Explore Phong Nha Cave from Hue: A Perfect 2 Day Trip

Paul Lee

A Phong Nha Cave tour from Hue is perfect for nature lovers with stunning caves and rivers. This is one of the best trips in Central Vietnam.
In this 2-day itinerary, VIET DOVE Travel takes you from Hue royal city to the best of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its beautiful limestone caves.

Table of Contents
    Tourists on boats exploring the dark entrance of Phong Nha Cave.
    Tourists on boats exploring the dark entrance of Phong Nha Cave.

    How to Travel from Hue to Phong Nha

    How far from Hue to Phong Nha

    The distance between Hue and Phong Nha is 220km and takes around 3 hours by private car or 4 hours by bus.
    There are several ways to get to Phong Nha from Hue

    Route map showing 220km travel distance from Hue to Phong Nha.
    Route map showing 220km travel distance from Hue to Phong Nha.

    Options for getting to Phong Nha from Hue

    🚗 Private car: The quickest way to get to Phong Nha from Hue (approximately 3 hours), ideal for couples or families.
    🚌 Bus: A good value option that will take you there a little slower (about 4 hours, good for budget travelers).
    🚐 Tour/transportation package: Easy and hassle-free, includes hotel pick up, guide, and entrance fees.
    Tip: Book your transportation or tour in advance, especially if you plan to travel on the weekend or during holidays

    Traveler enjoys scenic river views near Phong Nha Cave entrance.
    Traveler enjoys scenic river views near Phong Nha Cave entrance.

    Suggested 2 Days 1 Night Phong Nha Itinerary

    Here is a 2-day itinerary perfect for travelers traveling from Hue to Phong Nha

    Day One: Hue to Phong Nha – Visit Two of the Most Famous Caves

    8:00 am - 11:30 am: Hue to Phong Nha transfer
    Take the morning to drive from Hue to Phong Nha (approximately 3 hours) and see the beautiful mountainous and countryside landscapes on the way
    11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Phong Nha Cave
    After arriving at Phong Nha, take a boat ride along the Son River and visit the cave of Phong Nha – an incredible sight of amazing stalactites, underground rivers, and cool air inside the cave.
    1:00 - 2:00 pm: Lunch & Hotel Check-In
    Have lunch at a local restaurant along the river and then check in a hotel or homestay with a local family.
    2:30 - 6:00 pm: Visit Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave)
    Visit Paradise Cave in the afternoon, also called "the Underground Palace of Asia". On the wooden path, walk among large rock formations and observe how they shine under soft lights.
    7:00 pm: Dinner in Phong Nha Town
    Finish the day with a relaxed evening meal. Try grilled fish from the river or lemongrass chicken at a riverside restaurant.
    Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the quiet evening.

     Visitors admire the grandeur of Paradise Cave in Phong Nha.
     Visitors admire the grandeur of Paradise Cave in Phong Nha.

    Day Two: Fun Day – Dark Cave, Chay River & Mooc Spring

    Breakfast and check out the hotel/ homestay
    8:00 am - 10:00 am: Visit Dark Cave (Hang Toti)
    Begin with a fun activity! Zip line across the Chay River, kayak to the entrance of the cave, and have a natural mud bath inside the cave.
    10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Chay River & Mooc Spring
    Relax at Mooc Spring, an idyllic spot for swimming, kayaking, or enjoying lunch by the water.
    1:30 - 2:00 pm: Return to Hue.

     Peaceful Son River flows through limestone mountains of Phong Nha.
     Peaceful Son River flows through limestone mountains of Phong Nha.

    Why You Should Visit Phong Nha?

    • Phong Nha has many of the most impressive caves in the world
    • Phong Nha can easily be added to your Hue or Da Nang itineraries
    • Both relax and adventure
    • Phong Nha is great for families, couples, and ecotourists

    📸 Be sure to take photos while visiting Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave and Chay River - all excellent locations to photograph in Vietnam.

     Colorful stalactites shine inside Phong Nha Cave’s vast chambers.
     Colorful stalactites shine inside Phong Nha Cave’s vast chambers.

    Tips For Your First-Time Visitors

    • Best Time To Visit: Dry season (February to August).
    • What to Pack: Good walking shoes, swimsuits, waterproof bags, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
    • Tour Style: Choose private tours for flexibility; choose group tours for cost-effectiveness.
    • Accommodations: Stay in Phong Nha town by the river, so you can find restaurants, and where your tour can pick you up.
    • Recommended Food: Grilled fish from the river, local chicken, peanut rice cake, and banana wine.

    Related Tours

    🏯 Hue Imperial City Full Day Tour – Learn about Hue's imperial past and daily life
    🌄 Marble Mountains Tour Da Nang – Explore spiritual caves and enjoy panoramic views

     Magnificent stalactites illuminated inside Paradise Cave Vietnam.
     Magnificent stalactites illuminated inside Paradise Cave Vietnam.

    Final Thoughts

    A 2-day Phong Nha Cave tour from Hue is one of the top short trips in Central Vietnam
    Each second in Phong Nha is worthwhile due to its unique combination of amazing caves, peaceful rivers, and exciting outdoor activities
     Are you ready to go? Book your Hue to Phong Nha itinerary now with VIET DOVE Travel and explore the unknown wonders of Vietnam's underground world.

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