Đồng Hới has a 12-km-long coastline with white sandy beaches. Đồng Hới is the closest city to Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng National Park, UNESCO's World Natural Heritage Site, located 50 km north from the city. The main attractions in this national park are the magnificent Phong Nha, Paradise and Dark Caves. Phong Nha cave is entered by boat and contains 14 grottoes and a long underground river. Paradise Cave is the second largest cave and a must see during your Vietnam travels. It is only open for public since 2011 and is hidden deep within Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Dark cave is a true adventurous experience, zip lining over the river to get to the entrance, swim into the cave and walk through the dark with only your head torch on your mining helmet. The deeper you go into the cave, the muddier it gets so you need to navigate through the narrow passages to end up in a large mud bath, deep in the cave. Wash yourself clean with a swim in the lake back at the entrance of the cave and take a kayak for a scenic ride.
For real multi day cave explorations in Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng National Park, Son Dong and Hang En cave are a true heaven for real cave experts.