Phong Nha Recommendations
Phong Nha is an adventurer’s paradise, but it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. Millions of years of flooding have carved out colossal caves, rivers weave through ancient karst landscapes, and jungle-covered mountains give the whole area an otherworldly feel.
While the caves are the headline act, staying an extra day or two really pays off — you’ll find hiking trails, quiet countryside lanes for cycling, and rivers that are perfect for boat trips and kayaking. Despite being one of Vietnam’s top adventure destinations, Phong Nha still feels relatively undeveloped and laid-back.
Getting There
We’ve previously flown from Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) to Dong Hoi Airport (about 45 minutes), then taken a local taxi to Phong Nha (around 30 minutes).
Where to Stay: Phong Nha Farmstay
Whenever we visit, we base ourselves at Phong Nha Farmstay, run by Ben and Bich:
https://phongnhafarmstay.com/
Ben is a fountain of knowledge and the farmstay has excellent food and a really friendly atmosphere. There are free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a lovely garden/terrace area with views over rice paddies and mountains.
Activities at the Farmstay
One of the best things about staying here is the range of daily activities they can help with, including:
• Guided biking and boating trips
• A village walk and talk
• Options like a safari or a stop at the Duck Stop
They can also help organise many of the cave tours and day trips listed below.
Must-Do Caves and Treks
Paradise Cave (Hang Thien Duong)
Paradise Cave is often described as one of Asia’s longest caves (about 31km) and it’s a dry cave with dramatic stalactites and vast chambers. The public section is very accessible thanks to the flatter paths, making it suitable for a wide range of ages.
Paradise Cave 7km One-Day Trek (Highly Recommended)
If you’re up for something more adventurous, the 7km full-day Paradise Cave trek is absolutely worth it. It goes far beyond the standard visitor section and gives you a much wilder, more immersive cave experience.
Tip: Ask Ben and the team at Phong Nha Farmstay to help arrange this if you’d like support booking it.
Dark Cave (Hang Tối)
A fun, action-packed option with activities like:
• Zip-lining
• Swimming
• Caving / mud bathing (depending on the tour)
Commander Cave
Commander Cave is another excellent option to add to your itinerary if you’re looking to explore beyond the “big names.” It’s a great choice to combine with cycling or other nature-based days.
Nature and Parks
Phong Nha Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are a really beautiful change of pace from caves — lush, scenic, and ideal for a slower day out in nature.
Ozo Treetop Park
Ozo Park is a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy elevated walkways and outdoor activities:
http://ozotreetoppark.com.vn/en
Explore by Bicycle
One of the best ways to experience Phong Nha is simply by bicycle. Riding through countryside lanes, past rice fields, rivers, and karst scenery is a highlight in itself — and it’s a relaxed way to explore the edges of the national park at your own pace.
Tip: Phong Nha Farmstay offers free bikes, which makes this an easy, low-effort recommendation.
Multi-Day Adventure Option: Tu Lan Cave (Oxalis)
We also loved the two-day camping expedition to Tu Lan Cave with Oxalis:
https://oxalisadventure.com/tour/tu-lan-cave-encounter/
This tour is typically available for those aged 16+, but it’s worth contacting Oxalis to ask what alternatives they may have if you’re travelling with younger guests.
Two-Day Motorbike Trip: Phong Nha → Khe Sanh → Hue
If you’re keen for an unforgettable ride, a two-day motorbike trip from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh and onwards to Hue is an excellent option. You can do this either:
• Self-driving, or
• With an easy rider (a driver guides and rides for you)
The team at Phong Nha Farmstay can help arrange this route and logistics.
Quick Suggested Itinerary Ideas
2 Days (Highlights)
• Day 1: Cycle around Phong Nha + Botanical Gardens
• Day 2: Paradise Cave (public section) or Dark Cave
3–4 Days (Best Balance)
• One full day: Paradise Cave 7km trek
• One day: Cycling + countryside exploring
• One day: Botanical Gardens + Ozo Park or Commander Cave
• Optional add-on: Dark Cave
5+ Days (Big Adventure)
Add Tu Lan (Oxalis) or the Phong Nha → Khe Sanh → Hue motorbike route.