Phong Nha Cave is a cave in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Phong Nha Cave, from which the name to the whole system and the park is derived, is famous for its rock formations which have been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court” and the “Buddha”.
What is Phong Nha Cave?
Phong Nha is a national park located in Quang Binh province. It is home to one of the world’s largest grottoes, which is called Phong Nha Cave. Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Dong Hoi city, Phong Nha cave is considered one of Vietnam’s most splendid caves.
It is 7,729 meters long and contains 14 grottoes with three major caves, namely the Hang En, Hang Duong, and Hang Tien. Along with the grottoes and cave systems, Phong Nha has the longest underground river 13,969 meters.
Why is it called Phong Nha? This cave bears the name of Phong Nha meaning Cave of Teeth since getting further to the cave; you will be absorbed in the miraculous beauty of stalactites falling down as myriad huge teeth.
Phong Nha Cave was voted as one of the most wonderful caves in the world by the British Caving Association for a number of reasons:
- The longest underground river
- The most beautiful underground lake
- The highest and widest entrance
- The most beautiful and widest dry cave
- The most beautiful sandbank and reef
- The most spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and longest water grottoes.
Phong Nha cave is famous for its unique rock formations named for natural shapes such as “Lion,” “Unicorn,” “Octopus,” “Royal Palace,” or “Buddha Statue.”
This cave is divided into two sections: dry caves and water caves. The dry cave is 200 meters above sea level. Geographers believe that the underground river has been dry since ancient times, leaving only the white stone arches and jade-green pillars.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Phong Nha cave system is from January to June. Because of the favorable weather and less rain during this season, the Son River water level is not too high, and you can take a boat trip into the Phong Nha caves.
How to get to Phong Nha Cave?
You can reach Phong Nha cave by motorbike or bike from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha town. After that, you can explore the cave system by joining a trekking tour or by boat crossing the Son River. Getting there by boat can take you through some spectacular scenery. There are lots of things to do and see in the cave, such as exploring its many chambers.
Tickets to explore Phong Nha by boat can be purchased at the Phong Nha tourism center. The place is conveniently situated in the center of Phong Nha town. It is easily accessible to Phon Nha cave from there. The boat ride is a tranquil experience, with the water slowly sliding across blue-green waters towards the park as small towns and steeples fade from view, replaced by karst walls.
Besides being a natural heritage of the world, it’s also a relic system of Ho Chi Minh’s historic road. It collaborated with Xuan Son Ferry to construct a route supporting the battleground of South Vietnam during the war. This location is now the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh trails.
Thanks to its wonderful beauty, Phong Nha Cave is the major site of tourism attracting a great number of local and foreign tourists every year. Phong Nha Ke Bac will be an ideal recommendation for you to make a plan of Vietnam tours.
IV Travel Specialist
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