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Hang En Cave

Hang En Cave: Venture into the world’s third largest cave

12/10/2025 126 views

Hang En Cave offers a rare journey into one of the planet’s largest natural caves. It combines surreal landscapes, a rich ecosystem, and unforgettable adventures.

1. Overview of Hang En Cave in Vietnam

1.1. Location & size

Hang En Cave is located in Quang Binh (now part of Quang Tri), right inside the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. You will find it about 11 kilometers away from Kilometer 35 on the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

hang en cave

Hang En Cave in Vietnam ranks among the largest caves on Earth (Source: Collected)

Hang En is the third-largest cave in the world, after Son Doong Cave in Vietnam and Deer Cave in Malaysia. Survey data shows that Hang En Cave stretches more than 1.6 kilometers in length and contains a volume of 6.7 million cubic meters. Its widest chamber spans 200 meters and the ceiling height reaches 145 meters. At the rear entrance, the cave opens to a massive 120-meter-high and 110-meter-wide arch.

Cave experts recognize Hang En as one of the largest natural caves on Earth. It also connects with the wider Phong Nha cave system and marks the starting point for the Son Doong cave expedition.

1.2. History and origins

Hang En Cave, also known as Swallow Cave in Vietnam, gets its name from the thousands of swallows that nest high in the ceiling. At dawn and dusk, you can watch flocks of these birds sweeping through the air. The local people named the cave after this species.

The Arem people discovered Hang En Cave long before modern expeditions. Their ancestors used to live in the cave and used it as shelter. They made ladders from rattan and tree branches to climb the walls and collect bird nests, which were an important food source. Today, the Arem live in permanent villages and no longer depend on the cave as they once did.

Hang En Cave only became widely known after the British Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team surveyed it in 1994.

Hang En Cave in Quang Binh

Hang En Cave is named after the swallows that nest in its ceiling (Source: Collected)

1.3. Geology

Hang En Cave in Vietnam lies within one of the oldest limestone mountain ranges in Asia, formed around 400 – 450 million years ago. It sits along the same geological fault line as Son Doong Cave. While the surrounding rock is ancient, Hang En Cave itself is relatively young, estimated to be just 2 – 3 million years old.

Here, the Rao Thuong River formed the cave as it cut through the limestone mountains of Hung Doong Valley. Over time, the river eroded layers of rock and shaped the vast chambers and passages visible today.

Hang En Cave is located in the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Because of this, the cave closely reflects the weather in Phong Nha. In general, temperatures inside the cave range from 20°C to 25°C.

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2. Highlights of Hang En Cave

2.1. Fairytale-like stalactites & stalagmites

One of the first things you will notice inside Hang En Cave is the dense clusters of stalactites and stalagmites. These formations form as mineral-rich water drips slowly from the ceiling and accumulates on the ground. Over millions of years, the minerals harden into striking natural sculptures. Some hang like delicate curtains; others rise like stone towers from the cave floor.

hang en quang binh

A Hang En Cave tour reveals stunning stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years (Source: Collected)

2.2. Unique campsite

The campsite lies about 700 meters away from the main entrance, beneath a massive chamber where the ceiling soars 140 meters high and spans nearly 200 meters wide. From December to February, sunlight reaches deeper into the cave. During these months, golden rays flood the chamber. After a full day of jungle trekking, you will gather for a hot dinner prepared on-site by local chefs. At night, you can sip tea and share stories as the sound of the underground river echoes through the darkness.

2.3. Stunning natural lakes

Right next to the campsite, you will find a natural pool fed by underground streams flowing from deep inside the cave. The water has a clear turquoise color and stays between 17°C and 25°C. Beside the pool, Rao Thuong Stream brings in warmer water from outside the valley. Its long journey under the sun raises the temperature before it flows into the cave.

You can swim in the natural pool during your free time at the camp. As the sun begins to set, take a moment to relax by the water and watch thousands of swallows return to their nests above the cave ceiling.

Stunning natural lakes in Hang En

One of the most refreshing parts of your Hang En Cave adventure is dipping into the cave-fed lake (Source: Collected)

2.4. Rich ecosystem

Hang En Cave is not only visually stunning; it also supports a diverse ecosystem shaped by light, moisture, and space. Near the main and rear entrances, you might spot rock macaques, gibbons, or even the rare langur. In the late afternoon, flying squirrels glide through the trees in search of food.

Above the campsite and near the rear entrance, thousands of swallows nest high on the cave ceiling. Deeper inside, where no sunlight reaches, bats fill the dark chambers. On the cave floor, crickets, tailless whip scorpions, and other insects thrive in the cool, humid environment.

Plant life is sparse deep inside the cave. But near the entrances, mosses, algae, and ferns grow where filtered light reaches the rock walls. At the rear entrance, you’ll even find a rare upside-down plant hanging from the ceiling.

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3. Key information about the Hang En Cave trekking tour

3.1. Price & itinerary

Hang En Cave in Vietnam has welcomed adventure travelers since 2012. Oxalis is the only company licensed to operate tours here. All the guides, safety assistants, and porters have received intensive training from experts of the British-Vietnamese Cave Expedition Team to ensure safety.

The Hang En trekking tour lasts 2 days and 1 night. It is also the first part of the world-famous Son Doong expedition.

The price for the Hang En Cave tour is VND 8,800,000 (around US$333) per pax. This price has covered VAT, environmental permits, entry tickets, and insurance. Tours run from December through mid-September, mostly on fixed schedules. You can join as an individual or request a private group tour.

Hang En Cave trekking

The Hang En Cave trekking tour is one of the most exciting adventures offered by Oxalis (Source: Collected)

Here is a breakdown of what to expect on your Hang En Cave trekking adventure:

  • Day 1: Phong Nha – Ban Doong – Hang En

You start early in Phong Nha. After a safety briefing at the Oxalis office, the group begins the jungle trek. Along the way, you will visit Ban Doong Village and stop for lunch. 

In the afternoon, you will continue hiking to Hang En Cave. After entering the cave, you will settle at the campsite and can relax or swim in the nearby lake. Dinner is served in the heart of the cave.

  • Day 2: Hang En – Phong Nha

After breakfast, you will explore deeper sections of the cave. Highlights include underground rivers, giant stalagmites, and the massive rear entrance. The group returns to camp for lunch, then begins the final trek through streams and up a steep 450-meter slope. The tour ends in Phong Nha around 6:00 PM.

3.2. Requirements

To join the Hang En trekking tour, you must meet basic fitness and experience requirements. This ensures your safety and lets you enjoy the journey more fully.

  • Experience: You should have trekking experience, at least one overnight trek or two full-day treks. These treks should involve forest, mountainous, rocky, or sloped terrain, with distances of at least 8 kilometers per day and elevation gains of around 300 meters.
  • Fitness: Regular outdoor activity helps, such as football, cycling, or skiing. Alternatively, if you walk or jog three or four times per week (4-5 km per session), you are likely ready. 

As a basic guideline, you should be able to:

  • Run 5 kilometers continuously within 50 minutes.
  • Climb 5 flights of stairs without shortness of breath or dizziness.

The age limit for the Hang En Cave tour is 16 – 70. 

Hang En Cave tour

If you already hike or train regularly, the Hang En Cave tour will be much smoother (Source: Collected)

3.3. Booking guide

To book the Hang En Cave trekking tour, you will need to follow a few steps:

  • Start by reading the full itinerary to make sure the route and activities match your expectations. You should also assess your own fitness level honestly before proceeding.
  • Complete the booking form on the Oxalis website. You will need to provide accurate details about your health and physical ability.
  • Within 48 hours, an Oxalis team member will contact you to review your application and guide you through the next steps. If you haven’t heard back within that time, check your email’s spam folder or contact them directly.
  • Once your booking is approved, you will need to pay the full tour price. After payment, your booking will be confirmed.
  • Leading up to your trip, Oxalis will provide preparation tips and stay in touch. You’ll also have a dedicated staff member available for any questions.
  • About 45 days before departure, you will be asked to update your health and fitness details to ensure you are still ready for the trek.

For questions or help with booking, you can use the chatbox on the bottom right corner of oxalisadventure.com, send an email to [email protected], or call the hotline at +84 919 900 357. 

enjoy Hang En Cave

To fully enjoy Hang En Cave tours, participants must meet minimum physical and experience requirements (Source: Collected)

4. Essential tips for the Hang En Cave expedition

4.1. When is the best time to visit?

Phong Nha experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different atmosphere. In spring, blooming flowers and sunlight filtering through the cave entrance create a dreamy setting. Summer brings dry weather, golden trekking trails, and the chance to swim in the natural pool at the campsite. Winter adds a cozy feel, with time spent around a warm fire and the option to enjoy a steam bath after a day of hiking.

However, due to safety concerns during the rainy period, the trekking tour only runs from December to mid-September each year.

4.2. How to get to Hang En Cave?

Hang En Cave is located in Phong Nha, about 45 kilometers away from Dong Hoi. You can reach Dong Hoi either by plane, train, or sleeper bus. Once you arrive in Dong Hoi, Oxalis can arrange a private transfer from the airport to Chay Lap Farmstay. You can also take a taxi, but booking in advance through Oxalis is the most convenient option. The drive from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha takes around 40 minutes.

get to Hang En Cave

Getting to Hang En Cave starts with a journey to Dong Hoi (Source: Collected)

4.3. What to pack?

You need to bring personal items for a 2-day-1-night journey through the forest and cave. Below is a suggested checklist to help you prepare:

Clothing

Trekking outfit

  • 1 or 2 long-sleeve, quick-dry shirts
  • 1 or 2 pairs of long, quick-dry pants
  • 1 windbreaker for winter months (December – March)

Camp outfit

  • For winter (December – March): a thermal shirt, warm pants, a thick jacket
  • For summer (April – September): a T-shirt, shorts

Footwear and gear

  • 1 pair of hiking shoes with good grip and drainage
  • 1 trekking backpack (20-25L) for essentials like water, cameras, phones
  • 2 pairs of thick, calf-length socks
  • 1 pair of sandals or strap-on slippers for use at the campsite
  • 1 dry bag for electronics
  • 1 swimsuit for swimming at the campsite

Personal items

  • Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a handheld fan (especially for summer)
  • Insect repellent
  • A medium-sized towel
  • Hygiene items (a toothbrush, a toothpaste, eco-friendly shampoo and soap)
  • Underwear
  • A power bank
  • An ID card or passport
  • Personal medication
  • Foot powder to prevent moisture buildup

Optional items

You can bring these based on your needs:

  • Arm sleeves if you wear short-sleeved shirts
  • A camera and tripod
  • Earplugs for light sleepers
  • A headwrap or buff
  • A water bottle if you prefer to use your own
  • Electrolyte tablets
  • Blister prevention tapes or pads
Smart packing for Hang En Cave

Packing smart is essential for your 2-day trek to Hang En Cave in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

FAQs about Hang En Cave

What does Hang En Cave mean?

Hang En means “Swallow Cave” in Vietnamese. The locals named it after the thousands of swallows that nest inside the cave.

How big is Hang En Cave?

Hang En Cave is over 1.6 kilometers long, with a total volume of around 6.7 million cubic meters. The widest passage is up to 200 meters wide and 145 meters high. At the exit, the cave measures about 120 meters in height and 110 meters in width.

Can I visit Hang En Cave without a tour?

No, you cannot visit Hang En Cave on your own. You must join a guided tour operated by Oxalis, the only company licensed to take visitors there.

How much does it cost to go to Hang En Cave?

It costs VND 8,800,000 (about US$333) per pax for the 2-day-1-night tour. The price includes VAT, environmental permits, entry tickets, and insurance.

Should I visit Hang En Cave or Tu Lan Cave?

It depends on your fitness level and preferences.

Choose Tu Lan Cave tours if you:

  • Prefer a flexible itinerary with different difficulty levels (from beginner to advanced)
  • Travel with family or children
  • Enjoy swimming in underground rivers and exploring multiple caves
  • Want to experience forest camping or stay in a local village

Choose Hang En Cave tours if you:

  • Want a shorter but more intense trekking experience
  • Are fit and have prior trekking experience
  • Dream of camping inside one of the world’s largest caves
  • Want to preview part of the Son Doong cave expedition

In short, Tu Lan offers more variety and customization, better for those who like options. Hang En is more focused, better for those seeking a dramatic but achievable adventure.

Camping in Hang En Cave

If you are drawn to cave camping, the Hang En Cave tour is your perfect match (Source: Collected)

Is the Hang En trek suitable for beginners?

No, the Hang En trek is not suitable for beginners. It requires good fitness and prior overnight trekking experience within the last 12 months.

Hang En Cave offers a mix of adventure, immersion in nature, and the kind of beauty you rarely find above ground. From its towering walls to the tranquil lakes and unique campsite inside, the journey to Hang En is both challenging and rewarding. So, pack your bags and get ready to make memories on this epic cave expedition!

After conquering the epic Hang En Cave adventure, why not continue your journey to some of Vietnam’s most beloved spots like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, or Hoi An? At these coastal gems, don’t miss VinWonders – Vietnam’s leading chain of entertainment complexes, where thrilling games, dazzling shows, and immersive activities bring joy to all ages. Whether you are chasing adrenaline or family fun, VinWonders can cater to your every need.

When it is time to unwind, you can stay at one of the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. With prime locations, elegant designs, and classy service, Vinpearl helps you conclude your journey in comfort and create lasting memories.

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