Phong Nha and a Cave

After Hoi An, me snd André made our way back up north. With a stop in Phong Nha.
Phong Nha is known for the longest cave system of Vietnam and the biggest cave in the world (Son Doong Cave, which we didn't go, lol. Haha, no, to be serious, touring this cave has a waiting time of two years).

We booked a tour for the Paradise Cave and Dark Cave, with a stop at the botanical garden included.

So we took the 7h sleeper bus up to Phong Nha, arrived at 10pm and had a quick drink (tea) before going to sleep and doing the tour the next day.

We got picked up and along with other excited people, we went to a small waterfall, learning a bit about the history of the Phong Nha National Park (it opened up a few years ago and the people working there are excited to welcome visitors).
Then we got transferred to Paradise Cave, the highlight of the trip. A huge cave (not as huge as Son Doong I guess) with beautiful stalagmites, -tites and other kind of calcium carbonate formations.

Everything was well lit (so I also found some plants growing just with the artificial light) and we could walk on wooden pathways. Browsing around made easy.

We got more around, had some nice lunch and then got to the next cave, called the Dark Cave. Probably because that one did not have any artificial light in it (so we got helmets and head torches). There was also a mudbath involved (free skin care!).

In front of the Dark Cave was also a waterpark that we could play in. Felt very touristy, but honestly, was also a lot of fun.

Continuing on, we did one unexpected stop at the Duck Farm, something I saw on Instagram and I was aware that this was in Phong Nha, I just thought we wouldn't have the time to visit. So it was a nice surprise.
The Duck Farm is a family owned farm that houses ducks, a fish pond and two water buffalos. We were allowed to feed the ducks and pet the buffalos. They were very cute and didn't even smell that much (or at least I didn't smell anything).

Then we got home. Me and André had dinner with two more people we met during the tour, played some cards and returned home late. And the next day, we would already move on to our next destination; Ninh Binh!Okumaya devam et