Nestled within Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Phong Nha Botanic Garden is a captivating destination for nature lovers. Since its opening, it has become a must-visit spot for anyone eager to see Vietnam’s rich biodiversity.

1. Key information about Phong Nha Botanic Garden

1.1. Location

Phong Nha Botanic Garden, located at kilometer 9 along Road 20 Quyet Thang, is part of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. It lies about 12 kilometers northwest of Phong Nha Town, Bo Trach District, Quang Tri Province (formerly Quang Binh).

1.2. Ecosystem

Phong Nha Botanical Gardens is a rare nature reserve practicing both in-situ and ex-situ conservation. It features over 500 plant species, with many listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book and IUCN Red List. A highlight here is the Hundred-Year-Old Star Tree (hopea vietnamensis), an indigenous species that had its name recorded just recently.

Alongside its biodiversity, Phong Nha Botanic Garden offers breathtaking sights like the 30-meter-high Wind Waterfall and the clear Vang Anh Lake. If you're lucky, you may spot a peacock performing its elegant courtship dance. You might also catch a glimpse of the hornbill or watch squirrels and monkeys swing from branch to branch.

Phong Nha Botanic Garden is a nature reserve

1.3. Opening hours & tickets

The garden is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s best to arrive early to have enough time to explore all the attractions here.

Below is the information of the Phong Nha Botanic Garden prices:

Standard tour	Specialized tour (with a guide)	Other services
Ticket: 80,000 VND/ pax Free entry for children under 1.3 meters tall	Ticket: 120,000 VND/ pax No walk-ins Max 20 guests/ tour, up to 5 tours/ day	English-speaking tour guide: 300,000 VND Memorial tree planting: 100,000 VND/ tree

*Note: The prices of Phong Nha Botanic Garden tickets and services are subject to change. For support or booking, contact the hotline: 0941 366 588.

2. Unmissable attractions in Phong Nha Botanic Garden

Spanning 77.1 hectares, Phong Nha Botanic Garden offers a glimpse of the greater Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park with many attractions.

2.1. Wind Waterfall

The Wind Waterfall flows like a silver ribbon through a lush forest. Dropping over 30 meters onto mossy rocks, it creates a gentle, rhythmic sound that echoes through the trees. For many visitors, the sight of mist rising and sunlight glinting off the spray is unforgettable. You can enjoy the full view from the wooden steps or move closer to feel the refreshing water.

The Phong Nha Botanic Garden waterfall is a highlight of the trip

2.2. Vang Anh Lake

Vang Anh Lake rests quietly in the heart of the forest, its clear surface reflecting the surrounding greenery like a natural mirror. The calm atmosphere here invites you to unwind. For the best photo ops, stand at the lake’s edge lined with lush trees or the large rocks along the shore, where even a relaxed pose creates a poetic frame.

2.3. Specimen Display House

Opened in 2015, the Specimen Display House of Phong Nha Botanic Gardens exhibits 181 specimens representing 169 plant species across 58 families and 101 genera. The animal collection includes 120 species such as wild boars, red-shanked doucs, and pig-tailed macaques, along with habitat dioramas of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. A highlight here is the fossil display of four-rayed coral and crinoids - evidence of the area’s 400-million-year-old geological history.

2.4. Interpretive trail

The 4-kilometer interpretive trail in Phong Nha Botanic Garden offers a peaceful, scenic walk for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. You’ll pass beneath ancient trees, wild orchids swaying in the breeze, and hear birdsong echoing through the forest. Charming photo ops await along mossy tree trunks, sun-dappled forest clearings, and gentle stream crossings.

Discover nature’s beauty with a Phong Nha Botanic Garden hike

2.5. Seed nursery

The seed nursery plays a key role in conserving high-value species and preserving the park’s biodiversity. Here, tourists can learn to identify rare native trees and even purchase seedlings like the valuable dalbergia tonkinensis. It’s a meaningful stop within Phong Nha Botanic Garden that blends education, conservation, and hands-on experiences with nature.

2.6. Forests of rare trees

Phong Nha Botanic Garden is home to centuries-old hardwoods like dalbergia tonkinensis, green ironwood, stone cypress, etc., standing quietly like living markers of time. The air is filled with the earthy scent of ancient wood and the deep stillness of the wild. Stand still for a moment and you’ll feel the forest’s breath flowing into your own.

2.7. Wildlife Rescue Center

The Wildlife Rescue Center is a special part of Phong Nha Botanic Garden, offering care for injured, weak, or rescued wild animals before releasing them back into the wild. More than a rescue site, it’s an educational space that raises awareness about wildlife protection and the importance of conservation. A visit here is a reminder of the role we all play in preserving nature for future generations.

The Wildlife Rescue Center promotes conservation awareness

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3. Phong Nha Botanic Garden tours

3.1. Standard tour

Phong Nha Botanic Garden offers three standard tours to suit different fitness levels and schedules:

Short tour: Specimen Display House → Wind Waterfall (approx. 30 - 60 minutes)
Medium tour: Specimen Display House → Vang Anh Lake → Wind Waterfall (approx. 70 - 90 minutes)
Long tour: Specimen Display House → Vang Anh Lake → Hundred-Year-Old Star Tree → Vong Canh Hill → Wind Waterfall (approx. 120 - 180 minutes)

These tours are perfect for casual visitors, families, and educational groups eager to explore the garden’s biodiversity at their own pace.

3.2. Specialized tour

Phong Nha Botanic Garden also offers a more advanced tour stretching 5 kilometers. It is exclusively for advance bookings and is not open to walk-ins.

Route: Specimen Display House → Wind Waterfall → Fairy Waterfall → Ancient Gua Tree → Dan Cave → Hundred-Year-Old Star Tree → Vang Anh Lake
Each tour is limited to a maximum of 20 guests, with no more than 5 tours operated per day.

This specialized tour only applies to tourists on guided tours, not for individuals, and is organized as linked tours. The Rescue, Conservation, and Species Development Center partners with travel agencies to operate this tour.

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4. FAQs about Phong Nha Botanical Garden

4.1. When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Phong Nha Botanic Garden is from December to August, when the weather is dry, perfect for outdoor activities. If you're visiting during the rainy season (September - November), be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand, as the trails can get slippery and more challenging to navigate.

>>> Check Phong Nha’s weather before your adventure!

4.2. How to get to Phong Nha Botanical Garden?

From Dong Hoi, the drive to Phong Nha Botanic Garden stretches around 50 kilometers. Follow National Road 1A north, then turn left onto National Road 16. Follow National Road 16 until it merges with Ho Chi Minh Trail and keep going. Eventually, you will reach a junction where Ho Chi Minh Trail connects to Road 20 - turn left here. Follow this winding road all the way until you reach the botanical garden.

For convenience, you can take a taxi to get to Phong Nha Botanic Garden with ease. The service of Xanh SM is recommended thanks to their electric, eco-friendly vehicles.

>>> Prepare for your journey from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha!

4.3. What do I need to pack for the trip?

For a successful trip, it’s always important to pack wisely. Here are some must-have items before you go to Phong Nha Botanic Garden:

Quick-drying clothes
Waterproof boots & anti-tick socks
Rain gear
Flashlight or headlamp
Personal hygiene kit
Snacks
A waterproof backpack
A camera or smartphone
Mosquito repellent
Drinking water
Waterproof bags for electronic devices

Have a camera for taking beautiful photos at Phong Nha Botanic Garden

4.4. Where to eat in or near Phong Nha Botanical Garden?

Thac Gio Restaurant near the Wind Waterfall serves stir-fried bamboo, grilled beef, and fish. Alternatively, Phong Nha Eco Village, just 3.5 kilometers away from the botanical garden, features steamed hill pork with salt dip.

4.5. What are the must-see attractions near Phong Nha Botanic Garden?

Just outside the botanical garden, there are several must-sees including Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave. All are located within Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. They offer a range of adventures, from drifting along subterranean rivers to discovering stunning cave formations.

4.6. What should I be aware of when visiting the botanic garden?

To ensure a safe visit to the botanical garden, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Stay on track: Follow the trail signs to avoid getting lost.
Bring a map: Grab a Phong Nha Botanic Garden map at the ticket counter for easy navigation.
Respect nature: Don’t harm the plants or animals, and always dispose of trash properly.
Emergency contact: If you need help, contact the hotline 0941 366 588.

Phong Nha Botanic Garden offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature, blending breathtaking scenery with meaningful conservation work. Whether hiking scenic trails or discovering ancient trees, every visitor will gain a deeper appreciation for the environment here.

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