Exploring the Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang: A Vietnamese Adventure

A Day of Discovery in Phong Nha's Embrace

Today was nothing short of spectacular, a deep dive into the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park that left Lena and me breathless in more ways than one. From the echoing chambers of Elephant Cave to the tranquil trails around Núi Đôi Semiwild Enclosure, every moment felt like a step further into a world untouched by time. It’s days like these that remind me why I traded lines of code for travel blogs, and why I’m so glad Lena shares this journey with me.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Elephant Cave in Quang Binh Province, a natural wonder showcasing stunning limestone formations and rich geological history.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Villas Restaurant. The Villas Restaurant is Phong Nha's most beautiful eating place, and I can attest to that. Nestled along the Son River, the views were as nourishing as the food. I opted for the 'Victory Breakfast' – eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, the works – while Lena enjoyed a lighter fruit salad with yogurt. Fuelled up and ready, we set off for our first adventure: the Elephant Cave.

The drive to the trailhead was an experience in itself, winding through roads that cut through the stunning karst landscape. Arriving at the base of the mountain, we met our guide, a local expert named Minh, whose knowledge of the park was encyclopedic. The trek to Elephant Cave is not for the faint of heart. It's a steep climb, a real test of endurance, but the reward is more than worth the effort. As we ascended, Minh shared stories of the cave's history, explaining how it got its name from the elephant-shaped stalactites near the entrance.

Reaching the mouth of the cave, I was struck by its sheer scale. The entrance is framed by lush vegetation, making it feel like a hidden world waiting to be discovered. Inside, the cave is vast and echoing, with sunlight filtering through openings in the ceiling, creating an ethereal atmosphere. We spent a good hour exploring its depths, marveling at the rock formations and the sense of ancient history that permeated the air.

Sometimes, the most profound discoveries aren't about finding new lands, but seeing with new eyes.

After our subterranean exploration, we drove to Bamboo Chopsticks for lunch. This place came highly recommended, and it didn’t disappoint. The restaurant champions sustainability, minimizing plastic use. We shared a couple of dishes – the caramel tofu and the spring rolls. The staff were incredibly friendly, offering recommendations and making us feel right at home.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Bamboo Chopsticks in Phong Nha – where every meal tells a story.

With our bellies full, we headed to Núi Đôi Semiwild Enclosure. This wasn't as much of a structured 'attraction' but more of an area where you could wander along the enclosure fence and explore the surrounding forest. It was beautiful, rugged in places, and incredibly peaceful. We spent a couple of hours simply walking, enjoying the quiet of the forest and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. It was a welcome contrast to the more strenuous activity of the morning, a chance to slow down and simply be present.


Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife at Núi Đôi Semiwild Enclosure in Phong Nha, a unique tourist attraction in Vietnam.

Of course, no day is complete without a bit of shopping, so we made a stop at Harry's Coconuts. I picked up a small, hand-carved coconut bowl as a memento of our trip. It’s these little things that I find myself cherishing most, tangible reminders of the places we’ve been and the experiences we’ve shared.


Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam at Harry's Coconuts, a must-visit fruit and vegetable store in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.

For dinner, we decided to try Son Doong Restaurant. After hearing so much about the Son Doong Cave, the largest cave on the planet, it felt fitting to dine at a place that bore its name. The food was good, hearty Vietnamese fare, though perhaps geared more towards larger tour groups. Nevertheless, it was a satisfying end to a long day.


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

As we walked back to our accommodation, the sounds of Phong Nha at night – a mix of crickets, distant music, and the occasional motorbike – filled the air. Lena and I talked about our favorite moments of the day, already anticipating what tomorrow would bring. We are thinking of visiting Bờ bắc sông Son - Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng tomorrow. And perhaps a drink at Dubai Pub Phong Nha in the evening. It’s these simple moments of connection that make our travels so special.

Back in our room, I started to write this blog post, trying to capture the essence of the day before it faded into memory. It’s a challenge, of course, to translate the feeling of being here, the sights, sounds, and smells of Phong Nha, into words. But I hope I’ve managed to convey at least a glimpse of the magic we experienced today.

And as I sign off for the night, I’m filled with gratitude for this journey, for the chance to explore new places, and for the woman who shares it all with me. Until tomorrow, khám phá vui vẻ (happy exploring)!