If you love exploration, Paradise Cave is a destination not to be missed. Located about 68km from the center of Dong Hoi City in Quang Binh, Paradise Cave was formed millions of years ago through the erosion of rainwater and underground streams. Visiting Paradise Cave, travelers will marvel at a natural wonder of the world, featuring a magnificent and unique system of stalactites, often likened to an “underground paradise.”
History of Discovery and Exploration of Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave was discovered in 2005 by British cave explorers from the British Cave Research Association (BCRA). Led by Mr. Howard Limbert, the team discovered a cave research project in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang area.
On July 28, 2005, the exploration team discovered a small cave entrance in the northwest limestone mountain area of Phong Nha—Ke Bang National Park. Upon further investigation, they uncovered a massive dry cave stretching up to 31.4 km in length, with a width ranging from 30 to 100 meters, with the widest point reaching up to 150 meters. The height from the cave floor to the ceiling was approximately 60–80 meters. At that time, it was recognized as the longest dry cave in Asia.
With the magnificent beauty of its stalactite and stalagmite formations, Paradise Cave has been dubbed the “Underground Royal Palace.” This cave was opened to visitors in 2010 and quickly became one of the most famous tourist attractions in Quang Binh.
On June 11, 2011, the Vietnam Records Center announced the records achieved by Paradise Cave:
- The longest dry cave in Asia.
- The dry cave with the most unique stalactite and stalagmite system.
- The cave with the longest wooden bridge in Asia.
Highlights of Paradise Cave
Entering the cave, visitors will be mesmerized by countless stalactites with unique and fascinating shapes. The explorers who discovered and surveyed the cave used poetic language to name these formations, such as:
- Thach Hoa Vien Palace features a stalactite resembling the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus.
- Giao Tri Palace, symbolizing the place where the Jade Emperor discusses matters with his court, is surrounded by figures of unicorns and phoenixes.
Additionally, Quang Han Palace is one of the highlights of Paradise Cave. This area features a stalactite formation hanging down like a curtain belonging to a celestial maiden. Quan Tien Palace gathers a cluster of statues resembling Buddha Amitabha. These Buddha figures, “exquisitely carved” by nature, are imbued with Buddhist culture.
The most impressive feature is the Lotus Tower. This stalactite formation stands out with its unique shape, which appears different from every angle and perspective. It is an exceptionally rare and eye-catching natural formation. The Lotus Tower stalactite was created by water droplets splashing randomly without any discernible pattern. The formation process of this stalactite has taken thousands of years under the influence of nature.
Paradise Cave not only features a diverse and unique system of stalactites and stalagmites but also showcases formations resembling cultural symbols from various regions. Deep within the cave, layers of rock spread out into staircase-like tiers, gracefully extending into the distance and resembling the terraced fields of the Northwest mountains. At the center of the cave, certain formations appear as symbols of wet-rice civilization. Additionally, there are many stalactite columns shaped like Cham towers, reflecting the cultural fusion between regions and adding distinctive touches to the cave’s remarkable beauty.
Paradise Cave stretches 31.4km in length, with the first 1km suitable for standard tourist visits. Adventurous visitors can explore an additional 6km to reach the “sky well.” However, this journey is challenging and dangerous, suitable only for those who seek adventure, have prior experience, and are in good physical condition. The natural light from the sky well streams into the heart of the cave, creating a breathtaking scene. The light illuminates the stalactites and stalagmites, forming strange and mystical shapes. Visitors can truly feel the masterpiece of creation, a harmonious blend between heaven and earth, between nature and humanity.
Tourist Activities at Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave is a captivating destination that attracts numerous domestic and international visitors. Visiting Paradise Cave, tourists will have the opportunity to admire the majestic and awe-inspiring beauty of this natural masterpiece, while also feeling the peace and tranquility deep inside the earth. The duration of the visit to Paradise Cave is up to you; however, it is recommended that visitors should spend around 2 to 2.5 hours to fully appreciate the site. At each location, the lighting system combined with the uniquely shaped stalactites will provide tourists with a thrilling experience of the magnificent natural beauty bestowed upon the cave.
Visiting Paradise Cave is the main activity and a must-do when coming to this site. To reach the cave entrance, visitors must walk up 500 stone steps. These steps were constructed after the cave was discovered to make it easier for tourists to access and explore the cave. The cave has a soft, wide, and flat ground surface. The temperature inside the cave remains cool, around 20-21°C. Just standing at the entrance, visitors can feel the coolness, which helps to alleviate the heat from outside. Tourists will walk along a wooden path over 1 km long to explore the mysterious beauty of the cave. Along the way, visitors can admire beautiful stalactites in various shapes, such as Heavenly Palace Stalagmite (Thach Thien Cung), Heavenly River Waterfall (Thac Thien Ha), Gathering of Immortals (Quan Tien hoi tu), and Lotus Tower (Thap Lien Hoa), among others.
When arriving at the entrance of the Paradise Cave Eco-Tourism Site, visitors will find the parking lot about 1.5 km away from the entrance. Visitors can either take a golf cart or walk another 1.5 km to reach the base of the cave. From the base of the cave, visitors will need to walk approximately 500 steps to reach the entrance and begin exploring the magnificent beauty of Paradise Cave. Currently, visitors can purchase tickets for self-guided tours or book a guided tour to visit Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave through several travel agencies.
Ticket Prices for Paradise Cave 2023:
- Adults: 250,000 VND per ticket per adult.
- Children from 1.1m to 1.3m: 125,000 VND/ 01 ticket/ 01 child
- Children under 1.1M in height: free of admission charge.
Shuttle Electric Car Service:
- 4-seat Electric Car: One-way ticket: 60,000 VND/route/ride. Round-trip ticket: 100,000 VND/route/round.
- 6-seat Electric Car: One-way ticket: 90,000 VND/route/ride. Round-trip ticket: 150,000 VND/route/round.
- 8-seat Electric Car: 200,000 VND/car/round.
- 14-seat Electric Car: 350,000 VND/car/round.
How to Get to Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave is located at 16th km (approximately 4 km from the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail), in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. It is about 35 km from Phong Nha Cave via the Ho Chi Minh Road.
Option 1: Travel by Car
This is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Thien Duong Cave. To start this journey, visitors depart from Dong Hoi City and follow the East branch of Ho Chi Minh Trail to Khe Gat Junction. Then, visitors turn to the West branch of Ho Chi Minh Trail and go about 5km more to reach the access road leading to the cave. The distance from Dong Hoi to Paradise Cave takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Option 2: Travel by Motorbike
If you choose to travel by motorbike, you can follow the same route as in Option 1. However, to ensure safety, make sure to stay in the correct lane and comply with traffic laws.
Option 3: Travel by Bus
You can take a bus from Dong Hoi Bus Station to Phong Nha. Once in Phong Nha, you can continue to Paradise Cave by motorbike taxi or regular taxi.
Notes for tourists when visiting Thien Duong Cave
1. The Best Time to Visit Thien Duong Cave
The ideal time to visit Paradise Cave is during the dry season in Vietnam, from April to September. During this period, the weather in Quang Binh is relatively cool and pleasant, with an average temperature of about 25°C, minimal rainfall, and favorable conditions for sightseeing and exploration.
In particular, April and May are considered the best months to visit Paradise Cave. At this time, the weather is dry, the air is fresh, and the natural scenery is vibrant, providing visitors with the most enjoyable experiences.
2. Notes on Opening Hours
Paradise Cave is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
3. Notes on Nature Conservation
To preserve the beauty of the cave and conserve the natural ecosystem, visitors should note the following when visiting:
- Do not touch stalactites and other geological formations: The stalactites and geological formations in Paradise Cave were formed over millions of years, making them extremely valuable and fragile. Visitors should avoid touching them to prevent damaging them.
- Do not litter: Tourist waste can pollute the environment and affect the natural ecosystem. Tourists need to maintain public hygiene and dispose of waste in the right place.
- Avoid making noise: Paradise Cave is a pristine natural site that requires tranquility. Visitors should minimize noise to avoid disturbing the cave’s wildlife.
- Follow the site’s regulations: Paradise Cave has specific rules for safety and nature conservation. Visitors must adhere to these regulations to ensure their safety and protect the cave.
With its magnificent and magical beauty, Paradise Cave has become an attractive tourist destination, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. This is the pride of the Quang Binh people, contributing to promoting the beauty of Vietnam to the world. To preserve and promote the value of this Cave, we need to be aware of protecting the environment and preserving the natural landscape.
At the same time, we need to step up propaganda and promotion so that Paradise Cave continues to be an attractive destination and leaves unforgettable impressions on visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paradise Cave
How do you get to Paradise Cave from Dong Hoi City?
Paradise Cave is located within Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. It is about 68 km from Dong Hoi City via the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. There are two main ways to travel from Dong Hoi City to Paradise Cave:
- By Car: This is the fastest and most convenient option. You can rent a taxi, a tourist car, or take a bus on the Dong Hoi – Phong Nha route. Bus tickets cost approximately 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you are driving a private car, follow the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. When you reach 16th km, turn left onto the road leading to the Paradise Cave tourist area.
- By motorbike: If you love exploring and experiencing, you can ride a motorbike from Dong Hoi to Thien Duong Cave. The distance is about 68km, taking about 2 hours. You can rent a motorbike at hotels and motels in Dong Hoi City.
Visiting Paradise Cave takes about 2 to 2.5 hours so you should depart early to have enough time for sightseeing and photography at your leisure.
What are the entrance fees to Paradise Cave and the types of tickets available?
The entrance fee to Paradise Cave is:
- Adults: 250,000 VND per ticket per adult.
- Children from 1.1m to 1.3m: 125,000 VND/ 01 ticket/ 01 child
- Children under 1.1M in height: free of admission charge.
In addition, the fees for the electric shuttle service to the cave entrance are as follows:
- 4-seat electric car: One-way ticket: 60,000 VND/ride. Round-trip ticket: 100,000 VND/round trip.
- 6-seat electric car: One-way ticket: 90,000 VND/ride. Round-trip ticket: 150,000 VND/round trip.
- 8-seat electric car: 200,000 VND/car/round trip.
- 14-seat electric car: 350,000 VND/car/round trip.
Do I need to book tickets in advance before visiting Paradise Cave?
Normally, you do not need to book tickets in advance. Entrance tickets are sold at the ticket counter of the Paradise Cave tourist area. However, to avoid waiting in line during peak season, it is recommended to book tickets in advance through the official website of the tourist site or by booking a tour with travel agencies.
Does Paradise Cave have tour guides? How can I get a tour guide?
To have a tour guide when visiting Paradise Cave, you can contact travel agencies or purchase tickets directly at the Paradise Cave tourist area. Travel agencies typically offer all-inclusive tour packages that include entrance tickets, transportation, and a tour guide. It is recommended to choose reputable travel agencies to ensure the quality of service.
How does the weather at Paradise Cave change throughout the year?
The weather at Paradise Cave changes with the seasons, with two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
- Rainy Season: The rainy season lasts from September to March. During this period, the weather at Paradise Cave is quite humid, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C.
- Dry Season: The dry season lasts from April to August. During the dry season, the weather is relatively dry, with average temperatures ranging from 32°C to 38°C.
The best time to visit Paradise Cave is during the dry season, from April to August. During this time, the weather is dry, making it easier to travel and explore. If you plan to visit Paradise Cave during the rainy season, you should prepare appropriate clothing to stay dry. Additionally, be mindful of safety when visiting in wet weather conditions.
Does Paradise Cave have any festivals or special events during the year?
Paradise Cave does not have specific festivals or special events throughout the year. However, the tourist area frequently organizes promotional programs and attractive offers for visitors. You can follow the information on the official website of the tourist area to stay updated on the latest promotions.
Are there any hotels or accommodations near Paradise Cave?
There are many hotels, accommodations, and lodging options near Paradise Cave, suitable for various needs and budgets. Some popular places include: Chay Lap Farmstay, Blue Diamond Retreat, Victory Road Villas, etc. These accommodations are not far from Paradise Cave and offer a range of recreational services for you to enjoy.
Other famous destinations in Quang Binh for your trip
In addition to Paradise Cave, Quang Binh offers many other famous tourist destinations such as Phong Nha Cave, En Cave, Mooc Spring, Chay Stream – Dark Cave, and Nhat Le Beach. You can combine destinations in your trip to have a complete experience.
What should you bring when visiting Paradise Cave?
Paradise Cave is a large and long cave with many stairs and paths. Therefore, you should bring some essential items for a convenient visit:
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Hat, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun
- Water, snacks, and be mindful to dispose of trash properly
- Cash or ATM cards
- Camera, phone, etc., to capture memorable moments.
