Tourists flock to Phong Nha Cave amid central Vietnam heatwave

Phong Nha Cave has long been a renowned attraction for both domestic and international visitors thanks to its underground river system, limestone caves, and spectacular stalactites formed over millions of years.

Today, the cave continues to hold a special appeal for travelers.

For many visitors coming to Quang Tri during the current hot season, Phong Nha Cave, Thien Duong Cave, Nuoc Mooc Stream, and Chay River–Toi Cave are among the top destinations for sightseeing and escaping the heat.

According to local residents, the name 'Phong Nha' may mean 'wind passing through teeth,' referring to the cave’s numerous hanging stalactites that resemble teeth and the cool air currents constantly flowing through the cave.

To reach Phong Nha Cave, visitors travel by boat along the Son River, whose cool green waters are filled with rows of boats passing between towering limestone mountains.

Entrance tickets to Phong Nha Cave currently cost VND150,000 (US$5.7) per person, while a 12-seat boat ride costs VND700,000 ($26.6) per trip.

After about 30 minutes of traveling along the river, the cave entrance emerges beneath towering limestone cliffs.

Boats have their engines turned off and slowly drift into the cave with the current.

The cool air inside, seemingly isolated from the intense heat outside, leaves many visitors impressed.

Be Yen, a tourist from Da Nang City, said it was her first visit to Phong Nha Cave and described the experience 'like entering another world' during central Vietnam’s peak hot season.

“Although I had previously seen many images of Phong Nha Cave on television and social media, I was still overwhelmed by the magnificent natural beauty upon seeing it in person. Most of the journey is by boat, so the tour was gentler than I expected,” Yen shared.

After millions of years of weathering and water erosion, the cave’s stalactites have taken on many unique shapes that leave visitors astonished.

Some people compare the rock formations to Buddha statues, mothers cradling children, or strange animals.

In some sections, the calm water reflects the stone ceiling, creating a dreamlike scene inside the cave.

In addition to standard tours combining boat rides and walks to explore areas such as Tien Cave and Cung Dinh Cave, visitors can also choose a 4,500-meter exploration tour featuring kayaking, cave sand bathing, and exploration of Bi Ky Cave.

Tran Nga, a tour guide at Phong Nha Cave, said the area is entering the peak summer tourism season, with visitor numbers rising sharply.

“In addition to domestic and international tourists, many groups of students are also flocking to Phong Nha Cave for sightseeing and summer activities,” Nga said.

According to the management board of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, the site welcomed more than 155,000 visitors in the first three months of 2026, up seven percent year on year.

Domestic visitors exceeded 89,000, up two percent, while international arrivals topped 65,000, up 11 percent.

Over the past few years, many new caves have continued to be discovered within Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. Most recently, experts from the British Cave Research Association announced the discovery of 26 new caves in the area.