Sunday, February 16, 2014

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

We took a night bus to Dong Hoi. Arrived at 4:30am, slept for a few hours and caught a bus towards the national park. Our driver had a pitcher of beer he was drinking so right away I knew we were in good hands. The town was only a few kilometers away from the entrance of the park but the road that outlined was around 40km. We rented a motor bike and started driving toward paradise cave. We passed small towns on the way while a pretty green river ran alongside the roadway. There was so much to see while often gazing up at the enormous mountains. When we arrived to the park gate, an older gentleman came out, had us pay, then lifted the road bar to let us pass. People have been friendly around here. Once at the we entered the cave it opened up big enough to fit a naval airship carrier. Each cavern had its own uniqueness but all were incredibly massive in openness. On the way back to town we stopped to climb in a few other "uncharted" caves to explore. We even found a storm drain to pass through to get to the river. One thing I really notice with the people here and back in Hanoi is so many of the wear hats with the letters, FBI. Not sure why but they are certainly popular. After we got back to town we returned the bike and took a boat to where the river runs directly into the cave. It was so cool to see it open up once inside. I guess this is where they hospitalized victims, stored artillery, and people took refugee during the Vietnam war. This cave was called, Phong Nha. Stalagmites ranged high above while we sat on the boat down below receiving water droplets every so often.there were sand hills within that led to the waterway. The boat ride was so relaxing and the cave so deep that I even fell asleep. Food was a bit more here than Hanoi and our options limited but so far this place takes the cake. 
Sid, from Ice Age
Entrance to the park
Hollywood
Yes, we went through there

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