2 days Hang Tien - Tu Lan Adventure
Spanning two days and one night, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan exploration offers an unparalleled journey for nature enthusiasts eager to uncover the secrets of Quang Binh's caverns. Experience exhilarating activities such as mountain trekking, forest navigation, and swimming in pristine pools. Venture into Hang Tien, the crown jewel of the Tu Lan system, and marvel at its towering stalactites, spiralling domes, and terraced floors that resemble an extraordinary paddy field.
This itinerary also includes a unique opportunity to dine with locals and relax at the River Bungalow in Tan Hoa, setting the stage for exploring Tu Lan's untamed beauty—a setting once featured in the cinematic wonder, Kong: Skull Island. Echoing director Jordan Vogt-Roberts' sentiment, "The world will see how beautiful Tu Lan is, they will come, experience and love Tu Lan as I did," this tour invites you to discover a world beyond imagination.
During the trip we can look forward to the following experiences:
- Explore the heart of the region's largest dry cave, where the cave's circular dome presents extraordinary and captivating architecture.
- Embark on a jungle trek where 80% of the path meanders through a lush tropical forest teeming with diverse flora—a truly unique experience for rainforest enthusiasts.
- Marvel at the striking formations within Hang Tien, showcasing layered rimstone pools, towering columns, and stalagmites that rise several meters high.
- Near the lunch spot on the Hang Tien-Tu Lan tour, witness the Rao Nan Stream's emergence after its underground journey, forming a stunning natural spectacle—an infinity pool inviting participants to dive into its chilly, crystalline waters.
- Immerse yourself in local culture by dining at a resident's home after the first day, gaining insights into the positive influence of adventure tourism on the community. Seize the chance to cycle and absorb the serene beauty of Tan Hoa village.
- Stay at the distinctive River Bungalow in Tu Lan Lodge, an innovative lodging concept harmonizing with the region's seasonal floods.
- Discover the enigmatic Hung Ton Cave and Rat Cave, repositories of ancient marine fossils. The natural artistry of stalagmites, stalactites, and cave pearls conjures images of resplendent castles.
- Experience the thrill of swimming in an underground river within the cave, illuminated only by your exploration lights, enveloping you in an ambiance of mystery and awe during the Hang Tien-Tu Lan 2 Days 1 Night discovery tour.
Day 1: Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Hang Tien
Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Phong Nha between 07:00 - 07:30 AM, whisking you to the welcoming Oxalis Tan Hoa office. Here, you'll receive a comprehensive safety briefing, gear up with essential equipment, and complete necessary formalities.
The journey kicks off with a scenic drive to the trailhead, where you'll start the Hang Tien exploration by ascending a lush hill. After a brief 15-minute uphill trek, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views as you descend into the serene river valley, pausing for a revitalizing snack amidst nature's splendor.
Upon reaching the valley floor, your path winds across a dry, rocky riverbed, guiding you towards the awe-inspiring entrance of Hang Tien 1 Cave. As you venture deeper into the cave, you'll be surrounded by verdant calcite formations and the striking beauty of striped limestone decorating the walls and ceiling. Further exploration reveals a mesmerizing dome towering above and calcite layers unfolding like mystical terraced fields.
After the cave exploration, gather at the cave's entrance for a delightful lunch before continuing through the rocky embrace of the mountains to discover a secluded natural pool. Here, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, providing a perfect interlude to the adventure. The return trek leads you back to civilization, culminating at the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. From there, retreat to the tranquil River Bungalow where you can rejuvenate and unwind.
In the evening, at 06:00 PM, immerse yourself in local culture with a dinner hosted at a villager's home. This intimate experience offers traditional cuisine and heartfelt exchanges, enriching your understanding of local life. The day concludes with a peaceful night's rest back at the River Bungalow, nestled in the heart of Tan Hoa's charm. This journey promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural immersion, and relaxation in the pristine landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Day 2: Explore Tu Lan - Tan Hoa - Phong Nha
As dawn breaks, Tu Lan Lodge awakens your senses with a chef-prepared breakfast, setting the tone for the day's thrilling escapades. The day begins with an itinerary briefing, followed by a journey through golden cornfields and vibrant meadows towards the Rao Nan River. A gentle ascent through the heart of the valley leads to the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. Equipped with helmets, headlamps, and safety gear, you'll explore the 500-meter-long cavern, adorned with ancient sea shell fossils on its walls and floors.
Embrace your inner adventurer as you harness up and climb a 10-meter ladder, descending into the embrace of an underground river. Specialized lights reveal the cave's hidden marvels in a mesmerizing display. A picturesque lunch awaits by To Mo Lake, a location so stunning it was featured in "The Immortal."
In the afternoon, challenge yourself with Lom Com peak, rising 150 meters above sea level at a steep 45-degree angle—a magnet for mountain enthusiasts. Traverse dense forests and the La Ken valley to discover Rat Cave, renowned for its crown jewel stalactites. On sunlit days, witness ethereal beams piercing the cave's heart, casting an otherworldly glow.
Conclude your Oxalis Hang Tien-Tu Lan journey by meandering through verdant valleys and fields, returning to the sanctuary of the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. Here, unwind with refreshing beverages and freshen up before your return journey to Phong Nha. Your expedition concludes as the car escorts you back, arriving in Phong Nha between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, marking the end of an unforgettable trekking experience in Quang Binh.
The trip cost: $425USD per person
The trip cost includes:
- Food and beverage: meals listed in the itinerary, tea and coffee for guests during the trek (excluding extra requests from guests). Dishes follow a fixed menu and vegetarian or vegan dishes are also provided at the request of the guest.
- Safety equipment: We will provide safety equipment such as helmets, caving headlamps, gloves and other safety equipment.
- Travel insurance: We buy travel insurance for all travelers participating in camping trips with a maximum compensation of VND 10,000,000. Hang En Cave Adventure visitors are advised to purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance prior to joining this tour camping in the cave.
- VAT, entrance fee and environment fee, management fee and other fees of the national park.
The trip cost does not include:
- Drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal spending
What to Bring:
- Trekking clothes (quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts and trekking pants, waterproof jacket)
- Campsite clothing sets (Warm clothes for winter from December to March, shorts and T-shirts for summer from April to September)
- 1 pair of good gripping trekking shoes (drainable); *Waterproof/Gore Tex shoes are not recommended
- 1 medium size backpack (20L-25L) to carry stuff that you need while trekking
- 1 pair of sandals/slides using at the campsite
- Personal dry bag/box for electronic devices
- Swimwear using at the campsite
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
- Hand fan for summer (April to August)
- 1 medium towel
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, nature-friendly shampoo & soap, …)
- Power banks
- Personal medication
- Antifungal foot powder
- Passport
Have a great trip!!!