Quang Binh, Vietnam's central gem, beckons not just with sun-kissed beaches and charming villages, but also with a hidden world of adventure tucked away in its karst mountains and dense jungles. This is where trekking enthusiasts come alive, testing their limits and forging unforgettable memories amidst breathtaking landscapes and subterranean wonders.
Why Trek Quang Binh?
-
World-class Caves: Quang Binh is home to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the location of the world's largest cave. Explore the Hang En Cave, admire the ancient formations in Phong Nha Cave, or immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of Hang Son Doong.
-
Untamed Wilderness: Explore verdant jungles teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Navigate rocky terrains, conquer waterfalls, and discover hidden pools and grottoes.
-
Cultural Immersion: Meet friendly locals, learn about their traditions, and experience the unique way of life in remote villages nestled amidst the wilderness.
-
Challenge Yourself: Push your physical and mental limits, conquer your fears, and emerge from the experience feeling empowered and invigorated.
Top 3 Most Beautiful Trekking Routes in Quang Binh
Trekking to explore nature and caves was introduced into tourism activities in Quang Binh quite early. Many types of trekking in Quang Binh attract tourists, and they are combined with caves such as Son Doong Cave, Hang En, Tu Lan Cave, Kong Sinkhole, etc.
Hang En
Hang En Cave, a magnificent cave, located approximately 15 kilometers from the world-famous Sơn Đoòng Cave, making it an ideal stop for adventurers exploring this breathtaking region.
What sets Hang En Cave apart is its stunning size and unique features. The cave boasts an impressive entrance that measures over 120 meters wide and 100 meters high, allowing sunlight to filter through and illuminate the interior. Inside, you’ll find sparkling underground rivers and expansive chambers that create a mesmerizing atmosphere. One of the highlights is the tranquil beach within the cave, where visitors can relax and take in the otherworldly beauty surrounding them.
A visit to Hang En Cave offers a variety of thrilling activities for adventurers. You can embark on guided trekking tours that take you through the jungle and the river to the cave entrance. Once inside, you can explore the vast chambers, marvel at the natural formations, and picnic on the sandy beach. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there’s also the option to swim in the cool waters of the underground river.
Whether trekking through the jungle or unwinding on the sandy beach, this cave adventure will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
Tu Lan cave
Discovered in 2009, Tu Lan now consists of eight caves, and still counting more, either wet, dry, small or big-scale, lying 70km northwest of the town of Phong Nha, near Vietnam’s border with Laos. It spreads through four valleys covered with pristine forests and unnamed rivers.
Tu Lan cave became famous after scenes from the blockbuster movie Kong: Skull Island were filmed there. The number of tourists to the area has increased significantly with many flocking to witness the area’s magnificent scenery.
There are many magnificent stalagmites and stalactites inside the caves, together with splendid waterfalls and underground rivers making Tu Lan a unique spot for both sightseeing for adventure.
Trekkers will be accompanied by English-speaking tour guides and local jungle men who will take them to untouched caves, then cross shallow rivers and trek 5km through dense jungle rich with butterflies and birdlife.
A highlight of the tour is spending time at a campsite, listening to the sounds of waterfalls and night critters, and hearing some interesting stories about the local ethnic people. Safety is absolutely paramount on all trips, so participants will be equipped with helmets, life jackets, headlights, hammocks, sleeping bags, and trekking boots, among other things.
Kong sinkhole
Deeply lying within the breathtaking Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quang Binh Province, Kong sinkhole also known as Kong Collapse is a geological wonder that adventurers are eager to explore. First discovered in 1997 by a British cave expert during an annual expedition, this mesmerizing sinkhole has become a must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Measuring a stunning 450 meters deep, the Kong sinkhole has earned recognition as the deepest sinkhole in Vietnam and one of the deepest on the planet, as confirmed by experts from the National Speleological Society (NSS) in the United States. The beauty of this natural wonder is not just in its depth; it also features dramatic vertical cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the cavern, making it a sight to behold.
Discovering the top of Kong Sinkhole is probably the most difficult adventure tour in Vietnam today. This trip requires you to hike for hours, threading through the small trails in the middle of the vast Phong Nha—Ke Bang National Park with continuous up-and-down slopes.
Few people have the opportunity to conquer the "eye socket" of Kong Sinkhole with the experience of rappelling down from a height of 100m. This journey to the top is a great combination of experiences such as jungle hiking, rock climbing, swimming in a dark cave, camping in a cave and especially rappelling into the cave. This trip is only for those who have a real passion for exploration and are willing to face extreme challenges to have the experience of a lifetime.