HANG TIEN 1-DAY TREKKING TOUR

Central Vietnam

Location

Phong Nha, Quảng Trị

BEST SEASON

Mid - Nov to Mid - Sep

AVAILABILITY

Every day

LEVEL

Easy

GROUP SIZE

2-12 guests

TRANSPORTATION

Bus

MEALS

Lunch

TOUR OPERATOR

Oxalis

TREKKING

8km in the jungle

CAVING

1.5km

SWIMMING

optional

MORE INFOMATION

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

OVERVIEW

Looking for an unforgettable trekking, caving tour in Phong Nha with a trustworthy tour operator? The Hang Tien 1-Day Trekking tour is for you.

This tour will take you to the largest dry cave in the Tu Lan Cave System, where you can marvel at the spectacular formations and rimstone pools. The day includes various outdoor activities such as hill climbing, swimming in natural lakes, and caving. This tour is suitable for physically active travelers who want to explore the wilderness and beauty of this region.

HIGHLIGHT

The biggest cave in Tu Lan Cave system and the mysterious gateway.
Galactic domes and masterpiece stalactites.
Conquering the pristine, biodiverse jungle
The natural lagoon experience:
A journey that transforms lives.

ITINERARY

HANG TIEN 1-DAY TREKKING TOUR

07:00 - 07:30

You will be picked up at your accommodation in the Phong Nha area, and taken to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office (70km from Phong Nha). There will be a safety briefing, and you will collect safety equipment and sign the release form. After the briefing, the group will depart for Tuyen Hoa to begin the Hang Tien 1-day trekking tour.

10:00AM

The journey starts with a climb over a hill, leading deep into the forest. You will trek through untouched jungle and cross rocky terrain before descending into a valley. Following a trail toward the west, large rock formations will gradually appear along the way. After navigating this more challenging section, you will reach the cave entrance, where a stunning landscape opens up. Before entering, our guide will provide a light snack to help you recharge.

Stepping inside Hang Tien, part of the Tu Lan cave system, an immense space unfolds with layered calcite formations resembling terraced fields, covered in natural greenery. Looking up, you will see a soaring dome and unique striped patterns stretching across the cave walls. As you venture deeper, the cave reveals even more impressive and mysterious formations shaped by nature over time. After reaching the rear entrance of the cave, the group will return to the starting point to enjoy a prepared lunch.

12:30PM

After enjoying lunch at the entrance of Hang Tien Cave, which stands over 60 meters high, the group will navigate through the rock formations and walk to a natural pool in the forest. Here, you can swim and take photos freely. To conclude your Vietnam cave discovery trip, the group will continue along the scenic Rao Nan stream towards the main road, where you board the bus and return to the Oxalis Tan Hoa office for a shower and a cold drink.

The bus will then return the group to Phong Nha.

19:30-20:00

Arrive at your hotel in Phong Nha.

PRICING

The Cost Includes

Pick-up and drop-off from Phong Nha town (Available for all hotels centrally located within Phong Nha town).
Drinking water
Lunch. Vegan/ Vegetarian is upon request.
Professional English-speaking tour guide, safety assistants and porters.
Safety equipment: helmets, harnesses, headlights, gloves and other safety equipment.
Travel Insurance: maximum compensation of VND 10,000,000/ case.

The Cost Excludes

Gratuities for the tour guide and service team.
Extra drinks or snacks that are not mentioned above.

WHAT TO BRING

Essential clothing

Trekking clothes:
– 1 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirt
– 1 pair of – long trekking pants (quick-dry)
– 1 waterproof jacket (for winter months November to March)
1 pair of good gripping trekking/approach closed shoes. Heavyweight trekking boots are not necessary
1 pair of calf-length, thick socks
Clothes to change after the trek
Footwear to change after the tour (If you use your own trekking shoes)

Personal items

Mosquito repellent
Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
Hand fan for summer (April to August – optional)
Medium towel
Personal medication
Passport

Optional items

Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirt
Camera & Tripod
Bandana or headband
Swimwear
Rehydration tablets
Blister prevention tape

FAQS

When is the best season to visit Hang Tien?

Hang Tien is only open from November to the end of September every year, yet each season brings with it a certain beauty all its own. Visitors may select the best time to visit based on their preferences:
- From November to March: There are pleasant, sunny days as well as periods of chilly weather that can sweep across the entire region.
- The months of April and May are warm but not oppressively hot, and this is when tourists can see a wide variety of wildflowers blooming.
- June through September are The hot summer months, however, most of the trek is under the forest canopy or inside the cave where the temperature is between 22 and 25 degrees. Summer is a great time for swimming in the streams and lakes.

How do bathroom breaks work while we are deep in the jungle and caves?

To protect the pristine cave and jungle environment, we use specialized eco-friendly compost toilets at our designated lunch and rest spots. These are clean, private, western-style toilet seats over a composting system using rice husks to eliminate odors.

The tour starts at 7:00AM in the morning. Is it possible for me to join the tour if I arrive in Phong Nha just before the departure?

Absolutely yes. However, Endless Vietnam highly recommend you arrive in Phong Nha at least 1 day before the tour, and have a good sleep for the full energy for the tour.
Also, arriving in Phong Nha a day before can avoid any case of delay/ cancellation of the train/ bus you suppose to take.
If you arrive in Phong Nha in the early morning on the tour day, Oxalis provides you with a a free dorm room service with 6 comfy mattresses at Oxalis Home (Oxalis Office) so that you can take a rest before departing for the tour. If you intend to use the service, do let us know in advance.

Can I join the Hang Tien 1-Day tour during the summer or rainy seasons? How does the weather affect the trek?

Yes! The Hang Tien 1-Day trekking tour operates nearly year-round (mid-November to mid-September) and adapts beautifully to the changing seasons:
Summer (June to August): While the jungle trail gets hot, you spend a massive portion of your day under deep forest canopies or inside the cave itself, where the temperature remains a naturally cool and refreshing 22°C to 25°C. You will also get to enjoy swimming in the natural streams. Rainy/Autumn Season (late Sep to early Nov): For safety reasons, Oxalis closes most tours from during this time due to regional flooding. However, the Hang Tien 1-Day Trek is available during this time; please double check with us before booking tours.

What happens if I encounter physical difficulties during the rocky scrambles or steep hill climbs?

Your safety is backed by rigorous operational standards. Every small group is accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide and a dedicated team of safety assistants who are fully equipped with first aid kits, medical rescue gear, and satellite communications. Our team provides active hands-on assistance over tough, rocky terrain and slippery sections. Please note: To protect all travelers, tour regulations grant our safety experts the authority to temporarily suspend a journey and escort a guest back to the trailhead if they face extreme physical difficulties. We always recommend wearing full-coverage, high-grip trekking boots to ensure maximum personal stability on the trail.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Caving and safety gears: helmet, headlight, gloves, …
Basic jungle boots (EU size 36–44); if using Oxalis shoes, bring thick, long socks and 2 insoles to ensure comfort.
Water bottle (1L)
Water purifier
Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
1 PVC backpack (25L) to carry helmet, dry box, water and things you need during the trek.
Shared dry box for electronic devices
First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
Satellite phone

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Hang Tien 1-Day Treeking tour include:

Trekking experience requirements: Having experience in trekking and camping in the forest is an advantage.
Fitness Preparation: Regularly participating in physical activities (such as yoga, swimming, hiking, running, stair climbing, gym, and some other sports)to maintain physical fitness. This ensures that they are able to:
– Run continuously for 3km within 30 minutes.
– Climb 5 floors continuously without becoming out of breath or dizzy.

Guests aged 16 to 70 are permitted to join the Hang Tien 1-Day Trekking tour, which demands good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. Those with experience in mountain trekking and good physical health, as well as those who engage in regular sports training, could easily complete this tour.

Some guests on the Hang Tien 1-Day trekking tour may find it not particularly challenging, while others may encounter difficulties and require assistance from many safety assistants to complete the tour. The tour regulations allow safety experts and/or guides to temporarily suspend the journey, and escort guests out of the forest if significant difficulties are encountered on the itinerary. Refunds or rescheduling are not applicable in such cases.