Tu Lan Cave Encounter Tour
On joining the 3 days 2 nights Tu Lan tour, visitors may experience firsthand the ecosystem of a tropical forest and admire the beauty of the Tu Lan Cave system, Quang Tri. You will swim in the underground river of a cave carved out millions of years ago, trek along forest trails, spend the night camping in the wild by the side of a waterfall, enjoy a local dinner, and spend the night at a Rural Homestay, the very first weather-adaptive homestay in Vietnam. These experiences will help you temporarily forget the hectic city life and immerse yourself in nature.
- Explore stunning caves: Journey through the remarkable Tu Lan cave system, exploring both dry and water caves like Ken, Tu Lan, Kim, and Hung Ton. Each cave offers a distinct world, revealing magical landscapes and a rare, pristine beauty hidden beneath the mountains.
- Immersive underground river swimming: Experience the most iconic and memorable part of the Tu Lan challenge: swimming through dark, underground caves. The valley is crisscrossed by hidden rivers, and as you swim through these subterranean passages, natural light disappears. All you'll hear is the sound of flowing water and see the sparkling reflections of your headlamp on the cliffs. This feeling of excitement and awe turns every stroke into an adventure into a mysterious, underground world. (Note: If you prefer not to swim, you can choose to hike over the mountains to enjoy the wild, majestic scenery.)
- Camp in a primeval forest oasis: Spend a night fully immersed in the wilderness at the Tu Lan camping site. Carefully selected for its beauty, the site is situated next to a waterfall and natural swimming pool. Surrounded by vast primeval forests, it offers a clear view of the sparkling Milky Way once night falls.
- Taste local culture and cuisine: Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring authentic local cuisine at a resident's home on the final night. This is an opportunity to savor the rustic, sincere flavor of Tan Hoa and hear the compelling story of how the village is harmoniously connecting people and nature. You can also cycle through the peaceful village to admire the countryside and soak up the rare, fresh atmosphere.
- Stay in a unique floating homestay: Experience a night in one of Vietnam's most unique, weather-adaptive floating house homestays. These unique homes offer all the facilities of a small hotel, complemented by the openness, enthusiasm, and warmth of your hosts. Share a cup of tea or listen to stories about local culture for an unforgettable, personal experience.
- Support a unique sharing economy model: By joining the Tu Lan Challenge tour, you are directly contributing to a unique sharing economy model. This initiative supports local livelihoods by partnering with 10 households to provide authentic dinner services and 10 households to offer overnight stays in their family's innovative, flood-adaptive floating houses. Your visit helps create jobs and income, ensuring that tourism benefits the Tan Hoa community.
- 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.
The highlights include:
Itinerary
The Tu Lan Cave Encounter tour schedule may be adjusted according to the weather conditions. The trek can be quite muddy and slippery when it rains.
Download the itineraryPhong Nha - Tan Hoa - Ken Cave - Tu Lan campsite
Your adventure begins between 07:30 – 08:00 AM with a pick-up in Phong Nha for the scenic 70km drive to Tan Hoa Village. Upon arrival at the adventure headquarters, you’ll receive a safety briefing, gear up, and prepare for the expedition ahead.
The trek starts gently, winding 2.5km through peanut and corn fields to the banks of the Rao Nan River. From here, the landscape shifts. You’ll cross the river and conquer a rocky 50m hill before descending into the flat, grassy expanse of Hung Ton Valley. Lunch is served at the impressive entrance of Hung Ton Cave, fueling you for the afternoon leg—a challenging climb over steep hills that leads to your home for the night: the Tu Lan Valley campsite, situated right next to a cascading waterfall.
Drop your gear and cool off with a swim before exploring Ken Cave, located just steps from camp. The day concludes with a chef-prepared dinner by the waterfall, where the sounds of the jungle and the rushing water promise a deep, peaceful sleep.
Our tour departs promptly in the morning! Please plan your travel to reach Phong Nha before 07:00 AM. If you are traveling by train to Dong Hoi, the SE3 (from the North) and SE8 (from the South) are the best options. Don't worry if you arrive very early on tour departure date – we offer free use of our dorm beds so you can rest and freshen up before the adventure starts.
Tu Lan cave - Kim Cave - Hung Ton Cave - Tan Hoa
The second day is dedicated to exploring the water caves of the system. You will trek and swim through Hang Tu Lan and Hang Kim, navigating underground rivers to reach the To Mo Valley. After a lunch break at the campsite, the journey continues into Hung Ton Cave.
This section includes a technical highlight: swimming into the cave entrance by the waterfall and ascending a 10m ladder with safety equipment. Emerging from the cave, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the Hung Ton Valley below. The trek concludes with a walk back to the Tan Hoa office, crossing the Rao Nan River and passing through local corn and peanut fields.
Upon return, check in to the Rural Homestay for a shower and rest. At 6:00 PM, the group will visit a local family for dinner. This cultural exchange allows you to taste traditional dishes and learn about the village's history and way of life, followed by a peaceful night at the homestay.
Visit local farms by bike - Transfer to Phong Nha/Dong Hoi - Tour ends
Morning in Tan Hoa is peaceful and rustic, with wide green valleys and limestone mountains fading in and out of the early mist. You can enjoy the sunrise from your homestay window or take a short walk around the village to feel the fresh, quiet atmosphere. After that, you can cycle to the Tu Lan Lodge restaurant for breakfast, 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 finishes around 11:00 AM, giving you time to pack and prepare for check-out at 12:00 noon. The shuttle from Tan Hoa to Phong Nha or Dong Hoi departs at 12:30 PM.
Please inform Oxalis Adventure travel consultant of your flight/train/bus schedule at least one day in advance. If you are leaving Quang Tri on the same day, ensure your departure is after 4:00 PM.
If you wish to stay longer or join additional activities in the Phong Nha–Ke Bang area, contact your Oxalis Adventure consultant or ask the hotel reception for assistance.
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.
Gallery
Difficulty Level and Physical Fitness Requirements
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Requirements: Within the last 12 months, participants must have completed at least one overnight trekking tour OR one to two day-hikes (covering a minimum of 6 km per day across mountainous or rocky terrain with an elevation gain of at least 500 m). Participants must demonstrate a baseline level of physical fitness by either climbing five flights of stairs continuously or running 5 km on flat ground within 60 minutes, without experiencing signs of physical distress such as dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, or nausea. Participants must not have any medical conditions listed by Oxalis as contraindications for mountain trekking or caving activities.
Suitable for: Guests with trekking experience and good physical fitness.
Tours with the same Difficulty Level: Hang Va Expedition Tour 2D1N , Hang En Cave Adventure 2D1N, Tu Lan Cave Encounter 3D2N, Hang Tien Endeavor Tour 3D2N, Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer Tour 4D3N.
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.
- Easy to moderate trekking
- 14,5km of trekking including up to 2km of caving
- 300m elevation gain
- 1km swimming in the caves with a life vest provided by Oxalis
- Descend 15m ladder in cave with a safety rope and harnesses, operated by the safety team.
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.
Items to bring on tour
All adventure tours in Vietnam will cross a variety of terrains and customers 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. Visitors need to choose a good and well-fitting pair of shoes for steep rocky terrain.
You need to prepare
Essential clothing
- Trekking clothes:
- 2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
- 1-2 pairs of long trekking pants ( quick-dry)
- 1 waterproof jacket (winter months November to March) - Campsite clothing sets:
- Warm clothes for winter from November to March
- Shorts and T-shirts for summer from April to September - 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
- Swimwear using at the Campsites
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
- Antifungal foot powder
- 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 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 filter
- Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
- Shared dry box and semi-dry bag (15L)
- First aid and medical rescue equipment
- Portable fan (in summer)
Optional items
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Ear plugs
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
- Personal dry bag/box for electronic devices
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 specialised 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
The campsite for the Tu Lan Cave Encounter is located in the most beautiful camping spot of the Tu Lan area - Tu Lan Valley. The valley has a waterfall about 5m high pouring out from Ken Cave to form a large natural pool where you relax and enjoy the cool water. On the opposite side is a natural sandy beach where our campsite is located. Here deep in the valley of a primeval forest, you can hear the birds chirping, or watch the clouds hanging over the limestone cliffs above Ken Cave entrance.
The average temperature in winter is around 15 to 18 degrees, and in summer from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius. Customers are provided with warm sleeping bags in the winter or a battery-powered fan in the tent during summer months. More information about "The campsites at the Tu Lan Cave System ".
Tents: At each campsite, you will stay in tents specially designed by Oxalis. Each tent offers enough space for one or two people to sleep comfortably, and is set on a sturdy raised platform 30 cm above the ground, helping minimise moisture and insects. The tent walls are made of breathable mesh, with a fan provided inside to keep the space cool while allowing you to stay connected with the surrounding natural environment. Each tent is also equipped with a mattress, pillow, and sleeping bag, all thoroughly cleaned before every expedition to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
Toilets and water facilities: Each campsite is equipped with modern toilets and convenient shower facilities. All water used for washing and other daily needs is carefully treated through a filtration system to ensure safe use throughout the expedition.
Waste management and environmental protection: To help preserve the cave ecosystem, 100% of solid waste generated during the expedition is carried out of the cave. For wastewater and toilet waste, Oxalis uses portable septic tanks combined with an advanced filtration system to ensure that discharged water meets Vietnam’s strict environmental standards.
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 price and available dates for booking
For departures starting November 15, 2026, the Tu Lan Cave Encounter Tour will be priced at 6,700,000 VND (~US$253)/pax.
- 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).
- 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
Tu Lan Cave Encounter Tour
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Age 16-70 years old
Group size: 10 customers (Join-in)
Operation: mid-Nov to mid-Sept
USD 292 • VND 7,700,000/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.
__637051765075307793.jpg)
__637051782550081035.jpg)
__637051777074859032.jpg)
__637051780703588520.jpg)
__637051774329206026.jpg)
__637740499994967442.jpg)
