Hang En Cave Adventure

Discover Hang En Cave, the world’s third-largest natural cave, after Son Doong Cave and Deer Cave. It is one of the most captivating adventures in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The 2-day, 1-night Hang En Cave Adventure Tour takes travelers deep into the jungle to camp and spend the night inside the vast Hang En Cave, while also exploring Hang Nuoc Lanh Cave, a unique cave with an underground river that stays refreshingly cool in summer and warm in winter.

The Hang En Cave Adventure Tour is also part of the world-famous Son Doong Cave Expedition route, which has attracted adventurers from around the world for years.

Hang En Cave has also gained international attention through film and television. Warner Bros. filmed part of the 2014 movie Peter Pan: The Neverland here, while the cave was featured live on Good Morning America (ABC News). It is also an essential part of the route leading to the Son Doong Cave Expedition.

The cave was explored and officially announced in 1994. Its spectacular images quickly captured the world’s attention, turning Hang En into one of Vietnam’s most remarkable adventure destinations.

    The highlights include:

  • Explore Hang En Cave, the gateway to Son Doong: Hang En is home to thousands of swiftlets, creating a spectacular sight as they swoop around the cave entrance at sunrise and sunset. More importantly, Hang En is considered the natural gateway to Son Doong Cave. The Rao Thuong River flows through Hang En and continues into the world’s largest cave system.
  • 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 from December to March, 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.
  • Explore Hang Nuoc Lanh Cave: Located about 800 meters from Hang En, Nuoc Lanh Cave offers a unique experience with an underground river originating along the Vietnam – Laos border. After flowing for a long distance deep beneath the ground, the water remains refreshingly cool in summer and pleasantly warm in winter. The cave also captivates visitors with its spectacular stalactite formations and beautiful natural pools.
  • 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.

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 itinerary

Phong Nha - Ban Doong Village - Hang Nuoc Lanh Cave - Hang En Campsite

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, leading to 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.

After lunch, the journey continues for about 2 hours through dense jungle, crossing dry stream beds several times before reaching the entrance to Nuoc Lanh Cave. Here, the group will be equipped with helmets, headlamps and life vest before wading through the stream and beginning the cave exploration. The cave’s underground water originates along the Vietnam – Laos border and flows into the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Inside, you can swim in the cave, admire unique stalactite formations and cool off in the refreshing stream.

After exploring Hang Nuoc Lanh Cave, the group heads back toward the entrance of Hang En to reach the campsite inside the cave. From the top of a rocky ridge, you can take in a spectacular view of the entire campsite and the surrounding landscape. Once you have settled into your tent, take a refreshing swim in the nearby emerald-green pool before enjoying a delicious meal right inside the cave.

Note: For early arrival on tour departure date, 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 for you with ice-cold beverages – a well-deserved treat after your expedition. You will then 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 relax after the expedition, Oxalis suggests staying at Chay Lap Farmstay if you wish to combine exploring Phong Nha with experiencing a peaceful countryside atmosphere, or Blue Diamond Retreat if you prefer to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy relaxing moments amidst the mountains and forests. Special discounted rates exclusively for Oxalis guests are 1,000,000 VND/room/night at Chay Lap Farmstay and 1,500,000 VND/room/night at Blue Diamond Retreat.

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.

Difficulty Level and Physical Fitness Requirements

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Requirements: Within the last 12 months, participants must have completed at least one overnight trekking tour OR one to two day-hikes (covering a minimum of 6 km per day across mountainous or rocky terrain with an elevation gain of at least 500 m). Participants must demonstrate a baseline level of physical fitness by either climbing five flights of stairs continuously or running 5 km on flat ground within 60 minutes, without experiencing signs of physical distress such as dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, or nausea. Participants must not have any medical conditions listed by Oxalis as contraindications for mountain trekking or caving activities.

Suitable for: Guests with trekking experience and good physical fitness.

Tours with the same Difficulty Level: Hang Va Expedition Tour 2D1N , Hang En Cave Adventure 2D1N, Tu Lan Cave Encounter 3D2N, Hang Tien Endeavor Tour 3D2N, Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer Tour 4D3N.

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.

  • Explore Hang En Cave, stretching 1.6 km, and Nuoc Lanh Cave, 600 m long.
  • Trek through 25km of mountain and river paths with rough terrain
  • 3km of caving
  • Wade through several sections of shallow streams, with water reaching knee height.
  • Elevation gain: 650m
  • Steep ascents and descents on forest paths
EC2 trekking graph

For more information on the necessary physical activities for a successful trip, please refer to: https://oxalisadventure.com/getting-ready-oxalis-tour/.

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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.

By signing the Release Form, visitors agree to follow all tour safety regulations and the instructions of the cave experts and guides throughout the expedition. To ensure the safety of the entire group, the safety experts and guides have the authority to require any guest to end the expedition if they fail to comply with the safety regulations explained during the briefing.

* Please note that tour communication is conducted in English and Vietnamese.

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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 trekking shoes are available to borrow from Oxalis (sizes 36-44). If you use Oxalis shoes, please bring thick socks and two pairs of insoles to help prevent blisters. A VND 50,000 cleaning fee applies.
  • Water bottle (1L)
  • Water purifier
  • Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
  • Semi-dry bag (15L) for clothes and personal items at the campsite
  • 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

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Food and drinks in the tour

Although the expedition takes place deep in the primary forest and inside Son Doong Cave, you will be provided with three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oxalis has a dedicated team of cooks who prepare fresh ingredients brought directly to the expedition route, ensuring you receive the nutrition you need throughout the long days of trekking.

For your health and safety, all drinking water served during the expedition is treated through a specialized water filtration system and thoroughly boiled at the campsites to meet strict safe drinking-water standards. Hot drinks such as tea and coffee are also available.

The menu offers a variety of options, including standard, vegetarian, and special-diet meals. If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, please note them on your booking form so the Oxalis team can make the necessary preparations in advance.

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Camping, Showers and Hygiene During the Expedition

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 March 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. During a full moon, moonlight can also stream through the cave entrance and illuminate the campsite.
  • From the campsite, sometimes visitors can see monkeys and langurs swinging on the vine on top of the cave entrance.

Tents: At each campsite, you will stay in tents specially designed by Oxalis. Double tents measured 1.5m x 2m, while single tents measured 1m x 2m. Each tent is equipped with a clean mattress, pillow, and sleeping bag, providing a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploration. The campsites are located in cool, well-ventilated areas inside the cave, where the average temperature ranges from 18 to 24°C.

Toilets and water facilities: Each campsite is equipped with modern toilets and convenient shower facilities. All water used for washing and other daily needs is carefully treated through a filtration system to ensure safe use throughout the expedition.

Waste management and environmental protection: To help preserve the cave ecosystem, 100% of solid waste generated during the expedition is carried out of the cave. For wastewater and toilet waste, Oxalis uses portable septic tanks combined with an advanced filtration system to ensure that discharged water meets Vietnam’s strict environmental standards.

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Tour booking process

This is a tour that requires careful logistical preparation from both guests and Oxalis. Reading the tour information thoroughly will help you make an informed decision before booking. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, please chat with an Oxalis adventure consultant using the chat icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, or contact us via hotline at +84 919 900 357 for assistance. The booking process is as follows:

Step 1: Learn about the tour
Visit oxalisadventure.com to learn more about the itinerary, highlights, adventure level, tour price, and most importantly, the health and fitness requirements.

Step 2: Choose your departure date
Click “Book Now” on the tour page to view the available departure dates. Available dates will be shown on the calendar. Select your preferred date and enter the number of participants.

Step 3: Provide your information
Complete your contact details accurately, especially your email address and phone number. You must provide truthful information about:
- Your health condition and any medications you are currently taking;
- Allergies or special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian meals or food allergies;
- Trekking experience;
- Exercise frequency and level of physical activity.
Important: Oxalis reserves the right to cancel your booking without a refund if any information provided is found to be false or incomplete, particularly information related to your health and physical fitness.

Step 4: Complete your booking request
Select any additional services you may require, such as transfers or accommodation at Chay Lap Farmstay and Oxalis Home.
Read and agree to the booking terms and conditions, then click “Submit Booking Request.” The system will send a booking code to your email address.

Step 5: Consultation and information confirmation
Within 48 working hours, an Oxalis travel consultant will contact you by email or phone to:
- Provide detailed information about the expedition;
- Confirm your booking details;
- Assist with arranging any additional services you have requested.

Step 6: Payment
Once your information has been confirmed, Oxalis will send you an invoice and payment instructions.
You must complete the payment within 24 hours of receiving the payment instructions. After this period, your booking request may be automatically cancelled.

Step 7: Booking confirmation
Once Oxalis receives your payment, you will receive an official booking confirmation by email.
From this point, you can begin preparing your clothing, equipment, and fitness for the expedition.

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Terms of tour cancellation

To confirm your booking, you will be required to pay the tour deposit after completing the booking process. Guests may cancel the trip 7 days prior to the departure date and receive a full refund. For cancellations after 7 days, no refund will be given. See more details in “Terms of tour cancellation”.

Tour price and available dates for booking

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For departures starting November 15, 2026, the Hang En Adventure Tour will be priced at 9,500,000 VND (~US$358)/pax.

  • 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).
  • Last-Minute Booking Notice: Online bookings close at 19:00 (7:00 PM) the day before departure. For bookings after 19:00, please contact our Adventure Team via chat box or Hotline at +84 919 900 357 (Call/WhatsApp) for immediate assistance and slot availability.

Useful Information Must read

  • Weather and Climate in Tu Lan - Tan Hoa area

    The area of Hang En - Phong Nha has 4 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.

  • Communication on tour

    The Hang En Cave Tour is an adventure tour with moderate difficulty, the tour area is located deep in a forest, far from external support such as medical assistance, hospitals etc. The trekking tour follows jungle trails, with hills up and down, and no paths are suitable for vehicles. There is no phone signal, no wifi, and no charging facilities.

    Each Oxalis cave tour is equipped with 1 satellite phone for the guide to contact the office in case of emergency. Guests can only use the internet and phone at the hotel before and after the Oxalis tours. While trekking in the mountains and exploring the caves, the safety team will communicate with each other by walkie-talkie if necessary.

  • Emergency Response Procedure

    Oxalis Adventure has an established "Emergency Response Procedure" that includes on-site first aid and rescue if an accident occurs during trekking or cave exploration. We organize many training courses for first aid, rescue, and evacuation, and have rescue teams for each tour operation area. The specialized equipment is imported from abroad and complies with European standards. Due to the remote location, rescue teams and medical assistants will take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach the location. Therefore, the safety of visitors is the top priority of Oxalis in any activities related to caving in Vietnam. For Experts and Sales consultants to give suitable advice, guests are required to fill in their fitness and health information in the Booking form honestly. They are also required to update the information to the Oxalis consultant 45 days before the tour departure.

    * Please note that tour communication is conducted in English and Vietnamese.

  • How to get to Phong Nha

    Phong Nha is located 45 km from Dong Hoi, Quang Tri Province (the former capital of Quang Binh Province). You just need to get to Dong Hoi, and Oxalis staff will pick you up from any location there. There are many ways to get to Dong Hoi, including by plane, train, or sleeper bus.

    By air

    Dong Hoi Airport is about 45 km from Phong Nha and currently offers direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Cam Ranh. From the airport, Oxalis offers a private transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha at VND 650,000 per one-way trip for a 7-seater vehicle.

    • Hanoi - Dong Hoi: Vietnam Airlines and Sun PhuQuoc Airways currently operate daily direct flights between Hanoi and Dong Hoi. The flight takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes.
    • Ho Chi Minh City - Dong Hoi: Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air operate direct flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Dong Hoi, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
    • Nha Trang - Dong Hoi: Sun PhuQuoc Airways operates direct flights between Cam Ranh International Airport and Dong Hoi, with 3 round trips per week.

    By train

    Dong Hoi Railway Station is located on the North-South railway line, approximately 45 km from Phong Nha. Trains to Dong Hoi are available from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and many other cities and provinces. From the station, an Oxalis vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to Phong Nha. There is also a Hue-Phong Nha tourist train, offering a direct connection between the two destinations as part of a journey through Central Vietnam. This is a convenient option for guests who wish to combine a visit to Hue with their Son Doong Expedition.

    By bus

    Sleeper buses are a convenient option if you prefer to travel directly to Phong Nha without transferring to Dong Hoi. Direct bus services are currently available from Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and several other destinations.

    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

  • Price includes
    • Expedition support team: Each group of 16 guests is supported by 2 guides, 4 safety assistants, 1 chef, and 8 porters. The number of staff may vary depending on the group’s physical fitness.
    • 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.

FAQs

  • Best time to visit Phong Nha?

    Each time, each season has its own beauty. The weather in Phong Nha in general goes through three seasons: end of winter, spring and summer. The cave tour to Hang En operates from December until the end of August every year. Throughout the season, depending on the time that you choose to visit Phong Nha, Hang En adventure tour will give you different experiences.

  • Hang En or Tu Lan, which is to be considered?

    Each tour and cave has its own highlight to be considered. If you like a long trek through a beautiful valley deep in the National Park. Camping in one of the biggest caves in the world, Hang En is a tour that can’t be missed. Meanwhile, if you like to swim through some underground river caves, camping in the majestic jungle next to a waterfall. Visiting different types of caves or listening to the sound of the jungle: Tu Lan is another choice. Please, look at the availability to check the date and tour suitable the most for you.

  • What can I do If I want to talk to/contact a consultant?

    You can easily contact a consultant via chat box (on the right corner) on Oxalis website or email to: [email protected]; Hotline: +84-919900357.

Hang En Adventure

Duration: 2 days 1 night

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Age 16-70 years old

Group size: 16 customers (Join-in)

Operation: December to mid-September

~USD 333 • VND 8,800,000/pax

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