Central Vietnam: Quang Binh – Tu Lan Cave Encounter 3 Days 2 Nights
On joining the 3 days 2 nights Tu Lan tour, visitors may experience firsthand the ecosystem of a tropical forest and admire the beauty of the Tu Lan cave system, Quang Binh, Home to the world’s largest caves system, central Vietnam’s Phong Nha is redefining adventure travel in Asia.
Tu Lan Cave Encounter Tour
On joining the 3 days 2 nights Tu Lan Cave tour, visitors may experience firsthand the ecosystem of a tropical forest and admire the beauty of the Tu Lan cave system, Quang Binh. Swimming in the underground river of a cave carved out millions of years ago, trekking along forest trails, and enjoying the night camping in the wild by the side of a waterfall, will help you temporarily forget the hectic city life and immerse yourself in nature.
On this tour, visitors will have unique experiences such as:
Swimming in an underground river inside the cave: The valleys are connected by a system of underground caves. Visitors can experience the magical feeling of swimming in the total darkness of the cave. This is one of the most unique experiences of Tu Lan tours. If you don’t want to swim, you can sit on the raft.
Exploring many remarkable caves: The caves you will explore are: Hang Ken, Hang Tu Lan, Hang Kim, Hang Hung Ton. All four have dry and river passages, hence to explore the caves you will need to swim and hike.
Camping in the most beautiful area of Tu Lan: Guests will have a night camping at Tu Lan Valley deep in the forest. The campsite is located in the most idyllic location, with waterfalls and natural swimming pools surrounded by the vast primeval forests and limestone mountains.
Culinary experience in the tour: During the two days one night trip, visitors can enjoy delicious dishes prepared by local chefs.
Guests will be invited to have dinner at one of the porters’ homes after the group’s adventure. Hearing how tourism has improved a villager’s life from working as a farmer and logger to providing services for tourists, visitors can learn about their daily activities whilst dining with their family. The lovely and tranquil Tan Hoa village can also be explored by bicycle.
Unique stay after the tour: You will spend one night at Rural Homestay in Tan Hoa. Rural Homestay is a weather-adaptive lodging model sponsored by Oxalis. It is based on the construction of 10 flood-resistant floating houses for households in Tan Hoa. These homestays offer peaceful views of the lives of Tan Hoa villagers.
Note: Tour takes place in remote areas with complex terrains. Customers must be physically fit.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 1. Phong Nha – Tan Hoa – Ken Cave – Tu Lan campsite
Hike around 2.5km through corn and peanut fields to reach the Rao Nan River bank. From there, you will need to cross the river and climb over a small hill (around 50 m) which is rocky in places. Continuing down the other side the group will reach the flat Hung Ton Valley. After crossing the valley, the group will rest and enjoy lunch at the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. After lunch the trek is a bit more challenging with some steep hills leading to the Tu Lan Valley campsite by the waterfall.
Afternoon activities include swimming and exploring Ken Cave, which is located close to the campsite. Then return to the campsite and enjoy a wonderful dinner prepared for you by the chefs. As you immerse yourself in the peaceful natural scenery of mountains and forests as well as the sound of the waterfall, you will feel calm and have a peaceful night’s sleep.
Day 2. Tu Lan cave – Kim Cave – Hung Ton Cave – Tan Hoa
The next day, you will trek, explore and swim through Hang Tu Lan and Hang Kim to reach To Mo Valley, two spectacular caves. You will have lunch at To Mo campsite before swimming into Hung Ton Cave, at the side of the waterfall. Inside the cave, the group will have to climb up a 10m high ladder with safety harnesses. A short hike leads to the cave entrance. In front of the cave entrance is the beautiful scene of the Hung Ton Valley, a great spot for beautiful photos. From there the group will return to Oxalis Tan Hoa office along the Hung Ton Valley, crossing the Rao Nan River and the peanut corn fields one last time. Back at Tan Hoa office, the group will check in to Rural Homestay in Tan Hoa to shower and relax.
Around 6:00 pm, the group will walk to the porter’s house for dinner and interact with the villagers. You will not only have the opportunity to try some delicious local food but also learn more about the living condition of the people here. After dinner, the group will come back to Rural Homestay for a restful night.
Day 3: Explore Tan Hoa village and ATV tour – Phong Nha
Early in the morning, waking up from your Rural Homestay, there will be a peaceful review of the lives of the villagers, guests can explore Tan Hoa village and enjoy the sunrise over the Tan Hoa paddy fields or corn fields by biking around the village. You can also enjoy breakfast at the Tu Lan Lodge Restaurant.
Adventure enthusiasts can also join the ATV – Squat bike off-road tour to explore Lim forest and Kong’s home, for two hours. This is a sporty driving tourism activity that takes you up hills, across streams, and through the beautiful Lim forest and Kong’s tunnel.
Homestay check-out time is 12:00 PM. There will be a shuttle service from Tan Hoa to Phong Nha after the Tu Lan Cave Encounter tour. You can consider visiting other sightseeing and exploring destinations in Phong Nha, such as Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Blue Diamond Camp, Mooc Spring, or Chay River-Dark Cave.
Including
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Accommodation as mentioned in programme or similar in case the indicated one is full
- (on twin shared room basic)
- Experienced English/French speaking guide/local porters accompanied for the whole trip
- All entrance fee to indicated sights
- Meals as indicated in programme (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- Boat trips/SUP as mentioned in programme
- Cycling/motorbiking as mentioned in prorgramme
- Gift souvernir from Ideal travel Asia
- Mineral water/cold tissue during the tour
Excluding
- Meals not mentioned in programme
- Single suppement
- Gratitude to driver/guide
- All drinks
- All International & domestic flights
- International airport tax
- Travel insurance – personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in Inclusion
