Best 3 Days
National Park Loop
What is it? Go round the Park, seeing the Caves and experiencing the magic. Things to see and do – Paradise Cave, Botanical Gardens (Actually Jungle) Trekking, Nuoc Moc Eco Trail (actually swimming) Dark Cave, 8 Lady Cave, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Nguyen Van Troi Ferry Crossing.
Insider Tip – Be sure to download the Podcast for best information and insights along the way.
How To see it – In order of preference:
- Phong Nha Rider 400,000vnd (our best recommendation)
- Rent a scooter 200,000vnd
- Rent an XR150 500,000vnd
- Shuttle 300,000vnd – leaves 9.00am
- Park Tour 1,350,000vnd – leaves 8.30am
Phong Nha Cave
What is it? A boat trip to a cave, 6km up the Son River through the mountains.
Things to see and do – Caves, Rivers, Mountains, Countryside. Afterwards go for a flat 10km bicycle ride(free) through the villages and countryside to the Phong Nha Farmstay. Also a lovely walk or you can organize transport if you don’t like to bicycle. Use the Phong Nha Farmstay as a base in countryside to relax, as it is owned by the same family as the Victory Road Villas. It is located is unique and rural, with a pool and beer garden overlooking the rice paddy’s. Arguably, the best bar for sundowners, definitely the best stocked, between Danang and Hanoi.
They have a pool, restaurant and bar and if you only want to ride one way, leave the bike there. The boat to Phong Nha Cave has an engine and the boat drivers turn it off at the entrance and take you through the cave by rowing. You can also walk up past a temple, to Tien Son Cave, a dry cave located above the Phong Nha Cave.
Insider Tip – We think this is best done on Day 1, if you have time. Be sure to download the Podcast for best information and insights along the way. Chapter one is about Phong Nha Cave.
Bong Lai Valley
What is it? A farming Valley 6km from Phong Nha Farmstay.
Things to see and do – Dancing/massage with Performing Ducks(yes, you read that correctly), Tapping Rubber Trees, Swing Over A Cliff, “Farm To Table” cooking and dining (best food ever), walking, “Learning about local way of life!” The Duck Stop, Bong Lai Swing, Cuong Rung, The Pub With Cold Beer and more.
Insider Tip – The Pub With Cold Beer has the best BBQ platters, ever, period. The Bong Lai Swing is super fun. And the Ducks, we are not sure about the Ducks.
