Hang En Cave (Swallow Cave): An overnight journey into the wild

1. Fun facts about Hang En Cave in Vietnam

1.1. The world's third largest cave

Hang En Cave, situated in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Tri (formerly Quang Binh), lies 11 kilometers away from the western Ho Chi Minh Trail. 

Recognized as the third-largest cave globally, following Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave and Malaysia’s Deer Cave, Hang En Cave extends over 1.6 kilometers with a capacity of 6.7 million cubic meters. Its broadest chamber spans approximately 200 meters, with a ceiling soaring to 145 meters. Featuring three entrances, the cave’s exit measures 120 meters in height and 110 meters in width. Formed within a limestone mountain, its expansive corridors underscore its status as one of the world’s most remarkable natural caves.

1.2. A Hollywood star: Featured in "Pan: In the Neverland" (2015)

Hang En Cave, one of the most famous caves in Vietnam, achieved international fame through its role in the movie Pan: In the Neverland (2015). Warner Brothers Feature Film (WB) visited the cave in May 2014, recording its structure in 3D for post-production. The film’s trailer in July 2015 highlighted the cave’s magical formations, which were pivotal to the story. Following the London premiere in September 2015, the film’s striking 3D visuals amplified Hang En Cave’s global allure, attracting countless explorers.

1.3. Known to the Arem people for centuries 

Hang En Cave housed the nomadic Arem people centuries ago. They climbed the swift-filled ceiling using vines and branches. Now settled in villages and used to farming, the Arem uphold their heritage by collecting fallen swift fledglings each June. 

Ho Khanh, a local, rediscovered the cave in 1990 while seeking fragrant wood. In 1994, the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team introduced its magnificence to the world.

1.4. Named after swifts (En)

Hang En Cave’s towering cliffs and wide chambers serve as a safe nesting haven for thousands of swifts (“En” in Vietnamese). The daily spectacle of these birds flowing to and from the cave at dawn and dusk is breathtaking.

1.5. Opened for adventure tourism by Oxalis in 2012

In 2012, Oxalis Adventure was exclusively authorized by the local authority and Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board to operate Hang En Cave trekking tours and adventures to other renowned caves in Quang Binh. Their premier offering, a two-day trekking and one-night camping experience within the cave, remains the sole tour, delivering an unparalleled exploration of this natural wonder.

1.6. Dating back 2 to 3 million years

Located along the same fault line as Son Doong Cave, En Cave resides in Asia’s oldest karst system which is aged 400-450 million years. The cave itself emerged 2-3 million years ago. The Rao Thuong River, flowing through Hung Doong Valley, sculpted it through slow karst erosion over thousands to millions of years, forming its grand structure.

1.7. Featuring a spectacular campsite inside

A highlight of Hang En Cave tours is its remarkable campsite, set 700 meters inside, under a 140-meter-high, 200-meter-wide dome. The site features a spacious area with soft sand and a pristine lake for swimming. During sunny days from December to February, natural rays light up the cave’s interior, creating a breathtaking scene. Clear nights offer stellar views, with moonlight illuminating the camp on full-moon evenings. Tourists may also glimpse monkeys and langurs frolicking near the entrance.

1.8. Home to two stunning natural lakes

Swallow Cave, Vietnam is home to two natural lakes, one cold and one warm, inviting relaxation after arduous treks. The cold lake, drawn from an underground source, radiates turquoise at 17°C - 25°C. The adjacent warm stream, sun-warmed from the valley, enters the cave, providing a soothing dip.

1.9. Boasting a rich ecosystem

In the heart of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Hang En Cave hosts a vibrant ecosystem with temperatures of 20°C - 25°C. The cave’s large entrance and exit attract squirrels, monkeys, and langurs, while flying foxes hunt at dusk. Swifts nest on the high ceiling. In dimmer areas, bats thrive, and the cave floor supports centipedes, pseudoscorpions, and various insects. Deep inside, where light is scarce, plants are absent. Near entrances and exits, moss, algae, and fungi flourish. At the cave’s exit, a unique cliff-dwelling plant cascades from the ceiling.

>>> Check out fantastic things to do in Phong Nha!

2. The 2-day-1-night Hang En Cave Adventure tour (EC2)

2.1. Level of difficulty

The Hang En Cave Adventure tour (EC2), classified as Moderate (Level 3) by Oxalis, suits averagely active individuals with robust fitness. Experiences include one overnight trek or 2- or 3-day-treks, covering 8 km daily over forest paths, with a 300-meter elevation gain. Participants should be aged 16-70 and able to complete a 5-km run in under 50 minutes or climb 5 floors effortlessly. This tour is ideal for seasoned trekkers with consistent training.

2.2. Itinerary

The 2-day-1-night Hang En Cave Adventure tour provides an exhilarating exploration of the awe-inspiring cave and the breathtaking surroundings.

• Day 1: Phong Nha to Ban Doong Village and Hang En Cave
  • Arrive in Phong Nha by 7:00 AM for pick-up between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
  • Visit the Oxalis office to listen to safety briefing, sign waivers, and pack gear.
  • Embark on a jungle trek. Descend a steep slope to a tributary of Rao Thuong Stream and head toward Ban Doong Village in the heart of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.
  • After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking and crossing streams, reach Ban Doong Village, home to an ethnic community, for lunch.
  • Trek for another 3 hours through forests and rivers and arrive at Hang En Cave.
  • Don helmets and headlamps, ascend a rocky path, and reach the campsite.
  • Set up tents, swim in a turquoise lake, and savor a meal within the cave.

• Day 2: Hang En Cave to Phong Nha
  • Scale the rocks behind the campsite to explore the cave’s interior.
  • Gain a fresh perspective of the campsite from the cave’s rear.
  • Navigate underground streams to the expansive sandy floor at the cave’s exit.
  • Return to the campsite for lunch.
  • Depart the cave, cross streams, and tackle a 450-meter steep climb.
  • Arrive at the road, where a bus with refreshments awaits. Return to Phong Nha around 6:00 PM.

2.3. Pricing

The Hang En Cave price for the 2-day-1-night Adventure tour is approximately USD 333 or VND 8,000,000 per pax. This price covers VAT, entrance fee, and other fees. Included services encompass meals, safety gear (helmets, headlamps, gloves, and other equipment), and insurance provided by Oxalis.

*This information is for reference only. Contact Oxalis Adventure at the email [email protected] or the hotline +84-919900357 for the latest updates.

>>> More on: Phong Nha cave tours: Different options to choose from

3. How to get to Hang En Cave, Vietnam?

To explore Swallow Cave, you must join the above-mentioned Hang En Cave tour operated by Oxalis Adventure. The tour requires you to be in Phong Nha by 7:00 AM on the day of the tour. To get from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha, you can opt for the eco-friendly taxis of Xanh SM or other reputable taxi companies such as Tien Sa, Mai Linh, or Phong Nha. Alternatively, you can take the bus B4, which departs every 40-70 minutes from 5:20 AM to 6:50 PM. To arrive in Phong Nha by 7:00 AM, board the earliest bus at 5:20 AM. From Phong Nha, a pick-up vehicle of Oxalis will take you to their office, where the trip to Hang En will officially begin.

4. When is the best time to visit Hang En Cave?

The prime period for visiting Hang En Cave spans from December to mid-September. Late February - May dazzles with floral displays and sunlight flooding the cave’s vast chambers. June - August features arid trails, golden landscapes, and cool swims in the campsite’s pristine lake. December - February offers warmth around charcoal fires and rejuvenating saunas post-trek. Tours pause from September to November, as storms may lead to floods in the valley’s streams and the cave’s underground waterways.

>>> Read more: Phong Nha’s weather - Essential insights and useful travel tips

5. FAQs about Hang En Cave tours

5.1. Can anyone visit Hang En Cave regardless of age or physical fitness?

No, tour participants must be aged 16-70 and physically fit. The tour involves trekking across rocky terrain, hills, and rivers, requiring good stamina.

5.2. What are the highlights of the Hang En Cave tour?

Here are some highlights that are often praised in Hang En Cave reviews:

• Massive scale: As one of the world’s largest, Hang En Cave spans 1.6 km with a 200-meter-wide passage and a 140-meter-high ceiling.
• Unique campsite: Inside the cave, the campsite features a sandy beach, a lake, and the Rao Thuong River.
• Lake swim: The campsite’s lake is cool in summer and warm in winter. A nearby sun-warmed stream provides a cozy dip.
• Jungle trek: 70% of the trek is through the core of Phong Nha - Ke Bang, under ancient trees’ canopies in the primary forest.
• Village visit: Tourists can stop at Doong Village of the Bru Van Kieu people to explore stilt houses, share a lunch, and learn their traditions.

5.3. What are the must-see attractions near Hang En Cave?

Son Doong Cave, Hang Va Cave, and Hang Ba Cave in Phong Nha - Ke Bang offer stunning natural beauty in close proximity with Hang En Cave. Oxalis also operates tours to those places. 

5.4. What do I need to prepare for the Hang En Cave tour?

To prepare for the adventure, pack the following essentials:

• Clothing & gear
  • 1-2 quick-dry, long-sleeve shirts
  • 1-2 quick-dry pants
  • 1 waterproof jacket
  • High-traction, drainable trekking shoes (non-waterproof, non-Gore-Tex)
  • 2 pairs of thick, mid-calf socks
  • T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, and sandals for camping and swimming
  • 1 medium backpack (20 - 25L)
  • A waterproof bag or box for electronics
• Personal items
  • Insect repellent, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and a hand fan
  • Towels, underwear, eco-friendly hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc)
  • 1 power bank
  • Personal medications
  • Passports

5.5. Can I visit Hang En Cave independently?

No, the cave can only be visited through the Oxalis Adventure tour.

Hang En Cave captivates with its colossal passages, turquoise pools, and rich biodiversity. Through Oxalis Adventure, explorers can embark on a thrilling odyssey, immersing in the cave’s ancient splendor and natural artistry, creating cherished memories of this extraordinary subterranean adventure.

The enchanting allure of Vietnam travel extends beyond the majestic caves of Phong Nha - Ke Bang. It unfolds through diverse landscapes, each connected by natural splendor and cultural richness. The limestone karsts of Ha Long, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the coastal shores of Nha Trang, and the serene beaches of Phu Quoc beckon tourists. 

In these destinations, the premier accommodations of Vinpearl offer opulent rooms, exquisite services, tranquil spas, private beachfronts, and golf courses, ensuring an indulgent stay. Meanwhile, the entertainment complexes of VinWonders captivate with exhilarating games and vibrant shows.

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