Dong Hoi is a treasure trove for travelers who love a mix of natural wonders and historical insight. Thanks to its proximity to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, it’s an ideal place for full-day tours packed with caves, adventure, and stories from Vietnam’s past. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline at Dark Cave or exploring war relics at Khe Sanh, this city offers a variety of options. Our favorite? The Zipline Dark Cave & Paradise Cave tour, because it combines the thrill of zipping over a river with the awe of stalactites and stalagmites—perfect for adventure lovers and nature explorers alike.
If you’re after a balanced mix of exploration and history, the Full-Day DMZ Tour offers a meaningful look at Vietnam’s wartime landmarks, including the Vinh Moc Tunnels. For those who want a more relaxed experience with personalized touches, the Deluxe Small Group Cave Tours provide intimate outings with expert guides. No matter your style, Dong Hoi has a full-day tour to match your interests.
1. Zipline Dark cave & Paradise cave: Full-day Exploration
At number 1, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Starting with a 1.6 km electric shuttle ride through lush rainforests, you’ll arrive at Paradise Cave, known for its high ceilings and spectacular formations. You’ll wander through one of Asia’s largest dry caves, marveling at stalactites and stalagmites that look like sculptures. Then, things get exciting at Dark Cave with the zipline experience, where you soar over the river before plunging into underground waters for swimming and mud baths.
Rated 5.0/5 from 33 reviews, this tour is praised for its well-organized schedule and fun activities, including swimming through caverns and mud bathing. The itinerary kicks off early, with hotel pickups around 7:15 AM from Dong Hoi, making the most of your day. The tour runs approximately 10 hours and costs about $59.41 per person, offering excellent value considering all the included activities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this tour packs a punch with both adrenaline and awe-inspiring caves. It’s a full-day adventure that’s hard to beat for value and excitement.
2. Paradise Cave & Dark Cave Full Day Trip
Coming in at number 2, this tour is perfect if you want to see both UNESCO-listed Paradise Cave and Dark Cave without rushing. Limited to a small group of 15, it provides personalized attention and a relaxed pace. The day begins with hotel pickups around 8:45 AM, heading into Phong Nha National Park, where Paradise Cave impresses with ceilings soaring up to 60 meters and formations resembling natural pillars.
The afternoon is dedicated to Dark Cave, where kayaking, mud bathing, and exploring underground lakes await. The tour includes a 12:30 lunch at Dark Cave’s restaurant, making it easy to enjoy local flavors. The total experience is about 10 hours, priced at $89.90 per person, which reflects the small-group intimacy and the diverse activities.
Review insight: Many travelers note that this tour provides a perfect balance of adventure and comfort, with some mentioning that booking locally can sometimes be cheaper.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a comprehensive, less rushed experience with the chance to enjoy activities like kayaking and mud baths in a small-group setting.
3. Full-Day DMZ Tour: 17th Parallel, Vinh Moc Tunnel & Khe Sanh Base
At number 3, this tour takes you into the military history of Vietnam. Starting from Dong Hoi, you’ll visit Vinh Moc Tunnels, where civilians hid for months during intense bombings. The tour also covers Khe Sanh Combat Base, now a museum showcasing relics from the 1968 battle, and the Bến Hãi River, the division line of Vietnam.
Rated 5.0/5 from 20 reviews, this tour appeals to history buffs and those interested in the Vietnam War. The day lasts around 10-11 hours and costs about $79.57 per person. The highlight is the opportunity to walk through tunnels that once sheltered thousands, giving a tangible sense of the war’s toll. The logistics are smooth, with the guide sharing insightful stories along the way.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts, this trip offers meaningful insights into Vietnam’s past with a comfortable, full-day schedule.
4. PHONG NHA CAVE- PARADISE CAVE FULL DAY FROM DONG HOI or PHONG NHA
Number 4 on our list, this private tour specializes in a flexible, tailored experience. You’ll be picked up from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha and transferred to Paradise Cave, using a golf cart through jungle trails. The visit includes a walk to the cave mouth, where ceilings reach up to 60 meters and stalactites hang like chandeliers. Afterwards, you’ll cruise on a boat into Phong Nha Cave, known for its underground river and impressive rock formations.
Rated 5.0/5 from 12 reviews, travelers appreciate the private, leisurely pace and the chance to explore both caves at their own speed. The tour lasts around 10 hours and costs $69, offering good value, especially for small groups or private trips. The combination of jungle hikes, boat rides, and cave exploration makes it ideal for nature lovers who want a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a private, relaxed day combining underground wonders with scenic overground exploration.
5. Deluxe Small Group: PHONG NHA CAVE – Paradise Cave Full Day Tour
Positioned at number 5, this tour offers a small group experience with personalized attention. Starting from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha, you’ll be transported to Paradise Cave on a scenic golf cart ride, then explore the magnificent formations inside. Afterward, a boat takes you to Phong Nha Cave, where you can marvel at the natural limestone sculptures.
Rated 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, the tour includes a delicious Vietnamese lunch, bottled water, and expert guidance. It lasts about 10 hours, costing $69 per person. The tour’s strength lies in its intimate setting and insightful commentary, making it suitable for travelers who like a more relaxed, guided experience with fewer people.
Bottom Line: Best for those who prefer small groups, local cuisine, and a comfortable pace while exploring the iconic caves.
6. Phong Nha cave – Dark cave full day tour from Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Number 6 offers a day packed with fun activities in Phong Nha and Dark Cave. After hotel pickup, you’ll ride a boat into Phong Nha Cave and explore its stunning limestone formations. The highlight is Dark Cave, with options for ziplining, mud baths, and kayaking. The tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.
Rated 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, this tour is ideal for travelers craving active fun combined with natural beauty. The full-day schedule is about 10 hours, costing $58.90 per person, making it a good deal for all the included adventures. Many appreciate the balance of cave exploration and active pursuits, though some note that the itinerary can be physically demanding.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want a full day of cave fun plus outdoor activities.
7. DELUXE SMALL Group: PHONG NHA CAVE And PARADISE CAVE Full Day Guided Tour
This tour, number 7, emphasizes a small-group guided experience. You’ll start with transfers to Paradise Cave, exploring its high ceilings and stalactite formations. Then, you’ll take a scenic boat ride to Phong Nha Cave to see its impressive limestone sculptures. It also includes a Vietnamese lunch and personal guide attention.
Rated 4.5/5 from 13 reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the iconic caves in about 9 hours for $65 per person. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided insights and a relaxed pace, with the small group ensuring more personalized service.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a guided, intimate experience of the key caves with good value.
8. Paradise Cave & Phong Nha Cave DELUXE SMALL GROUP FULL DAY
Number 8 combines two major caves with a small-group format. Starting with pickup from Dong Hoi, you’ll explore Paradise Cave, famous for its crystal stalactites, then move on to Phong Nha Cave via boat, enjoying its limestone formations. The tour includes lunch and bottled water.
Rated 4.5/5 from 12 reviews, this 10-hour experience costs $66 per person and offers a thorough exploration of the caves with the added comfort of a guided, small-group setting. It’s well-suited for those who want to see the highlights of Phong Nha with a relaxed, guided approach.
Bottom Line: Well-rounded option for travelers wanting to maximize cave visits in one day, with good value and guided insights.
9. From Dong Hoi: Paradise Cave and Zipline Dark cave full day tour
Number 9 features a full-day adventure combining Paradise Cave with the thrilling zipline over Dark Cave. After pickup, you visit Paradise Cave and explore its limestone formations, then head to Dark Cave for ziplining, mud baths, and kayaking. The itinerary balances underground discoveries with outdoor fun.
Rated 4.5/5 from 11 reviews, the tour is priced at $77 per person and lasts about 10 hours. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine cave exploration with adrenaline activities like ziplining. The inclusion of transportation and the variety of activities make it a practical and fun option.
Bottom Line: A great pick for adventure seekers wanting a mix of underground and outdoor thrills in one day.
10. Phong Nha National Park Full Day Tour: Paradise, Dark Cave
Our final pick, number 10, offers a straightforward full-day experience focusing on Caves of Phong Nha National Park. You’ll visit Heaven Cave with its stunning stalactites, then enjoy a natural mud bath and river swim. Lunch is included, and the itinerary is designed for those wanting a relaxed but comprehensive day.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, it’s a good choice for travelers wanting a simple, all-in-one tour with highlights like swimming in a cave. The price is $80 per person, offering honest value for a full day of exploring and fun activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers prioritizing leisure and scenic cave experiences with some physical activity.
$80 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best full-day tour in Dong Hoi, consider your priorities. Do you want adventure and adrenaline? Tours like the Zipline Dark Cave & Paradise Cave or Dark Cave with ziplining offer active pursuits. If history and war sites interest you, the DMZ Tour provides meaningful insights. For a more relaxed, guided experience, the small group tours focusing on caves with personalized attention are excellent.
Budget matters too—most tours range from around $59 to $90. Local booking options may sometimes be cheaper, so it’s worth shopping around. Think about your fitness level; some trips involve walking, boat rides, and swimming, whereas others are more leisurely. If you’re traveling in peak season, booking early ensures you won’t miss out.
Final Thoughts
Dong Hoi offers a diverse array of full-day tours, from adrenaline-pumping zipline adventures to sobering war history visits. For those seeking thrills, the Zipline Dark Cave and Adventure Tour hits the mark. History buffs will appreciate the DMZ Tour, exploring tunnels and battle sites. If variety is your priority, the small group cave tours combine comfort with a comprehensive look at the region’s natural wonders.
Whatever your interests, booking your tour early guarantees a smoother trip. With so many options, you’ll find a full-day adventure that fits your style and pace—just pack your curiosity and sense of adventure.