Overview

Tu Lan Cave System
The system lies 70 km away from Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, next to the minority village of Tan Hoa, just past the fields of grazing buffalo and rapidly growing peanut and cornfields. After the fields, it’s a splash through the river until the first ascent is reached. An ascent over the rocky slope is followed by a descent into the jungle valley below. The first cave on the horizon from there is Hung Ton cave, accessed through its dry entrance.

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

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi sleeping bus to Phong Nha
17h00 – 17h15: Our bus picks you up at your hotel in Hanoi (Old Quarter)

Day 2: Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Tu Lan
04h00: Early check in on your arrival into Phong Nha

Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Ken Cave - Tu Lan campsite
Between 07:30 to 08:00, the guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel in Phong Nha town and take the group to the head 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 3: 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 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 local’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 NhaEarly 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

 

Option 1: 21h00 - 22h00: Take a bus trip to go back to Hanoi. Tour ends!

Option 2: Stay overnight in Phong Nha Town. 04h00: The next day takes a bus trip to go to Hue city/ Hoi An,Tour ends!

Price

Price: from VND 9,250,000/pax
Availability: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday 
Small Group Tours: Average 2 - 8 pax
Minimum Age: 16 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 jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain
Elevation change up to 150m (between valley and top of mountain)
1 km swimming in caves (from 200m – 500m each cave)
3 km caving
2 days and 1 night in jungle and caves
Requirements:
Basic trekking experience
Must be able to swim

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