Overview

Hang En Cave is probably the world’s 3rd largest cave and is quickly becoming one of the must-see natural wonders in Vietnam. Its size will blow you away, and our campsite located within the cave beside a lazy river, will leave you speechless. You’ll examine fascinating fossils in one part of the cave over 300 million year old, and around every corner be subjected to the most picturesque views.

A stop in the ethnic minority Ban Doong Village, set amongst the limestone mountains is a highlight for many, not to mention the pristine jungle, many river crossings, and jovial porter team, made up of local jungle men!

Hang En is one of our famous caves that has been featured within National Geographic, The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Dailymail UK and recently on Good Morning America, in front of over 6 million audience members, as well as in Pan (2015), a newly-released blockbuster film distributed by Warner Bros. Entertainment (Hollywood).

You’ll also have the opportunity to see Hang Lanh (or “Cold Cave” in English) on the tour, which is a new addition to our 2017 itinerary. This 2 day, 1 night tour will truly be an unforgettable experience during your time in Vietnam.

Come and find out what makes Hang En so popular and amazing

Special Note: Hang En Adventure Cave Camp

Hang En Adventure Cave Camp is easy-to-moderate for anyone who considers themselves physically fit and who participates in regular outdoor activities, and moderate-to-hard for anyone with limited trekking experience. Please make sure that your health is suitable for these activities with ease before taking part in the tour.

  • 25 km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain
  • Multiple river crossings: 30 times (knee deep, 10 – 50 m wide river)
  • Elevation change up to 400 m (between road and valleys)
    4 km caving
  • 2 days and 1 night in jungle and caves
  • Adventure Level: Moderate (25 km) for physically active guests
  • Availability: Regular Departures (check availability
  • Small Group Tours: average 10 - 16 pax (required minimum 2 pax)
  • Minimum Age: 16 years
  • Tour Starts: 8:00 am - 8:30 am from any local hotel in Phong Nha.

Itinerary

Day 1: Phong Nha - Ban Doong Village - Hang En

Start your ultimate adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Phong Nha between 7:30 am and 8:00 am and a short transfer to Headquarters. Learn all about safety collect your gear and sign our Release Form before driving 45 mins through the National Park to reach the trailhead. At 10:00 am, leave the road behind for the jungle.

A steep jungle hill starts the journey, with a refreshing river at the bottom. Hike through rich primary forest to reach the Ban Doong minority village, where a hot cup of tea welcomes you. Feast on a picnic lunch which takes place shortly afterwards at about 12:30 – 1:00 pm, near the river. Then it’s back into the jungle, through rivers and streams, and along the river valley until Hang En lays on the horizon.

Enter Hang En around 3 pm, and take a quick rest as the porter team sets up camp on the beach within the cave. For the next couple of hours, complete the adventure by preceding the rest of the way through the cave to the breathtaking exit, a scene made famous in the film Pan. Return to camp through the dry passage to the viewpoint high above camp, where 300 million year old fossils can be seen. Enjoy your downtime relaxing or swimming in the natural pool before a sizzling grilled dinner is served, complete with rice wine and the sounds of swifts overhead.

Day 2: Hang En - Hang Lanh - Phong Nha

Awake at 8:00 am for breakfast and pack up your belongings. Depart camp at 9:00 am to leave Hang En. Take one last look at the entrance, almost hidden amongst the jungle and then trek 1 km along a riverside path with several river crossings and upstream to Hang Lanh entrance. Arrive around 10 am, and spend the next two hours exploring the first km of Hang Lanh, which has earned the name “Cold Cave” for a reason! This is a 4 km long wet cave with magnificent formations, a cold river inside, and many rare fossils.

Have lunch with your group from 12:00 – 1:00 pm, and then it’s time to start the journey home. Trek for the next hour along a shady path through the river valley. And then from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, make your way up the hill to the pickup point, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to civilization. Return to Phong Nha between 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

Price

Price per person: 335 USD  or  7.600.000 VND / Cave camping

WE WILL PROVIDE

Camping gear: tent, camp light, sleeping bag
Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, gloves
Dry bag (for clothing and personal belongings excl. electronics)
Basic canvas trekking boots (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 – 46
Meals: picnic lunches, breakfast (day 2), dinner (day 1)
Professional English-speaking tour guide and guide safety assistant
Porter team to carry all camping gear and prepare all meals
Shared dry box for phones and small cameras (limited availability for larger cameras)
Water purifier (used only by guide and porters) and water bottle
Basic camping facilities with eco-friendly compost toilet using western toilet seat
First Aid Kit and Medical Rescue Equipment (application by guides and porters only
Secure Storage Facility at Headquarters to store all luggage you will not be taking on the trek

YOU WILL NEED

1 long (easy to dry) pants and 1 long sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (quick dry)
1 pair of shorts and t-shirt to wear at campsite (warmer clothes in winter)
1 pair of trekking boots/shoes – difficult terrain, good footwear necessary. Gore-Tex/waterproof boots are NOT recommended as they do not drain well (if you prefer your own comfortable pair)
1 pair of flip flop (sandals) for campsite
1 medium size towel and swimwear
1 -2 pairs of calf length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
Medium size backpack (25 L) for your water bottle, personal belongings and provided caving helmet
Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera, underwear, toiletries
If you are trekking in the colder months (December to March) please bring additional warm clothes for the evening