Family Adventure to Phong Nha-Ke Bang: Exploring Vietnam's Natural Wonders

First Day in Paradise: Phong Nha-Ke Bang Beckons

Aloha, Evendo readers! Kai here, reporting live from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. After a long journey from Berlin, Greta, Leila, and I have finally arrived in this stunning corner of the world. The air is thick with humidity, a stark contrast to the crisp autumn air we left behind in Germany. I already miss my morning surf sessions at the Eisbach wave in Munich, but I have a feeling this adventure will more than make up for it. We're all excited to dive into the natural beauty and cultural richness that Phong Nha has to offer.

Our journey here was quite the trek. We flew from Berlin to Hanoi, and then caught a domestic flight to Dong Hoi. From there, a car whisked us away to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The landscape shifted dramatically as we drove, from bustling cityscapes to serene countryside, finally arriving at the park's edge, where towering karst mountains greeted us like ancient sentinels. It's November, and while I was hoping for drier weather, I know the rainy season can stretch into December. Hopefully, we'll have enough sunshine to explore the caves and jungles. I did forget to pack insect repellent, though – a rookie mistake! I hope I can find some at Phong Nha Collection.


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.

Our first stop was, of course, the park itself: Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Even just driving through the outskirts, the landscape is breathtaking. Towering limestone karsts jut out from the earth, shrouded in lush greenery. It feels like stepping into a lost world, a place where nature reigns supreme. The sheer scale of the park is impressive; I read it covers over 123,000 hectares! I can see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. I'm eager to learn more about the park's biodiversity and geological history. Maybe I can even put my interest in sustainability to good use and find ways to support local conservation efforts.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures begin with the longest journeys.

For breakfast, we stopped at Phong Nha Family Restaurant. It was a charming little place with a real family vibe. Greta ordered a vegan tofu dish, Leila had some noodles, and I opted for the *bun thit nuong*, grilled pork with vermicelli noodles. The peanut sauce was incredible, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our first day of exploration. The staff were incredibly friendly, which made us feel right at home. Leila, of course, was immediately taken with the complimentary pool table. It's these little touches that make a place memorable.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Phong Nha Family Restaurant in Quang Binh Province – a culinary gem amidst stunning natural beauty.

Lunch was at The Villas Restaurant, which boasts stunning views of the Son River and the surrounding karst mountains. The setting was idyllic, and the food was delicious. Greta and I shared a prawn and squid salad, while Leila devoured a margherita pizza. The menu had a nice mix of Vietnamese and international dishes. The open-air dining area allowed us to soak in the natural beauty of the area. I think I could get used to this!


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

Before dinner, we had to do some shopping. Greta needed a new hat, and Leila wanted a souvenir. We stopped by Phong Nha Collection, a local shop known for its curated selection of handicrafts and souvenirs. I managed to find a small, hand-carved wooden boat for Leila, and Greta found a stylish sun hat to protect her from the intense Vietnamese sun. The shop itself was lovely, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. I appreciate businesses that support local artisans and promote sustainable tourism. Perhaps I can connect with them later and offer some marketing tips.


Explore Phong Nha Collection for a unique blend of local fashion and cultural essence amidst stunning natural beauty.

Dinner tonight was at Son Doong Restaurant, named after the world's largest cave. The restaurant had a rustic charm, with cozy cabins and huts for private dining. We opted for a set platter of Vietnamese dishes, which gave us a taste of the local cuisine. Leila was a bit tired from the day's travels, but she perked up when the *chả giò* (spring rolls) arrived. I enjoyed the *gà nướng* (grilled chicken) and the flavorful rice. It was a satisfying end to a long but exciting day.


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

As the day winds down, I'm reflecting on our first impressions of Phong Nha. The natural beauty is overwhelming, and the people are warm and welcoming. I'm particularly excited about our itinerary for tomorrow, which includes exploring Phong Nha Cave and Hang Va Cave. I've heard so much about these caves, and I can't wait to see them with my own eyes. I'm also looking forward to trying some local Vietnamese coffee at Lantern Vietnamese Restaurant for breakfast. Greta is keen on visiting the King Kong Bar Phong Nha in the evening. I think I'll stick to some ginger beer, though.

I did miss a few things from my packing list, most notably insect repellent [TripEssentialsForgotten]. I hope I can pick some up tomorrow before we head into the caves. Also, I wish I had packed a more powerful power bank for my camera [TripEssentialsForgotten]. I took so many photos today that my battery is already running low!

All in all, our first day in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has been a resounding success. We've immersed ourselves in the local culture, savored delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and marveled at the stunning natural landscapes. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Until then, *Aloha* and *Chúc ngủ ngon* (Good night)! This is Kai, signing off from Vietnam.