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Highlights

Hang En is the third largest cave in the world. Camp in the enormous cave entrance and explore the length of the cave including the cinematic exit that has featured in Hollywood films. This tour is for travelers who want to experience an enormous cave – but may not have time for Son Doong. The experience is particularly rewarding for photographers.

  • Camp in the third largest cave in the world!
  • Explore the gigantic exit – one of the most beautiful scenes in the national park.
  • Trek through the jungle and traverse rivers.
  • Tuck into freshly cooked meals during the journey, plus snacks.
Key Information
  • Two days exploring, one night camping.
  • Available December to September.
  • Daily tours December and January. Three to four tours per day February to September.
  • Group size: 16 people maximum.
  • Age: 16 years and above. 15 year olds with experience will be considered.
  • Distance: 22km trekking, 3km caving, 450m elevation gain.
  • Difficulty: Level 3 – moderate.
  • Itinerary (below) is subject to change with the weather. Paths can be slippery and muddy after rain.

Itinerary

Due to the weather conditions the itinerary may need to be changed at short notice. The paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.

Day 1: Phong Nha - Ban Doong Village - Hang En

On Day 1, our tour bus will pick you up from your hotel in Phong Nha between 08:00 and 08:30, for the drive to the Oxalis office. Here you will have a tour safety briefing, sign the release form and receive the required equipment for the tour.

The trek starts off with a steep downhill section, leading into the jungle. A short uphill section follows and then the final long and steep descent (rocky at times) to a small stream. Follow the small stream for half an hour with multiple crossings. Arrive at Ban Doong, a small minority village inside the national park. Enjoy a delicious lunch and learn about the village. A further 20 minutes will bring you to the main river and the Hang En river valley. The route to the cave follows the river, so there are constant river crossings and your shoes will get wet! The valley is broad and very beautiful. Arriving at the cave, you will enter the small river entrance and climb over a small rocky hill to camp, located in a huge chamber with a large entrance providing daylight and a stunning view. Enjoy a swim in your tent-side pool before a full dinner served by the porter team.

Day 2: Hang En - Phong Nha

The following morning climb the rocky hill behind the camp for photos and then follow the main river passage.

More river crossings, a small sandy hill, and a higher rocky hill will bring you to the incredible exit of Hang En. Make sure you have plenty of battery power for the many photos you will want to take. Return to camp via the river passage and enjoy lunch in the cave. Finally say goodbye to Hang En and head back up the river valley. Take a different route through the forest back to the road, although the hill back up will look familiar – a 450m ascent. Enjoy a cold drink before heading back to Phong Nha. Transfer to Phong Nha arriving at around 17:00.

Adventure Level

Adventure Level 3 · Moderate

  • 2-day tour
  • Moderate trekking
  • 22km of trekking including 3km of caving
  • Total elevation gain: 450m
  • Swimming in caves
  • Rocky terrain, steep ascent, steep decent, multiple rivercrossings
FAQs
  • How do I get to Phong Nha?

    If you are arriving from oversea, there are two main international airports connect with Dong Hoi Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi Capital) in the north and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) in the south. There’re many daily flights connecting between 2 main airports with Dong Hoi Airport. From Dong Hoi airport you can get a taxi or shuttle bus to Phong Nha which takes around 45 minutes. You can choose other means of transportation. From Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An to Phong Nha by sleeper bus, or to Dong Hoi City by train. If you are planning to our tour once arrived in Phong Nha then please make sure your bus/train arrives before 6:00 am to take your tour on time.

    If your arrival time is too early, please contact us to get a FREE dorm bed at Oxalis Home to have a few hours rest before taking the tour. We have gathered all information regarding arrival and departure in the link below, please check for more details.
    https://oxalisadventure.com/arrival-departure-guide/

  • What is the weather like?

    The weather in Phong Nha is quite mild and divided into 4 main seasons.
    • Mid-November to early March: the weather is quite cold, the temperature ranges from 12-15°C;
    • Mid-March to late June: dry season, quite stable weather, light showers, temperatures in the range of 22-38°C (May to June is usually the peak heat wave, the temperature can rise up to 38 degrees);
    • Mid-July to mid-September: hot season, increased rainfall, temperature ranges from 25-35°C.
    • Mid-September to mid-November: rainy season, usually with prolonged heavy rain, possible flooding.
    (For safety reasons, Oxalis Adventure closes all tours during this time every year).
    In addition, typhoons, droughts or floods may occur in Phong Nha if the weather conditions are erratic. Prior 1 day to your arrival to Phong Nha, you can conveniently check the weather forecast and prepare for your trip accordingly, here: accuweather.com
    This website shows an approximately accurate weather forecast of the area.

  • My child (under 16 y/o) is accompanying me. Can they join the tour?

    If your child is in the age bracket of 11-16 y/o, we offer a private tour option. Feel free to contact our adventure consultant team for assistance in this regard.

  • What benefits will I enjoy if I book multiple tours and services with The Oxalis Group?

    The Oxalis Group has four primary members:
    • Oxalis Adventure: Asia’s biggest adventure tour operator, conducting jungle and cave tours in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and Tu Lan Cave System.
    • Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort: One of the top accommodations in Vietnam, blending a rustic countryside aura with luxury.
    • Di Di Thoi: A full service tour operator located in Phong Nha, Quang Binh, offering a variety of classic tours, soft-adventures and inspiring local experiences.
    • Son Đoong Bungalow: Based in the prime location of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong Bungalow offers unique features of indigenous culture, magnificent landscapes and hospitable locals.

    • You will receive a 10% discount for the second tour and onwards for Oxalis Adventure*.
    • A special room rate at Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort at just VND 1.3 million/night, discounted from the original price of VND 2.6 million/night.
    • You will also enjoy a 10% discount on all Di Di Thoi tours.
    • Discount for room bookings at Son Doong Bungalow at VND 1.540 million for Family Room (maximum 4 adults), VND 1.120 million/night for Deluxe Rooms (1-2 adults) and VND 910.000/night for Superior Rooms (1-2 adults). Applicable to all guests booking tours with Oxalis Adventure or Di Di Thoi during the tour processing time.

    Our consultant will happily assist you, should you need further details on these benefits.

    (*) Except the Son Doong Expedition.

  • Where would the excess luggage be kept and how much luggage would the porters carry on tour?

    Your luggage will be kept at the offices in Phong Nha and Tan Hoa. For high-value belongings, please inform the staff, so that it can be stored safely in the locker.
    With 1-day tour, guests' items are not too many, so safety assistants can assist guests. In case guests have a lot of items, they will prepare a medium-sized backpack (type 15-20L) and bring it on their own during the journey.
    For 2-3 day tours, guests' equipment used at the camp will be supported by Oxalis porters, the maximum weight is 3kg / person / tour. The daily necessities will be brought by guests, Oxalis provides floating backpacks for visitors to Tu Lan and Hang Tien tours, guests prepare their own medium-sized backpacks (type 15-25L) when participating in Hang En and Hang Va.
    Similar provisions for the Tu Lan 4-day tour, however, luggage used at the camp has a maximum weight of 5kg / person / tour.

  • What if I am a solo traveler, can I join a group?

    Solo travelers are most welcome and make up a large percentage of most groups.

  • Why do I have to sign your Release Form?

    We require customers to sign our Release Form to confirm they accept this is an adventure tour and they have to follow our guide’s instructions and safety rules. Customers also accept they have some responsibilities for their own safety.

  • Do I need to know how to swim to join this tour?

    You do not need to know how to swim to join this tour, but you will have river crossings up to your waist so prepared to get your shoes and trousers wet. If you like to swim, you are welcome to splash about in your choice of a large natural pool located next to camp within the cave.

Preparations

Please visit our FAQ general page to read our specific What to Bring list before departing for Vietnam and your cave expedition.

WE WILL PROVIDE

  • Camping gear: tent, camp light, sleeping bag, mattresses, pillow
  • Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, gloves
  • Dry bag (for clothing and personal belongings excl. electronics)
  • Meals: picnic lunches, breakfast (day 2), dinner (day 1)
  • Basic canvas trekking boots (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 – 46
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide and safety assistants
  • 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)
  • 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 any luggage you will not be taking on the trek

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

  • 1 long (easy to dry) pants and 1 long sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (quick dry)
  • 1 pair of shorts and t-shirt to wear at campsite plus your swim suit.
  • 1 pair of trekking boots/shoes – difficult terrain, good footwear necessary
  • 1 pair of flip flop (sandals) for campsite
  • 1 sun hat in summer
  • 1 medium size towel
  • 1 change of clothes for after the tour
  • 1 pair of calf-length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
  • Medium size backpack (25 L) for your water bottle, personal belongings and provided caving helmet
  • Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera

Pricing and availability

Please choose your departure date using the calendar below.

  • This tour is operated from Dec to mid-Sept (closed from mid-Sept to Nov).
  • The days in bold are still available
  • 2020 and 2021 tours are available for booking, please check calendar box belownew_releases
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