Explore the beautiful limestone caves of Vietnam with me... This guide is ideal for solo travelers or adventurous travel groups looking to discover Vietnam's magical cave systems.

Vietnam

A Beginner's Guide To Caving in Vietnam - 2023

Towering stalagmites, dark tunnels, the sound of dripping water, mysterious shadows...

Vietnam boasts one of the biggest caves in the world - Son Doong Cave, located in Phang Nga. I was itching to book myself on an 3-day Oxalis tour before I discovered that it cost almost two THOUSAND dollars, I decided to skip it and instead explored a number of smaller caves as I traveled South from Hanoi. I stumbled upon several magnificent sights on my journey, and put together a list of my top recommendations for your next trip to Vietnam:

Tam Coc is a small town located near the city of Ninh Binh, and can easily be reached by bike or taxi. The landscape here is fairly similar to that of Ninh Binh, but it boasts the charm of a small town. Here, you will find hotels and hostels with free bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding area.

Cat Ba Island is located in the Ha Long Bay, and is a great alternative for travelers who prefer avoiding crowds of tourists. You get to witness the majesty of the limestone karsts in the ocean, but you avoid the long lines, crowded ferries and overbooked resorts.

Cat Ba Cave is located in Cat Ba National Park, and it's easiest to reach here if you rent a bike. Once you enter, just follow the stairway that leads you through to the cave. The trail is well-lit but the walkways are narrow and low-hanging so watch your head! This cave is not the largest, nor the most complex but it's a taste of the micro-environment created by such structures. 

If you're anything like me, you need a generous dose of adrenaline every now and then to keep you on your toes. When I booked my ticket to Vietnam, caving was the only thing on my mind. I needed a change of scene and girl, did these spectacular caves deliver! 

The fee is a small price to pay for the clean and well-maintained surroundings of the park. Once you get in, you can also hike the trails of Cat Ba National Park. The climb can be a bit steep towards the end, but the viewpoints at the top are well worth it.

Ninh Binh is a mid-size city in Northern Vietnam located just two hours from Hanoi. You can reach here by bus from Hanoi or Cat Ba. Ninh Binh is popular among tourists for being "just like Ha Long Bay but on land". This is not untrue, as the massive limestone karsts tower over the city. 

Ninh Binh has a river running through it, where locals offer boat tours on the river which take you through the city on a raft led by a local guide. The boat tour here is about 3.5 hours long, and the guide will even make a stop or two where you can get off and walk around. These boat tours are not only to explore the caves and tunnels, but also to marvel at the majesty of the limestone karsts, spot exotic birds and witness the beauty of local flora.

Ninh Binh is also a good place to explore local cuisine and buy some souvenirs. Ninh Binh also has a number of great cafés, making it a perfect pit stop for digital nomads.

If you are short on time or money, I recommend doing this boat tour instead of Ninh Binh, as it is cheaper, shorter and just as beautiful. The major difference is that there are no stopping points on this tour. However, it is quieter and more serene as it's located away from the city of Ninh Binh.

Phong Nga  is a small landlocked town with a river running right through it. The village comprises one Main Street with a few restaurants, but overall it's a destination that is off the beaten track. Phong Nga is most famous for the Son Doong Cave, and you will find avid caving enthusiasts traveling to this destination as well.

Phong Nga cave is situated on the river, and can only be accessed by boat. You will need one individual ticket to enter the cave, as well as a ticket to book a seat on the boat. The boat costs VND 350,000 for a round trip, and can fit about 20-odd passengers. I recommend buying an individual ticket and then wait near the ticket book for other travelers to split the cost of the boat with.

The Phong Nga cave is a wet cave with a unique environment. Once you enter the cave, you can debark and walk through some parts of the cave to get a closer look at the stalagmites and stalactites. Some of them have beautiful colours as well, due to their mineral composition.

Paradise Cave was the last cave on my journey but it was also the most awe-inspiring. I recommend making this cave a priority if you're strapped for time while visiting Phong Nga.

Paradise Cave is a 45 minute drive from the village, and you can book a group tour OR you can rent a scooter and make your own way up. I recommend the latter because it allows you to take your time and enjoy the beautiful vistas of hills and forest along the highway. 

Once you reach the parking lot, there is a 1km hike to the cave. The hike is relatively easy, with a paved path and railing all the way up the hill. However, the last 250 meters gets quite steep. It should take 20 minutes to cover the entire distance. 

1 If you're claustrophobic or even slightly nervous about your first caving experience, I recommend starting with the river cave tours (as they are mostly open-air) and moving onto larger, closed tunnels after you're more comfortable.

2 These caves are listed from North Vietnam to Central Vietnam, as that was the route I took to travel. From Phong Nga I took the bus to Da Nang, which is a lovely city with many attractions in and around.

A Beginner's Guide To Caving in Vietnam - 2023

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