For context on how the park fits into a broader trip, read the How to visit Phong Nha in Vietnam / A complete travel guide.
How cave tickets work in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
There is no single entry ticket for the national park. You pay per cave or per activity. The park itself is free to enter by road. The famous loop road that runs through the park costs nothing. You only pay when you turn off to visit a specific cave.
Tickets are sold at each cave's entrance booth. Cash is preferred. Some accept card payments but do not rely on this. ATMs exist in Phong Nha town but not inside the park. Bring enough cash for your planned visits.
For a detailed breakdown of total trip costs including transport and accommodation, see How much does it cost to go to Phong Nha caves?.
Cave ticket prices 2026: complete breakdown
The table below shows official 2026 prices for all major caves in the park. Prices are in Vietnamese Dong (VND) with US Dollar equivalents at the 2026 exchange rate of approximately 25,000 VND to 1 USD.
| Cave name | Entry fee (VND) | Entry fee (USD) | Time needed | Can visit without tour? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phong Nha Cave | 150,000 | $6 | 2-3 hours | Yes | First-time visitors, boat ride |
| Paradise Cave | 250,000 | $10 | 1-2 hours | Yes | Most impressive formations |
| Dark Cave | 350,000 | $14 | 2-3 hours | No | Adventure, zipline, mud bath |
| Tien Son Cave | 80,000 | $3.20 | 1 hour | Yes | Dry cave, fewer crowds |
| En Cave | 500,000 | $20 | 1-2 days | No | Overnight camping, trekking |
| Son Doong Cave | 3,000,000+ | $120+ | 4-5 days | No | World's largest cave, extreme adventure |
| Nuoc Mooc Springs | 100,000 | $4 | 1-2 hours | Yes | Swimming, kayaking |
| Botanical Gardens | 20,000 | $0.80 | 30-45 min | Yes | Short hike, waterfall |
For help choosing which cave suits your trip, read Which cave is best to visit in Phong Nha?.
Phong Nha Cave: the classic boat ride
Phong Nha Cave is the park's namesake and most accessible cave. The ticket costs 150,000 VND ($6). This includes a boat ride on the Son River into the cave entrance. The boat holds up to 12 people. Solo travelers may need to wait for a group or pay for empty seats.
The cave stretches 7.7km but the boat takes you about 1.5km inside. You then walk another 1km on a concrete path. The formations are impressive but less dramatic than Paradise Cave. The real draw is the boat journey itself, drifting into the dark mouth of the mountain.
Allow 2-3 hours total. The last boat departs at 4:30 PM. Arrive before 3 PM to avoid rushing.
Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the boat going in. You get the best view of the cave entrance as it swallows you.
Paradise Cave: the most impressive formations
Paradise Cave costs 250,000 VND ($10) for entry. This is the most popular cave in the park for good reason. The cave is 31km long. The tourist section is a 1km wooden boardwalk through enormous chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
The walkway is well-lit and easy. No climbing or special equipment is needed. The cave stays cool year-round at 20-22°C. Bring a light jacket.
An electric buggy from the parking lot to the cave entrance costs an extra 15,000 VND ($0.60). The walk is 1.5km uphill. Most people take the buggy.
Allow 1-2 hours for the visit. Paradise Cave is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
Warning: The steps at the cave exit are steep and slippery when wet. Hold the handrail.
Dark Cave: adventure package only
Dark Cave charges 350,000 VND ($14) for the adventure package. This includes a zipline across the Son River, a kayak ride, a mud bath inside the cave, and a guided walk through the dark sections.
This is not a standard cave visit. You will get muddy. You will get wet. You will be in complete darkness at points. The experience is designed for thrill-seekers, not casual sightseers.
A tour guide is mandatory for safety. Groups leave at set times. The whole experience takes 2-3 hours.
Pro tip: Wear old clothes and shoes. The mud stains permanently. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. Lockers are available for 20,000 VND.
For more detail on the zipline experience, see Phong Nha zipline: the honest guide to flying over the Son River.
Tien Son Cave: the dry cave alternative
Tien Son Cave costs 80,000 VND ($3.20) and is the cheapest cave in the park. It is a dry cave, meaning no underground river runs through it. The formations are older and more brittle than those in Phong Nha Cave.
The entrance is a 20-minute walk uphill from the Phong Nha Cave ticket booth. The cave has 400 steps. The views from the entrance across the valley are worth the climb.
Tien Son sees far fewer visitors than the main caves. If you want a quiet, uncrowded cave experience, this is the best choice.
En Cave and Son Doong Cave: expedition only
En Cave and Son Doong Cave are not day-trip destinations. They require multi-day expeditions with licensed tour operators.
En Cave costs 500,000 VND ($20) for the permit alone. Tour packages cost 4,000,000-6,000,000 VND ($160-240) for a 1-2 day trek including camping, meals, and guides.
Son Doong Cave permits start at 3,000,000 VND ($120) and tour packages cost 60,000,000-70,000,000 VND ($2,400-2,800) for a 4-5 day expedition. Only one company, Oxalis Adventure, holds the license to operate Son Doong tours. Book at least 6 months in advance.
These are serious undertakings. Physical fitness is required. You will hike through jungle, wade through rivers, and sleep underground.
Can you visit Phong Nha caves without a tour?
Yes, for most caves. Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Tien Son Cave, and Nuoc Mooc Springs all allow independent visits. You buy a ticket at the entrance and explore on your own.
Dark Cave, En Cave, and Son Doong Cave require a guided tour. This is for safety reasons. Dark Cave has sections with zero visibility. En Cave and Son Doong Cave are remote and require camping equipment and emergency protocols.
For a full guide on independent cave visits, read Can you do Phong Nha caves without a tour?.
How to get to the caves from Phong Nha town
Phong Nha town is the main base. Most caves are within 15-30 minutes by motorbike or car.
By motorbike: Rent a semi-automatic Honda Wave for 150,000-200,000 VND ($6-8) per day. Roads are paved and well-maintained. Parking at each cave costs 5,000-10,000 VND ($0.20-0.40).
By car: Taxi or private car from Phong Nha town costs 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20) per trip. Negotiate the price before departing.
By xe om (motorbike taxi): Drivers charge around 100,000 VND ($4) per one-way trip to Paradise Cave.
For transport options from the nearest city, see Dong Hoi to Phong Nha: The complete transport guide for 2026.
Which caves to visit in one day
Most travelers have one day for caves. Here are three realistic options based on your priorities.
Option A: Paradise Cave + Phong Nha Cave (best for sightseeing) Start at Paradise Cave at 8 AM. Finish by 10 AM. Drive 20 minutes to Phong Nha Cave. Take the 11 AM boat. Finish by 1:30 PM. Have lunch. Visit Tien Son Cave if you have energy. Total cost: 480,000 VND ($19).
Option B: Dark Cave only (best for adventure) Arrive at Dark Cave at 8:30 AM for the first group. Finish by 11:30 AM. This is a half-day activity. Spend the afternoon at Nuoc Mooc Springs swimming. Total cost: 450,000 VND ($18).
Option C: Paradise Cave + Dark Cave (ambitious but doable) Start at Paradise Cave at 7 AM. Finish by 8:30 AM. Drive 30 minutes to Dark Cave. Join the 9 AM group. Finish by noon. Total cost: 600,000 VND ($24).
For advice on how many days to allocate, read How long do you need in Phong Nha national park?.
Budget breakdown for a day at the caves
Here is a realistic budget for one person visiting two caves in one day.
| Item | Cost (VND) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental | 175,000 | $7 |
| Fuel | 40,000 | $1.60 |
| Paradise Cave ticket | 250,000 | $10 |
| Paradise Cave buggy | 15,000 | $0.60 |
| Phong Nha Cave ticket | 150,000 | $6 |
| Boat ride (shared) | Included | Included |
| Parking (2 caves) | 15,000 | $0.60 |
| Lunch | 80,000 | $3.20 |
| Water and snacks | 30,000 | $1.20 |
| Total | 755,000 | $30.20 |
For a more detailed budget guide, see Phong Nha Caves on a Budget: Real Costs & Best Picks.
Best time to visit the caves
The dry season from March to August offers the best conditions. The water levels in the caves are lower. The boat rides are smoother. The paths are dry and safe.
The rainy season from September to February brings higher water levels. Some caves may close temporarily during heavy rain. Phong Nha Cave can flood. Dark Cave is more adventurous in wet conditions but also more dangerous.
For a broader view of weather patterns across Vietnam, read The Best and Worst Months to Visit Vietnam: A Region-by-Region Guide.
What to bring for cave visits
Essential items:
- Flashlight or headlamp (caves have lighting but backup is useful)
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Light jacket or long sleeves (caves are 20-22°C)
- Cash (no ATMs at cave entrances)
- Water (1 liter minimum per person)
- Insect repellent
For Dark Cave specifically:
- Old clothes and shoes (will get muddy)
- Change of clothes and towel
- Waterproof bag for phone and valuables
- Flip-flops for after the mud bath
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying tickets from touts. Only buy tickets at the official entrance booths. Touts in Phong Nha town may offer "package deals" that cost more than buying separately.
Visiting too many caves in one day. Two caves is the realistic maximum. Three caves means rushing and enjoying none.
Skipping Tien Son Cave. It is the cheapest and least crowded. The dry formations are unique. Most tourists skip it and miss out.
Not checking weather forecasts. Heavy rain can close caves or make roads dangerous. Check the forecast the night before.
Forgetting cash. Card payments are unreliable. ATMs in Phong Nha town sometimes run out of cash on weekends.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to book cave tickets in advance? A: No, for most caves. Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Tien Son Cave, and Nuoc Mooc Springs all sell tickets at the entrance. Dark Cave tours can be booked on the same day. Son Doong Cave requires booking months in advance.
Q: Is there a combined ticket for all caves? A: No. Each cave charges separately. There is no pass or discount for visiting multiple caves.
Q: Can I visit Phong Nha Cave without a boat? A: No. The only way into Phong Nha Cave is by boat. The ticket price includes the boat ride.
Q: Are the caves accessible for people with mobility issues? A: Partially. Paradise Cave has a flat boardwalk but steps at the exit. Phong Nha Cave requires boarding and exiting a boat. Dark Cave involves ziplining and kayaking. Tien Son Cave has 400 steps.
Q: How much does a Son Doong Cave tour cost in 2026? A: The Oxalis Adventure tour costs approximately 60,000,000-70,000,000 VND ($2,400-2,800) per person for the 4-5 day expedition. This includes all equipment, meals, guides, and permits.
Q: Can I swim in any of the caves? A: Yes, at Dark Cave (mud bath) and Nuoc Mooc Springs (swimming and kayaking). Swimming is not permitted in Phong Nha Cave or Paradise Cave.
Q: What is the cheapest cave to visit in Phong Nha? A: Tien Son Cave at 80,000 VND ($3.20) is the cheapest. The Botanical Gardens at 20,000 VND ($0.80) is cheaper but is a nature walk, not a cave.