Trekking En cave, this is for those who have trekking experience and love forest adventure
DETAILED ITINERARY
Hang En Adventure
EC2 • Adventure Level: Moderate
• Age: 16-70 years old
The 2-day, 1-night Hang En Adventure takes travelers to a fairytale land featured in the Hollywood movie (Pan: The Neverland 2015) and the site where ABC News conducted a live broadcast for the Good Morning America program. Hang En is part of the renowned Son Doong expedition. As one of the largest caves in the world, Hang En is located in the core zone of Quang Binh’s cave kingdom, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam.
The trekking tour to explore Hang En offers visitors an exciting overnight camping experience inside a majestic cave that is 3 million years old. The cave was discovered and documented in 1994. Striking images of this Vietnamese cave quickly gained fame and attracted global attention. Hang En has been praised by the world’s leading travel magazines, including National Geographic, The New York Times, and Lonely Planet. On November 26, 2023, Hang Son Doong, Hang En, and Hang Va were featured in Episode 6 - EXTREMES of the acclaimed documentary series Planet Earth III produced by the BBC.
The Hang En exploration tour is also a part of the world-famous Son Doong Expedition. On the first night of the Son Doong tour, the campsite is set up inside Hang En. Both domestic and international travelers highly praise the Hang En trekking tour in Quang Binh, with some considering it one of the most captivating adventure tours.
Unique Highlights of the Trip:
World’s Most Unique Campsite: The Hang En campsite is situated in the middle of the cave, with an opening above. The floor is a wide sandy beach featuring a stunning emerald lake and a section of the Rao Thuong River flowing through. The campsite receives natural light from the cave’s opening. From December to the end of February, in sunny weather, morning sunrays penetrate deep into the campsite, illuminating the entire cave and creating a breathtaking scene.
Swimming in a Unique Emerald Lake: The campsite has cool water flowing from an underground cave, with the lake’s temperature ranging from 17-25°C (63-77°F). The water is warm in winter and cool in summer. Meanwhile, the stream next to the lake carries warm water from the valley outside into the cave.
Giant Cave: Hang En stretches nearly 1.6 km in length. The Rao Thuong River flows through Hang En on its way to Son Doong Cave. The cave has three entrances: the river entrance, the high main entrance, and the large exit. At the campsite, the passage is approximately 200m wide, with the highest point of the ceiling reaching 140m. Hang En is currently one of the largest natural caves in the world.
Trekking Through Pristine Jungle: Located in the core zone of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Hang En is surrounded by ancient trees thousands of years old. During this trekking adventure, 70% of the time, travelers will walk under the shade of primary forest.
Doong Village Experience: Participants in the Hang En adventure tour will make a brief stop at Doong Village, home to the Bru Van Kieu ethnic group. Here, visitors can learn about the locals’ lifestyle and culture, visit the village school and stilt houses, and enjoy lunch at a resident’s home. Learn more about Doong Village at: The History of Ban Doong Village.
Note: The tour takes place in a remote area with complex terrain. Participants must be in good physical condition. Please carefully review the tour itinerary and provide honest booking information, particularly regarding your experience and health condition. For group bookings, please share the tour details with all members and instruct each individual to complete the booking form themselves. Our booking system allows each person to input their own information, avoiding errors or missing details when someone else fills it out on their behalf.
The itinerary for the 2-day, 1-night Hang En Adventure may change due to weather conditions. The paths on this trekking tour can be muddy and slippery when it rains.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: PHONG NHA - DOONG VILLAGE - HANG EN
Travelers must arrive in Phong Nha before 7:00 AM on the departure day of the cave adventure. Please avoid being late. On the morning of departure, a vehicle will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha between 7:30 and 8:00 AM and transport you to the company office. There, you will receive a safety briefing, sign a release form, pack your belongings, and receive necessary safety equipment.
After departing from the Phong Nha office, the group begins trekking through the jungle, descending a steep hill to reach a branch of the Rao Thuong Stream, which leads to the only village in the core zone of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. After approximately 1.5 hours of walking and wading through streams, the group will arrive at Doong Village, home to an ethnic minority community living deep in the jungle. The group will stop for lunch at the village and learn about the locals’ way of life before continuing the trek to the Hang En campsite.
Continuing through the jungle and crossing the river multiple times, the group will reach Hang En after about 3 hours. Everyone will be equipped with helmets, turn on headlamps, and begin climbing a rocky section to explore the cave. Standing atop the rocky slope, you will witness the entire Hang En campsite and its mesmerizing surroundings. After receiving your tent, you can enjoy swimming in the emerald lake next to the campsite before savoring a delicious meal inside the cave. That’s the first day of camping!
DAY 2: HANG EN - PHONG NHA
After breakfast, the group continues by climbing the rocks behind the campsite inside the cave, exploring and learning more about Quang Binh’s natural masterpiece, including stalagmites and stalactites. At the back of the cave, a new perspective of the Hang En campsite unfolds. Capture precious memories of this unique place.
After wading through underground streams, you will reach the vast sandy floor at the cave’s massive exit. The group will return to the underground campsite for lunch and a short break. Afterward, the group will depart the cave, facing the final challenge of wading through multiple streams and climbing a steep 450m hill. At the hill’s summit, a bus with cold beverages awaits to welcome you back after all the challenges of your incredible Hang En adventure. The bus will return the group to Phong Nha around 6:00 PM.
NOTES
The company offers a complimentary dormitory service with 6 comfortable beds in Phong Nha. Guests arriving early on the morning of the tour departure can rest briefly before starting the Hang En adventure. Please notify us in advance if you wish to use this service.
Suggested Accommodations Before and After the Tour:
Chay Lap Farmstay is an ideal place to stay before and after participating in cave tours. It offers high-quality rooms, a swimming pool, spa, kayaking, cycling, and yachting. A special discounted rate for customers is 1 million VND/room for 2 people.
Adventure Level of the Tour
After years of operating adventure tourism, we have developed an Adventure Level Scale to help guests visualize and choose the tour best suited to their fitness and health. This scale does not apply to other companies or tours with different conditions and terrains. The easiest level (Level 1) is suitable for everyone, while the most challenging level (Level 6) requires regular exercise and some trekking experience.
Adventure Level: 3 - Moderate
The Hang En Adventure Tour is rated as Moderate (Level 3). The tour’s difficulty is based on the fitness and health of an average active person, not runners, athletes, or highly active individuals.
Activities:
Crossing rocky terrain, ascending and descending hills, and wading through multiple rivers.
Trekking 25km through mountainous and river paths with rough terrain.
3km of cave exploration.
Multiple stream crossings.
Elevation gain: 650m.
Steep ascents and descents on forest paths.
Availability Schedule: From December to mid-September; 3-4 trips/week (except from mid-December to late January, when tours run daily).
Number of Guests per Tour: Up to 16 guests; Age 16-70 years old.
Preparation for the Hang En Adventure
The Hang En tour involves only one night of camping in the cave, so the items you need to prepare are relatively simple. However, for a 2-day, 1-night camping and trekking tour through caves and deep jungle, participants must prepare appropriate clothing and equipment to ensure safety and comfort.
Essential Clothing:
Trekking Clothing:
1-2 quick-dry, bright-colored, long-sleeved shirts.
1-2 pairs of quick-dry trekking pants.
1 waterproof jacket (winter months from December to March).
Campsite Clothing:
Warm clothing for winter (December to March).
Shorts and t-shirts for summer (April to September).
1 pair of sturdy, well-gripping trekking shoes that drain water (avoid waterproof/Gore-Tex shoes).
1 medium-sized backpack (20L-25L) to carry essentials during trekking.
2 pairs of thick, calf-length socks.
1 pair of sandals/slides for use at the campsite.
Personal Items:
Mosquito repellent.
Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen.
Hand fan for summer (April to August).
1 medium-sized towel.
Underwear.
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, eco-friendly shampoo and soap, etc.).
Power bank.
Personal medications.
Antifungal foot powder.
Passport.
Optional Items:
Arm covers if wearing short-sleeved shirts.
Camera and tripod.
Earplugs.
Bandana or headband.
Rehydration tablets.
Blister prevention tape.
Waterproof bag/box for electronic devices.
Swimwear for use at the campsite.
Provided by Us:
Camping Equipment: Tent, mattress, pillow, sleeping bag.
Caving and Safety Gear: Helmet, headlamp, gloves, etc.
Basic jungle boots (sizes 36-46 EU).
Water bottle (1L).
Water purifier.
Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand sanitizer.
Semi-dry bag (15L) for campsite clothing and personal items.
First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment.
Satellite phone.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Day 1: Phong Nha– En cave
