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HomeVietnam ToursCave & Jungle ExpeditionTu Lan & Phong Nha Subterranean River Cave Expedition
British Cave Research Certified SafetyCave & Jungle ExpeditionPhong Nha - Ke Bang & Tu Lan Caves

Tu Lan & Phong Nha Subterranean River Cave Expedition

Swim Underground Rivers, Trek Primary Jungle & Camp Inside Giant Karst Domes

★★★★★4.99(92 verified traveler reviews)•Route: Phong Nha → Tan Hoa Village → Rat Cave → Ken Cave → Tu Lan Cave System → Hang Tien
Tu Lan & Phong Nha Subterranean River Cave Expedition - Primary view
Phong Nha - Ke Bang & Tu Lan Caves landscape on Tu Lan & Phong Nha Subterranean River Cave Expedition
Tu Lan & Phong Nha Subterranean River Cave Expedition scenic route highlight
Tu Lan & Phong Nha Subterranean River Cave Expedition local cultural encounter
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Group Size
Expedition Team (Max 10 explorers)
Difficulty
Extreme Expedition
Pickup
Hotel Pickup Included
Cancellation
Free up to 14 days prior
Guides
English, Vietnamese

Experience Highlights

  • Explore 6 distinct wet and dry caves inside the Tu Lan karst system
  • Swim with high-lumen caving headlamps through cathedral-sized river caverns
  • Camp beside underground waterfalls with expedition chef-prepared jungle feasts
  • 1-to-2 safety assistant ratio with porter & gear support

Day-by-Day Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Phong Nha Briefing → Tan Hoa Meadow Trek → Hung Ton Cave Swim → To Mo Valley Camp

Meals: L, D

Safety briefing and gear fitting in Tan Hoa. Trek across peanut fields and Rao Nan River, climb through Hung Ton dry cave, and swim into To Mo Valley campsite beside a cascading waterfall.

Stay: 2 nights wilderness expedition tented camp beside underground waterfalls + boutique eco-lodgeTransport: Private Air-Conditioned SUV / Mercedes Sprinter + Regional Flights & Boat Charters

Day 2: Tu Lan Wet & Dry Caves → Ken Cave Underground River → Karst Jungle Basecamp

Meals: B, L, D

Explore the colossal stalactites of Dry Tu Lan before swimming into Wet Tu Lan and Ken Cave — featured in Kong: Skull Island.

Stay: 2 nights wilderness expedition tented camp beside underground waterfalls + boutique eco-lodgeTransport: Private Air-Conditioned SUV / Mercedes Sprinter + Regional Flights & Boat Charters

Day 3: Kim Cave Waterfall Climb → Song Oxalis Cave → Chay Lap Riverside Eco-Resort

Meals: B, L, D

Navigate subterranean rapids and subterranean skylight chambers before emerging from Rat Cave. Celebrate with a poolside dinner at Chay Lap.

Stay: 2 nights wilderness expedition tented camp beside underground waterfalls + boutique eco-lodgeTransport: Private Air-Conditioned SUV / Mercedes Sprinter + Regional Flights & Boat Charters

Day 4: Kayak Chay River → Paradise Cave Exploration → Return to Dong Hoi / Hue

Meals: B, L, D

Morning kayak on emerald Chay River followed by the 31km Paradise Cave boardwalk before afternoon transfer to Dong Hoi train/airport or Hue.

Stay: End of tour (return transfer)Transport: Private Air-Conditioned SUV / Mercedes Sprinter + Regional Flights & Boat Charters

What’s Included

  • ✓Certified cave expedition leader, safety assistants, jungle porters & camp chef
  • ✓Caving helmet, 1,500-lumen headlamp, life jacket, harness & dry bags
  • ✓2 nights wilderness expedition camp + 1 night Chay Lap Farmstay
  • ✓All meals, water filtration, National Park conservation fees & Dong Hoi transfers

What’s Not Included

  • •International flights to/from Vietnam
  • •Vietnam E-Visa fee ($25 USD official government portal unless added as an extra)
  • •Personal travel insurance & discretionary guide tips
  • •Alcoholic beverages and meals not specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Pickup, Logistics & Essential Information

Meeting & Pickup

Complimentary hotel or airport pickup in Phong Nha between 07:30 and 08:30 AM on Day 1.

Start: Phong Nha Central Hotel Pickup or VietnamTravelWay Desk (42 Hang Trong, Hanoi) (07:30 AM)

Drop-off & Return

Drop-off at your hotel, train station, or airport in Hang Tien by 17:30–19:30 on Day 4.

Return: 18:00 PM

Physical & Entry Requirements

Physical difficulty: Extreme Expedition. Valid passport with 6+ months validity required.

Best season: Feb–Aug (Dry Caving Season) · Min age: 12+

What to Bring

  • • Quick-dry long trekking pants & long-sleeve breathable shirts
  • • High-grip trail running or jungle trekking boots (wet terrain)
  • • 2 pairs of thick calf-length trekking socks
  • • Swimwear & lightweight camp sandals
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Free cancellation up to 7–14 days before departure for a 100% deposit refund, or free date rescheduling up to 72 hours prior to departure.

Verified Traveler Reviews (4.99 ★)

All verified reviews →
★★★★★ 5.0Verified Booking (VTW-2026-849318)

World-class cave safety & jungle camp cuisine

“Swimming into river caves in Phong Nha and camping beside underground waterfalls was effortless thanks to the certified caving guides and camp crew. Easily the best adventure expedition I have booked in Southeast Asia.”

Liam O’Connor · Australia · Traveled September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this 4-day trip be booked as a private tour for our group?

Yes. You can select either our scheduled Small-Group departure (capped at 10 guests) or upgrade to a Private Tour with flexible departure dates and a dedicated guide and vehicle for your party.

What happens to our main suitcases during the active days?

Main suitcases are either transferred ahead by our support vehicle directly to your next hotel or stored securely at our operations basecamp while you carry a lightweight daypack.

Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diets?

Absolutely. Our guides brief every family homestay, boat chef, and local kitchen in advance to prepare safe, authentic dishes tailored to your dietary needs.

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