Phong Nha Cavern

Location

Only 60 km away from Dong Hoi City, Phong Nha Cave remains one of the most celebrated natural attractions in Vietnam as of 2025.
Photo by @lukenneville

Phong Nha Cave features several sections, with a total length reaching up to 20 km. Although only the longest section, known as Nam Aki, is fully explored, it captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes. At the East gate, the convergence of mountains and rivers creates a picturesque tableau that ignites the imagination. During the rainy season, the river water can rise significantly, causing the cave entrance to be submerged and temporarily closing it to visitors.
Photo: dulichkhatvongviet.com

The entrance of the cave spans 20 m wide and stands 10 m tall. When viewed from the boats, it resembles an enormous inverted bowl, while the river’s clear water reflects a serene mirror-like surface. As one ventures deeper, the illumination fades, replaced by darkness, and the gentle sounds of the boat lead to distant echoes resembling gongs. This is often associated with the music from the banquet of the God of Mountain as perceived by local inhabitants.
Photo by @philfree

Phong Nha is home to over 20 caves, boasting a remarkable main hall that is 1500 m long, alongside various supplementary halls that extend for hundreds of meters. The ceilings of the outer caves reach 10 m in height, while inner cave ceilings soar between 25 m and 50 m. Beyond the 14th cave, visitors can discover larger and more adventurous caves where the process of stalactite formation is still actively ongoing. A journey of about 800 m further into the cave leads to Dried Cave, where enchanting stalagmites and stalactites present an awe-inspiring spectacle filled with intriguing shapes.
Photo by @colazzo

Describing the breathtaking beauty of these caves and halls, embellished with the shimmering colors of underground waters reflecting off massive stalagmites and stalactites, is a challenge. Visitors often find themselves speechless, experiencing a mix of thrill and trepidation, akin to journeying within a colossal entity. At that moment, one’s mind becomes a canvas of exhilarating and daunting possibilities.
Photo by @namle3110

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