Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – “Kingdom of Caves”
Located in the northern part of the Truong Son mountain range in Quang Binh province, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, first recognized in 2003 for its unique geology and topography, and again in 2015 for its rich biodiversity and ecology. Known for its refreshing climate, with average temperatures between 20-24°C year-round, Phong Nha-Ke Bang spans over 200,000 hectares, including an 85,754-hectare core area and a 195,400-hectare buffer zone. This vast region features karst formations millions of years old, with more than 300 caves and an intricate system of underground rivers, offering a treasure trove for both tourists and researchers.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The park’s flora and fauna are exceptionally diverse, home to 2,651 plant species across 193 families and 906 genera, including 116 species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. Its wildlife includes 735 vertebrate species, with 132 mammals, 338 birds, 96 reptiles, 45 amphibians, and 124 freshwater fish species, of which 91 are endangered and 72 are prioritized for protection. Additionally, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to small ethnic communities, such as the Ruc and Arem, whose distinct cultural heritage adds a fascinating anthropological layer to the park’s natural wonders.
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a geological wonder that encapsulates the Earth’s formation history, showcasing five tectonic processes from the Ordovician to the Carboniferous-Permian periods. This vast area features limestone mountains and is part of the expansive Ke Bang Plateau, which also includes Laos’ Hin Namno National Park. The park is renowned for its complex karst landscape, dating back over 400 million years, making it one of Asia’s oldest limestone regions. Dominated by karst terrain, which covers two-thirds of its area, Phong Nha-Ke Bang boasts over 368 caves, including the spectacular Son Doong Cave—the largest in the world. This cave not only showcases remarkable geological features but also contains the deepest karst sinkhole in Vietnam, reaching depths of over 255 meters, possibly making it the deepest in Southeast Asia.
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The park’s biodiversity is equally impressive, featuring 15 distinct habitat types and 10 important vegetation types. Nearly 93.5% of its area is covered by lush, evergreen forests, with over 90% representing undisturbed tropical limestone ecosystems. This makes Phong Nha-Ke Bang one of the national parks in Vietnam with the highest percentage of primary forest cover. Among its unique flora is the 500-year-old Calocedrus tree, found mainly at elevations above 600 meters. Additionally, the park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, with 1,394 animal species recorded across various classifications, including many listed in Vietnam’s Red Book and the IUCN Red List. Over the past two decades, 42 new species have been documented, emphasizing the area’s ecological significance.
Beyond its natural beauty, Phong Nha-Ke Bang also holds a rich cultural and historical heritage. In the Phong Nha Cave, traces of ancient Cham altars and stone artifacts reveal the area’s historical significance. Archaeological findings in the Rào Té Cave include remnants of prehistoric meals, while the Khe Tong Cave has yielded stone tools and pottery fragments, highlighting the advanced civilization of ancient Quang Binh. As visitors cycle through this magnificent landscape, they not only experience breathtaking views but also encounter local delicacies, enriching their exploration of Phong Nha-Ke Bang with gastronomic delights and cultural insights.