Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park | National Parks Association

Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng Overview

Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park, known as Vườn quốc gia Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng in Vietnamese, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Quảng Bình Province, central Vietnam. The park covers an area of approximately 338.94 square miles (877.62 square kilometers) and is renowned for its remarkable karst landscape, extensive cave systems, and lush biodiversity.

This extraordinary site lies in a tropical forest region near the Annamite Mountains, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the provincial capital of Đồng Hới, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest karst formations, estimated to have evolved over 400 million years.

The terrain of Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng is a mesmerizing blend of rugged limestone peaks, deep valleys, dense jungles, and subterranean wonders. The park’s defining feature is its vast network of caves and underground rivers, with more than 300 caves documented so far.

Among the most famous is Sơn Đoòng Cave, recognized as the world’s largest cave by volume, offering an otherworldly environment complete with its own ecosystems, weather systems, and towering stalagmites. Phong Nha Cave, another significant feature, is easily accessible by boat and showcases dramatic stalactites and an enchanting underground river. The park also boasts pristine waterfalls and rivers, such as the Chày River, enhancing its scenic beauty.

The park’s dense tropical forests are a haven for diverse flora and fauna. Its vegetation is characterized by thick primary forests, bamboo groves, and an abundance of endemic plant species. Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the park might encounter rare mammals such as the saola (also known as the Asian unicorn), the dhole (a wild dog species), and several species of langurs, including the endangered Hatinh langur.

Birdwatchers will be captivated by species like the crested argus, Annam partridge, and several species of hornbills. The caves themselves harbor unique species, including blind fish and bats adapted to the dark subterranean environment.

Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng is a favorite destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Activities include exploring caves like Sơn Đoòng and Paradise Cave, kayaking along the Chày River, and trekking through its verdant forests. The park also offers zip-lining, swimming, and visits to eco-tourism villages where visitors can engage with local communities and learn about their traditions. The region’s accessibility has been enhanced with guided tours and well-maintained facilities for varying levels of experience.

Conservation efforts at Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng are both challenges and triumphs. Illegal logging, hunting, and tourism pressures pose ongoing threats, but the park’s management has made strides in tackling these issues. Collaborative efforts between local authorities, international conservation organizations, and local communities have led to improved biodiversity monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and community-based eco-tourism initiatives. The park’s UNESCO status has also contributed to raising awareness and attracting funding for its preservation, ensuring the long-term protection of this natural treasure.

Park Map

Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park Highlights

Caves

Sơn Đoòng Cave

Sơn Đoòng Cave, located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam, is the world’s largest natural cave by volume. Discovered in 1991 by a local farmer and later explored in 2009 by British cavers, the cave is a marvel of nature. Its name, meaning “Mountain River Cave,” hints at the underground river that carved it out millions of years ago.

The cave spans over 5 kilometers (3 miles) in length, with some of its chambers reaching a staggering height of 200 meters (656 feet) and a width of 150 meters (492 feet). These dimensions make it capable of housing a 40-story skyscraper within its cavernous interior. Sơn Đoòng is also home to a unique ecosystem, including dense jungles that thrive under natural skylights created by collapsed ceilings, as well as rare species of flora and fauna.

Adventurous visitors can explore its massive chambers, ancient stalagmites, and underground rivers. One of its most iconic features is the “Great Wall of Vietnam,” a 90-meter (295-foot) calcite barrier. Access to the cave is strictly limited to preserve its fragile environment, making tours highly exclusive. Sơn Đoòng is not just a natural wonder but a symbol of Vietnam’s geological and ecological richness.

Phong Nha Cave

Phong Nha Cave, part of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnam’s most famous caves. Known for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, the cave stretches approximately 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles) underground, with only 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) accessible to visitors by boat.

The cave’s name, which translates to “Wind and Teeth,” refers to its dramatic entrance, where gusts of wind sweep through, and the sharp stalactites resemble teeth. The underground river running through Phong Nha adds to its allure, allowing visitors to glide into the cave on traditional wooden boats. The ceilings soar up to 40 meters (131 feet) high in some sections, creating a cathedral-like grandeur.

Phong Nha is renowned for its geological formations, including massive limestone columns, intricate karst sculptures, and natural stone curtains. It also has a historical significance; the cave served as a refuge and hospital during the Vietnam War, with remnants of this history still visible.

The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, adding to the cave’s appeal. Phong Nha Cave offers a more accessible adventure compared to Sơn Đoòng, making it a popular destination for families and casual travelers while still delivering awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Wildlife

Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park in Vietnam is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique limestone karst landscapes. The park is home to a variety of fascinating animal species, particularly mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, which thrive in its dense forests and caves. Below are some of the popular species found in the park:

Sunda Pangolin
The Sunda pangolin is a critically endangered species known for its unique keratin scales and its ability to curl into a tight ball when threatened. This nocturnal mammal feeds primarily on ants and termites.

Indochinese Tiger
Although extremely rare, the Indochinese tiger is a magnificent predator that symbolizes the park’s ecological value. It thrives in dense forests, preying on deer, boars, and smaller mammals.

Asiatic Black Bear
Also known as the moon bear due to the white crescent marking on its chest, this bear is an omnivore that feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals in the park.

Asian Elephant
The Asian elephant is the largest terrestrial mammal in the region. These gentle giants roam the forest in search of food and water, contributing to the park’s ecosystem as seed dispersers.

Annamite Striped Rabbit
This elusive rabbit is endemic to the Annamite Mountains and is distinguished by its striped coat. It is rarely seen, adding to its mysterious allure.

Southern White-cheeked Gibbon
These acrobatic primates are known for their distinctive songs, which they use to communicate and establish territory. They move effortlessly through the trees using their long arms.

Large-Spotted Civet
This nocturnal carnivore has a striking coat with black spots and stripes, making it easily identifiable. It feeds on small animals, insects, and fruits.

King Cobra
The king cobra, one of the world’s most venomous snakes, is a powerful predator in the park. It preys primarily on other snakes and is revered for its size and striking hood display.

Clouded Leopard
This solitary and elusive cat is an arboreal hunter known for its beautiful cloud-like spots. It preys on small to medium-sized animals in the forest.

Tokay Gecko
The tokay gecko is a large, brightly colored lizard known for its loud calls. It is a common species in the park’s caves and forests, feeding on insects and small vertebrates.

Birds

The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats supporting many striking and rare bird species. Below are some of the most popular bird species in the park:

Great Hornbill
This impressive bird is known for its large size and striking casque on top of its bill. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals and is a critical seed disperser.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
This colorful bird is easily recognized by its bright green body and chestnut-colored head. It is an agile insect hunter, often seen catching prey mid-flight.

Bar-bellied Pitta
The bar-bellied pitta is a ground-dwelling bird with vibrant plumage in shades of green, blue, and yellow. It thrives in the park’s dense forests.

Red-collared Woodpecker
A rare species in the region, this woodpecker is distinguished by its red collar and black-and-white patterned body. It plays an important role in controlling insect populations.

Malayan Night-Heron
This heron is known for its nocturnal habits and distinctive reddish-brown plumage. It feeds on insects, worms, and small aquatic creatures.

Asian Fairy-bluebird
A striking species with iridescent blue feathers and a melodic song, the Asian fairy-bluebird is often found in forest canopies.

White-winged Magpie
This rare and beautiful bird has striking black-and-white plumage and a long tail. It is a social species often seen in small groups.

Black Eagle
This majestic raptor is recognized by its long wings and soaring flight. It hunts small mammals and reptiles in the park’s open areas.

Oriental Pied Hornbill
A smaller hornbill species, it is known for its black-and-white plumage and distinctive casque. It is an omnivore that feeds on fruits and small animals.

Blue-rumped Pitta
This elusive bird has vibrant blue and green plumage, blending well into the forest undergrowth where it forages for insects and worms.