Exploring the Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang with Friends

En Cave: A Journey to the Heart of the Earth

Today was nothing short of spectacular. Venturing into En Cave, nestled within the breathtaking Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, felt like stepping into another world. The anticipation had been building since we arrived in Vietnam, and today, the reality far exceeded our expectations. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel – to witness the raw, untamed beauty of our planet.


Discover the enchanting En Cave in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, where nature's beauty meets adventure in a breathtaking underground world.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Villas Restaurant. The Villas Restaurant is known as Phong Nha's most beautiful eating place. This charming eatery embraces a philosophy of simplicity and rustic elegance, offering a menu that highlights quality over quantity. I opted for the Victory Breakfast, a delightful spread of eggs, sausage, bacon, baked beans, tomato, and hashbrowns, which gave me the energy I needed for the day's adventure. The Villas Restaurant is situated along the sensational Son River, surrounded by karst mountains. I enjoyed the beautiful river views while eating. We met our group, a mix of fellow travelers eager to explore one of Vietnam's most stunning natural wonders. The weather in Phong Nha-Ke Bang in December is pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). December is the start of the dry season in Phong Nha, with cool temperatures and low levels of rainfall. It is an ideal time to explore this beautiful national park.


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

The trek to En Cave was an adventure in itself. The park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia. We hiked through the lush jungle, crossing small streams and navigating rocky terrain. The initial descent was a bit challenging, with slippery roots and muddy paths, but the stunning scenery kept our spirits high. I was glad I had my hiking boots, even though I had forgotten the insect repellent. The temperature ranged from 61°F (16°C) to 72°F (22°C), making it mildly cool and breezy.

Along the way, we stopped at a remote village for lunch, which was arranged by our tour guides. It was a humbling experience to see how the locals live, and it made me appreciate the simple things in life. It’s always fascinating to me, as someone who teaches English to adults at the Volkshochschule in Berlin, to see how different cultures thrive in different environments.

The cave itself was breathtaking and awe inspiring in ways photos could never show.

Finally, we reached En Cave, the third-largest cave in the world by volume. As we stepped inside, I was immediately struck by its immense size. The sunlight filtering through the entrance created a magical effect, illuminating the vast caverns and highlighting the unique rock formations. The sheer scale of the cave is hard to comprehend. It was truly awe-inspiring.

We spent hours exploring the cave, marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years. The turquoise pools of water were incredibly inviting, and some of us even took a refreshing swim. I decided to sit by the emerald lake, enjoying the tranquility and the stunning views. The cave is home to countless swifts and bats. Our guide shared fascinating facts about the cave's ecosystem and geology, adding another layer of appreciation to the experience.

After our cave exploration, we stopped by Harry's Coconuts, a local shop known for its refreshing coconut drinks and souvenirs. It was the perfect way to cool down and support the local economy. It's important to me that my travels contribute positively to the communities I visit, and buying local is a small but meaningful way to do that.


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 headed to Paradise Cave Restaurant. Paradise Cave Restaurant is situated in Quang Binh province. The restaurant is known for its captivating charm. Although not vast in size, this eatery boasts numerous enchanting features that make it stand out. We ascended 250 meters to reach its cavernous depths. I enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled pork with rice noodles (bún thịt nướng), a local specialty, and Vietnamese iced coffee.


Experience the flavors of Quang Binh at Paradise Cave Restaurant, where local cuisine meets stunning natural beauty.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how fortunate I am to experience such incredible places. En Cave is more than just a cave; it's a testament to the power and beauty of nature. Sharing this adventure with my friends made it even more special. These are the moments that strengthen our bonds and create lasting memories. As much as I love exploring Berlin with Hans and Sophie, there's something about venturing into the unknown with friends that brings a different kind of joy.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit The Duck Stop and the Núi Đôi Semiwild Enclosure. I’m looking forward to more adventures and discoveries in this beautiful part of Vietnam. And perhaps a well-deserved drink at Dubai Pub Phong Nha in the evening!

It was a long and tiring day, but it was worth it. I am so glad I came to visit En Cave with my friends.