DAY 1 - DONG HOI - PHONG NHA (L)
On arrival at either Dong Hoi Airport or Train Station this morning you will be met by our local guide and then private transfer to the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the world's two largest limestone regions and is the oldest major karst in Asia. This National Park contains and protects over 104 km of caves, grottoes and underground rivers making it one of the most outstanding limestone karst ecosystems in the world. Many of these are still unexplored and so far only a total of 20 caves with a total length of 70 km have been surveyed. The karst landscape is not only complex but also ancient (more than 400 million years old), with high geo-diversity and geomorphic features of considerable significance in the world.
On arrival in Phong Nha area, begin exploring with a half day easy biking adventure exploring Bong Lai village and the surrounding peaceful countryside with your local guide. Cycle on quiet village paths and roads past rice paddy fields and small hamlets, and along the way stop for plenty of photos and to enjoy the scenic landscape. At lunchtime relax and spend quiet time having some tasty local style dishes and cool drinks.
After finishing the cycling route, your vehicle will pick-up to transfer to begin a relaxing boat trip on the Son River to explore the most popular Phong Nha Water cave. Board your private boat for the 2.5 km cruise down the Son River to the mouth of the cave. Pass by the entrance to the 'Cave of Teeth and Wind' and enter the mystical tunnels, filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites and crystal clear waters.
NOTE: Average length cycled can vary between 8-20 kilometers The cycling route is adjustable depending on the energy levels and fitness of the clients as well the season and local conditions.
Overnight in Phong Nha Lake House.
Distances and journey time: Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (60km): 1 hour
DAY 2 - PHONG NHA (B,L)
After breakfast, depart early morning when the weather is still cool to visit the Wine Cave. Here you will enjoy the peaceful morning walking through a village and see local daily activities, enjoying the fields and picturesque rural landscapes along the way. The smaller Wine Cave, while not nearly as large and spectacular as the other caves in this area, has stories and historic significance as a place where the VC made wine during war times. It also served as bomb shelters for local people hiding from the bomb raids during the 1960s – 1970s. A symbol of love and peace still remains in this cave.
After visiting Wine cave, transfer to the Paradise Cave area where guests can enjoy a simple local style lunch. After lunch we have time to visit the Paradise Cave. Here you have a chance to see one of the larger and most impressive accessible caves in the entire area. Paradise Cave is one of the most famous caves in Phong Nha as well, and only opened to the public in 2010. After climbing approximately 400 stairs, you will arrive at the entrance of this cave. Descend into the cave on stairs and a wooden walkway, made to protect and preserve the fragile cave formations. This walkway continues for 1 km through the enormous, well lighted cave, past many impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
Overnight in Phong Nha Lake House.
DAY 3 - PHONG NHA - DONG HOI (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the Lake House before transferring back to Dong Hoi Airport or Train Station. Alternatively guests may transfer by road south to Hue stopping to visit the DMZ and places of interest along your journey (surcharge is payable for transfer to Hue – price on application)
Distances and journey time:
Phong Nha to Dong Hoi (60km): 1 hour