Biological diversity of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

The abundance of geologies and topographies in Phong Nha - Ke Bang NP cause the diversity of forest types. Fifteen forest types and sub-types have been identifies in the Park. The forest cover is a high level of 93.57% of the total area of the Park, of which 83.74% are primary forests. Primary forest in Phong Nha - Ke Bang NP is the highest percentage in Protected Areas of Vietnam. There are significant forest types of which limestone forest is the largest area in limestone areas of Vietnam. In particular 22,500 ha of limestone forest above 700m asl. is national and global outstanding values. In addition more than one thousand hectares of mono-dominant tree Cacelodrus rupetris, endemic species to limestone of Vietnam, with Paphiodendron spp. on karst under Cacelodrus rupetris canopy is a unique forest type in the world.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park

VietNamNet Bridge - Discovered in 2005, the Heaven Cave is the longest dry cave in Asia. Located in the ecological restoration area of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, Quang Binh province, the cave has been opened for tourists as of September 3.

The cave, 31km long, 191 metres above the sea level, has the most beautiful and spectacular stalactites in the park. Despite the robust geological tectonic process, the whole structure of the cave has still been persevered intact.

A 4.7 kilometres long forest road was built so that tourists can reach the destination on foot, by cross country bicycle or by host cart.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park – The World Heritage Site

The forerunner of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park was the Phong Nha Natural Reserve formed in 1992. The Phong Nha Natural Reserve was one largest special use forest with an area of 41,123 ha. Then Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park was established under the Decision No 189/2001/QD-TTg dated December 12, 2001 by the Prime Minister. The National Park was be inscription on the World Heritage List at the meeting 27th of the World Heritage Committee - UNESCO in Paris frome June 30th to July 5th 2003 on Criterion (viii) (former Criterion (i)- Earth's history, record of life, landform processes and features).