Gio Lao – Phong Nha
Distance: 300 kms
From the Cau Cau Dam that surrounds beautiful tea covered islands to the equally beautiful Phong Nha township on the banks of the Con River.
Whilst the township is now very tourist driven the locals in the back streets haven’t changed. A good little melting pot.
Just 250km on good roads and little traffic or 320km if you’d like to visit the Laos Border. A very pleasant country ride but not much in the way of attractions. One of those rides if by yourself, on the right gear, you could punch out in one.
(A) is one of many options for very little money to take a boat with a guide around the tea farms. If you didn’t do that when you got in do it before you leave it is worth it. Ideally arrange it for dusk or dawn.
(B) After a fair stretch on the bike this is a detour off the main road to a secluded waterfall. Great swim opportunity but if not up for that, a pleasant rest stop.
(C) The Cha Lo Border Gate. This 35km out and back adds a bit to your day but a great ride. Be aware of trucks bringing ore out of Laos. These guys make the Vietnamese drivers look good.
Plenty of gems off the main tracks too but if by yourself most very re.ote so little or o support if you get into trouble. ext
(D) this is another nice tourist attraction over and around water. The last stop for a cool drink before getting into your destination.
(E) Phong Nha – Ke Bang Tourist Centre to pick up a souvenir of the area maybe on your way out or a boat for a run through the Phong Nha Cave.
(F) At the high end, this accommodation option perfectly located on the banks of the river in town is a favourite especially you we have your wife on the back. The rooms, restaurant and pool all top shelf.
(G) For a more rural experience this farm stay on the rice plains is my go to. Also great rooms, food and pool bar area. Some high end villa options too if it’s a few chill days. If staying to explore the many local attractions the rooms my choice.
Phong Nha township on the banks of the Son River is part of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site
The area has developed in recent years as a popular tourist destination.
Attractions include numerous caves to explore. Phong Nha Cave, a leisurely river cruise though caves under the mountains and Paradise a little more traditional dry cave are cheap and readily accessible. At the high end Hang Son Doong is reportedly the world’s largest cave with its own very unique ecosystem and a four day commitment, far from cheap to explore.
Also of note the limestone and bauxite monoliths rising from a vast floodplain to the North, were the land sections in the filming of King Kong. This area is a great motorcycling day loop from the township.
