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.

 

This tour is to give you a taste of Tu Lan, see the immense formations of Hang Chuot (Rat Cave) before trekking to impressive Hung Ton Cave and To Mo Valley.

 

Special Note:

 

  • Availability: Daily
  • Small Group Tours: Maximum 12pax
  • Minimum Age: 16 -70 years
  • Tour Starts: 7:00 am - 7:30 am from any local hotel in Phong Nha.
  • Please make sure that your health is suitable for these activities with ease.
  • 9km trek through valleys forest and river crossing
  • 800m cave exploration; elevation gain 60m
  • 15m ladder climbing; 150m swimming in underground river)
  • Swimming and wading at the waterfall
  • Easy to moderate trekking

Requirements:

  • Basic trekking experience
  • Need to have swimming skill

Itinerary

Tu Lan cave 1 day Experience 

Tan Hoa - Explore Rat Cave

Tan Hoa - Explore Rat Cave
Between 07:00 and 07:30 On the morning of departure, 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, 70 km from Phong Nha. At the office, the guide will give you a short briefing about the trekking itinerary and safety regulations. You will sign the RELEASE FORM, and receive the necessary safety equipment. (The transportation cost to Tan Hoa is included in the price of the Tu Lan one day tour).

After the briefing, the group will start walking through the flat corn and peanut fields toward the Rao Nan River. You will cross the river and go up a small slope to get to the entrance of Rat Cave. Here, you will be provided with helmets, headlamps, and safety equipment to explore Rat Cave for about about 300m long. This cave has many beautiful stalactites and a soaring dome with a unique heart-shaped structure. After the exploration, the group returns to Rao Nan river to climb up the 60m high Baby hill. Crossing the Hung Ton valley to reach the dry passage of Hung Ton Cave.

Guests will descend a 15-meter ladder with safety harnesses in Hung Ton cave to continue exploring the remaining dry passage of the cave. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to see a fossil of a million-year-old marine species. The group will then move to the water passage of the cave. Customers will be provided with life jackets and start swimming in the underground river of the cave, swimming across a small reef, and at the end of the cave the picturesque To Mo Valley, is awaiting. Here, you have time to enjoy lunch and swim on the emerald-green stream before swimming through Hung Ton cave to return.

The 1-day Tu Lan experience tour  ends with crossing the lush green valley and fields. You will return to the Rao Nan River and walk back through the farmland to the office. AtTan Hoa office, the group can relax and have some cool drinks.

The car will pick up the group and you will be back in Phong Nha at about 18:30 - 19:30, ending the trekking adventure to the Tu Lan caves - one of the most unique adventure tours in Quang Binh.

Price

Price: VND 1,800,000/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 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 change of clothes for after the tour
1 pair of calf length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera