World's Longest Cave, Tu Lan - 3 Days
Explore the fascinating jungle and cave area of Tu Lan, located 70km North-West of Phong Nha accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide and local jungle man. You’ll explore untouched Hung Ton Cave and Hang Kim Cave...
Spend three-days and two-nights deep in the remote jungle of Tu Lan, on the border of Laos, and just 70km North-West of Phong Nha. With an expert English-speaking guide and porter team experience the very best camping and caving adventure in Vietnam.
Our three-day tour is a more difficult trek (up to 10km) with a number of steep inclines over limestone mountain paths. You will have more time to explore the fascinating caves of the area including Hang Ken, which was featured in the National Geographic Photograph of the year in 2011. There are many beautiful cave formations, underground rivers and spectacular waterfalls inside the caves.
A highlight for many on the three-day tour is the time spent at your campsite, listening to the sounds of the waterfall and night critters, enjoying a delicious BBQ with your team, gazing up through the jungle at the starry night and hearing some interesting stories about the local minority people!
Safety is absolutely paramount on all trips operated by Oxalis Adventure Tours and you will be provided with helmets, life jackets, headlights and trekking boots (sizes 38 – 46). All camping gear will also be provided and carried by your porters.
Adventure level: Moderate-to-High (10km)
Highlights: Primary Forest; Tu Lan Cave, To Mo Valley, Hang Kim Cave, Swimming in Caves (weather permitting), Ken Waterfall, Hang Ken Cave, Hang Chuot, Night Fishing, Overnight in jungle.
Trekking Gear: Helmet, Trekking Boots (sizes 38-46), Headlight, Life Jacket, Hammock, Sleeping Bag.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Phong Nha – Tan Hoa – Tu Lan Valley (L,D)
08:00 - Pick up from local hotels in Phong Nha town and have safety briefing.
08:30 - Transfer to Tan Hoa Village by air-conditioned vehicle.
10:00 - Arrive in Tan Hoa and trek 2km across the peanut and buffalo fields to the Rao Nan River.
10:30 - Cross the river and climb 200m up a rocky hillside to Hung Ton Valley.
10:45 - Trek 1km through thick scrub across Hung Ton Valley and climb moderate Hung Ton Mountain.
11:30 - Follow the trail and mountain ridge (3km) and trek up to Mango Mountain.
13:00 - Arrive at the top of Mango Mountain and enjoy a picnic lunch.
14:00 - Continue trekking down the mountain (2km) to Tu Lan Valley.
16:00 - Arrive at Tu Lan Valley campsite and enjoy swimming around the waterfall.
18:00 - Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner with your team. Overnight at Tu Lan Valley Campsite.
Day 2: Tu Lan Valley – Tu Lan Cave – To Mo Valley (B,L,D)
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Swim 200m into Tu Lan Cave and climb through dry passage back to Tu Lan Valley (2km)
11:00 - Swim 200m into Ken Cave and explore the cave and its formations before returning to campsite.
12:30 - Picnic Lunch at Tu Lan Valley Campsite.
13:30 - Trek towards Hang Kim (500m) and explore dry passage of the cave.
14:30 - Swim and climb through Hang Kim Cave (1km) and exit at To Mo Valley.
15:30 - Swim/trek up river to To Mo Valley Campsite beside the Hung Ton waterfall.
16:00 - Arrive at To Mo Valley Campsite and enjoy swimming at the waterfall.
18:00 - BBQ Dinner and overnight in To Mo Valley.
Day 3: To Mo Valley – La Ken Valley - Tan Hoa – Phong Nha (B,L)
07:00 - Breakfast
08:00 - Swim upstream 200m past waterfall and through Hung Ton Cave.
08:30 - Explore Hung Ton Cave dry passage
09:30 - Climb 15m ladder with safety rope to entrance of Hung Ton Cave.
09:45 - Start trekking across Hung Ton Valley and over hill to La Ken Valley (2.5km).
11:30 - Arrive La Ken Valley and go 400m through Hang Chuot (Rat Cave).
12:30 - Cross Rao Nan River back to peanut and buffalo fields and trek 2km back to Tan Hoa
13:45 - Lunch at local restaurant in Tan Hoa Village.
14:30 - Depart Tan Hoa Village for Phong Nha.
16:00 - Arrive Phong Nha and transfer to local hotel.
*This is sample itinerary with no selected accommodation suggested unless otherwise stated. International airfares are not included unless otherwise specified within the detailed proposal – please contact our team to tailor this itinerary to your personal specifications.