Meet, greet, and transfer by private guide and car upon arrival in Dong Hoi.

This afternoon, drive to Phong Nha National Park and choose between 2 options, either Phong Nha Cave or the visit of Tram Village or the Paradise Cave.

Option1: Once in Phong Nha Park, board your private boat for the 2.5 km cruise down the Son River to the mouth of the cave. Pass by the entrance to the 'Cave of Teeth and Wind' and enter the mystical tunnels, filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites and crystal clear waters. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the world's two largest limestone regions and is the oldest major karst in Asia. The area has numerous grottoes and caves and so far only a total of 20 caves with a total length of 70 km have been surveyed.

Then go by boat to Tram Village, a traditional village where you can enjoy the daily life of local people, the ever green rice fields and the local ferry and fishing on Son River. Watch people making Vietnamese rice wine and try the wine in wooden house. There are chances to visit some “Ruong” the traditional Vietnamese houses in this village, and talk to cheerful local people. 

Option 2: Once in Phong Nha Park, head to Paradise Cave, opened to the public in 2010, where you have a chance to see one of the larger and most impressive accessible caves in the area. After you climb over 400 stairs, you will see the large entrance of this cave. Descend into the cave on a wooden walkway, made to protect and preserve the fragile cave formations. This walkway continues for 1 km through the enormous, well lighted cave.Transfer back to Dong Hoi.

Overnight in Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (60km): 1.5 hours

Depart early morning, heading south to go to Hue. On the way, the first stop located approximately 1H from Dong Hoi is the childhood house of the General Vo Nguyen Giap. He was born in this village in 1911. He started to participate to revolutionary activities from the age of 14 and became one of the most excellent students of Ho Chi Minh, fighting during both French and American wars. He is famous for his leadership which led to the victory of the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1946 against the French army. The house was actually burned by French soldiers but restored in 1977. It is a beautiful traditional wooden house located in a charming garden. Visit the house thanks to Mr. Ham, his grandson who currently lives there and who will show you the memorable pictures and books of his grandfather.

Back to the car for a transfer of 1 hour to Vinh Moc Tunnels. The route is scenic after leaving the main highway passing through quaint villages and skirting along Cua Tung Beach. The Vinh Moc village story is a feat of humanity and resistance.  In order to escape heavy bombardment during the war, the villagers constructed approximately 2.8 km of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings. Three hundred people lived intermittently in the tunnels from 1966 to 1971.  Explore the tunnels and enjoy the beautiful sea view upon exit!

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Dong Ha.

In the afternoon, drive around 30 min to the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Tich. Once famous and prosperous because of its pottery, the village has dozens of homes that are from 100 to 200 years old and several old temples, pagodas, worship halls and communal houses still remain. Many imprints of Champa and ancient Viet cultures are still preserved such as lingas (a very complex symbol of Hinduism). The religious culture of the village is seen via families, which have their own ancestor worship halls, each worshiping five direct generations.

Following your visit, it is one-hour drive to Hue where you will arrive end of afternoon.