The Botanic Garden, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave Tour offers an exhilarating adventure through the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Travelers can explore the lush Botanic Garden, marvel at the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites in Paradise Cave, and enjoy thrilling activities like zip-lining and mud baths in the Dark Cave. With a blend of nature and adventure, this tour caters to moderate fitness enthusiasts, promising an unforgettable experience in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations. What’s in store for those who embark on this captivating journey?
Key Points
- This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, including visits to the Botanic Garden, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave.
- The tour is priced from $92.14 per person and includes round-trip transportation, local lunch, entrance fees, bottled water, and travel insurance.
- The itinerary highlights include a visit to the Phong Nha Botanic Garden, a 2-hour exploration of Paradise Cave, and 2.5 hours of activities in Dark Cave.
- Participants must have a moderate fitness level and swimming ability, as the tour involves physical activities and water-based experiences.
- Recommended gear includes comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, water, and a flashlight, with strict prohibitions on smoking and littering.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, including the Botanic Garden, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave.
Priced from $92.14 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Available in English and Vietnamese, the tour features a reserve now, pay later option.
Highlights include visiting the Botanic Garden, exploring Paradise Cave, and engaging in various activities at Dark Cave.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a local lunch, entrance fees, bottled water, and travel insurance.
It’s recommended for those with a moderate fitness level, and participants must be able to swim for the water activities.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from hotels, train stations, or Dong Hoi airport.
At 8:00 AM, guests visit the Phong Nha Botanic Garden for an hour, exploring its diverse flora of over 500 rare plant species.
Next, the group heads to Paradise Cave, where they take a tram ride and 40-minute walk to the cave entrance. Inside, they marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites in the cool, expansive cave for 2 hours.
After a 1.5-hour lunch, the tour proceeds to Dark Cave for 2.5 hours of activities like cave exploration, mud baths, kayaking, swimming, and ziplining.
The day ends with a return journey to Dong Hoi, arriving at 5:30 PM.
Inclusions
The tour package includes a modern air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing, accompanied by either a Vietnamese or English-speaking guide.
Lunch at Phong Nha Restaurant, with a cost of 150,000 VND per guest, is also provided.
Entrance fees to the Botanic Garden, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave are covered.
Guests will receive 2 bottles of Lavie bottled water and 2 cold towels each.
Travel insurance with a maximum compensation of 20,000,000 VND per guest is included as well.
A VAT invoice is provided for the tour.
Participant Guidelines
A moderate fitness level is recommended for this tour, as it involves some physical activities.
The tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems, claustrophobia, vertigo, or serious medical conditions. Wheelchair users and non-swimmers are also advised against joining.
Participants must be able to swim for the water activities in Dark Cave. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a change of clothes are recommended.
Smoking and littering are prohibited, and visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.
Preparation and Restrictions
Packing the right gear and adhering to tour restrictions ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, swimwear, and a change of clothes. Sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and a flashlight are also recommended.
Smoking and littering are strictly prohibited, as is touching the plants in the Botanic Garden.
Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.
Those with back problems, claustrophobia, vertigo, or serious medical conditions, as well as wheelchair users and non-swimmers, may find the activities challenging and are advised to reconsider their participation.
Exploring Phong Nha Botanic Garden
Visitors begin their adventure by exploring the Phong Nha Botanic Garden, a lush oasis housing over 500 rare plant species.
Covering an area of 2,000 hectares, the garden showcases the region’s diverse flora. Guests can stroll through well-maintained trails, discovering unique plant varieties and learning about the local ecosystem.
The garden’s highlight is its collection of ancient trees, some dating back hundreds of years. Visitors can also spot various bird species and experience the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
With its rich biodiversity, the Phong Nha Botanic Garden provides an immersive introduction to the region’s natural wonders before continuing the tour.
Marvel at Paradise Cave
After exploring the lush Phong Nha Botanic Garden, the tour continues on to the awe-inspiring Paradise Cave.
Guests will embark on a tram ride and a 40-minute walk to the cave’s entrance. Inside, they’ll marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the expansive, cool cave.
With over 31 kilometers of explored passageways, Paradise Cave is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Visitors will have 2 hours to wander through the mesmerizing natural wonder, capturing the unforgettable sights on camera.
This breathtaking attraction is a highlight of the tour, offering a chance to take in the region’s extraordinary geological formations.
Adventuring in Dark Cave
Following the conclusion of the exploration in Paradise Cave, guests then venture forth to the thrilling Dark Cave.
Here, they’ll experience a diverse array of activities. Visitors can explore the cave, indulge in mud baths, go kayaking, and even zip-line over the Chay River.
This 2.5-hour segment promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Guests must have moderate fitness levels to participate, as the activities can be physically demanding.
Appropriate attire, such as comfortable shoes and swimwear, is recommended. Smoking and littering are strictly prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Visit the Tour Sites Individually?
The tour operator offers an option to visit the individual sites, though it may not be as cost-effective as the full package. Customers can inquire about customizing their itinerary to see specific attractions.
Can Children Participate in the Tour Activities?
The tour operator states the activities are not suitable for children, as they require a moderate fitness level and participants must be able to swim for water activities. However, the tour does not explicitly prohibit children from joining if they meet the physical requirements.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?
The tour doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Participants can expect a standard Vietnamese meal, though it’s best to inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs in advance.
How Do I Redeem the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" Option?
To redeem the "reserve now & pay later" option, customers can select this option during the booking process. They’ll pay the total amount later, rather than upfront, prior to the tour.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can easily cancel their reservation prior to the tour date without any penalties.
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Recap
The Botanic Garden, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave Tour offers an unforgettable adventure in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Visitors can explore the diverse flora of the Botanic Garden, marvel at the stunning geological formations in Paradise Cave, and embark on thrilling activities like zip-lining and mud baths in Dark Cave. This tour provides a perfect blend of nature and adventure for moderate fitness enthusiasts.