The Majestic Wonder of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [kaw]
• NoKhông
  [kawng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vwee long]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [gam uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
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• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kweh kawng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kawn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn noy tyeng ahn kawng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kawng hyeh-oo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, vui lòng
  [toy moon sem menu, vwee long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kawng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chook sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy moon tung twan, vwee long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi xa!
  [dee sa]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [gawee keng saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [gawee bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lahk doong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy moon moo-ah...]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chee sem]
• How much is it?Giá bao nhiêu?
  [za bao nyew]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
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• Can you lower the price?Có thể giảm giá không?
  [kaw te zam za kawng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [byee zwa la myee zwa]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [byee zwa la moht zwa]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ nửa
  [moo-ee zwa nwa]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwee sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwee chyew]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwee toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hom kwa]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hom nye]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [nguy my]
• 1Một
  [moht]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [byee]
• 8Tám
  [tam]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Ở đâu là...
  [aw dow la...]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dee-ah chee la zee]
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  [bahn kaw te chee chaw toy trehn ban do kawng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [kee now la chwee-uhn se booyt tyep the-aw]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)
  [moht vay den]

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park boasts some of the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed over 400 million years ago. The landscape is a geological masterpiece of ancient limestone formations, vast underground rivers, and extensive cave systems. These natural wonders have been shaped by millennia of weathering and erosion, creating a subterranean labyrinth that attracts speleologists and adventurers from around the world.

The region around Phong Nha-Ke Bang was once part of the Champa Kingdom, an ancient civilization that flourished between the 2nd and 15th centuries. The Chams were known for their impressive maritime skills, trade networks, and Hindu temples. Archaeological evidence, including relics and artifacts, indicates that the Chams used caves in the area for religious purposes and as shelters.

During the Vietnam War, the dense jungle and complex cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang provided strategic hideouts for the North Vietnamese Army. The caves were used for storing supplies, housing troops, and even as makeshift hospitals. The area's rugged terrain and natural cover made it a critical component of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a network of paths used for transporting troops and supplies from North to South Vietnam.

In 1991, local farmer Ho Khanh discovered the entrance to what would later be identified as Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world. However, it wasn't until 2009 that a team of British cavers, led by Howard and Deb Limbert, fully explored and mapped the cave. Son Doong’s immense size, with a cavern large enough to house an entire city block, has since captivated the global scientific community and adventure tourists alike.

In 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition was due to its outstanding geological and ecological significance. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region. The UNESCO designation has helped to promote conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in the area.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. The nearest major city with an airport is Dong Hoi, which is about 45 kilometers away. Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) has domestic flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From Dong Hoi, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to the park. Alternatively, you can take a train to Dong Hoi Railway Station from major cities, and then proceed to the park by road.

Once at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, transportation options include motorbike rentals, bicycles, and local taxis. For those who prefer guided tours, several operators offer day trips and excursions within the park. The park itself has boats that take visitors through the caves, which is a popular way to experience the park's stunning karst landscapes and underground rivers.

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Dong Hoi and Phong Nha town, but it's a good idea to withdraw enough cash before heading into the more remote areas of the park.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always good to be vigilant. When exploring caves, always follow the guidance of your tour guide for safety.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for ambulance services. The nearest hospital is in Dong Hoi, about 45 kilometers from the park. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Phong Nha town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and practical clothing suitable for outdoor activities. When visiting caves, wear sturdy shoes. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Avoid offending religious sentiments. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Don't expect punctuality as schedules can be flexible. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile and a slight bow. Handshakes are becoming more common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park like a local, visit the local markets in Phong Nha town for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss taking a boat ride through Phong Nha Cave or exploring the less touristy Paradise Cave. For a unique experience, consider staying in a local homestay to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.