Located 50 km northwest of
Dong Hoi, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is an over 200,000 hectares
of parkland includes beautiful limestone formations, grottoes and caves as well
as lush forestland covering 95 percent of the park area. In addition to the diversity
in the ecosystem,
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to archeological and historical relics
such as an ancient hieroglyphic script of the Cham ethnic minority, Xuan Son ferry
station,
Ho Chi Minh Trail and Road 20 used during the US resistance war. In 2000,
Phong Nha-Ke Banga National Park was designated a Unesco World Heritage site.
Phong Nha Cave Formed approximately 250million years ago, Phong Nha Cave is the
largest and most beautiful cave in Vietnam. It is remarkable for thousands of metres
of underground passageways and river caves filled with abundant stalactites and
stalagmites. Its rock formations have evocative names such as Lion, Fairy Caves,
Royal Court and Buddha.
Phong Nha means "Cave of Teeth" and was used by the Northern
Vietnamese as a hospital and ammunition depot during the American war. In 1990,
British scientists surveyed 35km of the cave and discovered the main cavern is nearly
8km long with 14 other caves nearby.
Boat is the only transportation means to explore
Phong Nha Cave. Once you get further into the cave, it is mostly unspoiled. The
cave system is electrically lit but you can bring a torch for better exploration.
When to go? The best time to visit
Phong Nha Caves is the dry season, between February and April
when the weather is cool and there is no flooding. Travelers should check carefully
the weather in this area during November and December before travel as during this
period, the river is prone to flooding, the underground cave may be close. Though
it's possible, but also may be dangerous to visit the dry cave.
