Overview

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.

 

 

Our three-day trekking and caving adventure includes the very best wild caves of the region including Ken Cave, Kim Cave, Secret Cave, Hung Ton Cave and Tu Lan Cave. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and one of the most talked about adventure experiences in Vietnam!

 

 

Special Note:

 

  • Adventure Level: Moderate (18 km) for physically active guests (swimming is necessary)
  • Availability: Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday
  • Small Group Tours: 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.
  • 17km 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)
  • 4 km caving
  • 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 - Tu Lan

You will be picked up in Phong Nha between 7:30 am and 8:00 am at your hotel and driven to the little village of Tan Hoa for your initial safety briefing. Please be noted that Release Form needs to be signed before you are getting to the jungle.

You’ll then set off across sweeping fields for 2.5 km to the Rao Nan River, making your way up to the short hill into Rat Cave.

Explore 300m in Rat Cave with spectacular calcite stalagmites, then make your way back out for a picnic lunch served next to the river in La Ken Valley.

You’ll then climb 150 m increasing in elevation up Lom Com Mountain. Keep going through Flat Rock Peak and make your way to Mango Peak on Mango Mountain. After a quick break, the trek continues down into Tu Lan Valley (2 km).

You’ll finish your afternoon on a more relaxed note with swimming around the waterfall, followed by a BBQ dinner, and singing around the campfire until sleep overcomes you.

Day 2: Ken Cave – Tu Lan – Hang Kim – To Mo

The morning arrives with another full day of adventure. Shortly following breakfast comes a swim directly into Ken Cave.

After exploring this longest cave in Tu Lan Cave System, you will return back to camp for more waterfall swimming, a rest, and picnic lunch.

Post-lunch, it’s a 200 m swim into Tu Lan Cave, followed by a 1.5 km trek to Hang Kim where swimming (450 m) and exploration (500 m) continues before adventuring 500 m on through To Mo Valley to the To Mo Cave campsite.

Enjoy another beautifully prepared dinner, and camping within graceful To Mo Valley.

Day 3: To Mo - Tan Hoa - Phong Nha

The last day continues to exude less adventure and balance between trekking and swimming, and then a morning swim 100 m upstream past the waterfall and through Hung Ton Cave via what is usually the exit of the cave.

Investigation of the dry passage leads to a 15 m ladder climb up to the entrance of Hung Ton.

After trekking across Hung Ton Valley, you will squeeze your way in to Secret Cave and discover the most untouched cave in Tu Lan Cave System.

Early afternoon holds the return trip across Rao Nan River, the beautiful fields, and back to Tan Hoa (2.5 km), where a cold drink will be calling your name.

Showers are available for those who would like to clean up and change. The tour returns to Phong Nha by 5:30 pm.

Find more Phong Nha tour programs - Click here

How to get to Phong Nha Ke Bang - Click here

Price

Price: 362 USD  or VND 8,000,000/pax 

 

YOU WILL NEED

2 long (easy to dry) pants and 2 long sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (quick dry)
1-2 pair of short and t-shirt to wear at campsite and swim suit
1 pair of good-gripping and non-waterproof trekking boots/shoes (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, underwears, toiletries


WE WILL PROVIDE

Camping gear: hammock/tent, camp light, sleeping bag, pillow, foam mattress
Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, life jacket, gloves
Light PVC backpack (if you do not want to take your own, as it will get wet)
Semi dry bag (for clothing and personal belongings excl. electronics) for inside the (light PVC) backpack
Basic canvas trekking boots (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 – 46
Meals: picnic lunches (day 1, 2 & 3), breakfast (days 2 & 3), dinner (day 1 & 2)
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 filter and 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 Oxalis Headquarters to store all luggage you will not be taking on the trek