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 Rural Homestay 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 Tri'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 Rural Homestay 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 Secret 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.
- A unique stay at a Rural Homestay – This weather-adaptive homestay is built from the flood-resistant floating houses used by local people in Tan Hoa. Located within local family homes, it offers an authentic experience close to everyday life in the community.
- 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 - Secret Cave - Hung Ton Cave - To Mo Valley - Rural Homestay
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 getting fully prepared, the group will trek across lush cornfields and green grasslands towards the Rao Nan River. After crossing the river, you will trek up a hill to reach the entrance of Secret Cave. Here, you will be provided with helmets, headlamps, and the necessary safety equipment before beginning your exploration of this remarkable cave.
Secret Cave is a small cave featuring uniquely shaped stalactites discovered by local porters. To protect these delicate formations, especially the intricate cave pearls on the cave floor, visitors must follow the route marked with ropes throughout the exploration.
Leaving Secret Cave, the journey continues through the valley to Hung Ton Cave. Here, the guide will help you put on a safety harness before descending a 15 m ladder inside the cave. The cave also reveals clues about the formation of the Tu Lan Cave System, including millions-of-years-old marine shell fossils embedded in the cave walls.
The group will then head to the river passage, where you will put on a life jacket and check your personal belongings. You will swim through the underground river, using specialized lights to explore the mysterious cave interior. At the end of the cave, To Mo Valley comes into view with its peaceful, scenic landscape. The valley was also chosen as a filming location for The Immortal. Here, you will enjoy lunch before swimming and relaxing by the stream.
After resting and regaining your energy, the group will continue across the valley and green fields before returning to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. You will then check in at Rural Homestay to shower and rest.
At around 18:00, the guide will pick up the group from Rural Homestay and take you to a local home for dinner. This is an opportunity to enjoy traditional home-cooked dishes while chatting with local residents and learning more about their daily lives. After dinner, the group will return to the homestay for the night.
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. 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.
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 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.
Photo
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 (1 Day), Phong Nha: Nuoc Nut Cave Discovery (1 Day), Tu Lan Experience (1 Day), Tu Lan Family Adventure (2D1N), Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour (2D1N), Hang Tien Cave Day Trek (1 Day).
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.
- Cover 20 km of mountain forest trails with uneven terrain
- 2.8 km cave exploration
- 120 m elevation gain
- Swim in a natural lake at the lunch area
- 15 m ladder climb with a safety rope and harnesses, operated by the safety team.
- 150 m cave swim with a life vest provided by Oxalis
- Several sections require rock climbing and steep slopes
For more information on the necessary physical activities for a successful trip, please refer to: https://oxalisadventure.com/getting-ready-oxalis-tour/.
Safety on the tour
This is always the top priority of Oxalis Adventure to ensure the safety of both visitors and Oxalis’ staff on any trip, including 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.
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 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
Optional items
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
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.
Camping, Showers and Hygiene During the Expedition
During the journey, guests will have the opportunity to swim in a natural infinity pool and waterfalls. Swimming activities are supervised by safety assistants to ensure guests' safety. After rainy days, the stream water may become muddy. Guests are not allowed to use shampoo, conditioner, or personal hygiene products directly in the streams to protect the water sources and natural environment.
Toilets and water facilities: Oxalis provides comfortable toilet facilities at designated stops along the journey. Water used for daily activities is treated through a filtration system before use.
Waste management and environmental protection: All waste generated during the trip is collected and carried out of the forest and caves. Wastewater and toilet waste are treated using appropriate systems before being released into the environment to minimise the impact on the natural ecosystem.
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.
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
- 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).
- 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
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
Duration: 2 days 1 night
Difficulty Level: Easy
Age 16-70 years old
Group size: 10 customers (Join-in)
Operation: Year-round
USD 204 • VND 5,400,000/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.



