Hanoi or Ninh Binh – Phong Nha – Hue 2D1N

$165.00

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a popular destination. The area is the cave hot spot of Vietnam and an area with pristine rain forest where parts of the original Ho Chi Minh Trail lead through. Definitely a place that should be on your Vietnam travel list.

The main attractions in Unesco World Heritage listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park are the magnificent Phong Nha, Paradise and Dark Cave.

Extra options: We can of course run this tour for you in reversed way, so starting in Hue and ending up in Ninh Binh or Hanoi. We can also run the tour with start and finish in Hanoi, no problem. Feel free to contact us for more information.

The main attractions in Unesco World Heritage listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park are the magnificent Phong Nha, Paradise and Dark Cave.

As time-wise it is not possible to visit all three caves on one day, most visitors choose 2 caves during this trip, based on their own preferences. Just let us know which two you prefer.

Phong Nha Cave is entered by boat after a scenic boat ride through the countryside along the Côn River and contains of 14 grottoes and a long underground river. It’s the second largest cave with a total length of more than 7km of which 1500 meters are accessible for visitors, it is a must see during your Vietnam travels.

Paradise Cave, or Thiên Đường Cave, discovered in 2005, is only open for the public since 2011 and is hidden deep within Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. It is supposed to be the longest cave with a total length of more than 31km. Visitors can access the first kilometer of this impressive dry cave.

Dark Cave, or Hang Toi, is a true thrilling and adventurous experience, zip lining over the Côn 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 river on your way back and take a kayak for a scenic paddle along the river. Activities: Muddy bath, zip lining, swimming, kayaking. Bring swim wear!

Day 1:

Hanoi or Ninh Binh – Dong Hoi by train (N/A)

Depending on your starting location you can start this journey from Hanoi or Ninh Binh railway station to board the train to Dong Hoi. Overnight in an air-conditioned soft sleeper, 4-berth, shared cabin. We can of course arrange your private cabin.

Day 2:

Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Ke Bang NP – Hue (B-L-D)

From the train station (arrival time depending on your train) our pick-up service (he will show a sign with your name(s)) will pick you up and take you to our partner hotel for breakfast and to fresh-up. You can leave your luggage that you don’t want to take on this day safely behind and just prepare a daypack! At around 8am we’ll start this beautiful and adventurous day to your favourite 2 caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

At around 5pm we will be back at the hotel in Dong Hoi where you can enjoy dinner. At around 7:15pm we’ll bring you to the train station in Dong Hoi for your 7:50pm evening train to Hue, where the trip ends. The journey will take around 3 hours.

If for some reason you want to end the trip in Phong Nha, no problem, just inform us and at any convenient time will additionally arrange a transfer by bus to Hue.

  • Soft sleeper (4-berth shared cabin) train Hanoi or Ninh Binh to Hue
  • All entrance fees
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2
  • Evening train (soft seat) from Dong Hoi to Hue
  • Train station pick-up and drop off service Dong Hoi
  • English speaking tour guides as specified in the program
  • All taxes and services charges
  • Beverages 
  • Tips and personal expenses 
  • Travel insurance 
  • All not indicated in our itinerary 
  • Booking voucher from us 
  • Valid Passport with valid visa 
  • Cash for personal expense

Specific food requests

Please let us know if you have specific eating restrictions, allergic for certain things or if you are vegetarian, we can take that into account during the trips.

Useful information

Especially for the north and central Vietnam;

In the period between November and April, the weather is variable, from sunny to cold and rainy. It is advisable during this period to bring some rain gear with some warmer clothes. In the period from April to November, it is good to pack a hat with a wide brim, sunscreen (at least SPF15) and a reliable insect repellent. A thin rain poncho is useful all year round.

The south of Vietnam is generally a lot warmer all year round, so warm clothing is not really necessary.

Get Up And Go Vietnam does everything to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, we have no control over weather conditions. Our apologies for that!

What do I need to know? 

During the period March to November it will good to pack your swimming gear, a towel, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen (at least SPF15), a reliable insect repellent, toiletries, a camera and lots of batteries. Warm clothing for the cooler months of November to March is advised. How much luggage can I take? Your vehicle has limited space so please keep your luggage to a maximum of 15kgs in a backpack or soft over-night bag and include a small day pack to hand carry for easy access to camera, sunscreen, water etc. Inhibitions can be left in the luggage storage rooms at your hotel with your other unwanted baggage. 

Get Up and Go Vietnam is doing all possible to make your journey and travel experience an unforgettable one. Weather conditions, we unfortunately cannot control. Our apologies for that!