Best things to do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Marvel at underground vegetation and impressive stalagmite towers at Son Doong Cave, a huge cave system featuring its own jungle and a river. Over 8.8 km (5.5 mi) long, the cave was touted as the biggest in the world. Camp on the rough sandy beach on the banks of an underground river and admire the shades of light coming from large holes above the ground. Set in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the cave was discovered by a local in 1991, but was not seriously explored until 2009. Explore ancient limestone walls created 250 m years ago and abseil into a true underground paradise with fabulous rock shapes fringed with vegetation.

A collection of 300 caves and grottos within a World Heritage-listed national park, Phong Nha Caves boast the largest cave in the world. Access the site by boat along the Son River, wending through steep limestone cliffs covered with lush vegetation. The caves feature intricate stalagmite formations suspended like giant octopuses from the ceiling. Explore strange shapes formed over millions of years as your boat glides along some 1.2 km (0.75 mi) deep in the cave. The caves make up part of the oldest karst mountain in Asia.

Don a traditional Vietnamese hat and prepare for fun, laughs, and silliness at The Duck Stop. After nibbling on snacks and drinks at a small wooden farmhouse, your English-speaking hosts will show you into the duck pen where you can feed and play with the ducks nipping at your feet. Before you end your visit with a pork pancake, ride a gentle water buffalo through the rice fields. You'll leave with your stomach full and a smile on your face.

Offering sweeping views of rolling green hills and Dong Hoi in the distance, U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo) represents a spot on the scenic Ho Chi Minh Highway. This viewpoint lies within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. There are no amenities around, so make sure your scooter or mountain bike is well serviced, and bring water and snacks with you.

Part of a World Heritage-listed national park, Phong Nha Botanic Garden remains a great place for a self-guided jungle walk. The national park contains some of Asia's oldest karst mountains and features hundreds of caverns, which makes it a heaven for speleologists.