Highlights
Hang Va contains some of the world’s rarest and most incredible formations – numerous tower cones rising up from emerald green waters. Nuoc Nut is an adventurous underground passage with dry and wet passages and clear blue pools. This tour combines them both and is for adventurous travelers who want to experience two contrasting caves, rope traverse, and sleep in a jungle campsite. The experience is particularly rewarding for photographers.
- Explore two of the most interesting caves in the national park.
- Marvel at otherworldly cave formations – a real highlight!
- Harness up for the rope traverse.
- Trek up jungle hills and climb over sharp rocks.
- Swim in gorgeous natural jade lakes inside the caves.
- Sleep deep in the jungle surrounded by trees.
- Tuck into freshly cooked meals during the journey, plus snacks.
Key Information
- Two days exploring, one-night camping.
- Available January to August. Tours depart five times a week.
- Difficulty: Level 4 · challenging.
- Group size: 10 people maximum.
- Age: 16 years and above.
- Distance: 8km trekking, 4km caving, 150m elevation gain, 100m swimming (optional), 20m rope work.
- Includes one night stay at Chay Lap Farmstay before tour departures.
Itinerary
Due to the weather conditions, the itinerary may need to be changed at short notice. The paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.
Arrival date in Phong Nha
After arriving in Dong Hoi City by plane/bus/train, you can transfer to Chay Lap Farmstay by Oxalis Adventure's shuttle bus free of charge or by taxi (see Arrival Departure Guide here). If you transfer with our shuttle bus, departures are at 6:30 and 14:00 daily. You will reach Oxalis Adventure’s office in Phong Nha first, then Chay Lap's transport will bring you to the resort. Don't miss the opportunity to cycle along the rustic countryside, kayak on the Chay River, or experience an herbal sauna to enjoy your relaxing time at Chay Lap Farmstay. At night, you can enjoy local dishes at Expedition Restaurant (at your own expense) and rest early for a long journey awaits tomorrow.
Day 1: Chay Lap Farmstay - Nuoc Nut Cave - Hang Va Jungle Campsite
On departure day, our tour bus will pick you up in the morning from Chay Lap Farmstay to the Oxalis office. Here you will have a tour safety briefing, sign the release form, and receive the required equipment for the tour.
The route starts with a short steep drop down from the road to the valley floor.
A nice easy half-hour trek in the forest brings you to a dry rocky stream. Follow the rocky path carefully to climb down over boulders to the Nuoc Nut Cave entrance. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then with your caving light and helmet enter into the darkness. Initially quite small, the cave soon opens up into impressive dimensions. Plenty of stalactites and stalagmites can be seen on the way. After a rocky section, you will meet the underground river. Follow this to the point it enters the water-filled passage. Take the passage connecting to Hang Va on the return and join in activities such as scramble through narrow passages, admiring unique stalactites, or take a plunge into the natural pool lies beneath the ground. Another 100m of swimming with a lifejacket and guideline leads to a climbing point. Harnesses will be used to climb out of the entrance to the camp. If water levels are high, head back to Nuoc Nut entrance. A short steep rocky hill and descent will then bring you to the campsite. Enjoy dinner served by your team, and the experience of a night deep in the jungle.
Day 2: Hang Va Cave - Phong Nha
The following morning you will have a safety briefing on how to use the harnesses and ropes.
You will then descend the steep rocky entrance using the equipment. Hang Va is a beautiful stream cave where you will experience narrow passages, rocky climbs, and some deep pools with very nice opportunities for photography. After exploring the river passage, you will use your harnesses and traverse across to the high-level passage using the ropes. Follow the path up into this large dry passage. Notice the huge gour dams as you climb over to finally reach the amazing tower cone formations. As yet no one knows exactly how these have formed. Return the same way to camp for lunch. Trek out through the jungle over a rocky hill to another stream valley, and back to the road. Enjoy a cold drink.
Transfer to Phong Nha arriving at around 17:00. You will be transferred to your hotel in Phong Nha, or you can stay at Oxalis Home to take a hot shower and get change before your next destinations.
Adventure Level 4 · Challenging
- 2-day tour
- Moderate trekking - very rocky terrain
- 8km of trekking including 4km of caving
- Total elevation gain: 150m
- River crossings
- Swimming in caves (100m)
- There will be some rocky terrain, steep hills and several sections using ropes and harnesses. Inside the caves you will often be wet.
- How do I get to Phong Nha?
- What is the weather like?
- My child (under 16 y/o) is accompanying me. Can they join the tour?
- What benefits will I enjoy if I book multiple tours and services with The Oxalis Group?
- Where would the excess luggage be kept and how much luggage would the porters carry on tour?
- What if I am a solo traveler, can I join a group?
- Why do I have to sign your Release Form?
- Which months of the year do you run this tour, and which are the best months to go?
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Preparations
Please visit our FAQ general page to read our specific What to Bring list before departing for Vietnam and your cave expedition.
WE WILL PROVIDE
- One night stay at Chay Lap Farmstay (double or single room).
- Camping gear: tent, camp light, sleeping bag, mattresses, pillow
- Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, gloves, harness, ropes
- Basic canvas trekking boots (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 – 46
- Biodegradable plastic bag (for clothing and personal belongings)
- Meals on tour: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner (Day 1); breakfast and lunch (Day 2)
- Professional English-speaking tour guide and safety assistants
- Porter team to carry all camping gear and prepare all meals
- Shared dry box for phones and small cameras (Size 20cm x 15cm or 22cm x 20cm; limited availability for larger cameras)
- Water bottles and water filter (used only by guide and porters)
- Basic camping facilities with eco-friendly compost toilet using the western toilet seat
- First Aid Kit and Medical Rescue Equipment (application by guides and porters only)
- Satellite phone (for emergency use only)
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING
- 1 long (easy to dry) pants and 1 long-sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (quick-dry)
- 1 pair of trekking boots/shoes – difficult terrain, good footwear necessary
- 2 pairs of calf length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
- 1 backpack to hold personal items
- 1 small towel
- 1 pair of shorts and T-shirt to wear at the campsite.
- 1 pair of flip flop (sandals) for the campsite
- 1 change of clothes for after the tour
- 1 set of camp clothes (shorts are okay for around camp; please bring a fleece in winter)
- Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, underwear, toiletries
- Thermal jacket and long pants for nightwear (if tour departs from February to March).
Pricing and availability
Please choose your departure date using the calendar below.
- This tour is operated from Jan to Aug (closed from Sep to Dec).
- The days in bold are still available
- 2020 and 2021 tours are available for booking, please check calendar box belownew_releases
- 10% off for Xiều.
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.
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