Hang Tien Exploration Tour
Journey 4 days 3 nights conquering the unique river caves of Tu Lan Cave System and discovering Hang Tien Cave which is the largest cave in the Tu Lan Cave system. Experiencing dinner at a local home and staying overnight at beautiful Tu Lan Lodge.
The Hang Tien Cave Exploration tour (HT3) is the second most challenging and majestic tour in the Tu Lan Cave System, after the Tu Lan Expedition Adventure Tour (TL4). According to the adventure scale used by Oxalis Adventure tours, this adventure tour has a challenging difficulty level of Level 4.
Hang Tien, the largest dry cave in the Tu Lan Cave System, is located about 70 kilometers west of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in the province of Quang Binh. It is renowned for its pure beauty and formations resembling terraced rice fields.
Although this trek crosses hills and valleys and is a shortened version of the Tu Lan Expedition tour, participants will still find the route to be fairly difficult. Some experiences of Tu Lan and Hang Tien are combined in this Quang Binh adventure tour.
- Explore the "galaxy" and calcite terraces of Tu Lan caves: Dive into an otherworldly cave exploration across multiple unique caves, including Secret Cave, Hung Ton Cave, Hang Tien 1 Cave, and Hang Tien 2 Cave. Tien Cave 1 & 2 are the spectacular finale of the Tu Lan system. Marvel at their rare internal dome structures, the ceilings feature stunning vortex formations reminiscent of a swirling galaxy. Inside, discover vast geological formations of calcite terraces (travertine formations) and many other geological wonders.
- Pristine camping under a blanket of stars: Experience 2 nights of immersive wild camping at breathtaking spots like Hung Dung and Tien Cave campsites. Nestled deep within the silent mountains, far from city lights, this is your chance to connect with nature, find profound peace, and gaze up at an unforgettable star-filled night sky.
- Swim in a natural "infinity pool" amidst a majestic landscape: Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear, perfectly round natural lake next to the Hang Tien Cave campsite, affectionately dubbed the "Nature's infinity pool." Plunge into the cool water, which beautifully mirrors the surrounding jungle and majestic mountains, and enjoy a feeling of absolute freedom.
- Unique post-trek stay at Tu Lan Lodge: Conclude your challenging trek with a comfortable and unique overnight stay at the Tu Lan Lodge in Tan Hoa. These lodges are specially designed by Oxalis to adapt harmoniously to the area's annual flood environment, offering a distinct and responsible lodging experience.
- Authentic cultural immersion in Tan Hoa Village: Spend your final evening experiencing the warm, genuine local culture of Tan Hoa. Share a cozy dinner featuring authentic, rustic local cuisine in a villager's home, and hear the inspiring stories of the community's sustainable transformation. Take a leisurely bike ride to explore the peaceful countryside, soak in the fresh air, and enjoy a rare glimpse into a harmonious rural life.
- 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.
Highlights of the trip include:
Itinerary
The schedule of Hang Tien Expedition is subject to change due to weather conditions. The path can be quite muddy and slippery when it rains.
Download the itineraryHung Ton – Hung Dung Campsite
Between 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM, a driver will pick you up at your hotel in the Phong Nha area and transfer you to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. Here, you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing, review the itinerary, sign the Release Form, and pack your gear for the trek.
The journey starts with a walk across open grass fields to the Rao Nan River. After crossing the river, you will ascend a short slope to reach Secret Cave, one of the most stunning features of the Tu Lan Cave System.
Following a winding trail out of Secret Cave, the group will descend into the next valley to reach Hung Ton Cave, where a delicious lunch will be served. Afterward, the adventure intensifies: you will descend a 15m ladder (with safety harnesses) and swim through the cave to emerge in the To Mo Valley. Enjoy a brief swim here before trekking to the campsite.
Hung Nhai – Hang Tien Campsite
This is the most physically demanding day of the tour, featuring a 14km trek, a 150m elevation gain, and multiple river crossings.
The group will begin by ascending a hill and trekking through dense forest. You will swim through a small cave to emerge in the Hung Nhai Valley – a beautiful, flat expanse hidden in the jungle. Here, lunch will be served next to a surreal waterfall.
After lunch, the journey continues with a climb up a long hill, followed by a trek upstream along the river valley with several stream crossings. You will arrive at the campsite, situated on the banks of a natural jade-green lake. Before sunset, take the opportunity to swim, capture photos, or simply relax. It is the perfect setting to unwind after two strenuous days of exploration.
Hang Tien 1 & 2 - Tu Lan Lodge (Tan Hoa)
The day begins with a rocky scramble to the entrance of Hang Tien 1, offering stunning vistas of Quang Tri’s natural landscape.
The cave features a spectacular entrance with a soaring roof and towering calcite formations, tinted green by vegetation. Inside, you will marvel at the unique striped rock walls, calcite terraces, and a massive ceiling dome. To exit, you will be equipped with a safety harness to climb a 10m vertical ladder, emerging into the lush jungle above.
A 30-minute forest trek leads to Hang Tien 2. Here, a small entrance spirals down into a vast underground passage filled with incredible stalactites. After navigating the cave and enjoying a picnic lunch, the group will return toward Hang Tien 1 to tackle the final challenge: a steep ascent to the pickup point.
A driver will transfer you to the Tan Hoa Office to check in at Tu Lan Lodge. Relax in your room, where large picture windows offer peaceful views of limestone mountains and green fields dotted with grazing buffalo. At 6:00 PM, the group will walk to a nearby local home for dinner, offering a unique chance to share stories, learn about local life, and enjoy authentic cuisine before retiring to the lodge.
Visit local farms by bike - Tour ends
The morning in Tan Hoa offers a peaceful start, with limestone karsts drifting in and out of the early mist. You may choose to watch the sunrise from your room, take a quiet walk through the village, or simply enjoy breakfast at the Tu Lan Lodge restaurant (served from 6:30 AM).
At 08:30 AM, our guide will lead you on a bicycle tour through the heart of Tan Hoa. You will cycle along quiet paths lined with cornfields and peanut gardens, observing the daily rhythm of rural life. Stops include visits to local farms to learn about the sustainable VAC farming model. Along the way, you’ll taste local specialties like boiled corn, roasted peanuts, and ginger honey tea.
The tour concludes at 11:00 AM, allowing time to pack and shower. Check-out is at 12:00 PM, with the shuttle to Phong Nha or Dong Hoi departing promptly at 12:30 PM.
Travel Note: Please ensure your onward flight or train departs after 4:00 PM. If you wish to extend your stay or explore more of Phong Nha, please contact your Oxalis consultant or the front desk.
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 in Tan Hoa - Hang Tien area
Like many northern Vietnamese provinces, the Tu Lan - Hang Tien region experiences four distinct seasons each year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The Hang Tien tours only run from mid-November to mid-September each year because of the weather and to give the Tu Lan cave system a rest period to balance the environment.
From January to March: There are pleasant, sunny days as well as spells of frigid weather that sweep across the entire region. Visitors can see the sight of numerous wildflowers blooming during the warm, not too hot, months of April and May. Although the hot summer months are from June to September, most of the time the trip will be trekking in the jungle, under the shade or inside the cave when the temperature is between 22 and 25 degrees, so it does not seem so hot. Besides, customers can swim in the cave and in the river at the campsite.
Each season will have its own unique features for visitors to explore. In addition, visitors can check the weather in Tu Lan- Tan Hoa through Accuweather before joining the Vietnam caving tour.
Adventure level of this tour
After many years of adventure tourism activities, Oxalis Adventure Tours Vietnam has created a Level of Adventure scale to assist guests taking Oxalis tours in visualizing the complexity of each tour and choosing which is best suited for your health and fitness and interests. Other units or alternative terrain cannot be accommodated by this adventure-level table. Additionally, long-distance runners and anyone who engages in strenuous sports may not find this adventure-level chart to their liking.
From level 1, which is the easiest for everyone to participate in, to level 6, which is the hardest, Oxalis tours Vietnam offers 6 adventure levels. The Hang Tien Exploration Tour is simple to join for those who regularly engage in physical activity or trek through the forest or climb mountains.
Adventure level 4 · Challenging
The Hang Tien Exploration Tour is rated as Challenging (Level 4) 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: Rocky terrain, long trek and short ladder climb
The number of guests per tour: Maximum 10 customers; Age 16-70 years old.
- Moderate trekking - very rocky terrain
- 3,5km caving
- 28km of trekking in the jungle with rocky terrain
- 840m elevation gain
- River crossings
- Swimming in caves (100m) with a life vest provided by Oxalis
- There will be some rocky terrain, steep hills and two ladder climbs of 15m and 10m with a safety rope, operated by the safety team
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 Tien Exploration Tour
The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Hang Tien Exploration 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 4-5km each time) to maintain physical fitness. This ensures that they are able to:
- Run continuously for 5km 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 Tien Exploration 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 Tien Exploration 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
To ensure the safety of both explore trekkers and staff while on any trekking adventures, Oxalis Adventure places safety at the top of its priority list. Only top-notch, international-standard equipment, primarily from countries in Europe like France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, is used by Oxalis. The entire group of guides must complete formal training and routine skill evaluations.
Only competent and experienced guides are appointed to conduct the exploration adventure of Oxalis Adventure; anyone who is inexperienced or unsatisfactory is not permitted. Visitors can discover more about the "safety management" and "safety equipment" Oxalis employs in this location.
If an accident happens, Oxalis Vietnam starts an "Emergency Response Procedure" that includes rescue efforts and on-the-spot first aid. Every year, Oxalis Vietnam Adventure Tour sets up its own rescue team for each operating area and conducts numerous training sessions on first aid, first aid, and rescue. The rescue tools that Oxalis trekking tour imported from abroad are following British cave rescue standards and are suitable for difficult cave terrain. Due to the remote location, it will take anywhere between 30 and 2 hours for the rescue effort to arrive at the outside professional medical forces. As a result, protecting visitors' safety is Oxalis's first priority. To help the experts and guides, guests are also requested to fill out their own health and fitness information honestly and needed for advice tailored to each client. For the tour staff at Oxalis, guests must update their fitness and health information 45 days prior to the tour's departure date.
Dangers, risks and how to avoid them on tour
People are exposed to dangers with every activity, which might become risks if safety measures are not implemented. Moving through the forest or inside a cave will expose you to more dangers than usual when engaging in adventure tourism. Sudden floods, insect bites, snakes, centipedes, accidents, illness, and many other things are possible risks. In this link, you can learn more about "risks and prevention".
Communication on tour
Hang Tien Exploration Tour is an adventure tour in Quang Binh with a challenging difficulty level. And it takes place in a deep forest remote from any outside assistance such as medical, emergency, or other support services. Hang Tien Exploration Tour travels on footpaths that frequently climb and descend hills; there is no designated path for automobiles, motorcycles, or bicycles.
No wifi, phone connection, or other standard hotel services will be available for the duration of the trip. Each Oxalis cave tour includes a satellite phone that the tour guide can use to contact the firm in the event of an emergency or other situation that requires assistance. Before leaving the hotels and after leaving the woodland, guests can still use the internet and phone there. The service groups will use walkie-talkies to communicate with one another during the tour.
* Please note that tour communication is conducted in English and Vietnamese.
Items to bring on Hang Tien Exploration tour
It is necessary to have complete preparation for the trip because the Hang Tien Exploration Tour is a long hiking tour with a variety of terrain. Visitors will be required to prepare appropriate clothes to protect themselves making sure to navigate through the jungle, cross streams, or investigate tunnels while avoiding any snakes, insects, or stinging plants that may be present. Trekking shoes are also a very important aspect of Hang Tien Exploration Tour, you should choose the right type of shoes which are suitable for the environment of steep hills, rocks, and even wading streams. Visitors must prepare personal items to use during the three days and two nights they will spend in the forest and in the cave. Before beginning the exploration trip, your tour guide will give you detailed instructions.
You need to prepare
Essential clothing
- 2-3 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
- 2-3 pairs of long trekking pants ( quick-dry)
- 1 pair of good gripping trekking/approach closed shoes. Heavyweight trekking boots are not necessary
- 2-3 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
- Campsite clothing sets:
- Warm clothes for winter from January to March
- Shorts and T-shirts for summer from April to September - 1 pair of sandals/slides for campsite
- Swimwear
- 1-2 waterproof jackets (winter months November to March)
Personal items
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
- Hand fan for summer (April to September)
- 1-2 medium towels
- Underwear
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, nature-friendly shampoo & soap, …)
- Power banks
- Personal medication
- Passport
Oxalis provides
- Camping equipment: tent, mattresses, pillow, sleeping bags
- Caving and safety gears: helmet, headlight, gloves, …
- 1 PVC backpack (25L) to carry helmet, dry box, water and things you need during the trek.
- 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 filter
- Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
- Semi-dry bag (15L) for campsite clothing sets
- First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
- Satellite phone
- Dry box for electronic devices
- Portable fan (in summer)
- Secure storage at office
Optional items
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Ear plugs
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
Campsites on the tour
The Hang Tien Exploration tour's first camping location is in the Dung valley region. The Hung Dung campsite is situated immediately adjacent to the La Ken valley's Rao Nan stream. Below the stream is a jade green lake with ancient trees around it to provide shade, where you may calmly swim or try SUP paddling along the pure blue stream. Note: On days with heavy rains, the water may not be clear.
The following campground is most likely the most beautiful one that Oxalis runs. The Hang Tien campground is situated directly alongside the Rao Nan River, which serves as the final major river that a subterranean river system enters before emptying into the sea. A lake that flows underground from the cave and is located next to the campsite is referred to by many guests as an "infinity pool" in the center of nature.
The campground is in a foreboding mountain environment, where you can see the starry sky at night and dawn in the morning through the tent door.
The average temperature ranges from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius in the summer and 15 to 18 degrees Celsius in the winter. In the winter, guests are given warm sleeping bags, and in the summer, a battery-powered tent with a fan is available. More information about the "unique campsites in Tu Lan Cave System" - camping inside Quang Binh forest is available here.
Bathing at the campsite
The campground on Hang Tien Exploration Tour is located next to the river and pools so guests can swim there. All swimming activities are supervised by safety assistants. Soap and shampoo cannot be used in rivers and pools. At the campsite, there are water storage tanks to store clean water for drinking and cooking. During heavy rain, the river may turn brown and muddy. For conservation reasons, visitors are encouraged to use bio-shampoos and soaps. Washing should be done at the campsite and not in the river.
Toilet at the campsites
Hang Tien Cave 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 an adventure tour in Vietnam and requires a lot of logistic support. To avoid disappointment and complications on any exploratory trip, guests should choose the best tour for their fitness, abilities and interests. Reading the tour information carefully will help visitors make the right choice for their trips. The booking process includes the following steps:
Tour price and available dates for booking
- Season: Tours operate from mid-November to mid-September every year.
- Group Size: Limited to 10 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
After completing the reservation, visitors will be required to pay 100% of the tour cost to confirm the booking. Guests can receive a full refund if the cancellation is 7 days before departure. Any cancellations less than 7 days before the departure date are non-refundable. Please see the cancellation terms here for more information.
Hang Tien Exploration tour price includes
Tour price includes VAT, entrance fee, and service fee for the protection of the forest ecosystem. The following package services are included in the journey tour:
- Logistics: Each 10-guest tour will have 1 tour guide, 2 safety assistants, 1 chef, 2 camp guards, and 4 porters as well as food and camping equipment. The number of team members may vary depending on the group's physical condition.
- 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.
- The tour includes 2 night’s camping, and the final night at Tu Lan Lodge.
- 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 Exploration Tour has dropped to 129.6 kgCO2e per person—a significant 27% 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 Tien Exploration Tour • HT3
Adventure Level: Challenging
Age 16-70 years old
Tour type: Join-in
Operation: Mid-November to Mid-September
~USD 413 • VND 10,900,000/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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