Paradise Cave
North Central Coast Region
Paradise Cave, known locally as Động Thiên Đường, is a spectacular karst cave situated within the core limestone area of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam. Discovered in 2005 and extensively explored by the British Royal Cave Association until 2010, it was declared the longest cave in Asia with a total length of 31.4 kilometers. Unlike other caves in the region, Paradise Cave is a dry cave, free from underground rivers, which allows visitors to comfortably explore its vast chambers adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. The cave's floor is mostly flat and composed of clay, making it accessible for trekking and sightseeing. Its interior temperature remains consistently about 16 °C cooler than outside, providing a refreshing environment. Since 2010, the cave has been open to tourists with constructed pathways, staircases, and a golf cart route facilitating access. Paradise Cave is renowned for its breathtaking natural formations and is considered even more impressive than the nearby Phong Nha cave, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and spelunkers alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit Paradise Cave is during the dry season from March to August to avoid heavy rains that can affect access. It is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to ensure entry. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for a moderate hike involving stair climbing. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the cave's geological features and history. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The cave's pathways and facilities have been developed to enhance visitor experience while preserving the cave's natural integrity.
Interesting facts
- •Paradise Cave is the longest dry cave in Asia, measuring over 31 kilometers in length.
- •The cave's interior temperature is consistently about 16 °C cooler than the outside temperature.
- •Before tourist infrastructure was built, visitors had to trek through dense forest and climb hills to reach the cave entrance.
- •The British Royal Cave Association conducted extensive exploration of Paradise Cave from 2005 to 2010.
- •The cave features a vast array of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, many of which are thousands of years old.
History
Paradise Cave was discovered in 2005 and subsequently explored by the British Royal Cave Association between 2005 and 2010.
This exploration revealed the cave's extensive length of 31.4 kilometers, making it the longest cave in Asia.
Prior to the development of tourist infrastructure, access to the cave required trekking through dense forest and climbing hills.
Since 2010, investment in pathways, staircases, and transportation has enabled easier access and increased tourism.
The cave is part of the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and geological significance.
Place Guide
Main Entrance and Access Pathway
The cave entrance is accessed via a nearly 5 km road from the Ho Chi Minh trail (western branch), followed by a 1.6 km paved path through forest canopy and a climb of 524 stone steps or a 570-meter gentle slope to reach the cave mouth.
Inner Cave Pathway and Chambers
Inside Paradise Cave, visitors traverse a well-maintained 1.1 km pathway that leads through vast chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is dry, with flat clay floors, facilitating exploration and photography.
