Hidden deep within Phong Nha National Park in Vietnam is the Paradise Cave. Most likely called this because this vast expanse of cave is around 10 degrees cooler than the outside air, and a much needed respite after the scooter ride and trek to the entrance of the cave. Inside you’re greeted with sprinklings of lights that illuminate the monstrously high ceilings of the cave, a space so vast it feels about as big as an enclosed football stadium.

The stalactites and stalagmites cling to the walls like the pipes of a church organ and the ceiling is lined with razorback ridges that could resemble the tail of a dragon. The only natural light pouring into the cave is at the entrance and does nothing to illuminate more than a few metres inside, in the back of my head I was constantly what dreading one of Vietnam’s regular power outages would do to the crowds of people inside.

Outside the cave and the rest of the national park is awash with spectacular views from the roadside and made for a perfect couple of days of scooting. Just be sure to bring extra fuel as it’s a miserable place to run out, especially if you draw the short straw and have to go back to town to fetch more for your mates like I did.

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Paradise Cave