Tu Lan Cave: An epic expedition beyond the beaten path

1. Highlights of the Tu Lan cave system

Stretching over 650 hectares in Tan Hoa, Quang Tri (formerly Quang Binh), the Tu Lan cave system was first discovered in 1992 and surveyed in detail in 2010. It consists of over 25 caves, offering adventurers a chance to explore stunning geological formations, swim through underground rivers, and immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of nature.

1.1. Distinct caves

The Tu Lan cave system is home to some of the most famous caves in Vietnam, each with its own unique charm.

• Rat Cave: The very first cave discovered in Tu Lan back in 1992, Rat Cave is a dry cave stretching over 280 meters. With a wide entrance, flat ground, and vast chambers, it provides a majestic introduction to the cave system.
• Secret Cave: Accidentally discovered by local porters and officially surveyed in 2013, this small cave is rich in stalactite formations.
• Hung Ton Cave: Initially explored in 1992 and later fully surveyed in 2012, this cave revealed human remains believed to be nearly 100 years old, along with scattered seashells.
• Ken Cave: Surveyed in 2010, Ken Cave is the longest wet cave in the Tu Lan cave system, extending over 3 kilometers. It became world-renowned thanks to an award-winning photo of its grand stalactite columns taken by the National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter.
• Tu Lan Cave: Discovered alongside Ken Cave in 2010, Tu Lan Cave is the largest cave in the system. It features a 35-meter-wide chamber floor and chandeliers of 30-meter-high stalactites.
• Kim Cave: Accidentally found by a Dutch tourist in 2012 and later surveyed in the same year, Kim Cave combines wet and dry passages, with corridors up to 25 meters wide. It offers adventurous swimming and climbing experiences through its 1.2-km length.
• Song Cave: Found in 2017, Song Cave is over 600 meters long and perched 200 meters above To Mo Valley. It fascinates cave experts with its vividly colored stalactites.
• Ken Kho Cave: Located above Ken Cave, this 700-meter-long dry cave was discovered in 2018. It contains coral towers, rock needles, and countless formations.
• Hang Tien 1 Cave: The final cave in the Tu Lan cave system, discovered in 1994, spans over 2 km with a 100-meter-high entrance. Its complex geological layering features at least three levels.
• Hang Tien 2 Cave: Discovered in 2015, this 2.5-km-long cave may connect to Hang Tien 1 Cave via an underground river. It is currently considered the oldest cave in the entire Tu Lan cave system.

1.2. Jaw-dropping stalactites and stalagmites

The Tu Lan cave system is adorned with an extraordinary array of stalactites and stalagmites. Inside Song Cave and Ken Kho Cave, tourists will find towering columns, while caves like Kim and Rat Cave feature skylights that illuminate suspended formations. Some caves resemble natural terraces. The iconic photo of Ken Cave's formations, captured by Carsten Peter, has earned global acclaim for its breathtaking composition.

1.3. Stunning waterfalls and natural pools

Each valley in the Tu Lan cave system is linked by underground rivers, which flow through caves and cascade into pools. These waterfalls, ranging from 5 to 10 meters high, are often surrounded by limestone cliffs and ancient trees. In caves like Hung Ton, Kim, Tu Lan, and Ken, swimming in complete darkness through these rivers is an unforgettable experience. At one point, headlamps are switched off, allowing tourists to feel the surreal silence of the subterranean world.

>>> Don’t forget to explore Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park!

1.4. Pristine forests and scenic campsites

The Tu Lan cave system is formed by a chain of eight valleys embraced by mountains and forests. Many wet caves end at waterfalls that feed into pools, which are ideal spots for camping. There are five scenic campsites here:

• Tu Lan Campsite: Set by the Ken Waterfall, this site features a natural swimming pool surrounded by mountains and caves.
• To Mo Campsite: Located in To Mo Valley near Hung Ton Cave, this sandy site sits next to a calm lake ideal for swimming or paddle boarding.
• La Ken Campsite: Situated by a branch of the Ken River, this site offers tranquil waters, starry skies at night, and serene dawns filled with birdsong.
• Hung Dung Campsite: This site has a large lake and SUP boards available. After a meal, tourists can enjoy forest sounds and possibly spot monkeys in the morning.
• Hang Tien Campsite: The most stunning of all, this campsite lies next to a deep natural pool. It offers clear views of the sky and has been described by tourists as “the best campsite in the world.”

1.5. Thrilling spelunking activities

Exploring the Tu Lan cave system offers a perfect mix of trekking, climbing, swimming, and crawling through some of Vietnam’s most stunning underground landscapes.

• In dry caves: Dry caves like Rat Cave and Song Cave offer a mix of easy and challenging experiences. Rat Cave, with its wide chambers and flat ground, is perfect for beginners and allows time to take in the surroundings without much physical strain. Meanwhile, Song Cave is more demanding, requiring a steep hike and crawling through narrow passages.
• In wet caves: Wet caves such as Ken Cave, Ton Cave, Kim Cave, and Tu Lan Cave take adventure to the next level with underground river swimming. Life jackets make it easier even for less experienced swimmers. Ken Cave offers varied terrain, from muddy shores to narrow tunnels. Ton Cave is the most adventurous, requiring a full swim through a narrowing canyon.

1.6. Bizarre creatures

While plant life is scarce inside the Tu Lan cave system, fauna is surprisingly rich. Rat Cave may sound intimidating, but its name refers to its shape, not its residents. In fact, there are no rats there. Instead, expect to spot bats flitting and squeaking overhead as you explore the chambers.

Deeper inside, you will encounter bizarre cave-adapted creatures, including translucent fish that have evolved to survive in total darkness. As you move between caves through the dense jungle, keep an eye out for spiders, centipedes, and worms, tropical critters that seem straight out of a sci-fi film. 

These creatures are mesmerizing to observe, but remember: admire with your eyes, not your hands.

1.7. Amazing cultural experiences

Located just 6 km away from Hung Ton Cave and Tu Lan Cave, Tan Hoa Village offers a peaceful retreat after the expedition. Here, tourists can unwind with home-cooked meals served by local families or simply stroll or cycle through the picturesque village landscape. Tan Hoa Village is a place where nature, tradition, and hospitality come together, making it a perfect cultural stop to complement the cave adventures.

>>> Explore fascinating things to do in Phong Nha!

2. Detailed info about Tu Lan Cave tours

2.1. Basic adventure tours

These basic adventure tours by Oxalis Adventure are rated from easy to moderate (Level 1-2) and require no prior trekking experience. However, participants should be in good health and able to jog 3 km in 30 minutes or climb 5 flights of stairs without issues. The tours are suitable for moderately active individuals without health restrictions.

2.2. Demanding adventure tours

These tours are more demanding and require participants to have completed an overnight trekking trip in the forest within the past 12 months before booking. In terms of physical fitness, participants should be able to jog 5 km three times a week or climb 5 flights of stairs without experiencing dizziness, headaches, or shortness of breath.

2.3. Advanced adventure tours

Tu Lan Cave Expedition Tour (TL4) is for experienced adventurers. It is considered highly challenging, demanding significant technical skills. Participants need to be in top shape and in excellent health, with regular training that includes activities such as half or full marathons, or multi-day hikes through forests featuring varied terrains and elevation gains of at least 1,000 meters.

>>> Plan a Phong Nha Cave tour also!

3. Essential tips for first-time tourists to Tu Lan Cave

3.1. Transportation

To get to the Tu Lan cave system, begin your journey from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (about 45 kilometers away). You can go by taxi, with reliable companies such as Xanh SM, Mai Linh, Tien Sa, or Phong Nha. A more affordable option is the public bus B4, with daily departures from 5:30 am to 6 pm. Once you are in Phong Nha, on the morning of your tour, a shuttle bus of Oxalis Adventure will pick you up and take you to Tan Hoa Village (about 70 kilometers away) where their Tu Lan tour office is located.

3.2. Best time to visit

The Tu Lan cave system experiences all four seasons, each offering its own beauty. Spring brings fresh shoots and vibrant landscapes. In summer, it is ideal for swimming in underground rivers and natural pools. Autumn provides cool temperatures and picturesque surroundings, while winter offers a crisp atmosphere. No matter when you visit, the Tu Lan cave system delivers a memorable adventure.

>>> Check Phong Nha’s weather in advance to better plan your itinerary!

3.3. Travel essentials

Here are some must-have items for your trip to the Tu Lan cave system:

• Trekking clothes: Lightweight, quick-dry, and stretchy outfits. Reuse the outfits to keep your backpack light.
• Campwear: Shorts, T-shirts, undergarments, plus a light sweater for cooler months (December - March).
• Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with drain holes (not waterproof Gore-Tex) to handle multiple river crossings. The shoes must fully cover the feet and provide ankle support.
• Socks: Bring 4-5 pairs of knee-length, fine-fiber socks to prevent leech bites and insect stings.
• Backpack: Bring a 20-30L waterproof trekking backpack.
• Personal items: Hats, sandals or slippers, towels, toiletries, reading light for camp use, water bottles
• Health & comfort supplies: Rehydration salts (Oresol), personal medication, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, foot-drying powder

4. FAQs 

4.1. What does the name Tu Lan mean?

According to village elders, “Làn” refers to a stream flowing from the Rao Nan River into Tu Lan Valley, disappearing underground into the cave. “Tú” may describe the majestic limestone mountain ranges surrounding the valley. Most of the caves in this cave system are connected by a river, which disappears at the end of Tu Lan Cave. The meaning behind the name "Tu Lan" is based on this feature.

4.2. How many caves are there in the Tu Lan cave system?

Over 25 caves have been discovered and surveyed between 1992 and 2022 by the British-Vietnamese Cave Expedition Team.

4.3. What is the price of the Tu Lan Cave tour?

Tour prices range from 1,800,000 VND for 1-day trips to 18,000,000 VND for multi-day expeditions.

4.4. Is prior hiking experience required for the Tu Lan Cave tour?

It depends on the tour option. While prior hiking experience isn’t strictly required, all Tu Lan Cave tours are tailored for physically active individuals. The fitness expectations are based on the average healthy person, not professional athletes. For first-time participants, short tours can be a great starting point to warm up for future expeditions.

4.5. How difficult is the Tu Lan Cave tour?

The difficulty level of your tour will vary depending on the duration. Below is a breakdown of each tour:

• Level 1 (Introductory): Tu Lan Cave Family Experience
• Level 2 (Easy)
  • Hang Tien - Tu Lan Discovery
  • Tu Lan Cave Family Adventure
  • Hang Tien Cave Endeavor
  • Tu Lan Cave Experience
  • Tu Lan Cave Encounter
• Level 3 (Moderate): Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer
• Level 4 (Challenging): Hang Tien Cave Exploration
• Level 5 (Demanding): Tu Lan Cave Expedition

4.6. Can I visit Tu Lan Cave without a guided tour?

No, independent visits to Tu Lan Cave are not allowed. Oxalis Adventure is the official and exclusive operator authorized to conduct guided tours in the area. To book your tour, you can contact them via the hotline +84 919 900 357 or email [email protected].

The Tu Lan cave system delivers an unforgettable adventure. Its otherworldly landscapes, rare wildlife, and cultural connections make it one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary destinations. With the proper preparation and guidance from Oxalis Adventure, Tu Lan is ready to reward explorers with experiences as wild as the terrain itself.

After exploring the Tu Lan cave system, it is highly recommended that you extend your Vietnam travel to the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, the limestone karsts of Ha Long, the ancient town of Hoi An, or the coastal city of Nha Trang.

For an elevated experience in those destinations, it is highly recommended that you stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. Spread across Vietnam's most touristy cities, Vinpearl offers luxurious accommodations with top-notch amenities, including pools, fine dining restaurants, and rejuvenating spas. 

Discover more about Vinpearl resorts & hotels

Many of these hotels and resorts are also conveniently located near VinWonders, Vietnam's premier entertainment complexes. At VinWonders, you can immerse yourself in a world of excitement with thrilling games and captivating shows, making for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure during your Vietnamese getaway.