Explore the Underground Wonders of Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves in Vietnam
Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Vietnam, Phong Nha Cave and Tien Son Cave are two natural wonders that captivate travelers with their stunning beauty and ancient geology. Whether you're an adventurer, nature lover, or curious explorer, this underground journey is one you won't forget.
Phong Nha Cave: The Underground River Adventure
Phong Nha is one of the most famous caves in Vietnam — and for good reason. Stretching over 44.5 km, it's known for its massive caverns, underground rivers, and striking limestone formations.
Visitors can explore the cave by boat, gliding through the dark, cool interior while marveling at stalactites and stalagmites that resemble dragons, lions, and mythical towers. Only a portion of the cave is open to tourists, but even this short stretch is breathtaking.
Tien Son Cave: The "Dry Cave" With a View
Located just above Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave is often called the “dry cave”, as it doesn’t have a river running through it. To reach it, you'll climb around 300 stone steps, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the countryside and a quieter, less-touristy atmosphere.
Inside, Tien Son features enormous chambers, glowing rock formations, and ancient geological textures that date back tens of millions of years. The cave also has a special acoustic quality — clap your hands, and you'll hear the sound echo like a drum.
What to Know Before You Go
Getting There: Phong Nha is located in Quang Binh Province, about 40 km from Dong Hoi City. You can reach it by bus, train, or domestic flight.
Best Time to Visit: From February to August, during the dry season.
Tour Options: Join a boat tour from the Phong Nha Tourist Center, often including both caves. Phong Nha and Tien Son caves cost 150,000 VND + 80,000 per person to enter. You will also need to hire a boat to access the cave which costs 400,000 VND, the cost of which can be shared between up to 12 passengers.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and a light jacket (it gets cool inside the caves).
Final Thoughts
Visiting Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves is like stepping into another world — one shaped by nature over millions of years. From underground rivers to cathedral-like rock chambers, this is one of Vietnam’s top natural attractions and a must-visit for your bucket list.
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