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Highlights

Explore six wet and dry caves that you’ll swim, scramble and wade through. Spend two nights under the stars in two different campsites good for swimming – one with a rock pool and the other on a river bend. This tour is for adventurous travelers who want to experience different types of caves and sleep in two stunning locations.

  • Swim and wade through underground rivers.
  • Trek over jungle hills and mountains.
  • Explore six wet and dry caves in the Tu Lan system.
  • Sleep in two incredible campsites with natural swimming pools.
  • Tuck into freshly cooked meals during the journey, plus snacks.
  • Marvel at beautiful and unusual cave formations.
Key Information
  • Three days exploring, two nights camping.
  • Not available in October due to annual flooding. Available throughout the rest of the year.
  • Tours depart every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • Group size: 10 people maximum.
  • Age: 16 years and above. 15 year olds with experience will be considered.
  • Distance: 14km trekking; 4km caving; 1km swimming (50-200m); 450m elevation gain; 10m ladder climb.
  • Difficulty: Level 3 • moderate.
  • Itinerary (below) is subject to change with the weather. Paths can be slippery and muddy after rain.

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.

Day 1: Phong Nha – Tan Hoa – Hung Ton – Ken Cave – Tu Lan Campsite

07:30 - 08:00 AM Pick up and one-hour drive on Day 1 to the Oxalis Adventure office in Tan Hoa, located 70km from Phong Nha. Briefing and tour preparations are here.

The trek starts after the briefing with a flat path past peanut field and grazing buffalo and cows. A river crossing leads to a short but steep and rocky uphill section, followed by a downhill descent into the next valley. Cross the valley on a flat path to enjoy a picnic lunch in the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. More hills and jungle trekking before you drop down to Tu Lan Valley and your camp for the night.

Finish off the day with a swim into Ken Cave. Dinner is prepared and served by the porter team. After dinner enjoy chatting or card games before sleeping in your comfortable tent. Composting toilets are provided at camp.

Day 2: Dry Ken Cave – Tu Lan – Hang Kim – To Mo

The following day you will trek and explore three caves: Dry Ken Cave, Tu Lan Cave and Kim Cave.

From the campsite trek uphill to the dry cave above Ken Cave. This is a very beautiful cave with many calcite formations. Return to camp for lunch. After lunch swim into the wet entrance of Tu Lan Cave, a short climb up leads you into the dry passage and exit. Trek around the valley to Kim Cave. Enter the small entrance via a short climb and follow the dry passage to meet the underground river. A series of short swims and waterfalls brings you to the beautiful To Mo Valley and your camp for the second night.

Day 3: To Mo - Song Oxalis Cave - Hung Ton - Tan Hoa - Phong Nha

After breakfast a challenging steep hill will lead you to Hang Song Oxalis. This cave has an amazing display of cave coral. Take your time and appreciate this cave. Descend the steep hill for snacks and tea or coffee. Cross To Mo Valley to enter Hung Ton Cave next to the small waterfall. Swim along to the dry passage, where you will climb a metal ladder with the extra protection of a safety line. Follow the dry passage to the exit.

From here the route follows the same way as the first morning: cross the flat valley, climb a short hill, cross the river and buffalo fields to the office. Back at the office enjoy a welcome shower and a tasty lunch before departing. Transfer to Phong Nha and arrive at around 05:30 PM.

Adventure Level

Adventure Level: Level 3 · Moderate

  • 3 day tour
  • Moderate trekking
  • 14km of trekking including 4km of caving
  • Total elevation gain: 450m
  • 1km swimming (50-200m)
  • There will be some rocky terrain, long and steep hills, underground swims and river crossings and a 10m ladder climb with a safety rope, operated by the safety team.
FAQs

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

  • Camping gear: tent, camp light, sleeping bag, mattresses, pillow
  • Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, gloves
  • Light PVC backpack (if you do not want to take your own, as it will get wet)
  • Semi dry bag (for clothing and personal belongings excl. electronics) for inside your backpack
  • Meals: Picnic lunch (Day 1 & 2 & 3), Breakfast (Day 2 & 3), Dinner (Day 1 & 2)
  • Basic canvas trekking boots (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 – 46
  • 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 (limited availability for larger cameras)
  • Water filter and purifier (used only by guide and porters)
  • Basic camping facilities with eco-friendly compost toilet using western toilet seat
  • First Aid Kit and Medical Rescue Equipment (application by guides and porters only)
  • Secure Storage Facility at Oxalis Headquarters to store all luggage you will not be taking on the trek

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

  • 2 long (easy to dry) pants and 2 long sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (quick dry)
  • 1-2 pair of short and t-shirt to wear at campsite and swim suit
  • 1 pair of good-gripping and non-waterproof trekking boots/shoes (if you prefer your own comfortable pair)
  • 1 pair of trekking boots/shoes – difficult terrain, good footwear necessary
  • 1 pair of flip flop (sandals) for campsite
  • 1 medium size towel
  • 2-3 pairs of calf length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
  • Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera, underwears, toiletries

Pricing and availability

Please choose your departure date using the calendar below to book your tour with us.

  • This tour is operated from mid-Nov to mid-Sep (closed from mid-Sep to mid-Nov).
  • The days in bold are still available
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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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