Hang Tien Cave Day Trek

If you are looking for a short adventure vacation in Quang Binh, Vietnam, you might be interested in the Hang Tien Cave Day Trek. This tour will take you to the largest dry cave in the Tu Lan Cave System, where you can marvel at the spectacular formations and rimstone pools. The day includes hill climbing, swimming in natural lakes, and caving. This tour is suitable for physically active guests who want to explore the wilderness and beauty of this region.

    The highlights include:

  • The grandest cave and the mysterious gateway: Hang Tien is the largest cave in the Tu Lan system, serving as the spectacular culmination point before the magnificent underground river merges with the Rao Nan River and flows towards the sea. This is more than just a cave; it's a mysterious portal to the vast, hidden world of Tu Lan's unique subterranean water system.
  • Galactic domes and masterpiece stalactites: Step inside and be awestruck by the immense, awe-inspiring cave ceiling - a colossal, swirling arch that mimics a massive galaxy or spiral nebula. Hang Tien boasts one of the most extraordinary stalactite systems in Tu Lan, featuring stunning, terraced 'rice-paddy' calcite formations and monumental pillars of flowstone reaching dozens of meters high, a testament to millions of years of geological sculpting.
  • Conquering the pristine, biodiverse jungle: The entire journey is an epic expedition beneath a dense, pristine primary forest canopy, where explorers continuously witness the shifting, rich diversity of the ecosystem. The winding trail traverses lush, verdant earth mountains and majestic limestone peaks, offering a challenging and endlessly fascinating trek through diverse and dramatic landscapes.
  • The natural "infinity pool" experience: After a challenging hike and climb, travelers can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear, cool waters of the natural spring pool for absolute rejuvenation. This is pure water erupting directly from the underground cave system, creating a perfect, wild "infinity pool" set amid the untouched wilderness before it flows out to the main river.
  • A journey that transforms lives: Beyond the natural splendor, your presence contributes to a powerful story of community resilience and growth. Sustainable tourism has played a key role in transforming Tan Hoa, driving the poverty rate down from 85.7% in 2010 to just 2% in 2024. This expedition supports vital initiatives, including the construction of floating houses and septic toilets to improve local living standards. Furthermore, Oxalis is committed to future generations, sponsoring free open swimming and safety training to over 300 children in Tan Hoa and along the Rao Nan River every year.

Itinerary

The schedule of Hang Tien Cave Day Trek is subject to change due to weather conditions. The path can be quite muddy and slippery when it rains.

Download the itinerary

Safety briefing - Hang Tien 1

You should be in Phong Nha before 07:00 AM on the tour day to ensure on-time departure. Oxalis provides dorm rooms with 6 comfortable beds available at Oxalis Home (Oxalis Office) for those who arrive in Phong Nha early in the morning of the tour and want to rest a bit before the tour (please inform us in advance if you want to use the free dorm room service).

Between 07:00 - 07:30 you will be picked up at your accommodation in the Phong Nha area, and taken to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office (70km from Phong Nha). There will be a safety briefing, and you will collect safety equipment and sign the release form. After the briefing, the group will depart for Tuyen Hoa to begin the Hang Tien one-day trek.

The journey starts with a climb over a hill, leading deep into the forest. You will trek through untouched jungle and cross rocky terrain before descending into a valley. Following a trail toward the west, large rock formations will gradually appear along the way. After navigating this more challenging section, you will reach the cave entrance, where a stunning landscape opens up. Before entering, our guide will provide a light snack to help you recharge.

Stepping inside Hang Tien, part of the Tu Lan cave system, an immense space unfolds with layered calcite formations resembling terraced fields, covered in natural greenery. Looking up, you will see a soaring dome and unique striped patterns stretching across the cave walls. As you venture deeper, the cave reveals even more impressive and mysterious formations shaped by nature over time. To reach the rear entrance of the cave, visitors will be equipped with safety harnesses and climb a ladder approximately 10 meters high. Here, the group can take a short break before returning to the main cave entrance to enjoy a prepared lunch.

Tan Hoa – Phong Nha

After enjoying lunch at the entrance of Hang Tien Cave, which stands over 60 meters high, the group will navigate through the rock formations and walk to a natural pool in the forest. Here, you can swim and take photos freely. To conclude your Vietnam cave discovery trip, the group will continue along the scenic Rao Nan stream towards the main road, where you board the bus and return to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office for a shower and a cold drink. The bus will then return the group to Phong Nha around 19:30–20:00.

Please note:

To prevent being late for the tour departure, you must arrive in Phong Nha before 7:00 AM on the day of the departure.

It is advised to reserve a seat on the SE3 train leaving from Hanoi/Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi station, or the SE8 train leaving from Da Nang/Hue to Dong Hoi station if you wish to go to Phong Nha by rail in the morning of departure (It is recommended to book an additional shuttle bus from Dong Hoi station to Phong Nha).

For those who arrive in Phong Nha early on the day of the tour and want to take a little time to relax before embarking the Hang Tien one day adventure, Oxalis offers a free dorm room service with 6 comfy mattresses at Oxalis Home (Oxalis Office). If you intend to use the service, do let us know in advance.

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 1,100,000 VND/room/night at Chay Lap Farmstay and 1,600,000 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: Easy

Requirements: Prior experience with walking tours or outdoor excursions. Participants must possess a baseline level of physical fitness, demonstrated by the ability to climb five flights of stairs continuously or run 3 km on flat ground within 30 minutes without experiencing signs of overexertion such as dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, or nausea. Participants must not have any medical conditions that would restrict them from engaging in mountain climbing or caving activities, as outlined in Oxalis's guidelines.

Suitable for: Suitable for almost everyone.

Tours with the same Difficulty Level: Tu Lan Family Experience (TF1), Phong Nha: Nuoc Nut Cave Discovery (NP1), Tu Lan Experience (TL1), Tu Lan Family Adventure (TF2), Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour (HTL), Hang Tien Cave Day Trek (HT1).

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.

  • Moderate trekking
  • 9,5km of trekking including 1,5km of caving
  • 150m elevation gain
  • Swimming in the natural stream
  • There will be some rocky terrain
  • A 10m ladder climb with a safety harnesses
HT1 trekking graph

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

Read more

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 multi day 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.

Read more

Items to bring on tour

It is necessary to be well prepared for the trip because the Hang Tien – Quang Tri 1 day discovery is a long hiking tour with a variety of terrain. Guests will be asked to wear appropriate clothing for safety reasons, good for moving in the jungle, river crossing, or exploring the cave as well as avoiding dangers and risks from sharp rocks, snakes, insects, or poison ivy. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts should be worn for trekking. Trekking shoes play a very important role in Oxalis Adventure tours in Vietnam, such as this. Visitors must choose a good and well-fitting pair of shoes for rocky steep mountains. Please test your shoes before the trek. Besides, guests also need to prepare personal items for 1 day’s trekking in the jungle.

You need to prepare

Essential clothing

  • 1 medium size backpack (20L) to carry stuff that you need while trekking
  • 1 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirt
  • 1 pair of quick-dry and long trekking pants
  • 1 pair of good gripping trekking/approach closed shoes. Heavyweight trekking boots are not necessary
  • 1-2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
  • 1 waterproof jacket (winter months November to March)
  • Swimming suit
  • Clothes to change after the trek
  • Footwear to change after the tour (If you use your own trekking shoes)

Personal items

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
  • Hand fan for summer (April to September)
  • Medium towel
  • Power banks
  • Personal medication
  • Passport

Oxalis provides

  • 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
  • First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
  • Satellite phone
  • Secure storage at office

Read more

Food and drinks in the tour

Although the expedition takes place deep in the primary forest and inside the 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.

Read more

Camping, Showers and Hygiene During the Expedition

The campsite on the Hang Tien Cave Day Trek is located next to the river and pools, so guests can swim here. All swimming activities are supervised by safety assistants. During heavy rain, the river may turn brown and muddy. Soap and shampoo must not be used in the river or pools.

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.

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.

Read more

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 prices and availability

Loading
  • Season: Tours operate year-round.
  • Group Size: Limited to 12 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

    Tu Lan - Tan Hoa has 4 seasons in a year (spring, summer, autumn and winter) like many northern provinces of Vietnam. Due to the weather conditions, and because Oxalis Adventure wants to protect and conserve the Tu Lan Cave System. The Tu Lan Cave Encounter Tour will only be available from mid November to mid September every year. Weather conditions in the Tu Lan – Tan Hoa area are different in each season.

    • From January to March, there are some cold days, especially on rainy days but there are also many warm sunny days.
    • April and May are the warmer months, and this is the time when wildflowers are blooming.
    • From June to August are the hot summer months, but most of the time visitors are in the cave with the temperature from 22 to 25 degrees, or forest, so it should not feel too hot. In the summer months, visitors can comfortably swim in the streams and underground lakes inside Vietnam caves, so exploring Tu Lan is the ideal suggestion for you if you don't know where to go for 3 days and 2 nights.

    Each season will have its own unique features for visitors to explore, and find out more about the uniqueness of nature. In addition, visitors can check the weather in Tu Lan - Tan Hoa through Accuweather before joining this caving adventure tour.

    The weather & climate in Tan Hoa, Minh Hoa area
  • Communication on tour

    Hang Tien Cave Day Trek Tour is an adventure tour in Quang Binh with a challenging difficulty level and is operated in a remote forest with physical challenges, far from external support such as medical assistance, hospitals etc. The Hang Tien Cave Day Trek Tour follows jungle trails, many 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 village before and after the Oxalis tour. During the tour, Oxalis staff will keep in touch by radio if required.

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

  • 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.

  • How to get to Phong Nha - Tu Lan?

    To join the Hang Tien Cave Day Trek tour, visitors need to arrive in Phong Nha before 7:00 AM. Phong Nha is about 45 km from Dong Hoi, Quang Tri. Visitors can take a bus directly to Phong Nha for a more convenient journey. If you arrive in Dong Hoi by plane or train, you will need to arrange a private transfer or take a taxi to Phong Nha.

    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

  • Hang Tien Cave Day Trek tour price includes

    The cost of the Hang Tien Cave Day Trek Tour is 2,000,000 VND per person, which covers the VAT, entrance fee, and service fee for the protection of the forest ecosystem. The following services are included in the tour:

    • Service team: There will be a guide, a safety assistant, and a chef.
    • Food and Drink: Oxalis provides food, water, tea, and coffee during the journey (not including extra requirements). Dishes are based on fixed menus, vegetarian and vegan will be provided if ordered.
    • Safety equipment: Oxalis will provide safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, headlights, gloves etc.
    • Travel insurance: Oxalis buys travel insurance for all guests participating in the tours with a maximum compensation of VND 10,000,000. Visitors are asked to buy comprehensive travel insurance for themselves before joining the tour.
  • 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 Tien Cave Day Trek has dropped to 28.7 kgCO2e per person – a significant 18% 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

  • Which season is ideal for visiting Hang Tien?

    Hang Tien is only open from November to the end of September every year, yet each season brings with it a certain beauty all its own. Visitors may select the best time to visit based on their preferences:
    - From November to March: There are pleasant, sunny days as well as periods of chilly weather that can sweep across the entire region.
    - The months of April and May are warm but not oppressively hot, and this is when tourists can see a wide variety of wildflowers blooming.
    - June through September are The hot summer months, however, most of the trek is under the forest canopy or inside the cave where the temperature is between 22 and 25 degrees. Summer is a great time for swimming in the streams and lakes.

  • 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.

  • 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 Tien Cave Day Trek

Difficulty Level: Easy

Age 16-70 years old

Group size: 12 customers (Join-in)

Operation: Year-round

USD 75 • VND 2,000,000/pax

Book now
You may like

Whether 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.

Multi-day packages

Overnight tours

Day tours

Family tours