Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is in Northern Central Vietnam. It is a protected area known for its huge caves and breathtaking limestone karsts. The actual town of Phong Nha is little more than a short street with a few hostels, tour companies, and restaurants, and there is a small village next to the river. There is no social scene or reason to come to Phong Nha other than the scenery, which makes it all worth it. I was sick for my few days there, but if I had to be sick in a hostel in Vietnam, being sick with these views from my room wasn’t the worst place to be stuck:
The view from my hostel window. 
The only Main Street in the town. 
Not a bad place to be kooked up at all.
Despite being sick I was still determined to rent a motorbike and explore the National Park. I was not disappointed. I woke up early to drive to Paradise Cave. The cave is a 19-mile long cave system, but visitors can only venture into the first mile. Even so, this cave put others that I’ve seen (like the Cango Caves in South Africa) to shame. I also visited the entrance to Phong Nha Cave, but it is only accessible by boat and I was feeling too cheap to buy a ticket.
The steps leading down into Paradise Cave. 
Cave photos never turn out well but I still take them. 
The entrance to Phong Nha Cave.
I also hiked around the Botanical Gardens. They tell you it’s a moderate walk, but it’s actually an uphill hike that requires climbing ladders and a little bit of bouldering… so that was unexpected. I got lunch right on the river and watched the boats go lazily by. But the absolute best part of the day was just taking in all of the beautiful nature while aimlessly motor biking around the park.
Motorbike got over this old, wooden bridge was terrifying. 
Winding roads through limestone karsts. 
Cloudy and still beautiful. 
More winding roads. 
The coolest intersection I’ve ever stopped at. 
Pretty. 
Also pretty. 
The view from my “walk”. 
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park 
My view at lunch. 
More of my view at lunch.
😀
So sorry you were sick while you were there, Kenzie! But you did really get some great photos… I knew they had spectacular caves in Vietnam, and I was sure that you would get to some of them, so glad you did! Thankful that you are feeling a lot better now. Stay well! Our prayers are with you!