Đồng Hới
Đồng Hới is a small Vietnamese city on the central coast that most international visitors pass through without stopping. This is partly because the main attraction — the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng cave system — is 1.5hrs inland. But that cave system contains Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, large enough to have its own cloud system and jungle inside. Son Doong tours are expensive and heavily limited. The more accessible caves at Phong Nha and Paradise Cave are extraordinary in their own right. The beaches near Đồng Hới are good, white-sand, and virtually empty.
Why visit
Gateway to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park — the world's largest cave systems including Son Doong (largest cave in the world). The local beaches are good and entirely uncrowded.
Crowd level
Very few international tourists. Mainly used as a base for Phong Nha, which itself is less crowded than Hoi An.
Best time
February-May
Getting there
Fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. 2hrs north of Hue by train. Phong Nha caves are 1.5hrs by road.
Tradeoffs
The town itself has limited appeal beyond being a base. The payoff is access to Son Doong and the cave system.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Vietnam
- Region
- Quảng Bình
- Fresh Air Score
- 78/100
- Cost level
- $
- Distance from Hoi An
- 270 km