Exploring the Natural Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Whispers of the Earth and Echoes of Laughter

Today was a day of exploration that resonated deep within my soul. It’s a peculiar thing, this feeling of being both humbled and invigorated by nature's grandeur. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park continues to unveil its secrets, and I find myself more captivated with each passing day. Today, it was the allure of caves and the tranquility of valleys that beckoned us, promising an adventure that blended both the thrill of discovery and the peace of serene landscapes.

The day began, as most do on this trip, with a hearty breakfast. We visited the Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant, a charming little spot where even a dedicated meat-eater like myself could find contentment. Elke, ever the advocate for healthy eating, was particularly pleased. Maximilian, of course, was just happy to find something that wasn't overwhelmingly 'local' for his palate. After fueling up with some surprisingly delicious vegan pancakes, we set off towards our first destination: En Cave.


Discover the enchanting En Cave in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, where nature's beauty meets adventure in a breathtaking underground world.
The journey to En Cave was an adventure in itself. The drive wound through roads that snaked through the stunning landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The air was thick with humidity, but the scenery more than compensated for any discomfort. The limestone karsts stood like ancient sentinels, guarding the secrets of the land. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of it all. It reminded me of the mountains back home in Austria, but with an exotic twist that made it uniquely Vietnamese.

Upon arrival, we met our guides, a group of young, enthusiastic locals who clearly had a deep connection to the area. Their passion was infectious, and I found myself eager to learn more about this natural wonder. The hike to the cave entrance was challenging, but manageable. We trekked through dense jungle, the air alive with the sounds of exotic birds and insects. It was the kind of hike that reminded you of your own mortality, but also of the incredible resilience of nature.

And then, we arrived. The entrance to En Cave is like a portal to another world. A massive opening in the earth, framed by lush vegetation, it hinted at the wonders that lay within. As we stepped inside, the temperature dropped noticeably, and a sense of hushed reverence fell over our group. The cave was immense, its scale difficult to comprehend. Sunlight streamed in from the two openings, illuminating the towering rock formations and creating an ethereal glow. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but no photograph could truly do it justice. It was a place that demanded to be experienced, not just observed.

We spent hours exploring En Cave, marveling at its natural beauty. The sheer size of the cave is astounding, and the light filtering through the entrances creates a magical atmosphere. I was particularly fascinated by the delicate formations of stalactites and stalagmites, each one a testament to the slow, patient work of nature over millennia. Maximilian, surprisingly, was equally impressed, even putting down his phone for a few moments to take it all in. Elke, ever the pragmatist, was more concerned with the logistics of camping inside the cave, but even she couldn't deny its beauty.

To witness such grandeur is to understand the delicate balance between time and nature, a balance we often forget in our modern lives.

Leaving En Cave was bittersweet. I felt a sense of accomplishment at having experienced such a unique place, but also a pang of regret at leaving its serene embrace. We hiked back through the jungle, our minds filled with the images and sounds of the cave. Back in Phong Nha, we stopped for lunch at Son Doong Restaurant, named after the largest cave in the world– a place that, perhaps, will be on the itinerary one day. The food was hearty and satisfying, and we enjoyed swapping stories about our adventure.

The afternoon brought a change of pace as we ventured into the HaVa Valley - Thung Lũng Ngọc Bich.

Experience the enchanting beauty of HaVa Valley – Thung Lũng Ngọc Bích, a serene escape in Quảng Bình, Vietnam, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
After the shadowy depths of En Cave, the open expanse of the valley was a welcome contrast. Located about 75 kilometers from Phong Nha, the valley is a serene landscape of emerald-green waters, towering cliffs, and natural stone formations. It’s a place where one can truly relax and reconnect with nature. I must admit, the drive to get there was quite long, but the views along the legendary Ho Chi Minh West Trail were worth it.

HaVa Valley offered a variety of activities, from kayaking to swimming in the cool, jade-colored waters. Maximilian, ever the thrill-seeker, immediately gravitated towards the zipline that plunged into the river. Elke and I opted for a more leisurely kayak trip, paddling along the Chay River and soaking in the stunning scenery. The water was so clear and refreshing, it was hard not to feel rejuvenated. We explored Golden Pebble Bay, which our guide likened to a miniature Ha Long Bay. It was easy to see why, with its towering limestone karsts rising majestically from the water.

After our aquatic adventures, we indulged in a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant in HaVa Valley. The food was simple but delicious, featuring grilled chicken, crispy fried stream fish, and savory grilled meats, all served with bean-infused sticky rice. It was the perfect way to refuel after a day of exploration. As we ate, we watched families playing in the river, their laughter echoing through the valley. It was a scene of pure, unadulterated joy, and I couldn't help but smile.

Before heading back to our accommodation, Elke insisted on a detour to Lá Store - Cho thuê đồ Boho/Vintage Phong Nha - Quảng Bình, a charming little shop that rents out boho and vintage clothing.

Discover unique Boho and Vintage women's clothing at Lá Store in Phong Nha, Quang Binh - a must-visit for fashion lovers!
She had seen it advertised online and was eager to find something unique to wear for our upcoming Christmas celebrations. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but the shop was surprisingly delightful. Elke ended up renting a beautiful vintage dress, and even Maximilian found a stylish hat to his liking. It was a fun, unexpected end to a wonderful day.

For dinner, we decided to try Bamboo Chopsticks, a restaurant recommended by several locals.

Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Bamboo Chopsticks in Phong Nha – where every meal tells a story.
It turned out to be a fantastic choice. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the menu offered a wide range of Vietnamese and Western dishes. I opted for the traditional Pho, while Elke tried the vegetarian spring rolls. Maximilian, predictably, went for a burger. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a day of adventure and exploration.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences of today. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park continues to surprise and delight me, and I am eager to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to visit the Elephant Cave and the Phong Nha Botanic Garden, two more gems in this natural wonderland. And perhaps, if we have time, we'll even stop by the Dubai Pub Phong Nha for a nightcap. Until then, I bid you goodnight from this beautiful corner of Vietnam.

Tomorrow, we are planning on visiting the Elephant Cave and the Phong Nha Botanic Garden. I am looking forward to more exploration and immersion in the natural beauty of this region.