Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery 2 day 1 night
Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery
HTL • Adventure level: Easy
•Age 16-70 years old.
Embark on the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery adventure, a seamless blend of the Tu Lan Cave Experience and Hang Tien Discovery tours. This expedition invites you to immerse yourself in the enchanting realms of the Tu Lan cave system and Hang Tien cave. Marvel at their grandeur and mystical allure while savouring the cozy embrace of Tu Lan Lodge for a night. Relish a meal in the warmth of a local's abode, delving into their customs and lifestyle. Tailored for the thrill-seeker who covets adventure without forgoing comfort, this tour is a perfect symphony of excitement and relaxation.
Spanning two days and one night, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan exploration offers an unparalleled journey for nature enthusiasts eager to uncover the secrets of Quang Binh's caverns. Enjoy exhilarating activities like mountain trekking, forest navigation, and swimming in pristine pools. Venture into Hang Tien, the crown jewel of the Tu Lan system, and stand in awe of its towering stalactites, spiralling domes, and terraced floors that mimic an extraordinary paddy field. This itinerary also presents a unique opportunity to dine with locals and unwind at the River Bungalow in Tan Hoa, setting the stage for exploring Tu Lan's untamed beauty—once a backdrop for the cinematic marvel, Kong: Skull Island. Echoing director Jordan Vogt-Roberts' sentiment, "The world will see how beautiful Tu Lan is, they will come, experience and love Tu Lan as I did," this tour beckons you to discover a world beyond imagination.
Participants of' Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour can look forward to the following experiences:
Venture into the heart of the region's largest dry cave, where the cave's circular dome presents extraordinary and captivating architecture.
Embark on a jungle trek where 80% of the path meanders through a lush tropical forest teeming with diverse flora—a genuinely singular experience for those who cherish the rainforest.
Behold the striking formations within Hang Tien, showcasing layered rimstone pools, towering columns, and stalagmites that rise several meters high.
Near the Hang Tien-Tu Lan tour's lunch spot, witness the Rao Nan Stream's waters, after journeying underground for kilometres, emerge to form a stunning natural spectacle: an infinity pool. Participants are invited to dive into its chilly, crystalline waters.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by dining at a resident's home on the first evening, where you can learn about how adventure tourism has transformed Tan Hoa village. Seize the chance to cycle and take in the serene beauty of Tan Hoa village.
Stay at the distinctive River Bungalow in Tu Lan Lodge, an innovative lodging concept harmonising with the region's seasonal floods.
Discover the enigmatic Hung Ton Cave and Rat Cave, repositories of ancient marine fossils. The natural artistry of stalagmites, stalactites, and cave pearls conjures images of resplendent castles.
Experience the thrill of swimming in the underground river within the cave, illuminated only by your exploration lights, enveloping you in an ambience of mystery and awe during the Hang Tien-Tu Lan 2 Days 1 Night discovery tour.
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.
To book a tour for a group, please send the tour information to them and instruct each member to complete the booking form on their own. Our booking system lets each person fill in their own information, avoiding errors or missing details when someone else does it for you.
Itinerary
The Hang Tien-Tu Lan Tour schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions. When it rains, the path can be pretty muddy and slippery.
Day 1: Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Hang Tien
Your journey begins with a convenient pickup from your Phong Nha accommodation between 07:00 - 07:30 AM, whisking you to the welcoming Tan Hoa office. Here, you'll receive an informative safety briefing, gear up with essential equipment, and complete the necessary formalities.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive to the trailhead, where you'll commence the Hang Tien exploration by ascending a verdant hill. The initial 15-minute uphill trek will soon reward you with breathtaking views as you descend towards the serene river valley, pausing for a revitalising snack amidst nature's splendour.
Upon reaching the valley's base, your path leads across a dry, rocky riverbed, drawing you towards the awe-inspiring entrance of Hang Tien 1 Cave. As you penetrate deeper into the cave, you'll find yourself enveloped by verdant calcite formations and the striking beauty of striped limestone adorning the walls and ceiling. Venture further to witness a mesmerising dome soaring above and calcite layers that unfold like mystical terraced fields.
Post-exploration, you'll reconvene at the cave's mouth to savour a delightful lunch before weaving through the mountain's rocky embrace to discover a hidden natural pool. Here, a dip in the refreshing waters offers a perfect interlude. The return trek leads you back to civilisation, culminating at the Oxalis Tan Hoa office. You'll then retreat to the tranquil River Bungalow, where you can rejuvenate and unwind.
As the evening unfolds at 06:00 PM, immerse yourself in the local culture with a dinner hosted at a villager's home. This intimate experience allows you to savour traditional cuisine and engage in heartfelt exchanges, enriching your understanding of the local lifestyle. The day concludes with a peaceful night's rest back at the River Bungalow, nestled in the heart of Tan Hoa's charm.
Day 2: Tan Hoa - Rat Cave - Hung Ton Cave - To Mo Valley - Phong Nha
As dawn breaks, the Tu Lan Lodge awakens your senses with a chef-prepared breakfast, setting the tone for the day's thrilling escapades.
After a briefing on the itinerary, the group embarks on a scenic hike through lush cornfields and verdant meadows towards the Rào Nan River. Upon crossing the river, the trek begins to ascend a steep terrain for approximately 5 minutes, leading to the entrance of Rat Cave. Here, visitors will be equipped with helmets, headlamps, and essential safety gear to start your exploration of this magnificent cavern.
Rat Cave boasts a length of nearly 300 meters, small in size yet brimming with wonders. Prepare to be awestruck by the captivating beauty of glistening stalactites, and soaring cave arches with unique heart-shaped formations sculpted by nature over millions of years.
After venturing through Rat Cave, the group retraces their steps to the Rào Nan River and conquers the aptly named "Baby Hill," with a height of 60m. Continuing the journey, trekkers traverse the picturesque Hung Ton Valley, arriving at the dry entrance of Hung Ton Cave.
This cave holds secrets of the Tu Lan Cave formation, revealed through fossils of marine mollusks still clinging to the walls and cave floor. Embark on a true spelunking adventure as you are equipped with safety harnesses and ascend a ladder over 10 meters high. Prepare to be amazed as you navigate through an underground river within the dark cave, exploring its wonders illuminated by specialized lighting.
Lunch is served beside the serene Tổ Mộ Lake, a valley of exceptional beauty that once served as the backdrop for the movie “The Immortal”.
The Hang Tien-Tu Lan discovery tour with Oxalis concludes with a trek through the lush valley and fields. At the Tân Hóa office, the group can relax and unwind with refreshing beverages. You can also use the shower facilities in the office in Tan Hoa to freshen up before the van takes them back to Phong Nha.
The bus departs for Phong Nha from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure, one of Quảng Bình's most unique trekking tours.
Suggested accommodations before and after the tour
Adventure level on tour
We has developed an adventure scale to assist guests in selecting the most suitable caving tour based on their fitness and experience. This scale, unique, ranges from Level 1 (Introductory) to Level 6 (hard, requiring regular exercise and trekking experience). Although a two-day, one-night adventure, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour features challenging terrain and necessitates a reasonable level of fitness for an enjoyable experience.
Adventure Level 2 · Easy
Rated Easy (Level 2) on the Oxalis Adventure scale, the Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery Tour is designed for average active individuals, not those with intense fitness levels like runners or athletes.
Number of guests per tour: Maximum 10 guests; Age 16-70 years old.
Expect: Rocky terrain, steep hills, long trek
Cover 18km of mountain forest trails with uneven terrain
2.3km cave exploration 400m elevation gain
Swim in a natural lake at the lunch area
15m ladder climb with a safety rope and harnesses, operated by the safety team 150m cave swim with a life vest provided
Several sections require rock climbing and steep slopes
Items to bring on Hang Tien-Tu Lan Discovery tour
Given the diverse terrain and prolonged trekking involved, proper preparation is crucial for the Hang Tien-Tu Lan 2- day, 1-night discovery tour.
Clothing: Participants will be asked to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts that offer protection and flexibility for jungle trekking, river crossings, and cave exploration. This attire helps safeguard against sharp rocks, insects, and poisonous plants.
Footwear: Choose well-fitting trekking shoes with good grip for navigating rocky and steep trails. Should NOT buy waterproof footwear for river crossings, as they will retain water. Be sure to test your shoes beforehand.
Remember to bring personal items necessary for a day of trekking in the jungle. These may include insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, snacks, and any necessary medications.
provides
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 shoes, bring thick, long socks and 2 insoles to ensure comfort. Water bottle (1L)
Water purifier
Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment Satellite phone
Secure storage at office
You need to prepare
Essential clothing
2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirt
2 pair of quick-dry and long trekking pants 1 set of clothes for staying at Tu Làn Lodge 1 set of clothes to change after tour
1 pair of good gripping trekking shoes (drainable); *Waterproof/Gore Tex shoes are not recommended.
2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
1 waterproof jacket (winter months November to March)
Personal items
Mosquito repellent Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
Hand fan for summer (April to September) Power banks
Personal medication Passport
Optional items
Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts Camera & Tripod
