How to make sure that you're fit for Son Doong Cave Tour

Understanding the Physical Demands of Son Doong Cave Tour

Detailed description of the tour's difficulty

The Son Doong Expedition is classified as level 6 - Hard, the highest tour difficulty offered by Oxalis, demanding exceptional fitness and prior trekking experience.

Son Doong Cave Expedition presents a demanding adventure suitable for experienced trekkers and cavers. It encompasses 25km of trekking through jungle and mountain trails with significant elevation changes up to 800m. Participants must be prepared for multiple river crossings inside and outside the caves, with water levels ranging from knee-deep to potentially higher depending on weather conditions.

During the tour, you will camp for three nights within the caves, with the first night spent in Hang En Cave and the subsequent two nights in the awe-inspiring Son Doong Cave. The expedition includes 8km of caving that involves climbing using safety equipment and navigating through extensive rocky terrain.

A particularly challenging aspect is the 90-meter descent to the cave entrance, which requires negotiating a steep 45-degree slope with the aid of safety equipment, assistants, and an expert. Similarly, ascending the Great Wall of Vietnam involves climbing 90 meters up a ladder and steep slopes, again with support from safety gear and professional assistance.

You will climb the 90-meter-tall Great Wall of Vietnam when you join the Son Doong Cave excursion.

Baseline Fitness Requirements For Son Doong Expedition Tour

To conquer the Son Doong Expedition, you'll need a solid foundation of trekking experience and fitness requirements for Son Doong. Here's the baseline:

- Trekking: Within the past year, you should have completed at least one overnight trek and 1-2 day treks on varied terrain (forest, mountain, rocky, steep). Each trek should cover at least 8km (5 miles) daily and gain 300m elevation. Suitable treks include Ta Nang - Phan Dung, Bach Moc Luong Tu, Pu Si Lung, and Fansipan, as well as equivalent treks or overnight cave exploration tours in Vietnam or abroad.

- Fitness: Regular engagement in strenuous sports or outdoor activities is crucial. You should be able to:

• Run 5km continuously within 50 minutes.
• Climb 5 floors without excessive breathlessness or dizziness.

The tour is open to individuals aged 18-70 but be prepared for a physical challenge. While some may find it manageable, others might need assistance from safety experts.

Important Note: While some find it manageable, others may face challenges and require assistance. If difficulties arise on Day 2, the tour may be suspended, and no refunds or rescheduling will be offered.

A strong foundation of trekking experience is necessary to successfully complete the Son Doong Expedition.

How To Meet the Physical Requirements of Son Doong Cave Tour

The Son Doong Expedition, with its demanding physical requirements, can be readily manageable for those with excellent fitness levels and prior trekking experience. However, for many, it presents a formidable challenge.

Based on the tour's prerequisites, participants need to be in good physical condition to complete the entire itinerary and fully enjoy the experience without feeling excessively tired, uncomfortable, or lagging behind the group.

If you're new to trekking, hiking, or adventure tours and dreaming of exploring Son Doong Cave, don't worry! You can build the physical fitness requirements for Son Doong Cave tour. Here's what you can do:

Improve Your Physical Health

• Stair Climbing: About building your stamina and training for Son Doong, replace the elevator with stairs whenever possible. Aim to climb 10 floors without getting too winded, gradually increasing the frequency to 3 times a week and develop muscle strength for climbing.
• Running/Jogging: Dedicate 3-4 days a week to jogging/running, gradually increasing your distance to 5km per session to improve endurance for cave tours. Aim to complete a 5km run within 45 minutes without stopping, feeling dizzy, or experiencing shortness of breath.
• Swimming: If you're not confident in the water, take swimming lessons to fully enjoy the in-cave swimming and water activities. While you don't need to be a pro, being comfortable in the water and wearing a life jacket is essential. Practice breaststroke, as it's recommended for cave swimming.

Run 3 to 4 days a week to increase your endurance for cave tours.

Gain Trekking Experience

• Start small: As part of your training for Son Doong, begin with day hikes and progressively make them more challenging. Select trails that incorporate hills, rocks, or steep inclines to replicate the Son Doong landscape.
• Explore Vietnam: Southern options include Chua Chan Mountain, the easternmost point, or the easier Ta Nang - Phan Dung (combined with Ba Den Mountain). Try Sa Pa, Ha Giang, or Yen Bai in the northwest.
• Join Oxalis Tours: Test your skills on more accessible Oxalis adventures like Tu Lan, Hang Tien, or Hang Va. This will earn you valuable experience, and you can become our “Xieu” and receive a 10% discount on future tours!

Enjoy beautiful nature of the spring next to the Tu Lan Campsite.

Health Checking Before Son Doong Expedition

The Son Doong Cave is in a remote jungle area far from medical facilities. If you have any underlying medical conditions or medical history, you must undergo a consult with your doctor and health check before trekking and joining the Son Doong tour.

If your medical condition is well-managed or successfully treated, it should not be a barrier to participating in the tour. However, if you are actively undergoing treatment, Oxalis may ask you to postpone the trip or provide a doctor's clearance confirming your fitness.

Gear for Son Doong Cave Tour: What to Bring on Your Expedition

Given the Son Doong Expedition's multi-day trek through diverse landscapes, meticulous preparing for Son Doong Cave is paramount for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's a packing guide to help you get ready:

1. Footwear

• Trekking boots: Choose a pair with good traction and drainage for navigating slippery trails and numerous stream crossings. Ensure they're not waterproof (Gore-Tex), as you'll wade through water. If you don't have suitable hiking boots, Oxalis can lend you essential jungle boots in sizes 36-46 EU at Phong Nha office. These boots offer decent traction and drainage for the trek.
• Camp shoes: Lightweight sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at campsites.
• Socks: Pack 4-5 pairs of high, thin socks to prevent leeches and blisters. Change your socks daily for maximum comfort, as drying them in the jungle can be difficult.

At the Phong Nha office, Oxalis can lend you the necessary jungle footwear.

2. Clothing for cave tours

• Trekking clothes: Gear for Son Doong Cave Tour? Don't forget 3-4 long-sleeved, quick-drying shirts and 2-3 pairs of similar pants. Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics offering sun protection. You can re-wear these clothes for multiple days to minimize luggage.
• Camp clothes: To relax at camp, bring shorts, t-shirts, and underwear. For cooler months (December-March), pack long-sleeved shirts, pants, a light jacket, and a thin sweater.
• Swimsuit: Remember to pack a swimsuit for the first night of camp in Hang En, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

You can buy trekking gear at Oxalis Gearshop.

3. Oxalis Provides the Rest

• Camping gear: Oxalis will provide tents, mattresses, pillows, and sleeping bags for a comfortable night's rest.
• Caving gear: Oxalis will provide essential safety gear such as helmets, headlamps, gloves, and harnesses.

4. Additional Essentials

• Hat: To protect yourself from the sun.
• Personal hygiene items: Pack biodegradable wet wipes, dry shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
• Headlamp or flashlight: For navigating the campsite at night.
• Water bottle (1.5L): You can bring your own or use the one provided by Oxalis.
• Other essentials: Electrolyte tablets (Oresol), personal medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, foot powder, and any other items you need.
• Backpack for adventure travel (20-30L): If you don't want to use the backpack provided by Oxalis, bring your waterproof backpack to carry your helmet, headlamp, water bottle, phone, and other personal items.

To know more about “What should guests prepare for the tours with Oxalis?”, check it out: What To Prepare For The Adventure Tour With Oxalis.

5. Important Notes

• Luggage not needed during the trek will be stored at the hotel or Oxalis office. Campsite items will be packed in Oxalis' dry bags and carried by porters. The weight limit for porter-carried luggage is 7kg per person.
• Phong Nha and Tan Hoa are small towns with limited supplies, so bring everything you need beforehand.
• Oxalis does not allow visitors to bring dresses, bikinis or other clothes unsuitable for this adventure tour.

With this comprehensive guide and the support of Oxalis Adventure, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your unforgettable Son Doong expedition!

A Son Doong expedition is a rewarding adventure but demands thorough preparation. Prioritize the importance of physical fitness through regular exercise and trekking to navigate challenging terrains. Mental resilience is equally vital to overcoming obstacles. Equipping yourself with the right gear and knowledge ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

For personalized advice and detailed guidance, consider contacting Oxalis Adventure, Son Doong's exclusive tour operator. Our expertise can help you tailor your preparations to your individual needs.

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey? Begin your preparations for Son Doong today!

The Oxalis Experience.