Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour
This is a family adventure tour for children and parents to connect with and enjoy the wild Tu Lan landscape. Creating opportunities for children to gain confidence, and explore new challenges such as trekking through the jungle, wading streams, swimming (with life jackets), exploring caves and camping overnight in the middle of the mysterious jungle. A trip to the wild with your child will create lifelong memories.
The Tu Lan Cave Family Adventure 2-day tour, has been designed to provide an easy and safe introduction to trekking and caving. The route is safe and quite easy with activities such as: river crossing, climbing/scrambling a small hill, and crossing 2 scenic valleys of the Tu Lan area. Families are accompanied at all times by a Tour Guide and Safety Assistants.
- Trekking adventure through lush mountains: As a kid-friendly trekking tour in Quang Binh, this journey offers a fun and safe outdoor experience in the Tân Hoá mountains. The trail is easy and safe, featuring activities like stream crossing, gentle hill climbing, and hiking across two beautiful valleys in the Tu Lan area.
- Explore stunning caves with diverse stalactite formations: Visit incredible caves such as Secret Cave, Hung Ton Cave (dry branch), Rat Cave, and Little Rat Cave - each with spectacular structures like high-vaulted ceilings and grand stalactite columns. These caves look like natural stone castles, offering a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to learn more about caves that have formed over millions of years.
- Enjoy swimming in fresh, cool streams: At Hung Ton Valley, dive into refreshing, crystal-clear waters and float along the peaceful stream surrounded by untouched nature. Parents and kids can join fun games together, making it a memorable family bonding experience.
- Enjoy tasty meals surrounded by nature: After a day of exploring and swimming, visitors will enjoy two lunches and a delicious dinner cooked by local chefs. Meals are served right at beautiful spots and the campsite, with many famous local dishes to try.
- 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
Due to the weather conditions the itinerary may need to be changed at short notice. The paths can be muddy and slippery after rain. Lifejackets must be worn when swimming.
Download the itineraryPhong Nha – Tan Hoa – Secret Cave – Hung Ton Cave (dry branch) – Jungle Campsite
Your family adventure begins with a pickup in Phong Nha between 07:30 and 08:00 AM for the journey to the remote village of Tan Hoa. Upon arrival at the Oxalis office, you’ll meet your expert guide for a safety briefing tailored specifically for families and children. Once gear is checked and bags are packed, the real journey begins.
We start with a gentle 2.5km trek through vibrant green fields, leading us to the banks of the Rao Nan River. From here, the group will conquer "Baby Hill"—a manageable 60-meter climb that offers a fun challenge for kids and adults alike—bringing us to the entrance of the mysterious Secret Cave.
After a well-deserved lunch at the cave entrance, we venture inside to discover the untouched beauty of Secret Cave. Following our exploration and a short rest, we hike down into Hung Ton Valley to explore the magnificent dry branch of Hung Ton Cave.
As the afternoon winds down, we arrive at our jungle campsite. This is where the family bonding truly happens! You’ll work together to set up tents and join our local chefs for a hands-on cooking class. The day concludes with a hearty dinner and relaxation under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Note: 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 – we offer free use of our dorm beds so you can rest and freshen up before the adventure starts. Please book this in advance.
Hung Ton Valley – Rat Cave – Tan Hoa
Awake to the sounds of the jungle! The morning begins leisurely with a hot breakfast and fresh coffee at the campsite, giving everyone time to relax and recharge. Once energized, we start our trek toward Baby Hill, followed by a short, fun ascent up "Cow Hill". This path leads us into the scenic Laken Valley, a perfect spot for family photos.
Upon reaching the entrance of Little Rat Cave, your guide will provide a safety briefing and help everyone gear up. We’ll first explore the charming Little Rat Cave before continuing on to the impressive Rat Cave. Here, you’ll marvel at the massive formations and the sheer scale of the cave entrance.
After the cave exploration, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the magnificent exit of Rat Cave, overlooking the valley. The final leg of the adventure involves crossing the Rao Nan River and a gentle trek back across the fields to the Tan Hoa Office.
Back at the office, you’ll have time to rest, enjoy a refreshing shower, and change into clean clothes. Finally, our driver will be waiting to transfer the group back to your hotel in Phong Nha, marking the end of an unforgettable family adventure.
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 Tan Hoa - Tu Lan
The Tan Hoa - Tu Lan area has 4 seasons in a year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) like many northern provinces of Vietnam. Due to the weather and for conservation, Tu Lan Family Adventure Tours are only operated from December to the middle of September. From December to March the weather will sometimes be cold interspersed with sunny days. April and May are spring months with cool air. From June to August, are the warm months of summer. However, most of the time visitors trek under the forest canopy or inside the cave with a temperature of 22 to 25 degree Celsius.
Each season will have its own unique features for visitors to explore. In addition, visitors can check the weather in Tu Lan- Tan Hoa through Accuweather before joining the Vietnam caving tour.
Adventure level
After many years of operating adventure tours, Oxalis has created an adventure scale to help tourists visualize and choose the right trip. This scale is not to be applied to other companies with different conditions and terrains. The easiest level anyone can join and the most difficult level 6 requires regular exercise and some trekking experience. A high level of fitness is not required for the Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour but guests should enjoy physical activity, and be prepared for two days in the wild.
Adventure Level 2 · Easy
The Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour is rated as Easy (Level 2) 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.
Number of guests per tour: Maximum of 12; age 8-70 years old. (Children must be accompanied by a parent).
Expect: Easy trails, some rocky sections, short ladder climb & optional swim
- Easy to moderate trekking
- 13km of trekking including up to 660m of caving
- 120m elevation gain
- Swims and river crossings
- Terrain on tour: Soft trekking experience, 6m ladder in cave, safe for children
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.
Physical fitness requirements for Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour
The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Tu Lan Family Adventure 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.
The physical requirements mentioned above are not mandatory for children. However, they are expected to engage in sports and maintain a healthy weight.
Guests aged 8 to 70 are permitted to join the Tu Lan Family Adventure 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 Tu Lan Family Adventure 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 when joining 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.
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. Please always follow the instructions of the tour guide and safety assistants.
You can learn more about "Adventure Safety Tips" here.
Communication on tour
Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour is an adventure tour with some difficulties, this tour is operated in a fairly remote location. There is no phone signal, no wifi, and no charging facilities. Some basic phones (but not smartphones) can pick up a signal, and staff would use these in the event of an emergency. The location of the family tour is not so remote, and evacuation to the road head would not be an issue.
* 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 may 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 tour
The Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour involves different terrains and weather conditions, so guests need to be well prepared. They will be asked to have appropriate clothing for safety reasons, good for moving in the jungle, river crossing, or exploring the cave as well as avoiding dangers and risks from sharp rocks, snakes, insects, or poison ivy. Long trousers and long sleeved shirts should be worn for trekking. Trekking shoes play a very important role in trekking tours with your family. Visitors must choose a good and well fitting pair of shoes for rocky paths. Please test your shoes before the trek. The Oxalis tour consultant will give you helpful advice before joining the Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour.
You need to prepare
Essential clothing
- Trekking clothes:
- 1-2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
- 1-2 pairs of quick-dry and long trekking pants
- 1 waterproof jacket (winter months from December to March) - Campsite clothing sets:
- Warm clothes for winter from December 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 dry bag/box for electronic devices
- Swimwear using at the campsite
- Clothes to change after the trek
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.
- 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
Optional
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Ear plugs
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
Campsite on the tour
The campsite for the Tu Lan Family Adventure is located on the river bank, so customers can have a swim in the river. All swimming activities are supervised by safety assistants. Soap and shampoo cannot be used in rivers and pools. For conservation reasons, visitors are encouraged to use bio-shampoos and soaps. Washing should be done at the campsite and not in the river.
The tour occurs in a remote jungle with no power or infrastructure and for conservation and hygiene Oxalis has created environmentally friendly toilets, called "Oxalis Composting Toilets".
The toilet is inside a tent, and 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.
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 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 prices and availability
- Season: Tours operate from mid-November to mid-September every year.
- Group Size: Limited to 12 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.
Tu Lan Family Adventure tour price includes
The price of Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour is 7,200,000 VND (US$271) per guest including VAT, sightseeing fee, and environmental service fee along with the following services:
- Logistics: Each 12-guest tour will have 1 tour guide, 4 safety assistants, 1 chef, and 1 porter.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour has dropped to 67.7 kgCO2e per person – a significant 5% 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.
Tu Lan Family Adventure Tour • TF2
Adventure Level: Easy
Tour type: Join-in
Age 8-70 years old
Group size: 12 customers
Operation: mid-Nov to mid-Sep
~USD 271 • VND 7,200,000/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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