Phong Nha-Ke Bang becomes Vietnam’s first transboundary world heritage site

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The Vietnamese delegation congratulates the Lao delegation after UNESCO officially approved the boundary adjustment of the World Natural Heritage site shared by Laos and Vietnam (Paris, July 13, 2025). Photo: Thu Ha – VNA
The 250-meter-deep “Nightmare Sinkhole,” which features a mysterious underground river, is part of the Hung Thoong cave system in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Photo by courtesy/VNA
Tourists enjoy a variety of recreational activities at tourist sites in Phong Nha – Ke Bang. Photo: Vo Dung – VNA
Tourists follow underground streams or swim deeper into the cave system to explore the “Cross-Mountain Lake” in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Photo: Minh Duc – VNA
Newly discovered caves in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (2023). Photo by courtesy/VNA
Visitors explore Paradise Cave in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Photo: Minh Duc – VNA
The picturesque landscape outside the entrance of Phong Nha Cave in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Photo by courtesy/VNA
Inside Nuoc Nut Cave, located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Photo: Oxalis/VNA
Tourists enjoy various activities at Phong Nha – Ke Bang tourist sites. Photo: Vo Dung – VNA
Scenic views inside Phong Nha Cave. Photo by courtesy/VNA
Boats at Phong Nha Tourist Wharf take visitors to explore Phong Nha Cave. Photo by courtesy/VNA
The 250-meter-deep “Nightmare Sinkhole,” which features a mysterious underground river, is part of the Hung Thoong cave system in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Photo by courtesy/VNA
Phong Nha-Ke Bang becomes Vietnam’s first transboundary world heritage site
The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO has approved the expansion of the world natural heritage site of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam’s Quang Tri province to include Hin Nam No National Park in Laos' Khammouane province. The decision was made during the 47th session of the committee held in Paris, France, on July 13. Following the adjustment, the world natural heritage site is officially named “Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park”. Vietnam is now home to nine world heritage sites. These include two inter-provincial sites – Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago (Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city), and the Complex of Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Monuments and Landscapes (Quang Ninh province, Bac Ninh province, and Hai Phong city). The latest recognition is Vietnam’s first transboundary world heritage site. VNA Photo