Paradise Cave: Your Complete Phong Nha Cave Review

So, you are thinking about visiting Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park? Well, that’s an incredible choice! I mean, it really is more than just a cave; it is, in some respects, a complete spectacle. That is, before I went, I’d seen a bunch of pictures, yet even then, those really did not do it justice. Anyway, I want to walk you through absolutely everything you would need to know to prepare for a trip to Paradise Cave. I’ll cover how to get there, what to expect on the tour, and things you should, perhaps, keep in the back of your mind. I hope that can prove useful!

What Makes Paradise Cave so Special?

Paradise Cave, so called Thien Duong Cave in Vietnamese, it is said to be one of the biggest and most stunning caves on earth. It was only discovered in 2005! And get this, apparently it stretches for almost 20 miles, like 31 kilometers or something. You know, what sets this cave somewhat apart, arguably, is the otherworldly formations inside. As I was saying, the stalactites and stalagmites, after countless centuries, very have been shaped into pretty bizarre and beautiful shapes. That, plus the scale, basically, the pure hugeness of the cave, really just hits you. The walkways are pretty well built too, and so visitors can actually venture deep inside, in a way, without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. Honestly, the experience is not unlike walking, could be, through a massive cathedral of stone.

While it is so huge now, imagine that back in the day, it would’ve had even the most seasoned explorers just staring. Then you see that glimmer, where the sunlight manages to find a little space to slip through to add an unreal feeling, particularly in the mornings.

Getting to Paradise Cave

Okay, as a matter of fact, before you actually get inside the cave, you of course have to get to the park. Phong Nha is, in a way, not too tricky to reach, anyway, but here’s the lowdown. You can fly into Dong Hoi Airport; it’s about an hour’s drive to Phong Nha. Several daily flights come in from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, generally. Then you could catch a taxi or arrange a private transfer. Another choice, so, too, is to take an overnight sleeper bus from bigger cities, like, say, Hue or Da Nang. This option, usually, can be much more affordable, so too. And very, very, lastly, you have the option of renting a motorbike. It could be the adventure of a lifetime but it will definitely require confidence on Vietnamese roads. Make sure to be aware of local road customs.

Then, when you arrive in Phong Nha, as I was saying, to actually get to Paradise Cave you will want to rent a motorbike or hop in a taxi or Xe-om (motorbike taxi). Paradise Cave is roughly 45 minutes from the town center. Very remember the roads, as a matter of fact, that leads to the cave are picturesque, with tons of lush landscapes that makes for quite the journey. You know, make sure that you keep an eye on the fuel gauge because you might have a bit of a trek back to get fuel.

What to Expect on the Tour

Anyway, so you got here, what should you look forward to on the visit? Well, alright, you have reached the entrance, you’ve got two options. Option one is the standard tour and option two, rather, is the extended tour. Typically, on the standard tour, as a matter of fact, you have to travel from the Welcome Center up to the base of Paradise Cave itself. From there, usually, you can pick whether to hike the kilometer or to get a golf cart the kilometer. The golf cart could be, potentially, super popular and in this case, could be a bit of a wait. Once you have arrived, there is a bit of climb to the mouth of the cave via staircase (very manageable though!). Once you make your way into the cave you can then travel 1km inside. Which is a really special feeling, I gotta say. Usually, on the standard trip, you get to see an incredible amount, yet that’s not all you could see!

Basically, if you are pretty adventurous, the seven kilometer trip might well be for you. Anyway, that really would be a pretty different animal from the initial 1 km trip, which offers that peek, you know? This extended tour, honestly, takes you incredibly deeper into the cave and, of course, needs to be arranged ahead of time, very, very ahead of time. You would also need appropriate gear (arranged by the tour), is that, that really means safety gear to allow you explore deeper.

Tips and Recommendations for Visiting

• Arrive Early: Paradise Cave often, can draw a lot of people, arguably, arriving right as it opens helps you beat the crowd. You’ll probably want to be sure, actually, that you have enough time to take photos.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: So, alright, you are doing some walking, either up some stairs or even for kilometers into the cave. Then you want some comfortable shoes to reduce aches later!
• Stay Hydrated: Especially if you visit, arguably, when it gets very, very warm outside, you might want to carry water with you. After the walk up, you might want that drink of water
• Respect the Environment: Paradise Cave’s pretty impressive ecosystem really does need protection, basically, refrain from touching formations or, basically, leaving any waste behind. Basically, leave it how you found it!

Don’t forget, typically, when thinking about clothing, lightweight, breathable attire would serve you well. That really keeps you comfortable, actually, within the humid cave atmosphere. You could want to bring a light jacket, actually, it feels kind of cooler inside the cave. A headlamp really helps you appreciate details that are hard to see with ambient lighting alone!

Other things to see while in Phong Nha

The beauty, literally, does not stop with Paradise Cave! Phong Nha-Ke Bang really offers a host of things to see. Basically, the famous Phong Nha Cave, accessible by boat, could be, might be, quite the experience to experience how waterways shape such huge structures. You know, another spot really, really worth your time is the Dark Cave where, basically, you find some pretty cool ziplining and swimming inside, it can make for quite the fun experience. You could choose the Botanical Garden which can allow, you know, quiet walks in a pretty pristine environment. Seriously, if you make the effort to hike to the top, I have been told that you get some unreal pictures. A little outside of the central Phong Nha area, usually, you can visit the Eight Lady Cave Memorial which might, could be, of more somber tone but is absolutely one to see and know the historical past of the region.

Some of the accommodations to see in Phong Nha

• Son River Homestay
• Phong Nha Farmstay
• Carambola Bungalow
• Nguyen Shack – Phong Nha Eco Resort
• Hidden Villa Phong Nha

Final Thoughts

Paradise Cave actually has such majesty to offer, usually. Getting to appreciate this gem yourself could create memories to appreciate a good while to come, truly. Really be certain to get yourself completely ready and consider other attractions in the area to, you know, help you get the most of it. You know, seeing Paradise Cave will absolutely be a part you may not forget.

#ParadiseCave #PhongNha #VietnamTravel #CaveAdventure #ExploreVietnam