Must-see attractions in North-Central Vietnam

  • Hang Son Doong cave in the heart of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam.

    Hang Son Doong

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave), located in the heart of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, is known as the world's largest cave, and is one of the…

  • Tu Lan Cave.

    Tu Lan Cave

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    The Tu Lan cave system comprises of more than 20 wet and dry caves, which are thought to be between three and five million years old. Huge caverns,…

  • Paradise Cave,Vietnam.

    Paradise Cave

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Surrounded by forested karst peaks, this staggering cave system in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park extends for 31km, though most people only visit the…

  • Boats at Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    North-Central Vietnam

    Designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2003, the remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed…

  • Inside the worlds 3rd largest cave that has its own camping site and beach

    Hang En

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    This gigantic cave is very close to Hang Son Doong; both have been featured in a National Geographic photographic spread. Getting here involves a trek…

  • Landscape with boat in Van Long natural reserve in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

    Van Long Nature Reserve

    Ninh Binh Province

    Set amid glorious limestone pinnacles, this tranquil reserve comprises a reedy wetland that’s popular with birdwatchers. Among the bird species that have…

  • Hang Toi

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Incorporating an above-water 400m-long zip line, followed by a swim into the cave and then exploration of a pitch-black passageway of oozing mud, it's…

  • Phong Nha Cave

    Phong Nha Cave & Boat Trip

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    The spectacular boat trip through Phong Nha Cave is an enjoyable though touristy experience beginning in Son Trach town. Boats cruise past buffalo,…

  • Empty sampan with red umbrella waiting for tourists surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Small temple in the water middle distance. Location of filming for King Kong

    Trang An

    Ninh Binh Province

    Rowboats bob along the Sao Khe River through limestone caves. It's a relaxing trip, but many caves have also been enlarged to accommodate boats. Boat…

  • Woman walking in front of A-frame hut accomodation.

    Cuc Phuong National Park

    Ninh Binh Province

    Established in 1962, this national park is one of Vietnam’s most important protected areas. Though wildlife has suffered a precipitous decline in Vietnam…

  • Phat Diem Cathedral

    Ninh Binh Province

    Built in 1892, the cathedral’s wooden interior has a vaulted ceiling supported by massive columns. Vietnamese-looking cherubs swarm above the granite…

  • Mua Cave

    Ninh Binh Province

    Down a sleepy road between rice paddies, this cave (the name means 'Cave of Dance') is not terribly impressive, but there are panoramic views from the…

  • Hang Tien

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    The largest part of the Tu Lan cave system, this moderately challenging dry cave was opened to visitors in 2016. The 10- to 12-hour adventure includes a…

  • Tam Toa Church

    Dong Hoi

    The Nhat Le River, which divides the city of Dong Hoi from a beautiful sandy spit, has a landscaped riverside promenade that features the haunting and…

  • Interior view of building with golden sculpture at Chua Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temple in country.

    Chua Bai Dinh

    Ninh Binh Province

    Chua Bai Dinh is a bombastic Buddhist complex, built on a vast scale, that rises up a hillside near Ninh Binh. Construction was completed in 2014, and it…

  • Endangered Primate Rescue Center

    Cuc Phuong National Park

    The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is supervised by the Frankfurt Zoological Society, and is home to around 180 primates (15 species in total),…

  • Hoa Lu Temples

    Ninh Binh Province

    Yen Ngua Mountain provides a scenic backdrop for Hoa Lu’s two surviving temples, both spaces dominated by dark-red lacquered pillars. The first, Dinh Tien…

  • Turtle Conservation Center (TCC)

    Cuc Phuong National Park

    The Turtle Conservation Center houses more than 600 terrestrial, semiaquatic and aquatic turtles representing 19 of Vietnam’s 25 native species. Many have…

  • Dong Hoi Citadel Gate

    Dong Hoi

    All that remains of Dong Hoi Citadel (Thanh Dong Hoi; 1825) are two restored and elegant brick and stone gates, one close to the riverbank, which is…

  • Hang Va

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

    Discovered in 2012, and opened to visitors in 2015, Hang Va is explored on a two-day/one-night excursion that initially travels along an underground river…

  • Bich Dong Pagoda

    Tam Coc

    This charming sequence of cave temples is a couple of kilometres west of Ninh Hai village. The Lower Pagoda is located at the base, from which 100 steps…

  • Ton Dao Cathedral

    Ninh Binh Province

    A Gothic counterpoint to Phat Diem's is this cathedral at Ton Dao, along Rte 10 about 5km from Phat Diem. At the rear, a statue of the Virgin Mary keeps…

  • Dong Huong Pagoda

    Ninh Binh Province

    Dong Huong Pagoda is the area's largest Buddhist pagoda, and many of its congregation are minority Muong people. Turn right at the canal at the north of…

  • Van Lan

    Tam Coc

    Near the entrance to Tam Coc, Van Lan is famous for its embroidery. Local artisans make napkins, tablecloths, pillowcases and T-shirts. Bargain hard.

  • Dong Hoi Citadel Gate

    Dong Hoi

    One of the surviving gates of the citadel, this gate is on Ð Quang Trung.

  • Fish Market

    Dong Hoi

    A worthwhile attraction if you're into getting up early.