# Phong Nha National Park

The last 3 days we spent in Phong Nha National Park.

Phong Nha National Park is characterized by mountains, tropical forests, and underground rivers, and is known for its ancient limestone karsts and massive cave network.

Of course, we didn't want to miss out on this natural spectacle.

Day 1:
After giving Saskia a brief briefing on riding scooters, we were able to explore the area around Phong Nha with two scooters.
We started with the Botanical Garden. But don't imagine this like a typical European botanical garden. So not a kind of park. Rather, like a small jungle. Our route led us along a stream, making the path very slippery. At some points, we were even allowed to climb over small rocks (by the way, Birkenstocks are suitable for any slope and relief).
The highlight in the national park was a waterfall where we could cool down after the sweaty hike.

Day 2:
Another attraction is the Dark Cave. It consists of two parts. On the one hand, you can visit a dark cave including a mud bath, and on the other hand, there was a kind of amusement park with a zip line, a giant swing (which served as a jumping chance into the water), and a course with various ropes in the turquoise blue river. After visiting the Dark Cave (unfortunately, I couldn't take my phone with me = no photos), we had a great time in the amusement park. If you like action, you shouldn't miss this attraction.

Very close to the city of Phong Nha, there is the Phong Nha Cave, which can be visited by boat. At first, we had great difficulty finding the boat dock for this tour. By the way, it is located right next to the tourist center in Phong Nha...
From there, we set off with 7 other people. The boat tour to the cave was already very beautiful. When we arrived at the cave, we were paddled 600 meters into the cave. What we saw was simply beautiful and can hardly be put into words. We were the last boat to enter the cave that day, so there were hardly any tourists left. On the way back, we could watch the sunset from the boat. With the mountains in the background, it was simply magical.

Day 3:
Now Steffi and I are traveling alone because the other two are flying home in 2 weeks and have to travel faster from place to place. We like to take our time.

Since everything is good in threes, there is, of course, a third cave, the Paradise Cave. This cave has only been accessible to tourists for a few years. However, you first have to take a 570m uphill hike. At 40°C in the shade, it was definitely sweaty. When we arrived at the top, we had to dry off first because very cold air was coming out of the cave entrance.
After getting acclimatized, we entered the cave. For this, we had to go down several hundred steps again. It would have been too easy to place the entrance downwards.
Now we were able to walk about 1km through the cave on wooden bridges and admire the stalactites, stalagmites, and stalagnates. It is simply impressive what nature can do with calcium-rich water.

On the recommendation of our host at the hotel, Steffi and I also went to the 'duck stop'. This is a farm where ducks, a buffalo, chickens, and dogs live. At this farm, tourists have the opportunity to feed ducks, ride on the buffalo, and try a homemade dish. Feeding the ducks felt like a hand and foot massage. Definitely a very funny feeling.
It was a nice end to the last day in the national park.

Tomorrow we will go to Hoi An.