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	Lonely Planet: Top 10 Best Destinations To Visit In Vietnam

Leading the list is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for its magnificent cave systems and mysterious underground rivers.

The list also includes Hang En Cave, Van Long Nature Reserve, Dark Cave, Trang An, Cuc Phuong National Park, Phat Diem Cathedral, Mua Cave and Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Leading the list is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for its magnificent cave systems and mysterious underground rivers. Photo: Lonely Planet

As introduced by Lonely Planet, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2003. This place has the oldest limestone mountains in Asia, formed about 400 million years ago.

It is home to over 100 mammal species, 10 primate species, tigers, elephants, the rare Asian antelope (saola), 81 reptile and amphibian species, and over 300 bird species.

Second on the list is Son Dong Cave, the largest cave in the world by volume, featuring its own ecosystem and weather system. Rank third and fourth are Tu Lan Cave and Thien Duong Cave.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Quang Binh is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, featuring a vast network of caves, underground rivers, and unique flora and fauna.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Quang Binh is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, featuring a vast network of caves, underground rivers, and unique flora and fauna. Photo: Vinpearl

The destination is divided into 3 areas, which are 100,296 hectares of strictly protected area, 19,619 hectares of ecological restoration area, and 3,411 hectares of service subdivision.

It has a cave system that is the oldest in Southeast Asia. There are two major cave systems: Phong Nha Cave and Vom Cave. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park caves are so outstanding that they are often referred to as the "Kingdom of Caves."

Son Doong Cave

Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is a subterranean masterpiece that holds not just one but three world records, making it a treasure trove of unparalleled magnificence. This geological marvel is located in the province of Quang Binh, Vietnam, and has been bestowed with UNESCO's World Heritage Site status, adding to its allure and significance.

Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is a subterranean masterpiece that holds not just one but three world records, making it a treasure trove of unparalleled magnificence. Photo: Vinpearl

Beyond the marvel of Son Doong itself, the national park is home to an extensive network of over 404 other Vietnamese caves waiting to be explored. Visitors can choose from a variety of cave tours, each catering to different fitness levels and interests. There are also opportunities to go on jungle treks, take boat rides, and connect with local communities.

Tu Lan Cave System

The Tu Lan cave system is woven together by a network of streams that carve up the countryside. This took place over millions of years, resulting in a collection of caves that are all strikingly different from one another.

The Tu Lan cave system is woven together by a network of streams that carve up the countryside. Photo: Phong Nha Caves Tour

Tu Lan Cave System is comprised of over 10 caves in all, some of which were originally discovered and explored in 1992, and some of which were just found in the past couple of years. Hang Ton, first found in 1992 and explored more in-depth in 2012, appears first on the horizon on a trek to this intricate cave system. Its dry entrance provides an outstanding view of the valley below and promises many more adventures inside.

Thien Duong Cave

Thien Duong Cave is located in the core ecosystem of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – a UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage site.

The cave, about 70km to the northwest of downtown Dong Hoi City, was discovered by local residents in 2005. Photo: The World and Vietnam Report

The cave, about 70km to the northwest of downtown Dong Hoi City, was discovered by local residents in 2005.

In addition to the characteristics that can also be found at other caves in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this cave features a unique and magnificent system of stalactites and stalagmites while boasting the title of one of the largest caves in the world.

Hang En Cave

Currently considered to be the 3rd largest cave in the world after Hang Son Doong and Deer Cave in Malaysia, Hang En is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable and impressive caverns on the planet.

Currently considered to be the 3rd largest cave in the world after Hang Son Doong and Deer Cave in Malaysia, Hang En is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable and impressive caverns on the planet. Photo: Eviva Tour

Hang En Cave in Vietnam has been featured by international media such as National Geographic, The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Good Morning America, and notably in the Hollywood blockbuster film “Pan: In the Neverland” (2015) produced by Warner Bros.

The cave has been a popular adventure tourism destination since 2012. With its high cliffs and wide floor, it has long been a haven for hundreds of thousands of swifts during their nesting season. The spectacle each evening or early morning of streams of swifts returning from or heading out to feed is an amazing sight. The name originated from the fact that this large cave was a nesting habitat for thousands of swifts, and the local people named the cave after this bird species.

Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve is a popular destination in Northern Vietnam, especially for those who love ecotourism. Photo: TripAdvisor

Van Long Nature Reserve is a popular destination in Northern Vietnam, especially for those who love ecotourism. So famous for its diversity in the ecosystem with many rare animals is Van Long Nature Reserve it has not only attracted millions of foreign and domestic tourists but also attracted the attention of many researchers and nature preservation organizations around the world. In 2017, some scenes of the movie “King Kong – Skull Island” were shot in Van Long Nature Reserve where people could see the majestic pristine beauty of the land.

Dark Cave

Dark Cave is one of the most popular Vietnam caves in Quang Binh province. It is a part of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, about 50 kilometers away from the center of Dong Hoi City.

Dark Cave is one of the most popular Vietnam caves in Quang Binh province. Photo: Vinpearl

Unlike other caves that are artificially lit, this cave is mostly dark. The Dark Cave entrance is hidden beneath lush foliage. Thus, it is only accessible via a steep, rocky path that meanders through the forest.

Trang An Landscape Complex

Being endowed with a beautiful landscape, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province in Northern Viet Nam is called a “Ha Long Bay on land” with numerous caves, mountains, valleys, trees, and historic relics. Photo: Di san Trang An

Being endowed with a beautiful landscape, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province in Northern Viet Nam is called a “Ha Long Bay on land” with numerous caves, mountains, valleys, trees, and historic relics.

With a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs, Trang An Eco-tourist Site is considered an outdoor geological museum because it is entirely surrounded by bow-shaped limestone mountain ranges lying on a delta wetland area.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Photo: Vinpearl

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Located only 120km southwest of Hanoi and nestled between the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong boasts an engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. Located on 2 limestone mountain ranges, the landscape of Cuc Phuong contains a wonderfully rich ecosystem. The rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong form the site of valuable pale ontological and anthropological vestiges, including a fossilized sea reptile dated 200 - 230 million years old, while the remains of prehistoric people who lived in the forest some 7500 years ago are also to be found in the numerous mountain caves.

Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in Vietnam, with an age of more than 100 years. Photo: Vinpearl

Phat Diem Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in Vietnam, with an age of more than 100 years. The cathedral draws many tourists due to its unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture.

Phat Diem Cathedral, also known as Phat Diem Stone Church, is a 22-hectare complex. It comprises several Catholic works and sanctuaries, such as ponds, lakes, churches, and artificial caves, which were erected between 1875 and 1899.

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