Take a Boat to Phong Nha Cave Phong Nha Cave is a majestic river cave and was the first cave in the area opened to tourists in 1997. Phong Nha Cave is seen by dragon boat local people will motor you up the river taking in the view of the stunning natural Karst Mountains and local river life and then row you through the cave. Like Venice but more natural! The second cave located above Phong Nha Cave is called Tien Son. It is a smaller cave with intricate formations. Because of the 400 stairs to get up to the cave you are afforded spectacular views of the local area, and some peace and quiet as not everyone is up to climbing all the stairs! It is easy to visit Phong Nha Cave on your own and because of this we don t offer tours there. To get there, turn left when you walk out of Easy Tiger and walk about 300m until you get to the Phong Nha Ke Bang Tourism Centre, which is on your right. At the back of the carpark is the ticket office. Buy your tickets to Phong Nha and Tien Son cave and also a ticket for the boat to get there. It should take your about 3 hours for the boat ride and cave visit. Maybe longer if you want to spend more time wandering around and enjoying these beautiful caves. A good way to visit Phong Nha Cave is to listen to the 9:00am Info Talk at Easy Tiger, then go with the group of people that visit the cave when the talk finishes. It saves some money by sharing the boat and its more fun sharing the trip with other people. Cave Prices: Entrance ticket to Phong Nha Cave 150,000vnd Entrance ticket to Tien Son Cave 80,000vnd Boat price (shared) 1 cave is 360,000vnd When visiting both caves the price of the boat is 400,000vnd See reception if you need any further information or directions.
Ride a Bike through the Countryside of Bong Lai Valley Bong Lai Valley is a fantastic rural valley interspersed with farms and small villages. There are now a number of attractions in the Valley making it a great relaxing day or half day out in the countryside. The Pub with Cold Beer is the original watering spot in the valley for thirsty tourists. The beer is, as advertised, cold, and everything you eat there is grown in the village. Chicken is the specialty of this farm to table experience, with chicken so fresh that when you arrive it will still be scratching around the veggie patch! While you wait for your lunch to cook you can rent a tube off them and float down the river, just lie in a hammock with a cold beer or you can get as involved as you like with the preparation of your chicken. The Pub with Cold Beer has been praised by the Huffington Post and the New York Times travel sections. If you want to get further off the beaten track, head a few more adventurous kilometres down the dirt track of Bong Lai valley from the Pub with Cold Beer to the Wild Boar Eco Farm. In the same spirit of the pub with cold beer, they serve cold beer and delicious freshly cooked pork and other options, but in a more rural setting with views over the river. This is a great spot to swim or hang out in the huge Vietnamese house that Mr Cuong built. Moi Moi Restaurant is a friendly spot that also offers some fantastic food options, including pork cooked in bamboo. It is a rural setting in the Bong Lai Valley, located on a small farm that grows pepper, watermelons, cassava, corn and other crops. Stop in at the Duck Stop on your way back from the Pub with Cold Beer for a last bit of refreshment and feed the ducks for some great photos! Pick up some Phong Nha Black Pepper while you are there. Getting there: The Bong Lai Valley is best seen on a bicycle or motorbike. Take a bike, rent a motorbike in town or head out easy-rider style on the back of a bike with a licenced diver for a stress free and safe way to travel. There are no entrance fees to any places in Bong Lai Valley. It is best seen during the day so that you return before it gets dark. Make a small donation to MAG, grab a map from reception and get out there exploring!
Easy Tiger is proud to support the Mines Advisory Group Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is non-profit organisation that works to save and improve lives by reducing the devastating effects that the remnants of conflict have on communities around the world. Mag has worked in 35 countries since 1989, moving in to current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of those conflicts. Vietnam remains heavily contaminated by Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), specifically Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), from a conflict that ended 40 years ago. The latest data reveals that 19.3 million items were dropped by the US alone during the conflict, amounting to 14 million tonnes of ordinance nearly three times the amount used by the allies in the World War II. These figures are also incomplete, and do not account for ground fighting and failed sorties. It is estimated that 10% to 30% of ordnance did not detonate. 300,000 800,000 tonnes of UXO still contaminating approximately 15% of the surface of Vietnam. Central Vietnam is the most affected region, particularly in the area known as the de-militarised zone lying on the 17th parallel, which demarcated the border between North and South Vietnam. Quang Binh Province (the home of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park) and Quang Tri (directly south) are the two most contaminated and UXO affected provinces in the country. Each square meter of land in Quang Binh was exposed to, on average, 29kg of ordnance and 100% of communes are also still contaminated. As well as causing deaths and injuries, UXO also block access to land which could be used for farming and development projects to this day, nearly a quarter of people in Quang Binh still live below the poverty line. MAG has been working in Vietnam since 1999, and in Quang Binh since 2002, releasing nearly 10 million square meters of land back to communities and removing and destroying over 215,000 items of UXO and landmines. In Quang Binh alone, MAG s work has benefitted over 1.3 million people. MAG has worked extensively clearing land in Bo Trach and Minh Hoa Districts, which Phong Nha National Park straddles, and has cleared sites within the park itself. These areas remain extensively contaminated, and MAG will continue to work to keep these communities safe in the future. If you would like to help us support MAG, and would like to help promote the organisation, please make a donation into the MAG Donation Box. If you head over to Phong Nha Farmstay, in return for a 120,000 vnd donation they will give you a MAG hat. In return for a 300,000vnd donation, they will give you a t-shirt. ALL proceeds go to MAG, and you will be saving lives.
The Jungle Boss Phong Nha National Park Tour This tour is the traditional take on the National Park Tour, without the overly touristic elements and exploring a brand new cave! The day starts with the spectacular Paradise Cave, the must see cave in the National Park where you will be amazed by the vast caverns and impressive formations. It is incredible to consider that this is just a short section of the Hang Vom cave system that stretches more than 30km further through the National Park. We stop at the 8 ladies cave and war martyr memorial and spend a few minutes to discover the history and traditions of Vietnam. The real highlight of the day is Hang Tra Ang. This cave was opened to the public in August 2016 and is unspoiled by any development. It is reached by a short walk through the jungle to where you have a barbecue lunch prepared by the porters before swimming into this cave to explore with a helmet, head torch and lifejacket. - Paradise cave - 8 Lady Cave (Hang Tam Co) and War Martyr Memorial Temple - Tra Ang Cave and jungle trek Low to moderate Includes stairs at paradise cave, up to 600m swimming in Tra Ang Cave and a 2,5km walk in the jungle and through the river. Gear to bring: - Clothing to cover your knees and shoulders whilst you are in the temple at 8 Lady cave - Walking shoes, trainers or sandals. No flip flops - Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and insect repellent - Swimwear and a travel towel or sarong - BBQ Lunch and bottled water - All transport, entrance fees and conservation fees - Head torch, helmet and lifejacket - English speaking tour guide, Porter team Tour departs daily at 8:15 am 1,350,000 VND/person Suitable for most children over 5 years
The Discovery One Day National Park Tour The National Park Tour will give you an overview of the National Park and the popular attractions at a very affordable price. Whilst driving a loop around the National Park, you will stop to see the touristic highlights of the park. Starting with some history and culture at 8 Ladies Cave and the Highway 20 War Martyrs Memorial, in the morning, you then visit the spectacular Paradise Cave where you will have time to take in the scale and beauty of this cave passage. After lunch you take on the challenges of the adventurous and very popular Dark cave! - 8 Ladies Cave (Hang Tam Co) & War Martyr Memorial - Paradise Cave (Thien Duong) - Dark Cave for zip-lining, kayaking, swimming and a mud bath Low to moderate Suitable for most ages and abilities. Some physical fitness required including climbing stairs, swimming and walking on uneven and slippery ground. Some scrambling is required in Dark Cave, and there is lots of mud. Please note that there is a weight requirement for the zip-line you must be between 40 and 90kg. What to bring: - Clothing to cover your knees and shoulders whilst you are in the temple - Shoes with good grip for Paradise Cave. No flip flops - Dark coloured swimwear to change in to for Dark Cave (light items might get mud stained) - A travel towel or Sarong (not the room towels please!) - Transport by minivan - Lunch and bottled water - All entrance fees - English speaking guide Tour departs daily at 8.30 am 1,350,000 VND/person Children under 1.1m Free Children between 1.1 and 1.3m Half Price Children under 4 are not able to participate in the Dark Cave section of this tour. Talk to us about options.
Get on a Bike and Explore with the Phong Nha Riders So you want to get out and see the countryside and the attractions of the National Park on a motorbike, but without a licence and a lot of experience you think this is unwise? Well you would be right, and we have really great solution! Thang s Phong Nha Riders are a hand selected group of men that are on hand to use their significant local knowledge on the roads to keep you safe, make sure you don t get lost and to help you see the sights of the area safely. They will watch the road so that you can appreciate the scenery, take photos and enjoy the ride. Many of the Phong Nha Riders used to have jobs working in the jungle before the National Park was established. Now they have a new way to earn a living taking tourists to see the local area. The Phong Nha Riders don t speak a lot of English and they are not tour guides, but for a very reasonable price you can give them employment for the day and see the area at your leisure without being on a tour. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park Paradise cave Dark Cave Phong Nha Cave 8 Ladies Cave U Bo Mountain Botanic Gardens Nuoc Moc Bong Lai Valley The Pub with Cold Beer The Duck Stop The Wild Boar Eco Farm Pepperhouse Moi Moi Restaurant There are many options and itineraries available and the prices depend on where you want to go. Prices start at 70,000 vnd for a trip between the Easy Tiger and Phong Nha Farmstay Village. Trips to the National Park start from 250,000 vnd. Talk to reception about the options available for a great day out!
Briefings National Saving the Jungle As is being shown in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, to conserve the jungle you need to create jobs 12 Word October 2015 wordvietnam.com
If you didn t already know, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is the national park that s home not only to spectacular caves like Hang En, Tu Lan and Hang Va, but also to the largest cave in the world, Son Doong. Located in Quang Binh in North Central Vietnam (200km north of Hue), the area boasts some of the most stunning jungle and limestone karsts in Southeast Asia. Yet, like many other places in the region, official protection doesn t necessarily mean that the area will be conserved. The logging and poaching continue. Anyone who believes that all loggers and poachers do it out of spite or a disregard for conservation has a hole in their head. Yes, there are poachers searching for prized wild animals or rare wood to make a profit. But the majority are so poor that unless they use the resources of the jungle, they will starve. When [Phong Nha] became a UNESCO world heritage site, says Mike Rowbottom, the manager of Phong Nha backpacker hostel, Easy Tiger, all these jungle people, the people who used to hunt, suddenly lost a key resource. Even though for generations they had used the jungle as a way to support their families, overnight, they were not allowed to do it. These people don t speak any English, and they left school at 10. They can t just go out and get new work. So what happens? They go back in illegally, and if they get caught, they get put into prison. A further effect of UNESCO status, which was granted in 2003, was a sudden increase in local tourism. The initial visitors were large Vietnamese families and groups heading en masse to the jungle and the caves. During their trip they would eat lunch at local restaurants serving up jungle meat it was exotic and it was part of the experience. This created a new demand for wild game, a demand that saw the decimation of animal life not just in Phong Nha-Ke Bang but further afield. Moving Forward Recent changes to the level and nature of tourism in Phong Nha are creating new hope. High profile exposés on the consumption of jungle meat in the local press have caused the almost complete disappearance of this trade. Says one local source, If jungle meat is still being consumed, it s very well hidden as I haven t seen it for a long time. More important is that the jungle people, the former loggers and poachers, are now getting work in the tourism industry. Although only 20 years old, Nguyen Van Thang runs Thang s Phong Nha Riders, a group of motorbike drivers who take people around the national park to Phong Nha s various caves, waterfalls and trails. Charging VND350,000 a day, he now employs 20 drivers, all of whom used to make their living from the jungle. In the past they used to log and hunt in the jungle, he explains. Now they have a salary and they don t need to. Each month they earn between VND3 million and VND4 million. So they don t need to pha rung or destroy the jungle anymore. In the past, if I didn t have any work, I would go into the jungle to find timber and food, says one of Thang s drivers, father of five, Hieu. There were many times when we just didn t have any food and would starve. It was very hard. Oxalis, the company famed for running the well-known tours to Son Doong, also employs people who once made their living out of the jungle. Growing in just three years from five or six people to a company of 300, according to acclaimed caver Howard Limbert, all the company s porters who carry food supplies, camping and safety equipment for all the cave trips come from the jungle. They know the jungle and they are amazingly fit, he explains. And now they work for us they ve become obsessed with conservation. The jungle is providing them with an income and they don t want to lose it. Around the trails we use, we ve even started seeing the animals come back. Adds Mike, Unless they [tourists here] have a motorbike license, I want to stop motorbike rentals in Phong Nha. There are so many accidents, it s just not cool. And if you stop motorbike rentals then you can get 50 riders a month driving the tourists around. It gives more people jobs. Nick Ross wordvietnam.com October 2015 Word 13
Explore the National Park & Surrounds on the Jeep & Ural Tour For the best possible way to see the National Park and surrounds, get us to take you out for the day on an old Army Jeep or a Russian Ural Motorbike and Sidecar. A unique adventure customised just for you, and there really is nothing that compares to driving through the Vietnamese countryside in a Jeep or Ural. Enjoy a fantastic lunch with wine and drinks included. Our English speaking guides/drivers are very knowledgeable about this area, the fauna, flora, history and people of Vietnam This exceptional tour is the best way to get the most of a day out in the area. Take your pick from a range of destinations Your choice of itinerary that can include a choice of - Phong Nha Cave - 8 Ladies Cave and the War Martyrs Memorial - Paradise Cave - Dark Cave - The Botanic Gardens - A loop of the National Park, the Ho Chi Minh Road and Victory Road - The beaches of Quang Binh - Local fishing villages and farming villages - Rural back roads - The Pub with Cold Beer - Wild Boar Eco Farm and more.. This is a customisable tour, so we can accommodate people of all ages and abilities. Speak to Reception staff or the manager to see what is best for you. What to bring: - Walking shoes - Swimwear, camera, hat sunglasses - If you are going to 8 ladies cave, clothing covering knees and shoulders - All transport, food, water and drinks - All park entrance fees and English speaking guide Available every day Departure times agreed with customers 2,500,000 VND/person
The Epic and Spectacular one day 7km Paradise Cave Trek The 7km trek through Paradise Cave is a unique way to experience this spectacular cave. This tour takes you through the stunningly lit tourist section of the cave to the end of the boardwalk, where your guide will open the gate for you to step down on to the cave floor and begin your caving adventure. Explore the spectacular cave formations in the darkness with just the light of your head torch, perhaps see the endemic eyeless cave fish, and marvel at the wonders of this huge passage that is 100m wide and 150m high in sections. You will get to swim through a section of the cave (or take a boat if you can t swim) before you explore more of this underground wonder and emerge in to the light of the doline chamber. You will enjoy lunch underground, and if you are lucky be awed by the sunbeams that penetrate the cave on a sunny day. - Exploring the depths of this spectacular cave with just a head torch to light the way! Moderate Suitable for most ages and abilities. Physical fitness is required including climbing stairs, swimming and walking on rocky boulders and uneven and slippery ground. Some scrambling over rocks will require use of your hands What to bring: - Long trousers and good trekking shoes are recommended - Wear swimwear under your clothes - A travel towel or Sarong (not the room towels please!) - Transport by minivan (or motorbike for 2 pax) - Packed lunch and bottled water - All entrance fees and English speaking guide Tour departs daily at 8.15 am 2,650,000 VND/person Children under 10 are not able to participate in this trek You must arrive in Phong Nha the day before this tour Please also note that this tour does not run if the water levels in the cave are very high in the rainy season (October & November). If the water levels are moderate the tour is reduced to 4km and the price adjusted accordingly
One day jungle trekking and wildlife Hai s Eco Tour The Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park considered one of the best hot spots of biodiversity in the world. It is home to many endemic species plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. You will get great insight in to the fauna and flora of the park and learn about conservation from a local expert with many years of experience in the conservation of the area. View the beautiful scenery of the park in safety on the back of the motorbike of a licensed Vietnamese local rider as you travel between the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and the Botanic Gardens After seeing the Wildlife Rescue Centre and its patients and residents, you will take a challenging trek through the tropical forest in the National Park using a Secret Route which the soldiers used during the war. Have a barbecue lunch in the entrance of Weapon Cave. After the trek you have the option to swim in a natural swimming pool. See the semi-wild enclosure in the Botanic Gardens, the half-way house for rescued animals before they are released. This tour is a great way to see what happens in the background of the National Park, will get you up and close with many of the animals that inhabit it, and is a great way to support the local conservation efforts. The tour does include quite a tough hike through 8-10km of jungle to a primary forest, so please be quite fit! 8-10km of Primary Jungle Trekking, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Jungle BBQ, Swim in a natural pool Medium high fitness is required for the challenging terrain of the 8-10 km jungle hike. Gear to bring: Trekking clothes (long trousers and shirt), sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, swimming gear. BBQ lunch, drinks and snacks, all entrance fees, local tour guide speaking fluent English, transportation by easy rider motorbike Tour departs daily at 8:30 am 1,450,000 VND/person Minimum 2, maximum 14 people
One Day Jungle Trekking and Caving Abandoned Valley The Abandoned Valley is located in a remote area of the world heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This tour takes in 12km of the Ho Chi Minh trail, through the Abandoned Valley, exploring the Vietnamese tropical forest and experiencing the history of the Vietnam-American war as you trek along the narrow track. Explore the other exit of the now famous Dark Cave, and explore unspoilt Hang E where you can swim in a crystal clear natural spring. Hang E is one of the most beautiful river caves in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and is in a completely unspoiled environment. The porter team will prepare you a fantastic barbecue lunch in the jungle to fuel you up for the trek back out of the valley. This tour is a great opportunity to get in to the jungle, explore two unspoiled caves and experience authentic Vietnam whilst supporting employment for local people. - 12km of Primary Jungle Trekking - Explore Dark Cave - Swim in Hang E cave - BBQ lunch in the jungle Moderate to high a good level of fitness is required for the challenging terrain of the 12km jungle hike. Gear provided: Vietnamese soldier trekking boots if required (we suggest bringing your trekking shoes just in case our boots don t suit you) Head Torch, helmet, gloves and lifejacket. Gear to bring: Trekking clothes (long trousers and shirt), sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, swimming gear, travel towel or sarong. - Water, snacks on trail and BBQ lunch - All transport, National Park entrance fees and Park ranger - Trekking and caving gear, head torch, helmet and lifejacket - English speaking tour guide, Porter team Tour departs daily at 7.30 am Price: 1,650,000 VND/person Minimum 2, maximum 14 people Not suitable for children under 8 years of age
One Day Jungle Hiking in the National Park Tra Ang & Ma Da Valley The Ma Da Valley was opened to tourism in August 2016. This new area of the world heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park includes the Tra Ang cave and Ma Da Lake. The tour takes in 8km of trekking in the Ma Da Valley in primary jungle, exploring the Vietnamese tropical forest. The porter team will prepare you a fantastic barbecue lunch that you will enjoy in the jungle with traditional foods. This tour is a great opportunity to get in to the jungle without taking on a major expedition in an area where few tourists have been before. Explore an unspoiled cave, swim in a stunning lake and experience authentic Vietnam whilst supporting employment for local people. - 8km of Jungle Trekking, - Explore Tra Ang Cave - Swim in Ma Da Lake - BBQ lunch in the jungle Moderate fitness is required for 8km of jungle trekking. Up to 600m of swimming in Tra Ang cave. Gear provided: Vietnamese soldier trekking boots if required (we suggest bringing your trekking shoes just in case our boots don t suit you) Head Torch, helmet, gloves and lifejacket. Gear to bring: Trekking clothes (long trousers and shirt), sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, swimming gear, travel towel or sarong. - Water, snacks on trail and BBQ lunch - All transport, National Park entrance fees and Park ranger - Trekking and caving gear, head torch, helmet and lifejacket - English speaking tour guide, Porter team Tour departs daily at 8.00 am 1,650,000 VND/person Minimum 2, maximum 14 people Not suitable for children under 8 years of age
Two days One night Trek in the National Park Abandoned & Ma Da Valleys The Ma Da Valley was opened to tourism in August 2016 and combined with the Abandoned Valley makes a great 2 day tour, seeing 3 caves and camping in the jungle in a tent or hammock in the world heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The tour takes in 20km of trekking in the Ma Da Valley and Abandoned Valley in primary jungle, exploring the Vietnamese tropical forest, Tra Ang cave, Hang E, the Abandoned Valley end of Hang Toi and Ma Da Lake. Explore unspoiled caves, swim in a stunning lake and experience authentic Vietnam whilst supporting employment for local people. - 20km of Jungle Trekking over 2 days - Explore Tra Ang Cave, Hang E, Hang Toi - Swim in Ma Da Lake - Camp overnight in the Phong Nha Kebang National Park Moderate to high fitness is required for 20km of jungle trekking and swimming in caves over 2 days. Gear provided: Vietnamese soldier trekking boots if required (we suggest bringing your trekking shoes just in case our boots don t suit you) Head Torch, helmet, gloves and lifejacket. All camping gear. Gear to bring: Trekking clothes (long trousers and shirt), sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, swimming gear, travel towel or sarong. Personal items and toiletries, change of clothes for camp, sandals. - Meals, snacks and water - All transport, National Park entrance fees and Park ranger - Trekking, camping and caving gear, head torch, helmet and lifejacket - English speaking tour guide, Porter team Tour departs daily at 8.00 am 4,700,000 VND/person Minimum 2, maximum 14 people Not suitable for children under 8 years of age
One Day in One Spectacular Cave Hang Tien Discovery This tour departs early and returns late and is a big day of cave exploring in the Tu Lan Region. From the base in Tan Hoa, (about 1,5 hours from the Easy Tiger) you will head out to explore this spectacular cave. The trek extends for 3km through fields and forest before becoming more rocky and challenging as you approach the cave. Enjoy a barbecue lunch in the cave entrance before you explore the length of Hang Tien. See spectacular rimstone pools and incredible swirling stone will captivate you as you enter the cave. Climb a ladder to the high chamber to the far exit. Return to the entrance via a different route then head back to the freshwater spring that you passed on your way in. Enjoy a coffee and a swim before heading back to base camp for a shower ahead of the return journey to Phong Nha. Phong Nha Tan Hoa Hang Tien Tan Hoa Phong Nha - 4km walking, the last km is rocky with boulders - 4km caving - Optional swim in freshwater spring Moderate This tour is very accessible to those who are physically active and have trekking experience What to bring: - Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - A change of clothing for after tour - Personal items, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent - - Barbecue lunch and drinking water - All entrance fees, transport, guide and porters - All caving equipment and safety gear 4 departures a week. Max 8 pax Not available mid-september to mid-november Tour departs at 7.00 am returns 7:30pm 2,000,000 VND/person Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek This tour has a strict cancellation policy. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
Two Days in the Largest Cave in the Tu Lan System Hang Tien Endeavor This 2 day explores Hang Tien and the largest cave in the Tu Lan region, the newly discovered Hang Tien 2. From the base in Tan Hoa, (about 1,5 hours from the Easy Tiger) you will head out to explore Hang Ruc in then trek upriver to your campsite near Hang Tien 1 adjacent to a freshwater spring that is great for a swim. The team will prepare a filling barbecue dinner at the camp and the following morning you head out to conquer Hang Tien 1 before exploring Hang Tien 2, seeing the immense formations and large passages. There is a jungle trek between the 2 caves. Have a picnic lunch and trek out to the road before heading back to base camp for a shower ahead of the return journey to Phong Nha. Phong Nha Tan Hoa Hang Ruc - Hang Tien 1 Hang Tien 2 - Tan Hoa Phong Nha - 8km trekking over 2 days - Rocky terrain with boulders, river crossings - 5,5km caving - Optional swim in freshwater spring at campsite Moderate This tour is accessible to those who are physically fit and have trekking experience What to bring: - 2 x Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - A change of clothing for camp and after tour, sandals - Personal items, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent - - All meals and drinking water - All entrance fees, transport, guide and porters - All camping and caving equipment and safety gear Tues, Thurs, Sat. Max 8 pax Not available mid-september to mid-november Tour departs at 7.30 am returns 6:30pm 6,500,000 VND/person Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek This tour has a strict cancellation policy. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
Adventure Jungle camp, 3 rd Largest Cave in the World Hang En Jungle Camp This Hang En adventure combines the majesty of Hang En cave with another newly opened cave, Hang Lanh, on an adventure through the National Park with a night camping in the jungle. On day one of this tour you will trek through the jungle and explore the first kilometre of Hang Lanh, with its active cold water stream, cave formations and rare fossils. You will make camp in the jungle for the evening and enjoy a fantastic barbecue meal before settling down for the night amongst the sounds of the jungle. On the second day you will depart camp after breakfast to explore Hang En, having lunch on the beach in this massive cavern. The afternoon is a trek back to the road though the isolated Ban Doong Minority village, one of few settlements within the National Park. Cold beer awaits at the top of the hill and it will be well earned! - 25km Jungle trekking over 2 days - Exploring Hang En (3km) and Hang Lanh (1km) - Camping in the jungle - Multiple river crossings Moderate High 25km of jungle trekking and caving. Physical fitness is required including swimming and walking on rocky boulders and uneven and slippery ground. Some scrambling over rocks will require use of your hands. What to bring: - Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - Personal items, swimwear, camera, water bottle - A change of clothing and sandals for in camp - A travel towel or Sarong (not the room towels please!) - All food, water and camping equipment - All park entrance fees, transport, guide and porters 7,000,000 VND/person Tour departs at 8.00 Multiple departures each week Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek Hang En is not available from Mid-September to late December during the rainy season for safety reasons
Camp in the 3rd Largest Cave in the World on the Hang En Cave Camp On this tour you will trek to the awe inspiring Hang En cave over 2 days, as well as exploring the cold cave, Hang Lanh. Hang En is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world, and is as close as you can get to Hang Son Doong (the world's biggest cave) at an affordable price. This tour goes through Ban Doong Minority village, one of few settlements within the park. You approach Hang En along a cool river, often wading through the stream. The cave comes in to sight as a small entrance, but what is behind it will blow you away. Spend the afternoon exploring in the cave and taking in the sights. The night is spent camping on a beach in the cave, then after a good breakfast you explore the first kilometre of Hang Lanh before you head back to the road up a steep hill, earning yourself a cold beer when you get to the road at the top. - 25km Jungle trekking over 2 days - 4km caving in Hang En and Hang Lanh - Camping on the beach inside the cave - Multiple river crossings Moderate High 20km of jungle trekking and caving. Physical fitness is required including swimming and walking on rocky boulders and uneven and slippery ground. Some scrambling over rocks will require use of your hands. What to bring: - Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - Personal items, swimwear, camera, water bottle - A change of clothing and sandals for in camp - A travel towel or Sarong (not the room towels please!) - All food, water and camping equipment - All park entrance fees, transport, guide and porters 7,500,000 VND/person Tour departs at 8.00 Multiple departures each week Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek Not available from Mid-Sept to late Dec during the rainy season This tour has a strict cancellation policy. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
See Unique Formations on the Overnight Hang Va Expedition This unique and unforgettable experience in the jungles and caves of Vietnam is second only to the world s biggest cave, Son Doong. Hang Nuoc Nut and Hang Va are extraordinary caves that were discovered in 2012. To see them you will need to hike, stoop through the entrance, use ropes and traverse rivers, both inside and outside of the cave. Every aspects of the trip is carefully planned, including delicious meals, the highest safety standards great adventure guides. This tour explores Hang Nuoc Nut on the first day, with beautiful formations, enormous passage and river. There is some tough terrain to negotiate to the campsite at Hang Va entrance. Day 2 is the highlight of the expedition. It is more technical and ropes and harness are involved and the water in Hang Va cave can be chest high at times. The very rare formations that you will see and photo opportunities make this all worthwhile! Phong Nha Hang Nuoc Nut - Hang Va jungle camp - Hang Va Phong Nha - 10km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain - 3km caving in river caves (cold water, waist deep) - Elevation gain is 150m (between road and mountain top) - 20m traverse using rope and harness High This tour requires a good level of fitness and stamina for steep trekking and caving on uneven and slippery surfaces, immersion in chilly water and sections of technical caving. What to bring: - 2 x Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - A change of clothing for in camp including sandals - A travel towel or Sarong (not the room towels please!) - Personal toiletries, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent etc - All food, water and camping equipment - All entrance fees, transport, guide and porters - All caving equipment and safety gear Three departures each week February - August. Max 8 pax Tour departs at 8.00 am returns 5:30pm 8,000,000 VND/person Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek This tour has a strict cancellation policy. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
A Day of Trekking and Swimming through Caves on the Tu Lan Experience This one day tour is a taste of the Tu Lan system, about an hour and a half from Phong Nha. It includes trekking, caving and swimming. Your day starts in the base camp in Tan Hoa village before you set out enjoying the landscape of the farmlands to reach the Rao Nan River. You will see the beautiful formations in a dry cave called Hang Chuot, then swim through Hung Ton Cave to reach the To Mo Valley, where the team will prepare you a delicious barbecue lunch in the jungle. You are free to swim during the lunch break in the lake in To Mo Valley. Then take on the jungle and karst peaks to make your way back to the base camp in Tan Hoa for return to Phong Nha. If time is short or you are not up to overnight camping in the jungle then the one day tour is the best way to get a small taste of the beautiful area of Tu Lan. Phong Nha Tan Hoa Rao Nan River.- Hang Chuot (Rat Cave) - Hung Ton Cave - To Mo Tan Hoa Phong Nha - 9km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain - Elevation change up to 150m (between valley and top of mountain) - 100m swimming in caves - 1 km caving Medium requires some fitness and stamina for periods of steep trekking and caving, including swimming What to bring: - Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - Personal items, swimwear, camera, water bottle - A change of clothing for after tour - BBQ lunch, water, caving equipment - All entrance fees, transport, guide and porters Monday through Saturday 7.00am returning 6:30pm 1,800,000 VND/person. Min 2, Max 8 pax This tour is not available from Mid-September to Mid-November Strict cancellation policy applies. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
Swim in caves & Camp in the Jungle on the 2 Day Tu Lan Cave Encounter This overnight trek in the Tu Lan Cave system offers a glimpse in to the karst mountains, jungle, waterfalls and caves in the rugged and untouched natural environment of rural Vietnam. Perfect for those short on time but still wanting a solid taste of adventure in Tu Lan. Over 2 days and one night you will both climb over the karst mountains and swim thorough them in the caves carved out of the limestone by the rivers. Camp by a waterfall in a tent or a sleeping hammock, enjoy a jungle barbecue for dinner, have a relaxing evening around the campfire and a great night s sleep in a hammock or a tent lulled by the sound of the waterfall from Ken Cave. Phong Nha Tan Hoa Rao Nan River.- Hung Ton Valley Mango Mountain Tu Lan Valley Ken Cave Tu Lan Cave Kim Cave - To Mo Valley - Hung Ton Tan Hoa Phong Nha - 12km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain - Elevation changes up to 150m - 1km swimming in caves - 3 km caving Moderate requires some fitness and stamina for some steep trekking and caving, including swimming. This tour is easy for seasoned adventurers and accessible to those with a reasonable level of fitness. What to bring: - Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - Personal items, swimwear, camera, water bottle - A change of clothing for in camp including sandals - All food, water and camping equipment - All entrance fees, transport, guide and porters - All caving equipment and safety gear Tour departs at 7.30 am returns 5:30pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 5,500,000 VND/person Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek This tour is not available from Mid-September to Mid-November This tour has a strict cancellation policy. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
Spend Three Days in the Jungle on the Wild Tu Lan Cave Explorer This adventure tour offers the perfect balance between trekking, caving, climbing, squeezing and swimming, combined with enough time to enjoy two spectacular campsites over three-days and twonights. Explore 6 spectacular caves in the Tu Lan System including Secret Cave, the most untouched cave in the system. The guide and porter team will ensure that you are well looked after and fed delicious food. All camping equipment is provided (Hammock or tent) Phong Nha - Tan Hoa - Rat Cave - La Ken Lom Com Mtn - Tu Lan - Ken Cave Tu Lan Cave Hang Kim To Mo Hung Ton Secret Cave Tan Hoa Phong Nha - 17km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain - Elevation change up to 150m (between valley and top of mountain) - 1 km swimming in caves (from 200m 500m each cave) - 4 km caving - Basic trekking experience required Moderate High tour requires some fitness and stamina for steep trekking and caving on uneven and slippery surfaces, swimming and the ability to enjoy the wilderness for 2 nights. What to bring: - 2 x Long shirt and trousers and good trekking shoes - Close weave trekking socks (not ankle socks) - Personal items, swimwear, camera, water bottle - A change of clothing for in camp including sandals - A travel towel or Sarong (not the room towels please!) - Personal toiletries, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent etc. - All food, water and camping equipment - All entrance fees, transport, guide and porters - All caving equipment and safety gear Runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Tour departs at 7.30 am returns 5:30pm 8,000,000 VND/person Children under 16 are not able to participate in this trek This tour is not available from Mid-September to Mid-November This tour has a strict cancellation policy. You must arrive in Phong Nha and pay for the tour by 6pm the night before departure
DESTINATION ZERO PHOTOS BY NICK ROSS The backpacker trail in Southeast Asia has legendary stop-off points at every step. Opened three years ago, the leafy, Easy Tiger hostel in Phong Nha has already etched itself a place in folklore. For any traveller s haven to stand out from its contemporaries it needs to fulfill a variety of roles. First it s the accommodation, drink and food. Easy Tiger has 108 dorm beds, each costing VND180,000 a night. Huda beer goes for VND20,000 a bottle, soft drinks are VND15,000 each and food Western and Asian is in the VND40,000 to VND100,000 range for a main course. This isn t going to attract the five-star, all-luxury-included brigade, but despite their penny pinching ways, the budget traveller still has money to spend. With over 100 people a day cramming into this spacious establishment, that s a lot of beer and meals we re talking about. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions Next it needs to be an information point, a place where people coming through the area can find out what to do in Phong Nha, can make the decision whether to visit the caves in Hang En, the National Park or take a trip with the Phong Nha Riders to Bong Lai Valley, a rustic untouched spot on the edge of Phong Nha. Easy Tiger is this and more. You want to book a tour? Here they can make the booking and push you in the right direction. Want to know where to go next? The staff will point you the way. Want to hop on or off the Open Tour bus to Hue or Ninh Binh? The sleeper vehicles now stop outside Easy Tiger. Privacy, or the Lack Of The final need is for the establishment to be a place to chill out. After all, if you re sleeping in a dorm bed, you need somewhere to hang out that isn t your room. There s a swimming pool out back, a hammock area housed under a reclaimed traditional Vietnamese house, a pool table in reception, two beer gardens, indoor bench-like seating and a pay-as-you-go bar and restaurant ordering area. Attractive, Indochine-influenced contemporary murals are painted onto the walls, and a playlist with 1990s and 2000s Indie classics runs through the speakers. Lovecats anyone? Or maybe Mr Brightside. With the chill-out facilities all in place, and prices to match people on a budget, travellers don t have much need to leave. Unless they go to the caves, that is. Nick Ross For more information click on easytigerhostel.com 132 Word November 2016 wordvietnam.com
Easy Tiger wordvietnam.com November 2016 Word 133