Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery
Embark on the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery adventure, a seamless blend of the Tu Lan Cave Experience and Hang Tien Discovery tours. This expedition invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting realms of the Tu Lan cave system and Hang Tien cave. Marvel at their grandeur and mystical allure while savouring the cozy embrace of Tu Lan Lodge – River Bungalow for a night. Relish a meal in the warmth of a local's abode, delving into their customs and lifestyle. Tailored for the thrill-seeker who covets adventure without forgoing comfort, this tour is a perfect symphony of excitement and relaxation.
Spanning two days and one night, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan exploration offers an unparalleled journey for nature enthusiasts eager to uncover the secrets of Quang Binh's caverns. Enjoy exhilarating activities like mountain trekking, forest navigation, and swimming in pristine pools. Venture into Hang Tien, the crown jewel of the Tu Lan system, and stand in awe of its towering stalactites, spiralling domes, and terraced floors that mimic an extraordinary paddy field. This itinerary also presents a unique opportunity to dine with locals and unwind at the River Bungalow in Tan Hoa, setting the stage for exploring Tu Lan's untamed beauty-once a backdrop for the cinematic marvel, Kong: Skull Island. Echoing director Jordan Vogt-Roberts' sentiment, "The world will see how beautiful Tu Lan is, they will come, experience and love Tu Lan as I did," this tour beckons you to discover a world beyond imagination.
Participants of the Oxalis' Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour can look forward to the following experiences:
- Venture into the heart of the region's largest dry cave, where the cave's circular dome presents extraordinary and captivating architecture.
- Embark on a jungle trek where 80% of the path meanders through a lush tropical forest teeming with diverse flora—a genuinely singular experience for those who cherish the rainforest.
- Behold the striking formations within Hang Tien, showcasing layered rimstone pools, towering columns, and stalagmites that rise several meters high.
- Near the Hang Tien-Tu Lan tour's lunch spot, witness the Rao Nan Stream's waters, after journeying underground for kilometres, emerge to form a stunning natural spectacle: an infinity pool. Participants are invited to dive into its chilly, crystalline waters.
- Discover the enigmatic Hung Ton Cave and Rat Cave, repositories of ancient marine fossils. The natural artistry of stalagmites, stalactites, and cave pearls conjures images of resplendent castles.
- Experience the thrill of swimming in the underground river within the cave, illuminated only by your exploration lights, enveloping you in an ambience of mystery and awe during the Hang Tien-Tu Lan 2 Days 1 Night discovery tour.
- Stay at the distinctive River Bungalow in Tu Lan Lodge, an innovative lodging concept harmonising with the region's seasonal floods.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by dining at a resident's home on the first evening, where you can learn about how adventure tourism has transformed Tan Hoa village. Seize the chance to cycle and take in the serene beauty of Tan Hoa village.
- 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 Hang Tien-Tu Lan Tour schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions. When it rains, the path can be pretty muddy and slippery.
Download the itineraryDay 1: Safety briefing - Rat Cave - Hung Ton Cave - To Mo Valley - Tan Hoa Office (Tu Lan Lodge)
Between 07:00 and 07:30 in the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in the Phong Nha area and transfer you to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office (70 km from Phong Nha). At the office, you will attend a safety briefing, sign the release form, and receive all necessary safety equipment.
After preparation, the group will begin walking through green cornfields and grasslands toward the Rao Nan River. After crossing the river, you will hike up a short slope for about 5 minutes to reach the entrance of Rat Cave. Here, you will be equipped with helmets, headlamps, and safety gear to start exploring this cave. Rat Cave is nearly 300 meters long and features impressive formations despite its modest size. Inside, you will see sparkling stalactites and a high dome with a unique heart-shaped formation, created over millions of years.
After exploring the cave, the group will return to the entrance for a light snack. You will then continue to conquer “Baby Hill,” with an elevation of around 60 meters. From here, the trek continues across Hung Ton Valley to reach the dry passage of Hung Ton Cave. This area reveals fascinating geological history, with marine fossils embedded in the rock walls, dating back millions of years and offering insight into the formation of the Tu Lan cave system. Guides will assist you in wearing safety harnesses to descend a 15-meter ladder inside the cave.
The group will then move to the river passage, where you will put on life jackets and check personal belongings. You will swim through the underground river, exploring the cave using specialized lighting. At the end of the cave, the scenery opens up to the peaceful and picturesque To Mo Valley. Here, the group will enjoy lunch and have free time to swim and relax in the emerald stream.
After resting, the group will trek across the valley and green fields back to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. You will then transfer to Tu Lan Lodge and check in at the River Bungalow to shower and relax.
Around 18:00, the guide will take the group to a local house for dinner. This is a great chance to enjoy traditional home-cooked dishes and learn about local daily life. After dinner, the group will return to the River Bungalow for overnight stay.
Day 2: Tan Hoa - Hang Tien - Departure
In the early morning, you will enjoy breakfast prepared by the chefs at Tu Lan Lodge. After check-out, a short briefing, and luggage arrangements, the group will depart for Tuyen Hoa to begin the Hang Tien exploration.
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 appear along the way. After passing this challenging section, you will reach the cave entrance, where a stunning landscape unfolds. A light snack will be provided before entering the cave.
Inside Hang Tien, part of the Tu Lan cave system, a vast space opens up with layered calcite formations resembling terraced fields, covered in natural greenery. Looking up, you will see a massive dome and unique striped patterns along the cave walls. As you go deeper, more impressive and mysterious formations will appear. After reaching the rear entrance, the group will return to the starting point to enjoy a prepared lunch.
After lunch, the group will continue over large rock formations to reach a natural pool in the forest. Here, you can swim freely and take photos.
To conclude the journey, the group will walk along the scenic Rao Nan River back to the main road, where the vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. You can shower and refresh here before the bus takes you back to Phong Nha at around 19:30 and 20:00.
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.
Photo
Weather and climate in the Tan Hoa - Hang Tien area
The Tú Làn - Hang Tiên area experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Hang Tiên-Tú Làn Discovery Tour is available year-round, so you can enjoy the beauty of this place at any time, with each season offering its own unique charm:
- November to March: The weather is cool with a mix of cold and warm sunny days.
- April and May: The weather is pleasant and warm, making it an ideal time to see the blooming wildflowers.
- June to August: Summer can be quite hot, but the temperature in the caves is a cool 22-25°C. This is a great time to experience swimming in the caves or at the natural lakes around the campsite.
- September to November: The weather gradually shifts to autumn, with a cool and comfortable atmosphere.
Before embarking on your Oxalis Adventures caving tour, it's recommended to check the specific weather forecast for Hang Tien or Tu Lan using a reliable weather app like “Accuweather”.
Whether you're seeking the vibrant colors of spring, the warmth of summer, the crispness of autumn, or the serene beauty of winter, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan tour promises a remarkable two-day cave exploration journey in Quang Binh.
Adventure level
Oxalis Adventure has developed an adventure scale to assist guests in selecting the most suitable caving tour based on their fitness and experience. This scale, unique to Oxalis, ranges from Level 1 (Introductory) to Level 6 (hard, requiring regular exercise and trekking experience). Although a two-day, one-night adventure, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour features challenging terrain and necessitates a reasonable level of fitness for an enjoyable experience.
Adventure Level 2 · Easy
Rated Easy (Level 2) on the Oxalis Adventure scale, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour is designed for average active individuals, not those with intense fitness levels like runners or athletes.
Number of guests per tour: Maximum 10 guests; Age 16-70 years old.
Expect: Rocky terrain, steep hills, long trek
- Cover 18km of mountain forest trails with uneven terrain
- 2.3km cave exploration
- 270m elevation gain
- Swim in a natural lake at the lunch area
- 15m ladder climb with a safety rope and harnesses, operated by the safety team.
- 150m cave swim with a life vest provided by Oxalis
- Several sections require rock climbing and steep slopes
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.
Fitness preparation for Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery
The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour include:
- Trekking experience requirements: Having experience in trekking and camping in the forest is an advantage.
- Fitness Preparation: Regularly participating in physical activities (such as yoga, swimming, hiking, running, stair climbing, gym, and some other sports)to maintain physical fitness. This ensures that they are able to:
- Run continuously for 3km within 30 minutes.
- Climb 5 floors continuously without becoming out of breath or dizzy.
Guests aged 16 to 70 are permitted to join the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery 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-Tu Lan Discovery 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 measures on the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery 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 day 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.
Dangers, risks and how to avoid them on tour
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. Please always follow the instructions of the tour guide and safety assistants.
You can learn more about "Adventure Safety Tips" here.
Communication on the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour
Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour is an adventure tour in Quang Binh with a moderate 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-Tu Lan Discovery 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. Please be aware that internet and phone services are not available during your Oxalis tour. You will only have access to these services in th before prior to departure or upon your return. 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 Process
Oxalis Adventure has an established "Emergency Response Protocol" 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.
Items to bring on Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour
Given the diverse terrain and prolonged trekking involved, proper preparation is crucial for the Hang Tien-Tu Lan 2-day, 1-night discovery tour.
- Clothing: Participants will be asked to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts that offer protection and flexibility for jungle trekking, river crossings, and cave exploration. This attire helps safeguard against sharp rocks, insects, and poisonous plants.
- Footwear: Choose well-fitting trekking shoes with good grip for navigating rocky and steep trails. Be sure to test your shoes beforehand.
Remember to bring personal items necessary for a day of trekking in the jungle. These may include insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, snacks, and any necessary medications.
You need to prepare
Essential clothing
- 2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirt
- 2 pair of quick-dry and long trekking pants
- Swimwear for swimming outside the cave
- 1 set of clothes for staying at Tu Làn Lodge
- 1 set of clothes to change after tour
- 1 pair of good gripping trekking/approach closed shoes. Heavyweight trekking boots are not necessary
- 2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
- 1 waterproof jacket (winter months November to March)
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, …
- 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 purifier
- Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
- First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
- Satellite phone
- Secure storage at office
Optional items
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
Swimming experience at an infinity pool
After having lunch inside Hang Tien Cave, visitors on the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour will trek to a natural lake and waterfall, where you can swim and relax in a natural infinity pool. All swimming activities are supervised by safety assistants. Please note that during heavy rain, the river may turn brown and muddy. Soap and shampoo are not permitted in the rivers and pools. You can learn more about the infinity pool here: Explore Hang Tien Cave’s Natural Infinity Pool.
Toilet at the campsites
The Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour takes place in a remote jungle with limited facilities. To maintain hygiene and environmental sustainability, Oxalis has implemented eco-friendly "Oxalis Composting Toilets". These toilets consist of a normal toilet seat over a box containing a bucket and waste bag. Rice husks are used to cover waste, promoting a dry composting process that eliminates odors and deters insects. Waste is later buried in a designated area to biodegrade into fertilizer.
Guests are required to use these composting toilets for both urination and defecation. Urination outside or inside the cave is prohibited due to potential negative impacts on the environment. Hand washing facilities are available.
Learn more about Oxalis' waste management practices here: How does Oxalis handle waste and debris during its cave exploration tours?
Directions to Phong Nha - Tu Lan
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, and it requires a lot of logistical support. To avoid disappointment and complications, 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 prices and availability
- Season: Tours operate year-round.
- 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-Tu Lan Discovery tour price includes
The cost of the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour is 5,800,000 VND (US$217) 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: Each tour of 10 guests will have: 1 tour guide, 1 safety assistant, 1 cook, and 4 porters. 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. At the first night, enjoy a warm welcome and delicious home-cooked cuisine during a memorable dinner experience in a Tan Hoa village home.
- 1 night at River Bungalow: Oxalis includes a restful night in a spacious River Bungalow at Tu Lan Lodge, where guests can unwind on a private balcony overlooking the Rao Nan River and seasonal cornfields.
- Included transportation: The tour package includes round-trip transportation services between Phong Nha and Tan Hoa, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
- Oxalis provides 1 night at River Bungalow Tu Lan Lodge after the first day of exploration.
- 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.
FAQs
- Do I need to swim during the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour?
- Which season is ideal for visiting Hang Tien-Tu Lan?
- Do I need to have rock climbing skills to join this tour?
- What if I am a solo traveler, can I join a group?
- Why do I have to sign your Release Form?
- What can I do If I want to talk to/contact a consultant?
Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery • HTL
Adventure Level: Easy
Age 16-70 years old
Group size: 10 customers
Tour type: Join-in
Operation: Year-round
USD 217 • VND 5,800,000/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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