Exploring the Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Paradise

After what felt like an eternity in transit – Kelowna to Hanoi, then Hanoi to Dong Hoi – Olivia and I finally arrived in Phong Nha today. The journey was long, but the anticipation of exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site kept our spirits high. I must admit, forgetting the sunscreen back home in Kelowna was a bit of a rookie error, especially considering my fair British skin, but Olivia, ever the organized one, reminded me we could pick some up here.


Discover the natural beauty and adventure of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning caves and vibrant ecosystems in Vietnam.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer beauty of the landscape. Towering karst mountains surround the town, creating a dramatic backdrop that promises adventure. The air is warm and breezy, a welcome change from the crisp autumn air we left behind in Canada. November seems like a great time to visit, with temperatures hovering in the pleasant 20-26°C range.

Our plan for this 10-day trip is simple: immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. We're particularly excited about the caves, especially Son Doong, the largest in the world. I've been reading about it for years, and to finally be here, on the cusp of exploring it, is quite surreal. While we aren’t venturing into Son Doong itself this trip, we're eager to explore other caves and experience the unique beauty of this region. Maybe we'll even try kayaking through some of the underground rivers.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and ours began with a delicious bowl of pho.

A Culinary Welcome

Our first stop, after settling in, was The Villas Restaurant for breakfast. Nestled by the Son River with stunning views of the karst mountains, the setting was perfect. I opted for the Bò Né – beef, egg, pate, and bread – while Olivia chose the Phở. The food was delicious, a flavorful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. The Villas Restaurant is known for its simple and uncomplicated dining style, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. I can see why it’s considered one of Phong Nha's most beautiful eating places.


Discover exquisite Vietnamese cuisine amidst the natural beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park at The Villas Restaurant.

For lunch, we headed to Son Doong Restaurant. Located near the Phong Nha tourism center, it was a convenient spot before our afternoon activities. The restaurant had a charming, rustic ambiance, with cozy cabins and huts that offered a private dining experience. We decided to try one of their set platters, which featured a variety of Vietnamese dishes. It was a great way to sample local flavors, and the portions were generous and satisfying. They are committed to using safe and hygienic food, so that is a bonus.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Son Doong Restaurant in Phong Nha – where every meal is a journey into local culinary delights.

First Impressions of the Park

After lunch, we decided to take a stroll through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park itself. Even just a brief visit gave us a sense of the park's vastness and natural beauty. The park is divided into two main sections: Phong Nha Cave and the Ke Bang mountain system. We spent our time admiring the landscape and planning our itinerary for the coming days. We saw a number of people exploring the park by bike. That might be something Olivia and I consider tomorrow.

The park boasts a diverse range of activities, from exploring caves to hiking and kayaking. For those seeking a thrill, there's even ziplining. We learned that the park is home to over 300 caves, and we're eager to explore as many as we can.

The weather in Phong Nha during November is ideal for outdoor activities. The dry season is in full swing, with warm temperatures and clear skies. It's perfect for trekking, cycling, and cave exploration. Though it is the transitional season with decreasing temperatures and occasional rainfall.

Evening Delights

As evening approached, we made our way to The Rice House for dinner. This restaurant is known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The menu offered a variety of dishes that celebrated local flavors and fresh ingredients. I had a savory rice dish, while Olivia enjoyed a fragrant pho. The staff were friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall charm of the place. It was a perfect way to end our first day in Phong Nha.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at The Rice House in Phong Nha - a culinary haven surrounded by breathtaking nature.

To cap off the evening, we decided to check out King Kong Bar Phong Nha. It was a great spot to unwind after a long day of travel and exploration. The bar had a lively atmosphere, and we enjoyed some well-priced drinks while soaking in the local vibe. It's the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers.


Experience the lively nightlife at King Kong Bar Phong Nha, where fun meets adventure in the heart of Quang Binh Province.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Phong Nha Cave and Tien Son Cave. I’m particularly excited about Phong Nha Cave, also known as the Dry Cave, and taking a boat ride along the Son River to reach the cave entrance. I've read that the cave system is nearly 8,000 meters long and includes 12 large and small caves, so it should be quite an adventure.

Olivia is keen on visiting Phong Nha Collection tomorrow, a local shop. I'm sure she'll find some unique souvenirs to take back home to Ethan. I'm hoping to find a good travel guidebook, as I unfortunately forgot mine. Hopefully, that will help us plan the rest of the trip.

Overall, our first day in Phong Nha was a resounding success. The natural beauty, delicious food, and warm hospitality have already captured our hearts. I have a feeling this is going to be an unforgettable trip.

Day 1 Restaurants & Bars:

* Breakfast: The Villas Restaurant
* Lunch: Son Doong Restaurant
* Dinner: The Rice House
* Drinks: King Kong Bar Phong Nha