It is one of the most beautiful sights that we have ever seen: Paradise Cave.
We started the drizzly day by renting a motorbike to travel the countryside and just explore. There were a couple of highlights that we wanted to see and Paradise Cave had come highly recommended by our previous trekking mates.
We started the jaunt shortly after breakfast, with rain ponchos and helmets (mine too small on both counts), we headed for the open road. The driving (or riding) is a bit taxing in Vietnam with the horn being the primary indicator of your intentions. My horn skills are poor at best but everyone seemed to get the idea but this is no where near as trying as driving in Hanoi or the other bigger cities.
We road about 40 kilometers and found the turn for Paradise Cave. Since it was a weekday and not the best of weather, the parking lot was almost deserted. We bought our tickets and climbed the few hundred meters to the small entrance.
The Vietnamese have done a great job at not altering the natural landscape but adding soft lighting and raised wood sidewalks so that you can easily make your way through this enormous cavern. Unlike our earlier cave experiences, Paradise Cave is full of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Pictures and words can not convey the natural beauty in my opinion.
This cave was only discovered in 2005 and is 31 kilometers long. We only were able to see a little more than the first kilometer. The height at times is over 325 feet and the width more than 500, it feels enormous. And the colors and formations are spectacular. If you can’t tell, we really recommend seeing it!
With tired legs and Terri shivering behind me, we continued our day of exploring and although we saw some pretty cool stuff, everything paled in comparison to what we had just seen.
We needed to return the motorbike (scooter really) with gas so the hunt for petrol was on. We knew there had to be stations but failed in realizing that a “station” was really just a hand pump and tank on the sidewalk.
Asian Detour 
Truly awesome. Can’t really fathom that scale of caves. Love the Easy Rider shot – selfie? And the video (so good to hear Terri’s voice!) And yes, love your writing too Mattie! Don is still up in HR (so it’s REALLY lonely around here!) and that house is just about brand new again. I’ve re-structured my studio and I’m working on new stuff. Booty is in Levi withdrawals. (all of her squeaky toys are intact tho!) Miss you guys……
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Troopers in Ponchos!!!. You 2 never stop Dora would be proud. Great pics and the video is documentary grade. Keep it coming its almost like were with you on this incredible journey …. not quite. Auditioned at the new swanky OAKMONT retirement home and they were up dancing to Margaritaville yesterday. They are having me back!. and the activity directors all know each other soooo.. we’ll see
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You two will be “experts” by the time you leave Vietnam.Loved the video and your experiences for the day.
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Wow, the motorbike itself sounds like so much fun… Live it! (and send more pics)
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very cool….very stylish ponchos…..lol…glad you are having fun!
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Glad you’re having such a great adventure! Have fun!
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Once again, totally amazing views of Vietnam…..aren’t there rules against videos on scooters…..haha😀👍
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Hi there Matt & Terri!! I love your blog and all of your adventures….especially this one when you rented motorbikes and saw the awesome cave. You are in the thick of it, for sure. I can’t wait to see you…it will be soon now.
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Did you get any pics of Tuy Hoa or Phu Hiep while in Vietnam? Your “adventure” looks and reads like you’re having an amazing time!
Tom Parsons
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I think we missed those spots or more likely just didn’t know we were there…….
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