9 caves in Quang Binh appealing tourists

As for the geographical and climatic features, along with the formation of resident community in the process of social development over the time, Quang Binh has possessed a system of attractive and diverse natural tourist values. The province is captivating a large number of tourists in Vietnam travel, especially who adore adventuring caves in Quang Binh. At present, the most famous cave in the province is Son Doong Cave which is praised widely around the world for its outstanding beauty and values. Yet, the expenses to explore the cave is not suitable to ordinary travelers. Therefore, there are some alternative caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang tours to satisfy the adventuring desire of these travelers that suggested by AloTrip as follows.

Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave is located in the limestone area of Ke Bang in Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District of Quang Binh Province. It is about 50km to the Northwest of Dong Hoi City. Phong Nha Cave is dubbed as the second best cave in Vietnam. It is protected by tropical jungles. From Son River, it takes about 30 minutes to approach Phong Nha Cave. With the length of 7,729 meters, the depth of 83 meters, and the height of 50 meters, along with many smaller caves such as Bi Ki Cave, Tien Cave, and Cung Dinh Cave. This is the wet cave with waters running underground and featured stalactites. It is said that these stalactites make the featured characteristics of Phong Nha Cave.

Tien Son Cave

Stalagmites-Tien Son Cave

Tien Son Cave (also known as Dry Cave) is one of the most magnificent caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang tourist complex. Road to Tien Son winds over halfway up the mountain. Tien Son Cave entrance is about 1,000m from Phong Nha Cave on the height of 200m. The entrance of Tien Son Cave is about 1,000 meters from Phong Nha Cave's entrance. Tien Son Cave was discovered in 1935. Initially, the cave was called Tien Cave (Fairy Cave) as its mysterious and fairy beauty. And, Phong Nha is the wet cave, while Tien Son is dry cave. The length of Tien Son Cave is 980 meters. Despite of not connecting each other, Tien Son Cave and Phong Nha Cave are parts of the entire cave system. Tien Son Cave is regarded as the castle of stalactites with thousands of colorful stalactites.

Paradise Cave

Wooden staircases

Dubbed the "underground palace", Paradise Cave is one of the most magnificent and fanciful wonders over the world. Thien Duong Cave lies in the heart of the World Natural Wonder - Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The cave belongs to ancient karst terrain dated back 350 - 400 million years ago. Paradise Cave is situated in Km 16, far about 4km from the edge of the west branch of Ho Chi Minh trail in Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province. It is far about 70 km from tyhe Dong Hoi city center to the northwest. Thien Duong Cave is about 25km from Phong Nha Cave. It is convenient to travel between two caves.

Dark Cave

Son River 

Dark Cave was discovered for a long time ago. During American resistance war, the cave used to be the shelter of soldiers and locals. In 1992, the British Caving Association surveyed, mapped, and measured Dark Cave with the length of 5,558m, the depth of 80m, and the height of 50m. The Dark Cave has an outstanding beauty. The appearance of Dark Cave does not match its name. The light from outside enters the cave through stone cliffs, reflects on water surface. All creates a wonderful picture of this cave. Travlers in Vietnam tours to Quang Binh will have

Thuy Cung Cave

Thuy Cung Cave is one of most visited attractions in Phong Nha Ke Bang. To reach Thuy Cung Cave, travelers have to pass immense grass field to approach Dau Rai primitive jungle with hundreds of big old trees. Then, walking to Tien Stream on backwards to Nuoc Lan Cave, travelers reach the back entrance of Dark Cave. With specialized devices provided by Phong Nha Ke Bang tourist center, travelers can easy to explore over 500m of unspoiled Nuoc Lan Cave. After coming back the entrance, travelers have a chance to enjoy the lunch with local dishes of wild vegetables, grilled fish and meat... From Nuoc Lan Cave, travel walk to Thuy Cung Cave where there is a stunning color of water. After one night camping at Thuy Cung Cave, in the early morning, travelers have an opportunity to admire the dawn in Sinh Ton Valley (Survival Valley) of more than 2000ha, surrounded by majestic limestones, and vast primitive forest.

Tam Co Cave

Tam Co Cave is situated in Tan Trach Commune of Bo Trach District in Quang Binh. It is about 55km from Dong Hoi City to the northwest. The cave is the evidence of great contribution of youth volunteers in American resistance war. The story of Tam Co Cave (Eight Ladies Cave) is dolorous. Many tourists coming here and hearing about the story of eight young female volunteers burst into tear when listening from the tour guide.

Tu Lan Cave

Magnificent scenery

Tu Lan Cave is located in Tan Hoa village, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh. Tu Lan Cave is about 70km from Phong Nha Cave to the northwest. Tu Lan has 08 smaller caves. It was found in 2009. In 2012, more four vallyes were discovered. The system of Tu Lan Cave includes the main cave - Tu Lan Cave and auxiliary caves, namely Song Cave, Uoi Cave, Chuot (Mouse) Cave, Hung Ton Cave, Kim Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Ken cave and To Mo Cave. The cave system of Tu Lan is still untouched and hides in itself many secretes of the nature in the heart of limestones, underground river, and endless waterfalls. To contemplate what the Mother of Nature created, tourists have to pass rough routes and catch many difficulties. With the magical beauty of stalactites and mysterious underground river, along with the pristine beauty of forest, the scenery will be saved in mind once coming here.

Hang En Cave

Hang En Cave

Coming to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, tourists will have a chance to admire the majesty of the third biggest cave in the world. More interestingly, the time to explore Hang En Cave is 2 days 1 night. Here is an ideal stopover for those who love adventures but do not have much time. En Cave has a total length of 1,645m with three entrances. Hang En Cave was voted as one of the most spectacular caves in the world by National Geographic. The most special feature of Hang En Cave is the separate ecosystem and climate, along with a beautiful river, which will bring a unique experience to tourists.

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave, located deeply in Phong Nha Ka Bang National Park for millions of years, is the biggest cave in the world. After being discovered in 2009, Son Doong Cave triggered the curiosity of global tourists coming here to explore and admire. Son Doong Cave has the length of about 5km, the height of 200m, and the wide of 150m. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the cave can occupy a big house in Manhattan, US equivalent to a 40-floor building. Inside the cave, there is a separate ecosystem formed by the sunlight from ceiling holes and clouds. The stalagmites in Son Doong Cave reach the height of nearly 80m. The lime stones sized baseballs scatter throughout the cave floor. The spectacular underground scenery shows that there are many beautiful landscapes in the world to discovery.

There are several ways to travel to Quang Binh: by road, train, and plane. At present, tourists can easily to take direct flights to Quang Binh from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and then travel by road to Phong Nha Ke Bang. To seek flights to Quang Binh, it is recommended to visit AloTrip official site (AloTrip.com) for further information, not just about flights to Quang Binh, but also other useful and up-to-date information about Vietnam tourism such as visa and tours...

Source: AloTrip,com

10 most popular questions about Son Doong Cave

Son Doong becomes one of the hottest destinatons in Vietnam tour packages from 2014. Since the introduction of Son Doong Cave on ABC program of the US - Good Morning America, many questioned are raised about Son Doong tours - the tours of exploring the biggest cave in the world.

1. When was Son Doong discovered?

In 1991, a local man named Ho Khanh came to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to collect firewood and suddenly got lost in a strange area where there was a huge cave in the limestone mountain cliff with a giant ceiling hole full of sunlight. He also recognized that there is a river running into the cave. Yet, until April 2009, as the request of a caving exploration team from UK, Mr. Ho Khanh could find the cave again and instructed the exploration team led by Howart Limbert to discover Son Doong Cave.

Son Doong Cave

2. Where Son Doong's name comes from?

In Vietnam tours to Phong Nha Ke Bang, tourists who are introduced about Son Doong often wonder the name the the world’s biggest cave. Initially, Son Doong was named Ho Khanh as he discovered the cave. Later, it was suggested to change the name into “Sơn Đoòng” because the cave hides behind majestic mountains of Đoòng Village, and because there is a river running in the cave.

3. Why is Son Doong the world's biggest cave?

Son Doong Cave has the length of about 5km, the height of 200m, and the wide of 150m. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the cave can occupy a big house in Manhattan, US equivalent to a 40-floor building. Inside the cave, there is a separate ecosystem formed by the sunlight from ceiling holes and clouds. The stalagmites in Son Doong Cave reach the height of nearly 80m. The lime stones sized baseballs scatter throughout the cave floor. The spectacular underground scenery shows that there are many beautiful landscapes in the world to discovery.

Son Doong Cave

4. How does it cost a Son Doong tour?

There are two rates of tours to Son Doong exploited by a travel agent: about 3,000 USD for foreign traveler and 64.5 million dong for Vietnamese traveler. The rate is being applied for the whole year of 2015. In 2014, there were about 500 travelers visiting Son Doong. Since the beginning of 2015, the number is about 200 travelers. To serve a Son Doong tour of 10 people, there is a support of more than 30 people. Apart from porters bringing supplies and cooking, there are caving experts and safety experts in Son Doong tours.

5. How to visit Son Doong?

To take part in Vietnam tours to Son Doong, you have to register with the travel agent and wait for your turn. However, travelers have to undergo two severe theory and practice tests. If not passing the tests, travelers cannot join tours to Son Doong. It is because Son Doong exploration is adventure tours. During the journey, travelers have to walk more than 50km through jungles, rough routes, big stone blocks... Explorers will sleep in rents and have a bath according to the preparation of the travel agent. Travelers will join a tour without modern facilities, like a wild life.

Exploring Soon Doong Cave

6. When is the best time to visit Son Doong?

The best time to travel Son Doong is from February to August. The rest months are rainy season, which is very dangerous to travelers. From February to April, the weather in Son Doong is very cool. It is perfect to discover the cave. Yet, it is a little cold at night. From May to August, it is hot and humid weather. Therefore, travelers have to prepare a good health before the trip.

7. What to bring from Son Doong?

It is a big note that travelers must not take any thing from Son Doong. Travelers are not allowed to litter, break trees, defoliate leaves, absolutely not touch anything in the cave when the experts have not allowed, because the stalactites are still in process of formation, just a touch can make stalactite stop the development process. It is important that what you bring into the cave must be brought out. Not touching the stalactites also protects your health because many things in the cave have not checked.

Son Doong

8. How long of waiting for a Son Doong tour?

Tours to Son Doong is full for the year of 2015. If you want to register for the next year's tour, you have to wait for the specific evaluation of experts about the affection of tours to the environment. If the affection is high and affects the ecosystem of the cave, the travel company will stop tours to reserve the original beauty of Son Doong Cave. However, it is no hopeless about Son Doong tours. If having enough financial budget and health, do not hesitate to book a tour to Son Doong. If some one quits the tour in the last minutes, you may be chosen.

9. Is it available private tours to Son Doong?

Any individual or organization visiting Son Doong without the allowance of the management board of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is seen to violate the law. Thus, you can join the adventure tour with the travel company having the right. It is the best way.

10. What about other attractions beside Son Doong?

During the waiting time for taking part in tours to Son Doong Cave, you can choose other tours such as Phong Nha Ke Bang tours to caves of Tu Lan, Swallow Cave, Paradise Cave, and Phong Nha Cave. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park has many interesting services for tourists to enjoy Vietnam holidays in this national park.

Source: AloTrip

Domestic flight to Quang Binh in Vietnam

In recent years, Vietnam Airlines has not stopped growing and become a prestigious airline in the region. Many new domestic and international flights are opened to meet the need of customers. One of them is the domestic flight to Quang Binh, an attractive destination in Vietnam tourism.

When traveling Quang Binh with Vietnam domestic flights, tourists will have a chance to contemplate and explore famous scenic spots here such as Deo Ngang (Horizontal Pass), Nhat Le beach, Bau Tro lake, Mooc streams, Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

Phong Nha Cave

The first attraction is Phong Nha cave, the world natural heritage of Vietnam along with Ha Long Bay Located in Ke Bang limestone mountain, about 50km away from Dong Hoi town to the northwest . This is a system of magnificent caves with the longest underground river in the world. Phong Nha cave has a lot of branches with a total length of 20km, but now, people just discover the longest branch a part of the underground river called Nam Aki. It is underground in the Pu-Pha Dam Mountain. In front of the door cave, the glamorous mountain river, the majestic nature along with countless amazing images seems to excite the imagination of human. In the big water season, the water of Son River rises highly and hides the door cave, tourists cannot come in. According to the legend, one hundred years ago, the young King Ham Nghi was hiding here with some courtiers and gave the Royalist Movement. 

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Another place is Nhat Le beach. According to the legend, in the period of Trinh-Nguyen conflict, Gianh River was divided into two sides. People who immigrated to the South often looked to the other side of the north shore to remember their homeland. Their tears flowed like a river so the beach was called Nhat Le. The best time to come Nhat Le is from May to August. Tourists should wake up early to admire the wild beauty of an estuary to the sea, immerse in the ripple waves or bask on the sand. At that time, you will feel the special flavor of the beach, the wind and the wild nature.

With Domestic Vietnam flights to this land, tourists can have the chance to explore Tien Son cave or Dry cave in other name. The landscape in the cave looks like the heaven. Thousands of colorful stalactites grow bristling in the cave. The high and spacious dome has white as the gold and silver. The marbled stone columns with many interesting shapes make tourists amazing as if they are getting lost in the heaven or the aquarium. Dry cave has feature more specially than Phong Nha cave. There are the acoustic resonances of rocks and stone columns. When tapping into them, they will emit strange sounds from the deep soil.

Nhat Le Beach

The next attraction suggested by Vietnam Air is Bang hot spring. From Dong Hoi city go about 60km to the southwest, or from Truong Son mountain go about 20km toward the west, tourists can see Bang ecological resort & spa. This is a large green hill with an area of 70ha, the fresh and cool environment, the exotic and fascinating landscape, the wild, simple and charming nature. Especially, there is a winding stream with the mineral water line running into the endless line. The open-air and mystical stream always attracts tourists coming to relax and explore. The mineral water line runs into the upstream, the temperature is higher up to 105 degree C. The steam is dim as hazes of the heaven. Bang mineral water has pharmacological effects; it is elevated as rare and good in the treatment of some human diseases.

Bang Hot Spring

When traveling Quang Binh with Vietnam airlines, tourists should not ignore Phong Nha Ke Bang national park. This is a part of the oldest limestone mountain in Asia formed four million years ago. It associated with tectonic cycle and the development of the earths history. The area of Phong Nha Ke Bang limestone mountain is about 400ha. The limestone population also spreads to the part of Kham Muon, Lao, creating the most ancient and largest tropical limestone mountain in the world with features of appearance and global valuable geology.

In addition, Phong Nha Ke Bang is also given majestic and mysterious landscapes. Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park hides the mystery of nature, caves and splendid cathedral in the heart of limestone formed millions years ago.

Source: http://www.vietnamairlines.travel/

Phong Nha Ke Bang has the first helicopter tourism service

On April 24 morning, Quang Binh People’s Committee coordinated with Vietnam Helicopter Company to hold two flights from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The form of helicopter tours is a new and attractive type of tourism in Quang Binh.

This new and attractive type of tourism, on the one hand, meets the needs of tourists; on the other hand, it contributes to better exploitation of tourism potentials of Quang Binh, especially tours on exploring caves, spiritual life, and visiting old battlefields. Speaking at the opening ceremony of these flights, the representative of the local provincial People’s Committee said that the use of helicopters to visit the World Heritage Site, phong nha ke bang National Park comes from the needs of tourists who want to admire the sights in a different way from height. At the same time, the helicopters are also seen as effective means of emergency medical support for adventurous tours, discovery tours to Son Doong Cave, En Cave and Tu Lan Cave, etc.

Son River outside Phong Nha Cave - Source: Image from Panoramio

In addition, this kind of tours serves the needs of surveying rugged mountainous areas which have not been discovered. By virtue of this, the new features in the area of Phong nha Ke Bang National Park will be explored. These features might support research, management and protection in the national park and tourism operation in the near future. The schedule is arranged from April 20 to May 5. The Northern Helicopter Company (under the Vietnam Helicopter Company) will send its helicopters to Quang Binh to perform some flights catering the provincial and tourist needs, and offer helicopter medical services in adventure tours to Son Doong cave in Bo Trach District. Earlier, the company had a flight to survey approaching points that can serve tourism and rescue activities and in Phong Nha Ke Bang.

Bi Cave in Phong Nha - Source: Image from Flickr

Trial of new tours to explore En Cave by helicopters in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park will be opened from April 26 to 28. This is a combination of the management board of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, The Northern Helicopter Company, and some travel companies in Quang Binh. There will be only three helicopter tours in 2014 to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. These helicopter flights will fly around Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park once, during this time, tourists have a chance to see Son Doong Cave’s Garden of Eden; and then, these flights will approach the entrance of En Cave for tourists to explore.

Inside Phong Nha Caves - Source: Image from Flickr

Mr. Nguyen Huu Hoai, the Chairman of Quang Binh People’s Committee said that Quang Binh is the first province in the Central Vietnam organizing services of helicopter tours. The organization of this tour opens up great opportunities for tourists to travel and discover Phong Nha Ke Bang. It also meets the limited time of tourists when traveling Vietnam in general and Quang Binh o particular. This is considered a major turning point of Quang Binh tourism.