Hang Va Expedition Tour

The 2-day, 1-night Hang Va Expedition reveals the wonders of Nuoc Nut Cave and Hang Va Cave, known as the world's two most unique wet caves. Hang Va was featured in Planet Earth III - BBC's famous documentary series, showcasing its exceptionally rare towering cones emerging from emerald-green waters. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking mountain trekking, rope traversing, and overnight stays in a jungle campsite. The experience is particularly rewarding for photographers.

The 2-day Hang Va Expedition Tour will offer a unique experience with 1 night of camping in the forest. The Hang Va Expedition will take you to explore 2 caves: Hang Nuoc Nut and Hang Va.

Located in the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, close to the exit of Son Doong Cave, Hang Va (Va Cave) was discovered by Mr Ho Khanh in 1992 and surveyed by the British - Vietnam Cave Expedition team led by Howard Limbert in 2012.

Hang Va is considered a special cave in the world of cave formations, with a river passage below and a large high-level passage above with dozens of tower cone formations. There are cones of different sizes and shapes, with the tallest tower cones being around 2 meters high. Geologists yet cannot confirm how these cones have formed. They are located in giant gour pools behind huge gour dams.

Hang Va and Nuoc Nut Caves were introduced in the "Otherworldly landscapes: 7 of Vietnam’s best cave experiences" by CNN Travel. Hang Va was also featured as the coolest new adventure in Asia by Forbes.

On November 26, 2023, Hang Son Doong, Hang En and Hang Va were featured on Episode 6 - EXTREMES of the famous documentary series Planet Earth III made by BBC.

    The highlights include:

  • World-class and unique geological formations: This is the signature feature that draws international attention. Visitors are often captivated by the thousands of cone-shaped stalactites (or "tower cones") rising from the deep pools of water inside Hang Va. These formations are considered geologically unique and are rarely found elsewhere in the world. The sight creates a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere that appeals strongly to photographers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Challenging, hands-on technical caving experience: The tour offers a great balance of accessibility and adventure. Western visitors love the technical elements that require using international safety equipment (harnesses, ropes, helmets), giving them a genuine caving experience. This includes scrambling/climbing with ropes over slippery, steep sections and the thrill of swimming / wading through the cold underground river (water level can be belly-high) for about 700 meters.
  • High standards of safety and professional logistics: A key factor in the positive reviews is the top-tier safety protocol and support. Visitors consistently praise Oxalis for adhering to European safety standards, providing high-quality gear, and having a highly professional team of experienced guides, safety assistants, and supportive local porters. The seamless logistics, from safe navigation to providing excellent meals (including catering to dietary needs), ensure a worry-free expedition.
  • Exclusive campsite deep in the primary jungle: The overnight experience is a major draw. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to camp exclusively at the mouth of Hang Va, nestled in a pristine valley surrounded by towering limestone karsts. It offers a rare chance to fully disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the primary rainforest, listening to the sounds of nature, and viewing the dark, starry sky.
  • Intimate connection to the Phong Nha cave system: For many international adventurers, this tour serves as a perfect way to explore the geology that underpins the region's fame. Hang Va and nearby Nuoc Nut Cave are part of the same hydrological system as the magnificent Son Doong Cave. Visitors find significant value in seeing this intricate system up close, often viewing Hang Va as an accessible yet equally unique alternative to the larger, more expensive expeditions.

Itinerary

The Oxalis Hang Va tour schedules can be changed due to weather conditions. The jungle trail can be quite muddy and slippery when raining. Hang Va Cave Expedition itinerary, booking process, fees and other information are detailed below.

Download the itinerary

Phong Nha - Nuoc Nut Cave - Hang Va Campsite

Your expedition begins between 8:00 – 8:30 AM with a pickup in Phong Nha and a transfer to the Oxalis headquarters. After a safety briefing and gear check, you’ll head to the trailhead to begin the adventure.

From the drop-off point, a 30-minute jungle trek leads you along a forest path to the entrance of Nuoc Nut Cave. Here, you will gear up with helmets, headlights, and gloves before enjoying a picnic lunch. Entering Nuoc Nut requires navigating a low opening, but once inside, the cave opens up into a mysterious underground world. You will marvel at massive sandbanks, unique rock formations, and perhaps spot the rare albino insects adapted to life in total darkness.

The adventure intensifies as you leave the large passages of Nuoc Nut to navigate the narrow connection leading toward Hang Va. After maneuvering through this thrilling technical section, you will be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the Hang Va stream passage. Finally, you will don a safety harness to climb out of the cave entrance, emerging right at your campsite located deep in the jungle. A well-earned dinner awaits you in this spectacular natural setting.

Hang Va - Phong Nha

The exploration continues upstream into the heart of Hang Va. This section is physical and exciting, requiring you to maneuver through narrow rocky crevices before opening up into a beautiful stream passage. Here, you’ll witness a unique phenomenon: water spouts cascading from the cave ceiling like natural showers.

The highlight of the expedition awaits in the upper level. Using safety harnesses, you will climb into the Tower Cone Passage. Walking on a specially designed path to protect the fragile formations, you will stand in awe of the rare tower cones – thousands of stalagmites rising from the water like a submerged city. Amidst this surreal landscape, your guides will share the fascinating history of the cave's discovery by Mr. Ho Khanh and the British-Vietnamese Cave Expedition Team, including the geological link between Hang Va and the massive Son Doong Cave.

After returning to the lower passage and exiting the cave, enjoy a final lunch at the jungle campsite. Pack up and prepare for the trek out, which involves navigating a rocky pass and descending into the Hang Va Valley. A driver will meet you at the road for the return transfer, arriving in Phong Nha around 5:00 PM.

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.

Weather and Climate in Hang Va Cave

Hang Va - Phong Nha has 4 seasons in a year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), the same as many northern provinces of Vietnam. Due to the rainy season and to ensure the safety of visitors, Hang Va Expedition is only operated from January to August. From January to March, the weather will sometimes be cold interspersed with sunny days. April and May are warmer months, and June to August, are the warmest summer months. However, most of the trek is under the forest canopy or inside the cave with a temperature of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. Summer is a good time to enjoy swimming inside Hang Va.

Adventure level on tour

After many years of adventure tourism activities, Oxalis Adventure has created a Level of Adventure scale to help guests participating in Oxalis tours to visualize and choose the adventure tour most suitable for their fitness and health. This scale is not to be applied to other companies or tours with different conditions and terrains. The easiest level (level 1) anyone can join, and the most difficult level - 6 requires regular exercise and some trekking experience. Those who often play sports or do exercise can complete this tour.

Adventure level: 3 · Moderate
The Hang Va Expedition tour is rated as Moderate (Level 3) 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: Crossing and climbing rocky terrain, hiking through the jungle, caving, swimming in the cave, and using rope and technical equipment with the support of guide and safety assistants.
The number of guests per tour: Maximum of 10 guests; Age 16-70 years old.

  • 15km of mountain trekking with rough terrain
  • 7km cave exploration
  • 100m underground swimming
  • Elevation gain: 150m
  • Trekking through underground stream passages
  • Using rope and technical equipment
Adventure Level

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.

HV2 trekking graph

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Physical fitness requirements for Hang Va Expedition tour

The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Hang Va Expedition 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 3 kilometres within 30 minutes.
    - Climb 5 floors continuously without experiencing shortness of breath or dizziness.

Guests aged 16 to 70 are permitted to join the Hang Va Expedition tour, which demands good physical fitness. 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 Va Expedition 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/.

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Safety on the tour

This is always the top priority of all Oxalis Adventure tours to ensure the safety of both visitors and Oxalis’ staff on any trip. We only use high-quality equipment meeting international standards, mainly imported from France, the UK, and Switzerland. The guide team must undergo professional training and be tested for skills regularly. Only qualified Oxalis guides are allowed to lead Oxalis tours. Visitors can learn about the "safety management" and "safety equipment" that Oxalis uses here.

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

Risk prevention and management

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.

You can learn more about "Adventure Safety Tips" here.

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Preparation for the Hang Va Expedition

The Hang Va Expedition tour includes 1-night camping in the forest, so the items you need to prepare are quite simple. However, for a caving and camping tour in Vietnam, visitors will be asked to prepare suitable clothing for safety and comfort. Clothing should be good for trekking in the jungle, river crossings, or exploring the cave as well as avoiding dangers and risks from sharp rocks, snakes, insects, or poison ivy.

Long trousers and long-sleeved tops should be worn. Trekking shoes play a very important role in adventure tours like the Hang Va Expedition. Visitors need to choose a good and well-fitting pair of shoes for steep rocky terrain. Besides, they also need to prepare personal items for 1 night’s camping in the jungle. The Oxalis tour consultant will give you helpful advice before joining the Hang Va tour in Quang Binh, Vietnam.

You need to prepare

Essential clothing

  • Trekking clothes:
    - 1-2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
    - 1-2 pairs of long trekking pants (quick-dry)
    - 1 waterproof jacket (winter months January to March)
  • Campsite clothing sets:
    - Warm clothes for winter from January to March
    - Shorts and T-shirts for summer from April to August
  • 1 pair of good gripping trekking/approach closed shoes. Heavyweight trekking boots are not necessary
  • 2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
  • 1 pair of sandals/slides for campsite

Personal items

  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
  • Hand fan for summer (April to August)
  • 1 medium towel
  • Underwear
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, nature-friendly shampoo & soap, …)
  • Power banks
  • Personal medication
  • Antifungal foot powder
  • Passport

Provided by Oxalis

  • 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.
  • Dry box for electronic devices
  • Water bottle (1L)
  • Water purifier
  • Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
  • Semi-dry bag (15L) for campsite clothing sets and personal items
  • First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
  • Satellite phone

Optional items

  • Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
  • Camera & Tripod
  • Ear plugs
  • Bandana or headband
  • Rehydration tablets
  • Blister prevention tape

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Hang Va Campsite

Located in a small valley next to the entrance of Hang Va Cave, this campsite is surrounded by primeval forest, where you can feel and touch nature, especially on moonlit nights, or waking in the early morning to the dawn chorus. The campsite is fenced with protective nets to prevent snakes from entering the camp at night. It is also located in a high valley which is not affected by floods. You must not go outside the campsite without your guide

Bathing at the campsite

Hang Va Campsite is in the middle of the forest 50m away from the cave entrance. Therefore there are no bathing facilities in the camp. Swimming and refreshing yourself can be done in the river passage inside Hang Va before you exit. However, no soap or shampoo is allowed.

Toilet at the campsite

For hygiene and conservation reasons, Oxalis has created eco-friendly toilets for our campsites, 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.

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How to get to Phong Nha - Hang Va

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

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Hang Va tour booking process

This is an adventure tour in Vietnam and requires a lot of logistic 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 price and available dates for booking

  • Season: Tours operate from January to August 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 cancellation

The Hang Va Expedition tour has only 1500 guests each year, so available slots are booked quickly. To confirm reservations, visitors will be required to pay 100% of the tour cost after approval. Guests can receive a full refund if the cancellation is 7 days before departure.

Cancellations after 7 days are non-refundable. Please see the cancellation terms here.

Tour price includes

The tour price is 9,200,000VND (US$346) per person. This cost includes VAT, sightseeing, environmental and national park fees. The cost also includes the following services:

  • Logistics team: Each 10-guest tour will have 1 tour guide, 3 safety assistants, 1 chef, 4 porters carrying luggage, food, and camping equipment, and 1 park ranger. The number of team members may vary depending on the group's physical condition.
  • Food: Oxalis provides food, drinking water, tea, and coffee during the journey (not including extra requirements). Dishes are based on fixed menus, vegetarian and vegan menus will be provided if ordered. Please inform us of any food allergies.
  • Safety equipment: Oxalis will provide safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, headlights, gloves etc.
  • Travel insurance: Oxalis provides 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.

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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 Va Expedition Tour has dropped to 129.6 kgCO2e per person – a significant 34% 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.

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