The area of Phong Nha has 2 very distinct zones: the Unesco World Heritage Site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is jungles and mountains and rivers; and the ‘buffer zone’ which is an area surrounding the National Park, consisting of rice paddies, villages and meandering rivers with excellent swimming spots. Due to the varied landscape, there are many ways in which you can see Phong Nha. This little guide will hopefully inspire you and help you get the most out of the area.
Getting Around
Tours
A mix of DIY and Tours are the best way to see a lot of the National Park, the only way to see some parts of the National Park, especially some of the exclusive caves is with Tour Companies. DIY trekking through the jungle is available at the Botanical Gardens on the Phong Nha Loop. Day Tours normally include a fantastic BBQ thrown in too! Please see our things to do section where you will find all the best tours in Phong Nha. To book a tour, contact us or speak to the staff at Victory Road Villas or Phong Nha Farmstay.
Thang’s Phong Nha Riders
The Phong Nha Riders are an awesome way to see the local area, and support local people. They are similar to the Easy Riders seen in other parts of Vietnam. You jump on the back of motorbikes driven by local people, and they show you the best of what Phong Nha has to offer. The most popular route is to go around the loop of the National Park (they drive and you soak up the amazing views), and they will stop off at the attractions in the park, and wait for you whilst you explore and take as long as you want. Also popular is the Bong Lai Valley loop. The Phong Nha Riders can be booked at Victory Road Villas, Phong Nha Farmstay or at many hotels and homestays – approx 400,000vnd per day – prices vary on number of stops, time and distance.
Cycling
It is too far to cycle around the loop of the National Park, but there is so much other amazing landscape around Phong Nha to see, and cycling has to be the best way! The cycle from Phong Nha to Bong Lai is along the river and past pretty rice paddies; the Farmstay village is made up of a few houses amongst a sea of rice paddies so there is always lots to catch the eye; not many people go north of the river, but you will find villages amongst the hills, plus large churches to explore; a cycle ride along the river to Mountain River Cafe (with it’s amazing views and chocolate coffee), from the centre of Phong Nha Village, is a fascinating ride and your chance to observe children, buffalos, dogs, chickens crossing the road, local people doing their thing, plus much more. It has also been known for people to cycle to the Botanical Gardens, but make sure you are ready for a big hill climb! Most hotels will offer bicycle rental, whilst Victory Road Villas, and Phong Nha Farmstay all offer free bicycle rental to staying guests and the ability to pick up and drop off the bicycles between the businesses.
Walking
We mustn’t forget that a nice, long walk through the beautiful rice paddies and jungle of Phong Nha can be very rewarding! You can go for a long walk at the Botanical Garden if you want to get into the jungle, or you can hike on many of the tours. If you fancy something a little less heavy, download the map and head amongst the paths between the rice paddies – areas to focus on are between Phong Nha village and the Farmstay, and Bong Lai Valley. There is also a lovely 4km walking route that circles out through the crops of the village and The Village Walk (2km) both at Farmstay. A great longer walk is to walk up Bong Lai Valley, for lunch, at the Pub With Cold Beer.
Email us, or you can ask at Victory Road Villas or Phong Nha Farmstay for more information!
Private Car / Minibus
If you have a family, or simply wish to keep things ultra convenient, it is possible to hire cars and minibuses (with or without drivers), to take you to many of the local tourist destinations. Please enquire at your hotel or at Victory Road Villas, or Phong Nha Farmstay and they will be able to provide you with further information and assistance.