Phong Nha National Park has over 300 different caves that are thought to be 400 million years old! 

Visit the Thien Duong Cave (discovered in 2009 by British and Vietnamese explorers) considered to be the largest cave in the world. Inside you’ll find glittering limestone walls, stalagmites and stalactites, claw shaped formations, and a limestone waterfall. 

Before it was discovered Phong Nha was already famous for The Phong Nha Cave (from which the park gets its name) which has the longest underground river, the highest and longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, and the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.  

You can also take a guided tour of the ‘Dark Cave,’ suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you’ll explore the caves darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river.

Appreciate the beauty above ground

The caves below ground are fascinating and above ground the park does not disappoint. The plateau on which the park is situated is probably one of the finest and most distinctive examples of a complex karst landforms in Southeast Asia and there are beautiful rivers and forested areas.  Phong Nha National Park was listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2003.

Spot the local wildlife

The park is a protected nature area and is home to ten species of primates some of them are rare and endangered. Other endangered large mammals include the mainland serow and giant muntjac. You might also see an Asian black bear or sun bear or other smaller mammals like the Sunda pangolins and the recently discovered striped hare. The park is also home to ten species of bat, 59 recorded reptile and amphibian species, 72 fish species, 259 butterfly species and over 200 bird species! 

Cool off

Take a refreshing dip in the pristine rivers or explore the waterways by kayak. 

Source : Stray Travel Asia