hallloooo frens!
I’m planning out a 5 days visit to Phong Nha for late November (2025) and would love some feedback on my rough plan. I’ve never been to central Vietnam before, so this is all based on travel blogs and a handful of YouTube videos so your real‑world experience will be way more helpful if you have travelled to Phong nha before 
Day 1: Arrival & Riverfront Walk
-
Morning train from Hue to Dong Hoi, grab a local taxi into Phong Nha town.
-
Check into a family‑run homestay near the river (they promised a balcony view). Son river I guess?
-
Spend the afternoon wandering along the riverbank, stopping at the riverside cafes.
-
Dinner at the Bamboo Chopsticks Restaurant or any other good restaurant in town.
Day 2: Phong Nha Cave
-
Early boat ride into Phong Nha Cave from boat station.
-
Lunch back in town.
-
Rest in the afternoon (heard the caves trek can be a bit tiring), maybe scout for a good sunset spot.
-
In the evening, drop into a local bar with live music.
Day 3: Paradise Cave & Zip‑Line
-
Paradise Cave tour mid‑morning, followed by the zip‑line across the river.
-
Quick late lunch, then rent a scooter to explore the back roads and maybe stop by the coldest beer pub or whatever its name is!
-
Sunset motorbike ride up to the viewpoint hill.
Day 4: Day Hike to Dark Cave (Hang Tối)
-
Full‑day Dark Cave experience: zip‑lining in, mud bath, kayak through the grotto.
-
Back in town by late afternoon-I’ll probably collapse for a nap.
-
Dinner at a vegetarian place I spotted on TripAdvisor.
Day 5: Leisure & Departure
-
Free morning to revisit any favorite spot or pick up souvenirs.
-
Check out at noon, taxi back to Dong Hoi station.
-
Catch the afternoon train to Ninh Binh (continuing my Vietnam loop).
A few specific questions for those who’ve been:
-
Does squeezing Paradise Cave and Dark Cave on consecutive days sound too tiring? Should I swap in a rest day?
-
I’ve only budgeted for scooters and taxis. Has anyone tried the local bus between Dong Hoi and Phong Nha? Is it worth saving money for this?
-
Beyond the squid and banh mi, what local dishes should I absolutely not miss? I’m happy to queue up at a busy stall if it’s genuinely good.
-
Homestay vs. Hotel? I like the idea of a homestay for character, but is there any advantage to splurging on a small riverside hotel for one night-maybe just for a nicer shower after the caves?
Thanks in advance for any tips, tweaks, or “do this instead” advice and would love if you got any of “wish I hadn’t done that” moments in Phong Nha!
