Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
North Central Coast Region
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam, is renowned for its remarkable karst topography and extensive cave systems. Covering a core zone of approximately 857.54 km² within a larger limestone area, the park protects one of the world's two largest karst regions. It boasts around 300 caves and grottoes, with a total explored length exceeding 126 km. Among these, Sơn Đoòng Cave stands out as the largest cave in the world, discovered in 2009 by British and Vietnamese explorers. The park's landscape features spectacular limestone formations, underground rivers, and diverse ecosystems typical of the Annamite Range. Its rich biodiversity includes many rare and endangered species listed in Vietnam's and the world's Red Books. Phong Nha-Ke Bang was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 for its outstanding geological values and again in 2015 for its biodiversity and ecological importance. The park offers visitors unique experiences of natural wonders, from exploring majestic caves to enjoying pristine forests and wildlife conservation efforts.
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Tip: The best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang is during the dry season from February to August to avoid heavy rains that can flood caves. It is recommended to book cave tours, especially to Sơn Đoòng Cave, well in advance due to limited permits and high demand. Visitors should prepare appropriate gear for cave exploration and consider guided tours for safety and enriched experience. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Checking the official website or contacting the park's management can provide updated information on permits, tours, and conservation activities.
Interesting facts
- •Phong Nha-Ke Bang contains Sơn Đoòng Cave, the largest cave in the world, measuring over 5 km in length, 200 meters in height, and 150 meters in width.
- •The park is home to around 300 caves and grottoes, with many still unexplored.
- •Its karst formations date back approximately 400 million years, making them among the oldest in Asia.
- •The park has been recognized twice by UNESCO: in 2003 for geological and geomorphological values and in 2015 for biodiversity and ecological significance.
- •Phong Nha Cave was once called 'The number one cave of Indochina' by French explorer Léopold Michel Cadière.
History
The area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang has been inhabited since at least the 9th century, evidenced by Champa inscriptions found in caves.
The caves were first documented in literature in 1550 and were revered by Nguyen dynasty kings in the 19th century.
French explorers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries conducted early scientific studies, recognizing the caves' significance.
The region was designated a nature reserve in 1986 and expanded to a national park in 2001.
Since 1990, intensified exploration and research have led to the discovery of many caves, culminating in the 2009 discovery of Sơn Đoòng Cave, which brought international attention to the park's unique geological features.
Place Guide
Phong Nha Cave
The namesake cave of the park, famous for its stunning rock formations and underground river. It is considered one of the most beautiful and historically significant caves in the region.
Sơn Đoòng Cave2009
Discovered in 2009, Sơn Đoòng is the world's largest cave, featuring enormous caverns, unique ecosystems, and rare geological formations. Access is limited and requires guided tours.
Tiên Sơn Cave
Located near Phong Nha Cave, Tiên Sơn (Fairy-tale Cave) is known for its dry interior and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites resembling fairy-tale landscapes.
Contact
Phone: 0232 3677 021
