15 Years of Oxalis: A Journey of Transforming Lands Through Responsible Tourism

On June 8, 2026, Oxalis celebrates 15 years of establishment and development, marking 15 years of commitment to sustainable tourism through world-class adventure experiences. Looking back on the journey, from a young startup in a remote and challenging rural region, Oxalis is proud to have become a pioneer in shaping cave adventure tourism in Vietnam. Over the past 15 years, this journey has stood as proof of a vision: that sustainable tourism can help transform the future of a place and create new opportunities for the people who call it home.

Starting with livelihoods and a commitment to nature conservation

Fifteen years ago, Oxalis took its first steps in Phong Nha, a region where local communities faced recurring floods and natural disasters year after year. At the time, livelihoods depended largely on uncertain agricultural income, while many people relied on unsustainable and often illegal exploitation of forest resources to make ends meet.

Driven by the desire to create a more sustainable path forward, Oxalis began researching, developing, and operating cave adventure experiences that meet international standards. This approach not only opened a new chapter for adventure tourism in Vietnam, but more importantly, it created opportunities that transformed the lives of many local people:

- From forest exploitation to forest stewardship: Many who once entered the forest to log timber or hunt illegally have been given new opportunities, training, and trust to become key members of Oxalis’ tourism operations, serving as porters, safety assistants, and adventure guides. Their deep knowledge of the forest, built over a lifetime, has become an invaluable asset in protecting the very landscape they once depended on for survival.

- A transformation in a flood-prone village: Working together with the local community, Oxalis has witnessed the transformation of Tân Hóa, a village that was once isolated and regularly affected by seasonal flooding. Rather than seeing these challenges as obstacles, the community found ways to adapt and develop unique tourism experiences. Oxalis is proud to have walked alongside the people of Tân Hóa as the village transformed and was recognized by UN Tourism as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the World.

Many local people have been trained to take part in tourism activities.

Positioning Phong Nha and Tân Hóa on the global adventure tourism map

After 15 years of steady development, Oxalis has played a role in establishing Quảng Trị as home to the world’s largest concentration of cave adventure tourism experiences, helping strengthen Vietnam’s position on the global adventure tourism map.

To turn this long-term vision into reality, Oxalis has gone beyond operating individual tours and worked to build a connected tourism ecosystem.

At its core are the nature-based adventures of Oxalis Adventure, ranging from short and multi-day expeditions through the Tú Làn Cave System, Hang Tiên Cave, Hang Én Cave, Hang Va Cave, and Hang Ba Cave, to the world-renowned Sơn Đoòng Cave Expedition. These experiences are complemented by locally inspired accommodation and hospitality offerings, including the rustic Chày Lập Farmstay, the nature-focused Blue Diamond Retreat, the weather-adaptive Tú Làn Lodge, and comprehensive travel solutions for groups and corporate clients through Phong Nha Holiday. Together, these interconnected businesses represent a practical response to the socio-economic challenge that Oxalis set out to address from the very beginning:

- More than 600 direct jobs have been created providing stable incomes and professional working environments for local people. At Oxalis, employees gain more than income for their families and educational opportunities for their children. They work in an environment built on safety, dignity, and respect. Team members receive training in English, technical skills, rescue operations, and first aid to international standards, along with full insurance coverage. Over time, “professionalism” has become a source of pride, reflected in the confidence of a porter on the trail and the warm hospitality of a housekeeper at Chày Lập Farmstay.

- Thousands more people benefit indirectly through the Oxalis ecosystem and its local supply chain. By sourcing agricultural products, food, and services from local suppliers whenever possible, Oxalis has helped create a model in which both tourism and local communities can thrive. Visitors enjoy authentic local experiences through the region’s food, culture, and hospitality, while farming families gain more stable sources of income and opportunities to strengthen their production capacity, enabling them to meet international service standards and welcome travelers from around the world.

Visitors make ‘pồi’ rice at local homes in Tan Hoa village.

Sharing a model built on core values

Rather than stopping at what has been achieved so far, Oxalis is entering a new phase of development with a focus on sharing knowledge and growing in a thoughtful and sustainable way:

- Establishing the Oxalis Empowerment Center: Drawing on 15 years of experience, Oxalis is bringing together its operational know-how, management practices, and rigorous safety standards into a structured training program. The goal is to share these practices with businesses and destinations beyond Quảng Trị, contributing to a more professional and sustainable tourism industry across Vietnam.

- Expanding to new destinations: The aspiration to create positive change through responsible tourism extends beyond the forests of Phong Nha and Tân Hóa. Oxalis is bringing this mindset and development model to Đồng Nai and, in the years ahead, to other regions across Vietnam, continuing to demonstrate what a Vietnamese adventure tourism company can achieve through long-term commitment and local partnership.

As Oxalis grows, one thing will remain unchanged: its commitment to the values that have guided the company from the beginning. In every new destination and with every new challenge, kindness, pioneering spirit, the safety of guests and staff, and a commitment to prioritizing community well-being will continue to serve as the foundation for every decision and every step forward.

Our deepest gratitude

This 15-year journey was not shaped by any single individual. It has been built on trust, perseverance, and the support of countless people who have walked alongside us every step of the way. On behalf of the leadership team of Oxalis and the communities of Phong Nha, Tân Hóa, and Cao Quảng, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to:

- Local authorities: Their understanding, support, and commitment to creating an enabling policy environment have provided a strong foundation for long-term investment and sustainable development. Their partnership has given Oxalis the confidence to pursue lasting value for both local communities and the places they call home.

- Thousands of travelers: Your trust, encouragement, and continued support over the past 15 years have been the greatest source of motivation for Oxalis. Every journey taken with us has inspired us to keep improving, innovating, and moving forward.

As a new chapter begins beyond this 15-year journey, Oxalis remains committed to advancing responsible tourism, sharing knowledge and experience, and partnering with communities across Vietnam to create lasting value for people, places, and the future of Vietnamese tourism.

Oxalis - Where the adventure begins!