Best way to get to Phong Nha Caves from Dong Hoi
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Nov 7, 2012 3:40 AM Last Post By: annapoo
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Best way to get to Phong Nha Caves from Dong Hoi
Hi!I am getting in to Dong Hoi by train at 5am, and plan to see the caves in a day before returning to Dong Hoi to catch the evening train at 19:30 to Hanoi.
What are my best options for getting to and from the caves? I will also have a big backpack, and ideally I don't want to carry this around with me all day. I wondered if booking a hotel for the day in Dong Hoi might be an option to store my luggage, but I doubt many hotels will cater for someone arriving at 5am and leaving at 19:00..?
Getting to and from the caves, I've read on these forums that my options are; renting a moped (dangerous perhaps for someone who has never rode one in their lives?) or renting a taxi for the day? If I were to rent a taxi, how much would it cost?
I also considered booking with a travel agency, but group tours would probably not cater for my early start time etc.
Any suggestions from experience would be great.
Thanks!
1
Hi annapoo,If you are a man, you should rent a motorbike (170,000VND/ day) and ride it to the case. The distance is about 40 km, sightseeing on the road is very beautiful and wild which you can not feel completely when you are in a car.
About hotel, you do not have to book, there are alot near the train station. Cost is about 150,000 VND/ day.
There is a new cave near Phong Nha that you should visit, really wonderful, its name is Paradise Cave.
I am not good at wrtting so I can not describe you how remarkable it is, let explore and enjoy your journey.
Call Mr Nam for renting motorbike: 0905485558 he is a very good local guy, i forgot my ID at hotel and he helped me to send it back to my home with no charge. But pls check carefully the tires of the bike.
Have fun
3
thank you nqtuan and sbruny for the information...I am a girl, never ever used a moped/motorbike so a bit scared to try this! I'm the clumsy sort so don't trust myself on a motorbike riding around vietnam for the first time. :P
So you would recommend Phong Nha caves and Paradise Caves? Are the entrances to these caves close to each other?
I think I'll definitely try to find a hotel to store my luggage, it's relatively cheap and will be a lot less hassle than carrying my luggage everywhere.
Does anyone else have any suggestions, getting to and from Dong Hoi to the Caves?
4
I would certainly say that the Paradise cave is worth it. Not been to the other one but having spoken to many other people they all say that if you do one cave only then Paradise is the one.I booked a tour with the hotel. Very reasonable (but cannot remember the price) and with a lunch but not sure what the earliest start would be.
Dong Hoi is worth a few days. It is quite a modern city having been rebuilt from the war. The citadel gate still stands as does a sad reminder of the bad days with the remains of a church.
The fishing harbour and market areas are pleasant and photogenic.
5
Hi Annapoo,Given all your constraints, I reckon your best bet would be to contact somewhere like the Nam Long hotel in Dong Hoi and get or a room or arrange to store your luggage for the day, for a fee of course. Shouldnt be too much. Google their details and contact them - I'm sure that someone will be there at what will probably be 6am by the time the train turns up. Also the hotel will be a good place to pick up a guide or transport for the day.
Agree with Bassaleboy, if it was just the one cave to see, make sure its Paradise.
