Besides, this place is also famous for its green space, fresh air and new experiences. Let’s explore this magnificent cave with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Paradise Cave?
Paradise Cave is located in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park complex, in Son Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, Vietnam. This cave is about 68 km west of Dong Hoi city and about 508 km north of Hanoi capital.
2. How is Paradise Cave unique?
Referring to Paradise cave in Quang Binh, you definitely have to know the special features of this place compared to other caves in the same population. The reason why Paradise cave is highly appreciated by international organizations is thanks to the following characteristics:
- As the longest dry cave in Asia, throughout the length of the cave is an artificial wooden bridge system that keeps you safe throughout the experience without losing too much effort to climb and explore.
- The 1000m long wooden bridge system is considered the longest wooden bridge in a cave in Asia today.
- Paradise Cave possesses strips of stalactites and stalagmites with shimmering, magical beauty that are considered the most beautiful in Asia.
3. History of formation and development of Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave was formed by stalactites and stalagmites millions of years ago. The reflection of the stalactites with light creates a mirage-like beauty for this place.
Moreover, Paradise Cave has a majestic and magnificent structure created by the combination of natural light from the skylight and thousand-year-old stalactites. The beautiful scenery at Paradise cave is evaluated and recognized by experts as a beauty that resembles an earthly place, as beautiful as a paradise on earth.
This is also the reason why, even though we have to go through a long distance and many challenges to reach the cave area. But Paradise Cave is still attractive, attracting thousands of domestic tourists to visit, experience and feel the beauty here.
Although it has a long history, Paradise cave was only discovered in 2005, by cave experts from the Royal British Cave Association. In particular, this is also the longest dry cave in Asia with a length of up to 31.4 km and a width of 30 – 100 m. From the bottom of the cave to the ceiling, the average height is 60 – 80 m.
Although the cave entrance is narrow, underneath is a vast and extremely magnificent space, as beautiful as paradise. This place is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Quang Binh. At the same time, it is also known as the “Underground Royal Palace” because of its majestic beauty and massive, sophisticated cave creation.
Paradise cave tourism activities were started in 2009. Since then, this has always been the place that attracts the most tourists when coming to Quang Binh province, Vietnam.
4. Structure of Paradise Cave
Coming to Paradise Cave in Quang Binh, you will experience the longest cave complex in Southeast Asia. Paradise Cave was naturally created by ancient karst geology, dating back 350 – 400 million years ago. Therefore, stalactites in the cave always maintain a unique, diverse and captivating beauty for people who come to visit and explore the cave.
Paradise Cave in Quang Binh has a small cave entrance and moderate slope. After going through the cave entrance, you will reach the cave floor about 15m long, where there are many stalactites surrounding it. When entering the main cave, you will experience an extremely large dynamic space with a width of up to 200m, high and wide cave arch.
5. When is the best time to travel to Paradise Cave?
The climate of Paradise Cave area is transitional between North and South, divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season.
The dry season lasts from April to August, this is also the most crowded time for tourism in Quang Binh. Because in this season the weather is dry, sunny, convenient for traveling and being able to experience all the places. As well as participating in activities and services such as bathing in streams, swimming in the sea, and exploring caves.
The rainy season starts from September and ends in March of the following year. The hottest time of the year is from June to August. Depending on weather changes, it may be shorter. In these months, there is often a lot of rain and even storms. There are days when the temperature drops so in general you will encounter some difficulties if you go during this time.
The hottest time of the year is from June to August.
According to the experience of those who have traveled here, April – May every year is the most ideal time to visit the cave. At this time, the air is cool and pleasant, it is not raining, you can freely participate in experiential and exploratory activities.
6. How to get to Paradise Cave?
Quang Binh is a famous tourist destination in the Central region, so visitors will have many options for transportation.
6.1 Moving to Quang Binh
6.1.1 By train
Tourists from Hanoi, Saigon and neighboring provinces can choose the train as their means of transportation. Train tickets from Hanoi to Dong Hoi cost from 300,000 VND/seat and 500,000 – 700,000 VND/bed, travel time is 10 hours. Saigon – Dong Hoi train ticket price ranges from 400,000 – 1,300,000 VND, depending on ticket type, travel time is about 22 hours.
6.1.2 Passenger cars
Passenger cars are also a suitable means of transport for those who want to go to Dong Hoi and visit Thien Duong Cave. Taking a bus from Hanoi to Quang Binh only takes about 10 – 12 hours, ticket price ranges from 200,000 – 450,000 VND/person. Tourists from Saigon can catch a bus at Mien Dong bus station, ticket price is 500,000 – 600,000 VND/person, travel time is about 23 hours.
6.1.3 By plane
To save time, visitors can choose a plane as a means of transportation. The starting point is two large provinces Hanoi and Saigon, the landing point is Dong Hoi Airport.
6.2 Means and ways to get to Paradise Cave
From Dong Hoi city, visitors can catch a motorbike taxi or taxi to get to Paradise Cave. If you follow the Ho Chi Minh route, the total distance will be about 68 km long. In addition, there is a route from Hue to Paradise Cave that is nearly 240 km long, taking about 4.5 hours by car.
7. Activities and experiences at Paradise Cave
It’s not sudden that Paradise cave tourism is so popular. The beauty of Paradise Cave has long been praised through articles in famous magazines around the world such as CNN, Channel News Asia,… So what is it about this place that makes people so fascinated?
7.1 Admiring the system of stalactites with many shapes, beautiful and impressive colors
When traveling to Paradise cave, tourists are often first impressed by the magnificent, shimmering and magical beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites here. The stalactites with many shapes and angles reflecting light throughout the cave always make you fascinated by their beauty. Stretching 7,729m across the cave dome, the stalactites will bring you the most relaxing and peaceful moments while enjoying the mystery here.
7.2 Conquering 500 stone steps
Before officially visiting Paradise cave, you will have to conquer 500 artificial stairs. These steps will run around the mountainside, leading to the entrance to Paradise cave. These are stairs created after the cave was discovered, to help visitors access Paradise cave more easily.
7.3 Experiencing walking on 1000 meters of wooden stairs
After following 500 stone steps to reach the cave entrance, you still have to go through 1000 meters of wooden stairs inside the cave to go deeper into the underground stream area. Throughout the journey of 1000 meters of wooden stairs, you will have the opportunity to see the stalactites at a closer distance, feeling the beauty of the ancient cave more completely and perfectly.
7.4 Exploring the Underground Stream
To visit the underground stream area of Paradise cave in Quang Binh. You will have to take a kayak available in the cave area. These boats will be driven by a tour guide. The experience of walking by boat in the heart of the cave will bring you a feeling of peace and relaxation.
7.5 Exploring the Gieng Troi area
When traveling to Paradise cave, you also have the opportunity to visit the natural Well of Heaven – the place where heaven and earth intersect. The light here shines brightly from the ceiling to the bottom of the cave like heaven.
8. Specialties when traveling to Thien Duong Cave
Traveling to Paradise Cave, you have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes and Quang Binh specialties. In the area near the cave, Mooc Stream or Chay River, Dark Cave is a great suggestion. Here, they serve dishes such as: hill chicken, shrimp, stream fish, wild vegetables, etc. If you go in a group, you should order a set menu with many dishes at the same time.
You can also refer to some of the following restaurant addresses:
- Nguyen Shack Phong Nha Restaurant: Son Trach, Bo Trach, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Omar’s Namaste Indian Restaurant: ĐT 20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
- Bamboo Café: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Lantern Restaurant: Xuan Tien Village, Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
9. Accommodation when traveling to Paradise cave
When traveling to Paradise cave, you can refer to some accommodations below:
9.1 Hotels in Dong Hoi city
- Vinpearl Quang Binh Hotel. Address: Quach Xuan Ky street, Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh.
- Muong Thanh Nhat Le Hotel. Address: No. 121 Truong Phap Street, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh.
- Dolphin Hime Hotel. Address: No. 42 Nguyen Du Street, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh.
9.2 Hotels in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
- Phong Nha Eco Resort. Address: Cu Lac 2, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province.
- Staying in Phong Nha Coco House. Son Trach area, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province.
- Chay Lap Farmstay. Address: West Ho Chi Minh Street, Phuc Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh.
- Jungle Boss Homestay. Address: DT20, Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh.
- Ho Khanh Homestay. Address: Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh.
10. Some other famous tourist attractions near Paradise cave
Quang Binh is a land with many attractive tourist destinations. So it would be a pity to come all the way here and only go to Paradise Cave. If you have time and want to experience more, you can combine visiting nearby tourist attractions such as:
10.1 Mooc stream tourist area
Located very close to Paradise Cave, Mooc Spring possesses brilliant natural scenery and a diverse ecosystem, along with many attractive experiences. What catches your eye as soon as you step foot here is a space of green mountains and forests and extremely clear blue water. Here you can enjoy immersing yourself in cool water, leisurely kayaking and admiring the vast and majestic mountains and forests. Or the roads, small bamboo bridges, etc. also contribute to making this place more poetic.
10.2 Chay River – Dark Cave tourism system
The Chay River – Dark Cave tourist destination is an adventurous eco-tourism route that is loved by tourists. A place where visitors can combine sightseeing and participating in thrilling games on the river.
The peaceful Chay River between towering mountains runs through Dark Cave, 70 m wide and 11 m deep. On both sides are ancient trees that shine and the air is cool. Visitors can immerse themselves in the water to cool off on summer days or relax by kayaking on the river.
After having fun at Chay River, conquer Dark Cave to experience the interesting things here. This is one of the unique caves located in the world heritage Phong Nha – Ke Bang, discovered in 1990. However, it is still very primitive, with no electric lights. To explore, you must use a flashlight attached to your helmet. In Dark Cave, there is a very interesting mud bath experience.
10.3 Son Doong Cave
According to Thien Duong Cave travel experience, if you have the chance, you should visit this place. Son Doong Cave is located in the core area of Phong Nha National Park. This is a new cave discovered by the Royal British Caving Association in 2009 – 2010 and began to be exploited for tourism in the form of adventurous exploration in 2013. The journey to conquer this cave is also a challenge. It’s big because the road from the entrance has a steep slope and is difficult to get down to. You have to walk along the fast-flowing underground river to get deep inside.
Similar to Paradise Cave, you will see with your own eyes the massive stalactites creating a magnificent scene. Going a little further to the giant cave, you will admire the entire cave.
11. Some important notes when visiting Paradise Cave
When visiting Paradise cave, there are a few small notes you need to pay attention to during the process of exploring the cave, to protect yourself as well as the cave landscape as follows:
- Being careful when moving, especially in the rainy season because the stone stairs into the cave are very slippery and steep. Make sure you bring a handheld flashlight to clearly see the stone steps and avoid missing steps.
- When visiting Paradise cave, if you use food or water, please pay attention to general hygiene. Do not throw trash indiscriminately as it will pollute the environment and ruin the beauty of the tourist area.
- Because this cave is considered the longest in Asia, this will be a long and quite tiring journey. Therefore, those who have unstable health or cannot really withstand deep, dark space for a long period of time should consider whether to go or not.
- If you still decide, join the tour to explore Paradise cave in Quang Binh. Choose sports shoes or flat sandals with good friction, convenient for climbing and walking.
- For tour groups wishing to trek to visit Paradise cave, they should bring dry food, light food and water. If traveling by motorbike, pay attention to filling up with enough gas.
- Paying attention to thoroughly research the tour itinerary in advance to avoid getting lost or going the wrong way.
- Paradise cave tour is only suitable for tourists over 16 years old. In addition, people with heart disease or unstable blood pressure should not participate in the Paradise cave adventure tour.
- Being sure to bring a camera to take photos because the light in the cave is quite dark.
It is worth visiting Paradise cave
Paradise Cave with its mysterious beauty and challenging exploration journey will certainly bring you extremely new sightseeing experiences. As a giant cave, this place contains many interesting and attractive things that are always ready to surprise and delight you.
If you are preparing for an upcoming trip to Paradise cave, please immediately contact Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We are ready to share useful information about the destination as well as accompany you on your tours in Quang Binh discover one of the most stunning cave in Vietnam with attractive activities and the most interesting experiences.
