Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer Tour - TL3
The journey of 4 days and 3 nights to discover wild Tu Lan is a journey that brings customers to experience the full Tu Lan cave system. With a gentle journey and not too difficult for participants, joining this tour, customers also have the opportunity to experience a dinner at local people's houses and stay overnight at Tu Lan Lodge at the end of the journey.
This Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer Tour is a shorter version of the Tu Lan Expedition Tour. The trekking is easier and the distance is shorter. This tour is suitable for guests who have less time but still want to experience Tu Lan nature as much as possible.
This moderate-difficulty trekking adventure is suitable for most people, including those who work in offices but stay active through regular sports and physical activities. Over 4 days and 3 nights, this Tu Lan cave tour will visit the primeval forest and unique limestone caves. Guests are offered 1 night at Tu Lan Lodge after the tour.
Together with the Son Doong Expedition Tour, the Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer (TL3) has become the most popular of Oxalis tours.
- Unearth subterranean wonders: Venture deep into the heart of the earth to explore the Tu Lan Cave System, often likened to magnificent underground palaces. Marvel at the pristine, spectacular stalactite formations and high geological value. Experience a truly unique thrill by swimming and exploring the underground rivers through colossal cave arches in eternal darkness, an adventure that few places in the world can offer.
- Immersive wild camping & Tu Lan Lodge comfort: Spend 2 nights deep within the primal forest, wild camping at Tu Lan’s most breathtaking sites. Each campsite is nestled beside a natural waterfall and pool, providing a peaceful ambiance and stunning views. Conclude your journey with a relaxing night at the Tu Lan Lodge, where you can enjoy modern comforts and the sweeping vistas of the lush Tan Hoa green fields.
- Authentic Vietnamese culinary journey in the wild: Savor one of the best culinary experiences in Vietnam with our thoughtfully designed menus, catering to meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Enjoy meals prepared with clean, freshly-sourced ingredients by our skilled local chefs. This is more than just food; it's a taste of authentic, healthy Vietnamese hospitality in a spectacular setting.
- Shared economy & sustainable farming: Your participation directly supports a shared economic model by utilizing local food, labor, and services. Go beyond tourism by cycling to explore the Tan Hoa villagers' ingenious flood-resilient farming models, offering a genuine insight into the community's sustainable way of life and adaptation to nature.
- Low-impact & sustainable tourism: We guarantee an eco-conscious adventure through strict control of group sizes and a leave-no-trace philosophy (meticulous trash collection, minimal impact). Our commitment ensures the pristine beauty of Tu Lan is conserved for future generations, balancing exhilarating tourism with the crucial preservation of its wilderness.
- 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 itinerary of the Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer may be adjusted according to the weather conditions. The path will be muddy and slippery on rainy days.
Download the itineraryPhong Nha – Tan Hoa – Rat Cave – Tu Lan Campsite
From 07:30 - 08:00 The bus will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha and continue to the Tan Hoa office. At the office, visitors will listen to the safety briefing, including the itinerary, sign the release form, pack for the trek and receive safety equipment.
After the briefing, the trip will start with a 2.5km flat walk through fields of peanuts and corn. From afar, the entrance of Rat Cave will come into view. After crossing the Rao Nan River, the group will have a short break and lunch under the high ceiling inside Rat Cave. After lunch, the group will continue further into the cave to marvel at the magnificent stalactites. Clamber up through the exit of Rat Cave to continue the journey.
It will take the group 30 minutes to cross the La Ken Valley and reach the toughest challenge of the day – Lom Com Mountain, quite steep and rocky. After crossing the mountains, trek down to where the Tu Lan Valley appears, with the roar of the waterfall as it cascades from the cave entrance. Here the group will camp for the first night and swim in the blue pool next to the campsite. Settle into your tent and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the local chef.
Ken Cave -Tu Lan Cave – Kim Cave – To Mo Valley
The second day continues full of cave adventures and explores three beautiful caves of the Tu Lan Cave System; Ken Cave, Tu Lan Cave and Kim Cave. After breakfast, the group will first explore and swim into Ken Cave, which is one of the most beautiful caves in the Tu Lan Cave System.
The group will return to camp for lunch. After lunch the cave adventure carries on, to explore and swim in Tu Lan Cave - a beautiful river cave giving its name to the whole cave system. The group will climb up from the river into the dry passage and emerge into the valley. Crossing the valley, the group will reach the entrance of Kim Cave, where you will continue your journey by swimming in the dark and crossing beautiful waterfalls to reach To Mo Valley. This stunning valley is the second campsite of this Quang Binh adventure tour. Another delicious dinner will be served.
Song Oxalis Cave - Hung Ton Cave
Starting the third day, a steep hill is waiting to be conquered and it will lead you to the entrance of Song Oxalis Cave – a cave with the most unique and rare cave coral calcite formations. After contemplating the beauty of Song Oxalis Cave, trek downhill back to the campsite, and enjoy lunch, before crossing To Mo Valley and entering Hung Ton Cave beside the waterfall.
The group will swim through the cave to reach the dry passage and climb a 15m ladder with a safety harness to reach the final cave exit. Trek across Hung Ton Valley and cross the ‘baby’ hill to the Rao Nan River. From here, the group will return to the Tan Hoa office by trekking through the farm fields.
At the Oxalis Tan Hoa office, the group will check in to Tu Lan Lodge to shower and relax.
Around 6:00 pm, the group will walk to the local’s house for dinner and interact with some villagers. After dinner, the group will come back to Tu Lan Lodge to rest.
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 room at Tu Lan Lodge, or cycle and walk around the village to feel the fresh, quiet atmosphere of Tan Hoa. After that, you can enjoy breakfast at the Tu Lan Lodge restaurant, 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 return to your room and pack your belongings. Check-out time is 12:00 noon, and the shuttle from Tan Hoa to Phong Nha or Dong Hoi departs at 12:30 PM.
Please inform your travel consultant of your flight/train/bus schedule at least one day in advance so transportation can be arranged smoothly. If you plan to leave Quang Tri on the same day, make sure your departure is after 4:00 PM.
If you wish to stay additional nights or join other activities in the Phong Nha–Ke Bang area, contact your Oxalis Adventure consultant or ask the 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 1,000,000 VND/room/night at Chay Lap Farmstay and 1,500,000 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.
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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.
- Moderate trekking
- 18km of trekking including 4km of caving
- 435m elevation gain
- 1km swimming (50-200m) with a life vest provided by Oxalis
- There will be some rocky terrain, long and steep hills, underground swims and river crossings and a 15m ladder climb with a safety rope, 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 Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer tour
Cave 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:
- 2-3 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
- 2-3 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
- 2-3 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 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
- Semi-dry bag (15L) for campsite clothing sets and personal items
- First aid and medical rescue equipment
- Satellite phone
- Mini-size portable fan inside the tent (in summer)
- Secure storage at office
Optional items
- Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
- Camera & Tripod
- Ear plugs
- Bandana or headband
- Rehydration tablets
- Blister prevention tape
Food and drinks in the tour
Although the expedition takes place deep in the primary forest and inside Son Doong 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.
Campsites on the tour
The campsites in Tu Lan trekking tours are situated in 2 of the most beautiful camping areas. Each campsite has its own special features that make it unique. The campsites are equipped with lightning rod systems to ensure safety for visitors on stormy days.
On the first day, visitors will camp in Tu Lan Valley. This campsite has a stream and 5m high waterfall flowing out from Ken Cave and forming a large natural pool. The camping area is a stretch of golden sand beside the lake. Here you can hear the birds chirping in the woods every morning, or watch the clouds hovering on the side of the cliff in front of Ken Cave entrance.
The campsite for the second day is in the To Mo Valley. The campsite is located next to the stream and a large lake fed by the waterfall pouring out of Hung Ton Cave. This is also where director Victor Vu filmed scenes for the 2018 movie The Immortal. Note: The water may not be clear on rainy days.
The average temperature in winter is around 15 to 28 degrees, and in summer 30 to 38 degrees Celsius. Guests are provided with a warm sleeping bag in winter or a battery fan in the tent during the summer months. More information about the "unique campsites in Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer tour" - camping inside Quang Binh forest is available here.
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 Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer Tour will be priced at 10,900,000 VND (~US$411)/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
Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer Tour
Duration: 4 days 3 nights
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Age 16-70 years old
Group size: 10 customers (Join-in)
Operation: mid-Nov to mid-Sep
~USD 396 • VND 10,500,000/pax
Book now
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