Paradise Cave: Nature’s Masterpiece in the Form of a Palace
09-09-2025 10:58
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Location
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In the heart of the ancient limestone mountains of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, lies a hidden wonder known as the “Underground Royal Palace” – Paradise Cave (Động Thiên Đường). With giant stalactites, shimmering stone curtains, and vast chambers, this cave leaves every visitor amazed. More than a tourist site, it preserves priceless geological, ecological, and cultural values, making it one of Vietnam’s rarest natural treasures.
Stretching 31.4 km, Paradise Cave is the longest dry cave in Asia, often seen as the symbol of Phong Nha – Ke Bang’s mysterious beauty. Walking inside feels like traveling through time – from millions of years of geological history to modern-day adventures.
Paradise Cave is not just a cave, but a journey into a World Natural Heritage Site. It humbles you before the greatness of nature, while making you proud that Vietnam is home to such an invaluable treasure. Whether on the basic tour or an adventure trek, Paradise Cave always leaves lasting memories – a glittering underground palace carved by stone and time.
Exploring Paradise Cave – Survey Journey
Finding Your Way to Paradise Cave
There are many paths to Paradise, but each tells its own story. From Dong Hoi, it’s a two-hour journey through winding roads, the air carrying the scent of forest. From Phong Nha, it’s a shorter ride, perfect for those already enchanted by the region’s many wonders.
Once you arrive, the real adventure begins. A buggy takes you gently beneath the shade of ancient trees. Then comes the climb, just long enough to build anticipation. And finally, you step inside: a wooden bridge stretches before you, guiding you into a world of stone and silence.
For the curious and the bold, there is a deeper journey – wading rivers, scrambling over rocks, and at last, gazing in awe at the Well of Heaven, where light pours into darkness.
The Moment of Discovery
Locals had always known about this cave. But it was not until 2005 that the secret was shared with the world. The British explorers measured its 31.4 km span and named it Paradise – a name that has since echoed across continents.
Since its opening in 2011, millions have walked its wooden paths. By 2019, it had become a record-holder, celebrated for its extraordinary formations.
A Royal Palace Beneath the Earth
Paradise Cave isn’t just long – it’s grand. Some chambers are wide enough to fit a 30-story building. The limestone, formed over 400 million years, holds sculptures of nature: palaces, thrones, mythical birds, even fields that look like steps to the sky. No wonder people call it the “Royal Palace Underground.”
Stalactite Formation in Paradise Cave
A Living World Beneath the Darkness
Step into Paradise Cave, and you may discover more than stone. In the silence of its vast chambers live creatures of the dark: bats resting motionless, spiders spinning unseen webs, blind fish gliding through underground streams, and strange insects adapted to eternal night.
Beyond the cave’s mouth, the surrounding forest thrives with rare wildlife – the graceful Ha Tinh langur, the white-cheeked gibbon echoing its call, and colorful birds found nowhere else on Earth.
In 2012, a remarkable discovery added to Paradise Cave’s legend: a new species of scorpion, Vietbocap thienduongensis, found nowhere else but here. This “Paradise scorpion” reminds us that the cave is not only a geological wonder, but also a sanctuary of life still waiting to be revealed.
Paradise Cave Scorpion, a Newly Discovered Species in Vietnam
What to Prepare Before Your Journey
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Clothing: Comfortable sports or trekking shoes with good grip; lightweight, breathable clothing.
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Personal items: A light jacket (cave temperature is 18–22°C), a small bottle of water, and a personal flashlight if you’d like to explore further.
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Safety reminders: Do not touch stalactites (they are fragile), do not litter, and always follow the guidance of conservation staff.
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Adventure tour (7 km): Requires good health and a minimum age of 16. Safety gear such as helmets, headlamps, life jackets, gloves, and meals are provided by the operator. Visitors only need to bring energy, stamina, and a spirit of adventure.
Best Time to Visit
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Dry season (March–September): The best time for exploration. Even when it’s hot outside, the cave remains cool and refreshing.
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Rainy season (September–March): Heavy rain may cause certain routes in the National Park to close. Always check updates from the Management Board.
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Unique moments: Early morning or late afternoon, when sunlight streams into the cave entrance, creating magical beams of light.
The Majesty of Paradise Cave
Ticket Prices & Tour Options
Basic 1 km wooden bridge route
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Adults: 270,000 VND/person (including round-trip electric car).
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Children 1.1–1.3 m tall: 145,000 VND/person.
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Children under 1.1 m: Free of charge.
Adventure tour (7 km to “Heaven’s Well”)
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1-day tour: 2,000,000 VND/person (minimum 2 guests).
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2-day, 1-night tour: 4,000,000 VND/person (minimum 5 guests).
Prices include entrance fees, electric car, guide, safety equipment, meals, and insurance.
Visitor Guidelines
👟 Wear sturdy shoes and lightweight clothes; bring a jacket (cave temperature 18–22°C).
🤫 Keep quiet and walk gently to preserve the cave’s silence.
🚯 No littering, no food inside the cave.
🖐️ Do not touch or carve stalactites—let nature remain untouched.
📸 Limit flash photography to protect the cave’s ecosystem.
🌿 Every responsible step you take helps preserve this underground palace for future generations.
Contact for Paradise Cave Tours & Tickets
Phong Nha Viet
📍 Address: 46 Ba Trieu Street, Dong Hoi City, Quang Tri, Vietnam
📞 Phone: +84 911 367 789
📧 Email: phongnha.vie@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://phongnhaviet.com
👉 Book your tour HERE
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