Top Things to Do in Quang Binh

For so long, Phong Nha- Ke Bang Park has always remained a mystery to nature lovers and true explorers. The national park is home to countless fascinating caves, so many of them are still a secret to scientists. What are the best things to do in Quang Binh? Let's see together the experiences you can have in this land.

1. General information

Despite its geological location in one of the harshest climate regions in central Vietnam, Quang Binh is a promising land for tourists, from classical visitors to scientific explorers. With an area of 8,066 km², Quang Binh is a convergence of many famous landscapes, known as the "kingdom of caves" which includes more than 400 mysterious large and small caves, beautiful unspoiled beaches, and cool natural streams. 
Therefore, Quang Binh has been chosen as the place to shoot so many movies, which require majestic natural sceneries, including the movie "Kong: Skull island" - 2017 or "Pan" - 2015. 
Now, Quang Binh is one of the must-see tourist destinations in Vietnam, a famous landmark in the UNESCO World Heritage route at the Center of Vietnam along with Hue and Hoi An.

2. Best attractions to visit in Quang Binh

2.1. Động Phong Nha - Phong Nha Cave

Mentioning Quang Binh, many people remember Phong Nha Cave. With a length of 7,729m, a depth of 83m, a height of 50m with many small and large side branches. Phong Nha Cave is recognized as a natural heritage site and is one of the most beautiful caves in the world. It is a type of water cave flowing underground in the mountain bed with many typical stalactites. Its name, Phong Nha, derives from a legend that stalagmites hanging at the mouth of the cave contributed to the poetic name. In the Vietnamese language, it means "Wind between the teeth." To visit Phong Nha Cave, tourists must hire a rowboat and follow the Son River.

2.2. Hang Én - En Cave

En Cave is the third largest cave in the world 1,6km long, about 100m high, 170m wide. According to local people, the cave is the beloved nest of thousands of swallows and because of that, they named it so. 
The route to visit this cave normally takes 2 full days and visitors have to walk about 10km and swim as well. Normally, one night is spent in the cave next to a very nice "natural pool" fed by the Suoi Rao stream.

2.3. Động Tiên Sơn - Tien Son Cave

Belonging in the Phong Nha- Ke Bang cave complex, Tien Son Cave is a very impressive dry cave, known for the fairy-tale beauty of glittering marble blocks of different shapes and thousands of resonant stones. The cave makes visitors feel speechless as if they were lost in a magical wonderland.
The story legend has it that there was a great sea monster in the area and to kill it, people had to use the fairy sword. Finally, a brave boy decided to do it. When he arrived at the cave, he saw that the fairies were bathing so he took the sword to fight with the monster. After that, he returned to the cave to return the sword and found a crying fairy who did not dare to return to the palace of heaven. The boy confessed the whole truth and being moved by the courage of the young boy, the fairy was in love with him. From that moment, this cave has been the meeting place of two people. At first, the Jade God did not agree because the fairy did not obey the law but then he was moved by their true love, and let two lovers live together in the cave decorated as the palace of heaven.

2.4. Động Thiên Đường - Paradise Cave

Another splendid cave in Quang Binh Province is Paradise Cave. With its length of 31,4km, the cave is recognized as the longest in Asia. Once visiting Thien Duong Cave, visitors are often struck by the magnificent and sparkling beauty of the thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites. The image of the stalactites reflecting light throughout the cave makes you live in paradise. To make it easier to visit the cave, they have built a wooden bridge 1000 m long so that visitors can fully enjoy the enchanting beauty of the cave.
In addition to hiking, there is a chance to visit the underground spring inside the cave. You can continue to discover this part of the cave by rowing boat or kayak guided by local drivers.

2.5. Hang Sơn Đoòng - Son Doong Cave

In 2009, Son Doong Cave impressed the whole world with its ads in the National Geographic magazine of being the largest cave on the planet. With a volume of 38,5 million cubic metres, almost 5 times compared to the "old" largest cave in the world - Deer Cave in Malaysia with a volume of 9.5 million cubic metres. 
However, what makes Son Doong more noticed by the world is the unique world inside the cave: it contains many huge stalactites, primordial forests growing in the cave, and the underground river. It seems to have its own ecosystem, a fairy-tale world like in the Avatar movie.
Now, Son Doong is still not open for all mass tourists because of its difficulty to conquer and also the preservation of this wonder of the world. 
However, in order to register for this special 3-day and 2-night tour, there are many demands on personal skills and health. 

2.6. Sông Chày Hang Tối - Chay River Cave of Darkness

Chay River and Cave of Darkness (Hang Toi) are always combined for a visit to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. With a verdant landscape, the area is surrounded by dense forests and emerald water. There are many tourist activities that attract young people such as kayaking, ziplines, and pontoon boats on the Chay River. While the Darkness Cave includes many mysterious things, being "home" to many rare animals and there is also a natural mud pool for tourists. It is worth participating in these activities when you travel to Quang Binh province.

2.7. Suối Nước Moọc - Mooc Spring

Hiding in the primaeval forest, Mooc Spring is like a turquoise silk ribbon. Especially on hot summer days, you cannot refuse the beauty as much as the freshness of this fabulous spring. 
In addition to the breathtaking views, you can kayak, fish, play and swim in the clear water. It is an unforgettable experience that makes you feel completely relaxed.

2.8. Sand dunes in Quang Phu

Sand dunes in Quang Phu is a very nice destination in Quang Binh. Although not as big as the red sand dunes in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, the sand dunes in Quang Phu still remain pristine and photogenic. Once you arrive, you can walk on the white sand and smell the sea, the wind as if you were in a small desert... With high and steep sand dunes of about 100m, you can also sled on the sand. It is an interesting experience to spend this time with friends and family.

2.9. Jumping Rock Beach

Located 26km to the north of Dong Hoi City, Jumping Rock Beach is a masterpiece of nature. What makes the beach more special is that there are numerous animal-shaped rocks. According to local people, whenever the waves hit the beach, the rocks look like the animals jumping, swimming on the sea, creating a very vivid scenery. That is why they gave the name "jumping rock beach" to this place.
Geologically, these rocky mountains have been eroded by seawater over time, with many imaginative shapes: buffalo, elephant, toads, etc.
Especially, right next to the sea, there is a freshwater well known as "Toad Well" because of its rock shape next to it. Locals use the water from this well in the most important festival to honour the Sea God.

2.10. Tu Lan Cave System

The Tu Lan cave complex is a system of about 25 large and small caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Since it was featured on the National Geographic magazine in 2011, it has become a desire for adventurous hearts from all over the world. For now, there are many trekking routes at different difficulties from 1 to 4 days. 
Since you have to choose the suitable route based on your physical fitness because the most difficult level to conquer Tu Lan caves are listed only after conquering Son Doong cave, the largest cave in the world.

3. Things to note when you take a trip to Quang Binh

3.1. When to visit Quang Binh?

The dry season in Quang Binh starts from March until September, it is hot with quite strong sunshine, the average temperature is 36-37 degrees. Especially in the summer months such as June and July, this place is affected by the wind from Laos, so the temperature rises sharply, the highest temperature can reach 42 degrees. 
Fortunately, despite the harsh summer weather conditions, Quang Binh has the Nhat Le beach and primordial forest that help cool the atmosphere and help reduce the excessive temperature in summer. This is an ideal time to visit the sea and caves in Quang Binh. However, given the radiant and fiery sun, you need to bring sunscreen with you: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A light shirt is recommended to avoid burning skin.

3.2. Specialties of Quang Binh

• Seafood
• The steam cakes: Banh Loc, Banh Nam
• The local pork or seafood noodle: Chao Canh
• The oyster porridge

3.3. How to get to Quang Binh?

By plane:

Now in Vietnam, there are 2 airlines operating domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi City in Quang Binh. Which are Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways.

By train:

Dong Ha Station in Dong Hoi is located on the North South Railway of Vietnam, which connects many famous tourist sites along Vietnam. The train leaves from Hanoi → Nam Dinh → Ninh Binh → Quang Binh → Hue → Da Nang → Quang Ngai → Quy Nhon → Nha Trang → Phan Thiet → Sai Gon
Therefore you can easily reach Quang Binh by train from other tourist destinations. 
However, there are a few things to note:

• The railway is built in the early 20th century so it is slow with old furniture inside
• The hygienic condition may be a problem
• Long daytime routes should be well evaluated first to maximise your limited time in Vietnam
• Be careful with personal luggage if you are not in the private cabin

By bus:

• If your trip starts from Hanoi city, you can choose buses that go from Hanoi to Quang Binh such as Hoang Long (+84 2439946617), Hung Thanh (+84 972222694)
• If your trip starts from Ho Chi Minh city, you can choose the bus route from Ho Chi Minh to Quang Binh as Hoang Long (+84 28 22438989), Thuan Thao (+84 914642526) or Sy Quan ( +84 975240827)
• On the other hand, if you are in Da Nang or Hue and want to reach Dong Hoi town, you can choose buses from Da Nang such as Hai Au, Hai Ha, Trung Tin

Note: there is no possibility to visit landmarks along the way.

By private car:

If you are a group of 6 friends or a family with children and elderly, we recommend you to book a private car. With not too much sightseeing, the move to Quang Binh would be more pleasant and comfortable. On the way from Hue to Quang Binh, you can make a stop at 17th parallel to discover the DMZ of Vietnam.
With the experiences shared above, I hope you can plan a real adventure in the country, exploring the fantastic beauty of one of the natural wonders of the world, knowing about the best things to see and do in Quang Binh. We wish you a good trip in advance!!!

Read more:
>> Itineraries from Hue to Phong Nha.   
>> Top National Parks in Vietnam.    
>> Top 10 Natural Wonders in Vietnam.