PHONG NHA, VIETNAM – We just spent several days at the Phong Nha Farmstay near the town of Phong Nha, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam.
The main attraction at Phong Nha is its location near some of the most spectacular caves in the world. It’s the leaping off point for treks into Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (including Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave) and a haven for backpackers.
We visited two of the more accessible caves
During our stay we visited two of the more easily accessible caves on day trips from our comfortable boutique lodging at the Farmstay:
Phong Nha Cave: We reached the cave and toured the first kilometer inside by taking a scenic boat ride on the Son River. We were impressed with the efficient way they handle the comings and goings of dozens (maybe hundreds) of boats hauling visitors to and from the cave each day.
Inside the cave we walked through massive underground chambers filled with intricate limestone formations formed over thousands of years as mineral-laden water dripped from the ceiling high overhead.
Paradise Cave: Entering Paradise required us to climb several hundred steps up the side of the mountain to reach the entrance before clambering down many more steps to reach the wooden walkway deep inside the cave.
We had been warned about the 500+ stairs up to the cave entrance, but somehow we missed the part about the 1+ kilometer hike from the parking lot to the start of the climb. On the way back we opted to ride the electric shuttle for about 65 cents apiece.
We found new reasons to ‘Ooh’ and ‘Ahh’ around every turn
Once inside we found new reasons to “ooh” and “ahh” around every turn. We were joined in our reverie by throngs of other visitors, including many tourists from around Vietnam.
We were impressed with the variety and beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites in both caves, even in light of our previous caving experience at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, USA.
The cave administrators have done a good job of lighting the formations and providing safe access in the underground passages. The sturdy boardwalk in Paradise Cave includes expanded viewing platforms overlooking some of the more impressive formations.
Everywhere we went, the “selfie” crowd was well represented. Dodging selfie sticks and chattering clusters of tourists flashing Peace Signs at their cameras was just another part of the experience.
After exploring, we enjoyed a swim back at the Farmstay
Other fun activities during our time at the Farmstay included swimming in their outdoor pool (as well as the larger pool at their more upscale Victory Road Villa in Phong Nha). We also enjoyed a delicious multi-course “Chef’s Table” feast with other Farmstay guests, live music in the outdoor pavilion and Vietnam-themed movie nights.
And we spent plenty of time just kicking back and relaxing in the peaceful rural environment.
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