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

Underground Wonders and Vegan Feasts

Today was a day of subterranean exploration and culinary discovery in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The park is truly living up to its reputation as the 'Kingdom of Caves'. From the glittering stalactites of Tien Son Cave to the adventurous depths of En Cave, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. We also made sure to sample the local cuisine, with a focus on vegan delights, to keep our energy levels high for our explorations.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Phong Nha Vegan Restaurant. Greta and I are always on the lookout for plant-based options, and this place did not disappoint. I opted for the rainbow vermicelli salad, while Greta enjoyed the lemongrass chili mushrooms. Leila, surprisingly, devoured a plate of braised tofu. It's always a win when we find a place that caters to all our tastes. The friendly staff and the beautiful setting overlooking the river made it a perfect start to our day.

After breakfast, we set off to conquer our first cave of the day: Tien Son Cave. The drive there was scenic, with glimpses of local villages and the stunning karst landscape that defines this region. November is proving to be a great time to visit; the weather is warm and breezy, though with a chance of rain. Fortunately, the sun was shining as we approached the cave entrance. To reach the entrance of Tien Son Cave, we had to climb a number of steps. I definitely felt it in my legs, but the view from the top was worth every step. From above, we could see the villages nestled among the mountains and the winding rivers below.
Inside, Tien Son Cave was a sight to behold. The cave is also known as the 'stalactite castle'. The formations were incredible, with stalactites and stalagmites creating a surreal underground world. Some of the formations even emitted sounds like drums or gongs when struck. Leila was particularly fascinated by the shimmering ceiling, which looked like it was covered in gold and silver. Greta, with her museum curator's eye, appreciated the geological history etched into the cave walls. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the forces of nature that had created such a masterpiece over millions of years. We only walked about 400 meters into the cave, as the rest is reserved for professional expeditions.


Discover the stunning formations and natural beauty of Tien Son Cave in Vietnam's Quang Binh Province, a must-visit for every adventure seeker.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

Next on our itinerary was En Cave, the third-largest cave in the world. This was an adventure I was particularly excited about, having read so much about its unique ecosystem and stunning beauty. However, getting there proved to be quite a trek. The path to En Cave involved a good deal of hiking through the jungle, with a few river crossings thrown in for good measure. Leila, true to form, took it all in stride, splashing through the water with glee. Greta and I were a bit more cautious, but we managed to keep up, albeit with a few slips and slides along the way. I was glad I remembered to pack my lightweight hiking boots, even though I forgot the insect repellent.
The hike to En Cave was challenging, but the reward was well worth it. As we approached the cave entrance, the scale of it became apparent. It was massive, with its own jungle ecosystem inside. We donned our headlamps and ventured into the darkness, scrambling over rocks and wading through underground streams. The air was cool and humid, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the cavern. It felt like stepping into another world.

Inside En Cave, we were struck by the sheer size and beauty of the place. The sunlight streamed through the entrance, illuminating the cave's interior and creating a magical atmosphere. We explored the cave's depths, marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites, and the unique rock formations. Leila was especially thrilled to spot some of the swallows that give the cave its name. I tried to capture the beauty of the cave with my camera, but no photo could truly do it justice. It was an experience that had to be lived to be believed. I am so glad that Leila is experiencing this with us as part of her world education. I remember being stuck in a classroom in Hilo, dreaming about exploring the world. Now I am actually doing it!


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

After our caving adventures, we were famished. We headed to Lotus Restaurant - Phong Nha for lunch. This restaurant is known for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes. I opted for a Vietnamese dish, while Greta had a burger. Leila enjoyed some spring rolls. The food was flavorful and satisfying, and the friendly staff made us feel right at home.

With our bellies full, we decided to explore the town of Phong Nha a bit. We stopped by Harry's Coconuts, a local shop known for its unique souvenirs. I picked up a hand-painted coconut shell as a memento of our trip. Leila, of course, wanted a toy, and Greta found a beautiful silk scarf.

For dinner, we chose ARTIST'S ZONE, a Vietnamese eatery known for its inviting ambiance and friendly staff. We started with some spring rolls and a chicken salad, followed by sandwiches. The food was delicious, and the prices were very reasonable. They even had some craft beer options, which I happily sampled. The hostel above the restaurant also seemed quite popular, and the staff were very helpful with bus bookings. I made a mental note to recommend it to other travelers on my blog.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our adventures. We'd explored stunning caves, sampled delicious local cuisine, and soaked in the beauty of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Hang Sơn Đoòng, the largest cave in the world. I’m excited, but also a little nervous, as it’s supposed to be quite a challenging trek. But after today's adventures, I feel confident that we're up for the challenge. I made sure to pack my extra power bank this time, and will try to find some insect repellent. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

I am so grateful that Greta and Leila are sharing this experience with me. It makes all the difference to have my family with me as I explore the world and share it with my audience.