The Tú Làn Cave System (Hệ Thống Hang Động Tú Làn) is a breathtaking collection of over 20 wet and dry caves, renowned for its challenging and rewarding adventure tours. Located outside the core Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, near Tân Hóa village in Minh Hóa District, this system draws adventurers eager to delve into Vietnam’s untouched wilderness.
Discovery and Geological Wonder
Tú Làn is a relatively recent addition to Quảng Bình’s cave kingdom, yet it boasts a magnificent geological history.
Recent Exploration: Local residents discovered parts of the system, such as Hung Ton Cave, as early as 1992, but British and Vietnamese cave experts officially surveyed and mapped the major caves starting in 2009 and 2010. These teams revealed the true scale of the system, confirming its vastness.
Geological Features: The system formed over millions of years as the Rào Nan River and its underground tributaries eroded the massive limestone karsts. This continuous process created a chain of caves—some dry and elevated, others featuring spectacular river passages that require swimming to traverse. Inside, visitors marvel at towering stalactites, shimmering stalagmites, and unique cave formations.
Hollywood Fame: The dramatic landscapes of Tú Làn achieved international recognition when filmmakers chose the valleys and caves as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Kong: Skull Island, clearly demonstrating its cinematic beauty.
The Adventure Experience
Tú Làn is designed exclusively for adventure tourism and requires participants to join an organized tour. Oxalis Adventure, the sole licensed operator, offers a range of itineraries to suit different fitness levels.
Multi-Activity Tours: Expeditions typically combine demanding activities over one to four days. Participants engage in jungle trekking, river crossings, steep hillside climbs, and caving. Crucially, many tours include swimming through the dark, cold waters of underground rivers, often for hundreds of meters.
Trekking and Caving Highlights: Key caves in the system often include Hang Chuột (Rat Cave), Hang Hung Ton, Hang Kim, and Hang Tú Làn itself. Each cave presents unique challenges and incredible sights, from towering caverns to small, intricate passages. The experience culminates in spending nights camping by crystal-clear streams deep within the remote valleys.
Safety and Equipment: Tour operators prioritize safety above all else. They provide professional English-speaking guides, safety assistants, and necessary equipment, including helmets, headlights, and life jackets. Guests must possess a good level of physical fitness and strong swimming skills to participate in wet cave tours.
Practical Visitor Information
Since Tú Làn is a remote adventure destination, planning is essential.
Access: The area is located near Tân Hóa village, about 70 kilometers northwest of Phong Nha Town. All access is managed through the licensed tour operator, who arranges transportation from Phong Nha or Đồng Hới to their operation center in Tân Hóa.
Booking and Cost: You must book tours far in advance, as group sizes are strictly limited for safety and conservation. Prices vary significantly based on the duration (e.g., 1-day experience vs. 4-day expedition). These costs cover all gear, guides, porters, camping equipment, and meals.
Best Time to Visit: Tours operate primarily from mid-November to mid-September. Operators typically close the system in October and early November due to high water levels and the risk of flash floods during the rainy season.
Conservation Focus: The tour operators maintain strict conservation policies. Visitors actively help preserve the pristine environment by following the Leave No Trace principles.
