Phong Nha and Son Doong: caves, permit and how to get there (2026)
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a national park in central Vietnam known for its caves; Son Doong, one of the largest caves in the world, can only be visited with Oxalis Adventure, the only licensed operator according to 2026 sources. The 4-day, 3-night tour costs about 72 to 80 million VND (2,850 to 3,140 dollars) and the 2026 and 2027 slots are reported full. Other caves can be visited in a day.
Highlights
The Phong Nha caves
Several caves in the park are visited on day trips, some by boat. This is the option for most travellers.
Son Doong
A 4-day, 3-night expedition with guides, equipment, meals, insurance and fees included. No independent visit is possible: you cannot buy a ticket at the entrance or hire a guide on the spot.
Phong Nha village
The base for excursions, with guesthouses, scooter rental and restaurants.
The countryside around
Rice fields, the Son River and small roads to ride by scooter or bike.
Practical info
Tips
- Book Son Doong very far ahead: a 2026 article says all slots for the year are full and 2027 is booked. The tour price, 72 to 80 million VND depending on the source, does not include flights. To sleep around Phong Nha, compare hotels with free cancellation on Booking. For the next leg, see Da Nang and Hue. See a doctor and take travel insurance before a physical expedition.
How to get there
The nearest city is Dong Hoi; Son Doong pick-ups are at Dong Hoi according to one guide. From Hanoi, take a flight, train or night bus to Dong Hoi, then a road of about an hour to Phong Nha (check times on the day).
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
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