highlights like kayaking on the Son River, exploring Phong Nha Cave, and discovering dry cave branches.
Inclusions cover transportation, a local guide, lunch, water, and travel insurance.
While children under 6, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions aren’t recommended, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dong Hoi.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting at 7:00 AM, the tour begins with pickup from one of the five convenient locations.
Travelers depart for Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park at 8:00 AM.
Upon arrival, there’s an introduction and preparation with safety equipment at 9:00 AM.
At 10:00 AM, the group reaches the cave entrance and practices kayaking.
The adventure continues at 11:00 AM with kayaking on the Son River and exploring the magnificent Phong Nha Cave.
After a relaxing lunch at Xuyen Son Lake at 1:00 PM, the group kayaks back and explores dry cave branches, concluding the tour at 4:30 PM.
Key Features and Experiences
Kayaking is the primary activity, allowing guests to paddle through the stunning limestone cliffs along the underground river.
Visitors can also enjoy discovering the rich ecosystem of the pristine rainforest.
The cave exploration provides a chance to marvel at the vibrant stalactites and stalagmites.
Throughout the adventure, guests have ample opportunities for photography to capture memorable moments.
The key features and experiences of this tour include:
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Kayaking on the underground river
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Exploring the diverse rainforest ecosystem
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Marveling at the cave’s stunning geological formations
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Capturing unforgettable photographic moments
Inclusion and Recommendations
The tour includes several inclusions to enhance the overall experience, such as modern air-conditioned vehicle transfers, an English/Vietnamese-speaking guide, and a provided lunch at the Phong Nha Restaurant.
Bottled water, cold towels, and travel insurance up to 20,000,000 VND per guest are also included. Guests are responsible for personal expenses and optional tips for drivers and guides, starting at 50,000 VND or $3 USD per guest.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with back problems or claustrophobia. Proper attire and a change of clothes for kayaking are recommended.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Although the Phong Nha Underground River tour offers an exciting adventure, it may not be suitable for everyone.
The tour isn’t recommended for:
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Children under 6 years old
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Pregnant women
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People with back problems or claustrophobia
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Those with mobility impairments or serious medical conditions
Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
Smoking and flash photography are prohibited. Moderate walking is involved, and a change of clothes for kayaking is recommended.
The tour may not be the best choice for those with limited mobility or certain health conditions.
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Nature’s Wonders at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Nestled within the lush and pristine landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the underground river offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy nature’s wonders. Explorers will discover a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, from towering limestone cliffs to lush tropical forests. The tour’s highlights include:
| Experience | Highlights |
| — | — |
| Kayaking | Paddle through a subterranean wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites |
| Nature Observation | Spot rare and endemic species like the Langur monkey and the flying squirrel |
| Cave Exploration | Marvel at the intricate cave formations and ancient geological formations |
| Photography | Capture breathtaking scenery and unforgettable moments |
Truly, the Phong Nha Underground River stands as a testament to the remarkable natural beauty found within this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kayaking Through the Limestone Cliffs
As visitors board their kayaks, they embark on a journey through a subterranean wonderland defined by towering limestone cliffs.
This captivating experience offers:
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A chance to glide through an underground river, surrounded by awe-inspiring geological formations.
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The opportunity to spot the diverse flora and fauna thriving in this unique ecosystem.
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Breathtaking views of the cave’s intricate stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by the guide’s flashlight.
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A profound sense of adventure and exploration, as they navigate the twists and turns of the Phong Nha Cave.
Discovering the Captivating Caves
After traversing the underground river, explorers delve deeper into the captivating caves of Phong Nha.
They discover a network of dry cave branches, including Bi Ky Cave, Tien Cave, and Cung Dinh Cave. Visitors marvel at the vibrant stalactites and stalagmites adorning the cave walls, showcasing the region’s rich geological history.
The cave exploration allows guests to further enjoy the pristine rainforest ecosystem, encountering diverse flora and fauna.
With the guidance of knowledgeable local experts, travelers can safely navigate and appreciate the breathtaking natural wonders hidden within these captivating caverns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Steep Are the Hiking Trails Within the National Park?
The hiking trails within the national park are relatively gentle, with moderate inclines. While some uphill sections exist, the terrain is generally manageable for most visitors, without any exceptionally steep or challenging sections.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes lunch at Phong Nha Restaurant and bottled water. Any personal expenses, such as optional tips, are not included in the tour price.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old. The minimum age requirement is 6 years old, as the tour involves moderate physical activities that may not be suitable for younger children.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Camera Equipment Allowed?
The tour prohibits using flash photography on the underground river, but guests are generally allowed to bring cameras and take non-flash photos during the experience. Specific restrictions on camera equipment aren’t mentioned in the tour details.
Can I Extend My Stay at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park After the Tour?
Yes, you can extend your stay at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park after the tour. However, this would need to be arranged separately as the tour program doesn’t include any additional time at the park beyond the scheduled activities.
The Sum Up
This exhilarating tour through Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park offers a truly immersive experience. Kayaking along the Phong Nha Underground River, visitors can explore the park’s stunning limestone cliffs, vibrant stalactites, and stalagmites. With guided experiences, a provided lunch, and ample opportunities for remarkable photography, this 9.5-hour adventure showcases the natural wonders of one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations.
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