Overview

This tour is perfect if you are short on time but still want a solid taste of adventure in the amazing Tu Lan jungle and cave system. You will enjoy exploring Ken Cave, Kim Cave, Hung Ton Cave and of course Tu Lan Cave. You’ll also be subjected to a decent amount of trekking with over 12 km of tough jungle terrain covered over the two days and plenty of swimming!

Tu Lan Cave System is comprised of over 10 caves in all, some of which were originally discovered and explored in 1992, and some of which were just found in the past couple years. Hang Ton, first found in 1992 and explored more in depth in 2012, appears first on the horizon on a trek to this intricate cave system. Its dry entrance provides an outstanding view of the valley below, and promises many more adventures inside. A ladder inside leads to the floor of the cave, and from there the journey truly begins, where one must swim through the cave to reach the exit on the other side.

  • Availability: Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
  • Small Group Tours: Maximum 10pax
  • Minimum Age: 16-70 years
  • Tour Starts: 7:30 am - 8:00 am from any local hotel in Phong Nha
  • Please make sure that your health is suitable for these activities with ease.
  • 12km of trekking including up to 2km of caving
  • 300m elevation gain
  • 1km swimming in the caves
  • 1 km swimming in caves (from 200m – 500m each cave)
  • Descend 15m ladder in cave
  • 3 days and 2 nights in jungle and caves
  • Requirements:
    - Basic trekking experience
    - Must be able to swim

Itinerary

Day 1: Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Ken Cave - Tu Lan campsite
Between 07:30 to 08:00, the guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha town and take the group to the office in Tan Hoa Village, which is 70km from Phong Nha. At the office, the guide will give you a short briefing about the trekking itinerary and safety regulations; pack your bag, sign the Release Form and receive essential safety equipment (The transportation cost to Tan Hoa is included in the price of Tu Lan 3 days 2 night trip).

The group will hike around 2.5km through corn and peanut fields to reach the Rao Nan River bank. From there, you will need to cross the river and climb over a small hill (around 50 m) which is rocky in places. Continuing down the other side the group will reach the flat Hung Ton Valley. After crossing the valley, the group will rest and enjoy lunch at the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. After lunch the trek is a bit more challenging with some steep hills leading to the Tu Lan Valley campsite by the waterfall.

Afternoon activities include swimming and exploring Ken Cave, which is located close to the campsite. Then return to the campsite and enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared for you by the chefs. As you immerse yourself in the peaceful natural scenery of mountains and forests as well as the sound of the waterfall, you will feel calm and have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 2: Tu Lan cave - Kim Cave - Hung Ton Cave - Tan Hoa
The next day, you will trek, explore and swim through Hang Tu Lan and Hang Kim to reach To Mo Valley, two spectacular caves. You will have lunch at To Mo campsite before swimming into Hung Ton Cave, at the side of the waterfall. Inside the cave, the group will have to climb up a 10m high ladder with safety harnesses. A short hike leads to the cave entrance. In front of the cave entrance is the beautiful scene of the Hung Ton Valley, a great spot for beautiful photos. From there the group will return to Oxalis Tan Hoa office along the Hung Ton Valley, crossing the Rao Nan River and the peanut corn fields one last time. Back at Tan Hoa office, the group will check in to Rural Homestay in Tan Hoa to shower and relax.

Around 6:00 pm, the group will walk to the porter’s house for dinner and interact with the villagers. You will not only have the opportunity to try some delicious local food but also learn more about the living condition of the people here. After dinner, the group will come back to Rural Homestay for a restful night.

Day 3: Explore Tan Hoa village and ATV tour - Phong Nha
Early in the morning, waking up from your Rural Homestay, there will be a peaceful review of the lives of the villagers, guests can explore Tan Hoa village and enjoy the sunrise over the Tan Hoa paddy fields or corn fields by biking around the village. You can also enjoy breakfast at the Tu Lan Lodge Restaurant.

Adventure enthusiasts can also join the ATV - Squat bike off-road tour to explore Lim forest and Kong's home, for two hours. This is a sporty driving tourism activity that takes you up hills, across streams, and through the beautiful Lim forest and Kong’s tunnel.

Homestay check-out time is 12:00 PM. There will be a shuttle service from Tan Hoa to Phong Nha after the Tu Lan Cave Encounter tour.  Tour ends.

See also Wild Tu Lan Cave Explore  3 days/ 2 nights - Click Here

Find more Phong Nha tour programs - Click here

How to get to Phong Nha Ke Bang - Click here

Price

Price: 338 USD  or  VND 8,100,000/pax

 

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 plus your swim suit.
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
2-3 pairs of calf length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera, underwear, toiletries