Hang En Cave Adventure
The journey 2 days 1 night Hang En Adventure brings customers to the fairyland in the Hollywood movie (Pan: The Neverland 2015), and where ABC News made the live broadcast for Good Morning America program. Hang En cave is part of the famous Son Doong expedition tour.
Hang En Cave, one of the world's largest natural caverns, lies deep within the core of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. Dating back 3 million years, this majestic cave offers an unforgettable trekking experience with Oxalis Adventure, featuring a spectacular night of camping right inside the cavern.
Since its official documentation in 1994, Hang En has captivated global audiences. It has earned acclaim from prestigious publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, and Lonely Planet. Most notably, the cave—along with Hang Son Doong and Hang Va – was showcased in Episode 6 ("EXTREMES") of the renowned BBC documentary series, Planet Earth III.
Beyond its standalone beauty, the Hang En trek serves as the gateway to the legendary Son Doong Expedition, hosting the camp for the first night of that journey. Widely regarded as one of Oxalis Adventure’s most attractive tours, it continues to receive high praise from both domestic and international explorers.
- Camp inside a natural cave: Forget ordinary camping. You will spend the night inside Hang En Cave, one of the planet's largest natural chambers. Pitch your tent on a soft, secluded beach, dwarfed by towering ceilings that soar hundreds of feet high. This is an unprecedented, epic sleep experience within a colossal geological marvel, a memory that will define your travel log.
- Plunge into a pristine, turquoise subterranean oasis: As the ultimate reward after a jungle trek, dive into a refreshing natural pool of emerald-blue water. Fed by the pristine Rao Thuong River, this isolated, underground swimming spot offers an incredibly cool and invigorating experience, providing a complete physical and mental reset deep inside the earth.
- Witness the spectacle of the sunbeams: Secure your chance to capture the photographer's dream, the elusive "God Rays." On clear days, immense columns of sunlight pierce the massive cave opening, dramatically slicing through the darkness and illuminating the massive formations. This rare, surreal phenomenon transforms the cavern into a scene of otherworldly, ethereal beauty.
- Fuel sustainable change in Ban Doong Village: Your journey leaves a legacy of tangible good. Tourism has significantly elevated the quality of life for the Bru-Van Kieu minority in Doong Village. Through initiatives by Oxalis, the village now benefits from a clean water system, septic toilets, and annual scholarships for all local children. Most notably, you will see the sturdy 4-classroom school built in 2021 to replace the one devastatingly washed away by massive floods—standing as proof that your adventure directly supports education and community resilience.
- Explore Hang En Cave, the gate to Hang Son Doong: Stand at the very point where the powerful Rao Thuong River disappears into the darkness, knowing that this is the same water source that carved the mighty Son Doong Cave. Experience the powerful natural cathedral that is Hang En, home to thousands of Swifts and a crucial part of the world's most impressive cave system.
The highlights include:
Itinerary
The schedule of the Hang En Adventure 2 days 1 night camping and trekking tour may change due to weather conditions. The paths on this trekking tour can be quite muddy and slippery when it rains. Please scroll down to see booking information and Hang En Adventure tour price to explore the Hang En 2 days 1 night tour.
Download the itineraryPHONG NHA - BAN DOONG VILLAGE - HANG EN CAVE
Please ensure you arrive in Phong Nha before 7:00 AM. Between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, a vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Oxalis Office. Here, you will receive a safety briefing, sign the release form, and collect your safety gear.
The adventure officially kicks off with a descent down a steep hill into the jungle, meeting the Rao Thuong Stream. After 1.5 hours of trekking and wading through crystal-clear waters, you will arrive at Ban Doong Village. Located in the core zone of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, this isolated village is home to a minority ethnic community. Here, you will break for lunch and gain insight into their unique way of life.
The trek continues for another 3 hours through lush jungle and multiple river crossings until the massive arch of Hang En Cave looms into view.
At the cave entrance, you will equip your helmet and headlamp to tackle a rocky climb. Reaching the top of the slope, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the camp set against the cave’s colossal interior. After settling into your tent, take a refreshing swim in the turquoise lake adjacent to the campsite. The day concludes with a savory dinner served right in the heart of the cave – an unforgettable start to your expedition.
Note: For early arrivals, Oxalis offers complimentary use of a 6-bed dorm room at Oxalis Home to freshen up before the tour. Please book this in advance.
HANG EN - PHONG NHA
The day begins with breakfast at the underground camp. Afterward, you will climb the rocky sections behind the campsite to explore the deeper recesses of the cave. Here, you can admire magnificent stalactites and stalagmites while learning interesting facts about the cave’s geology. From high up on the rocks at the back of the cave, a stunning new perspective of the campsite opens up – be sure to capture this moment, as it is one of the most unique photo opportunities in the world.
Wading through underground streams, the group will proceed to the spectacular "back door" of Hang En, where a massive sandy floor meets the jungle outside. After soaking in the view, you will return to the camp for lunch and a brief rest before beginning the journey home.
Leaving the cave behind, the group retraces the path through the jungle, crossing the river multiple times. The adventure concludes with a physical challenge: climbing a steep jungle hill with an elevation gain of 450m. At the summit, our driver will be waiting with ice-cold beverages – a well-deserved treat after your expedition. You will be transferred back to Phong Nha, arriving around 18:00.
Suggested itinerary before and after the tour:
To ensure the best preparation before your journey or to unwind after the expedition, Oxalis suggests staying at Chay Lap Farmstay, featuring premium rooms, a swimming pool, spa, kayaking, cycling, and more. A special discounted rate for Oxalis customers is 1,000,000 VND/room for 2 people. Check availability here: chaylapfarmstay.com
During your time in Phong Nha, the Phong Nha Caves Exploration Museum (open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, free admission) is a must-visit destination. Here, you can experience the Son Doong 5D VR technology for 500,000 VND per ticket. All proceeds from this activity are contributed to the Oxalis Foundation to support local community projects, making your journey even more meaningful.
Gallery
Weather and Climate
The area of Hang En - Phong Nha has 4 climate seasons in a year (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Due to the weather and to ensure the safety of visitors, especially in the rainy season, the Hang En tour only operates from December to mid-September every year and it is also the ideal time to explore Hang En and Phong Nha adventure tourism.
From January to March: The weather in the area can be quite cold, but there will be some warm sunny days.
April and May are the spring months, not too hot, when visitors will see many colorful blooming flowers.
June to August are the hot summer months, but most of the time visitors trek inside the cave and jungle, so it does not feel too bad. During the summer months, it will be really nice to swim inside the cave.
This is a camping trip inside one of the largest caves in Vietnam so visitors do not have to worry about rain or blazing sun during the overnight camp.
Adventure level on tour
After many years of adventure tourism activities, Oxalis Adventure has created a Level of Adventure scale to help guests participating in Oxalis tours to visualize and choose the adventure tour most suitable for their fitness and health. This scale is not to be applied to other companies or tours with different conditions and terrains. The easiest level (level 1) anyone can join, and the most difficult level - 6 requires regular exercise and some trekking experience.
Adventure level: 3 - Moderate
The Hang En Adventure Tour is rated as Moderate (Level 3) on the Oxalis adventure level system. The difficulty of the tour is based on the physical fitness and health of average active people, not runners, athletes, or intensely active individuals.
Activities: Crossing rocky terrain, many ups and downs, hills and rivers
- Trekking through 25km of mountain and river paths with rough terrain
- 3km of caving
- Multiple stream crossings
- Elevation gain: 650m
- Steep ascents and descents on forest paths
- Availability schedule: December to mid-September; 3-4 trips/week (except from mid-December to late January: tours run daily)
- Number of guests per tour: Up to 16 guests; Age 16-70 years old.
Terrains
The tour takes place in remote areas with complex terrains. Customers must be physically fit. Please carefully read the tour itinerary and honestly fill out the booking information yourself, especially your experience and health condition.
Physical fitness requirements for Hang En Adventure Tour
The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Hang En Adventure Tour include:
- Trekking experience requirements: It is required to have trekking experience, at least one overnight camp trek, OR 2-3 day-treks with the following tour elements: trekking routes through forest/mountain/rocky/steep terrains, covering a minimum distance of 8km per day (equivalent to 5 miles per day), with an elevation gain of at least 300m.
- Fitness Preparation: Engage in strenuous sports such as football, and skiing, or regularly participate in outdoor activities such as walking or running (3-4 times per week, covering 4-5 km each time) to maintain physical fitness. This ensures that they are able to:
- Run continuously for 5 kilometres within 50 minutes.
- Climb 5 floors continuously without becoming out of breath or dizzy.
Guests aged 16 to 70 are permitted to join the Hang En Adventure Tour, which demands good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Those with experience in mountain trekking and good physical health, as well as those who engage in regular sports training, could easily complete this tour.
Some guests on the Hang En Adventure Tour may find it not particularly challenging, while others may encounter difficulties and require assistance from many safety assistants to complete the tour. The tour regulations allow safety experts and/or guides to temporarily suspend the journey, and escort guests out of the forest if significant difficulties are encountered on the itinerary. Refunds or rescheduling are not applicable in such cases.
For more information on the necessary physical activities for a successful trip, please refer to: https://oxalisadventure.com/getting-ready-oxalis-tour/.
Safety on the tour
This is always the top priority of Oxalis Adventure to ensure the safety of both visitors and Oxalis’ staff on any trip, including one night adventures. We only use high-quality equipment meeting international standards, mainly imported from France, the UK, and Switzerland. The tour guides must undergo professional training and be tested for skills regularly. Only qualified guides may lead an Oxalis tour. Visitors can learn about the "safety management" and " safety equipment" that Oxalis uses here.
* Please note that tour communication is conducted in English and Vietnamese.
Travel safety tips
Any adventure activities will always contain risks and these must be carefully managed. Oxalis tours take place in remote locations without easy access to medical care. Hence a lot of work goes into managing and reducing risks to the lowest level possible. You can learn more about "Travel safety tip" here.
Preparation for the Hang En Cave Adventure
Hang En Cave Adventure has just one night camping in the cave, so the items you need to prepare are quite simple. However, with the 2-day 1-night camping and trekking tour visiting the cave and deep jungle, visitors will be required to prepare appropriate clothing and equipment to ensure safety and comfort.
You need to prepare
Essential clothing
- Trekking clothes:
- 1-2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
- 1-2 pairs of quick-dry, long trekking pants
- 1 waterproof jacket (winter months December to March) - 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/approach closed shoes. Heavyweight trekking boots are not necessary
- 1 medium size backpack (20L-25L) to carry stuff that you need while trekking
- 2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
- 1 pair of sandals/slides using at the campsite
- Personal dry bag/box for electronic devices
- Swimwear using at the campsite
Personal items
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
- Hand fan for summer (April to August)
- 1 medium towel
- Underwear
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, nature-friendly shampoo & soap, …)
- Power banks
- Personal medication
- Antifungal foot powder
- Passport
Oxalis provides
- Camping equipment: tent, mattresses, pillow, sleeping bags
- Caving and safety gears: helmet, headlight, gloves, …
- Basic jungle boots (EU size 36–44); if using Oxalis shoes, bring thick, long socks and 2 insoles to ensure comfort.
- Water bottle (1L)
- Water purifier
- Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
- Semi-dry bag (15L) for campsite clothing sets and personal items
- First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
- Satellite phone
Optional items
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Ear plugs
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
Campsites inside the cave
Hang En has a length of 1.6 km and is one of the largest caves in the world in terms of volume. The campsite is located about 700m from the cave entrance, with a cave ceiling up to 140m high and 200m wide. Hang En campsite is very large, giving you lots of space to wander around. The unique features of Hang En campsite include:
A large campsite with fine sand and a turquoise lake where visitors can comfortably swim right in front of their tents.
On sunny days from December to February every year, visitors might enjoy the sight of sunbeams shining deep inside the cave and lighting up the cave, creating a rare majestic sight.
Hang En campsite is a place to watch the stars on clear sky nights, or the moon, as on full moon days, the moonbeams can shine deep into the camp.
From the campsite, sometimes visitors can see monkeys and langurs swinging on the vine on top of the cave entrance.
Bathing at the campsite
Hang En campsite is located next to a natural lake inside the cave, the lake has a fine sandy beach and next to it is a stream that flows through. On summer days, the water at the lake is cool so that the guests can swim happily, while the water from the Rao Thuong Stream is somewhat warmer because it flows under the sun for a long time. For conservation reasons, shampoo and soap are not allowed to be used at the campsite. Visitors are advised to use dry shampoo if necessary.
Toilet at the campsite
The tour occurs in a remote jungle with no power or infrastructure and for conservation and hygiene Oxalis has created environmentally friendly toilets, called "Oxalis Composting Toilets".
The toilet consists of a normal toilet seat on top of a box. Inside the box, is a bucket and waste bag to collect all waste and toilet paper which is provided. Nearby is a container of rice husks. After finishing, cover the waste with a generous scoop of rice husks. This ensures a dry composting process, which does not smell, and covers the waste from insects.
When the buckets are full, the porters will change them and bury the waste in a designated location in the jungle. This will biodegrade and turn into fertilizer.
Visitors are required to use the composting toilets for both urination and defecation. Urination outside the toilet or inside the cave is not allowed because of the smell and impact on cave formations and the cave ecosystem.
Hand washing facilities are provided.
Directions to Phong Nha
Phong Nha is located 45 km from Dong Hoi City, the capital of Quang Tri Province (About 40 minutes by car). You can book a private car service from Oxalis to pick you up at the airport or train station, or you can hire a taxi. There are many ways to get to Dong Hoi such as a plane, train or sleeper bus.
Domestic routes:
- Flight: Daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, to Dong Hoi.
- Train: From Hanoi to and from Ho Chi Minh City, there are numerous SE trains that travel every day. Dong Hoi station is where Ho Chi Minh has a stop.
- Bus: Buses from Hanoi to Phong Nha, Dong Hoi, or from Da Nang, Hue to Phong Nha run often during the day or at night.
International airports: There are 3 main international airports for international flights: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Da Nang International Airport (DAD). From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Ha Noi, travellers can book domestic flights to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH). From Da Nang, travelers can catch a train or bus to Dong Hoi/Phong Nha.
You can check out the means of transportation to Phong Nha here. “How to get to Phong Nha?". All participants of Oxalis Adventure tours will be picked up at their designated hotel around Phong Nha town on the morning of the departure day.
Vietnam visa: Vietnam currently grants visa exemptions to citizens of 29 countries and has expanded its E-visa program to apply to nationals of all countries and territories.
Upon arrival and during their stay, travelers are required to present a valid passport together with a valid visa or other legal residence documents in Vietnam so that accommodation providers and tour operators can complete temporary residence registration as required by Vietnamese regulations.
For the latest details on travel policies, please verify the information here: Vietnam Travel Policy Updates
Tour booking process
This is a caving tour that requires a lot of logistical preparation for both guests and Oxalis staff. Carefully reading the information about this overnight tour will help visitors make the best choices. The tour booking process includes the following steps:
Tour price and available dates for booking
- Season: Tours operate from December to mid-September every year.
- Group Size: Limited to 16 guests per tour for safety and conservation.
- Tour Types: Fixed departure dates for individuals; private tours available for special groups or film crews.
- Exclusive Offer: Enjoy a 10% discount for UOB cardholders and Xiều Oxalis (returning guests).
Terms of tour cancellation
Once the booking is approved, customers will be asked to pay 100% of the tour price to confirm their booking. Guests are entitled to cancel the trip 7 days prior to the departure date and will receive a full refund. For cancellation after 7 days, no refund will be given. Please see more refund and cancellation terms here.
Price includes
The cost of the Hang En Cave Adventure is 8,800,000 VND (~US$333) per person. This Hang En tour price includes VAT, entrance fee and environment fee, management fee and other fees of the national park.
The Hang En Adventure tour includes the following services:
- Food and beverage: Oxalis provides meals, 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: Oxalis will provide safety equipment such as helmets, caving headlamps, gloves and other safety equipment.
- Travel insurance: Oxalis buys 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.
Carbon Footprint Index
At Oxalis Adventure, our commitment to Net Zero tourism is driving tangible results. Our 2024 greenhouse gas inventory reveals that the average carbon footprint for participants of the Hang En Adventure Tour has dropped to 73.9 kgCO2e per person – a significant 8% reduction compared to 2023 figures. This comprehensive calculation accounts for all emission sources, including transportation, accommodation, and tour activities, underscoring our successful efforts to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high-quality adventure experiences.
Hang En Adventure • EC2
Adventure Level: Moderate
Tour type: Join-in
Age 16-70 years old
Group size: 16 customers
Operation: December to mid-September
~USD 333 • VND 8,800,000/pax
Book nowWhether you prefer long treks, camping in a cave, sleeping under the stars in the jungle, swimming underground in river caves, explore the huge dry caves or just taking an exploratory day trip, Oxalis Adventure Tours can provide the right amount of adventure just for you.
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