According to Wanderlust, the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park captivates adventure seekers with its majestic cave systems hidden within pristine forests and unspoiled natural landscapes.
The UK-based travel magazine Wanderlust has named the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the central province of Quang Binh as the top adventure travel destination in Vietnam.
This recognition further cements the park’s status on the global tourism map, presenting a valuable opportunity for Quang Binh to further promote its image and attract more domestic and international visitors.
The Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park captivates adventure seekers with its majestic cave systems hidden within pristine forests and unspoiled natural landscapes.
Quang Binh is known as the “Kingdom of caves,” home to over 400 caves of various sizes. The most iconic is Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, first discovered by locals in 1990 and officially explored in 2009. Since August 2013, Son Doong expedition tours have been offered as part of Vietnam’s adventure tourism, attracting adventure travelers around the world.
Beyond its vast cave system, the National Park offers a range of unique adventure experiences. Visitors can paddle through caves, explore fast-flowing underground rivers, or camp overnight deep inside the caverns.
The Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is also home to a rich ecosystem, with 154 mammal species and 314 bird species. Notably, the discovery of several new species in 2024 further highlights its exceptional biodiversity value.
In addition to the park, the magazine also highlighted several must-try adventure experiences in Vietnam, such as trekking in Sa Pa in the northern province of Lao Cai, scuba diving in Nha Trang in the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa, and canyoning in Da Lat in the central highlands province of Lam Dong.
Previously, the UK publication included Son Doong cave in Quang Binh in its late-March roundup of nine “otherworldly” destinations, which make visitors feel like they belong on another planet.
Beyond its appeal to explorers, Son Doong has been a backdrop for productions such as Alan Walker’s music video “Alone, Pt II”, the BBC’s “Planet Earth” series, and other international programs.
Access to Son Doong is only possible via guided tours, with strict limits on visitor numbers to protect the environment. Tours must be booked in advance, often up to a year ahead.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 