Tu Lan Caves System - A Wonderful Expedition In Vietnam ( Part 1)

Hello everyone,

I am a person who enjoys outdoor activities, particularly caving and trekking. Today I'll take you to another location that I'm sure you'll want to visit someday because it's a truly amazing destination.

Taken by Chiem Nguyen

History

Following the publication of an article in which a few caves were discovered in the Minh Hoa region of Quang Binh province, a team of caving professionals from the United Kingdom returned to Vietnam in 1992 and embarked on a trip with locals to investigate the Tu Lan Cave System. A large part of the area, located outside the Phong Nha Ke Bang Park, 60 kilometres northeast of Phong Nha village in the Minh Hoa district, is fed by the Nan River, which returns from two sources: Ruc Mon cave and water flowing west once the Da Deo pass.

Da Deo Pass

Da Deo Pass - credited by Thanh Dat, my teammate

The first cave was explored by cavers in March 1992 was called Rat Cave, and it is located near the village of Tan Hoa.
The primary main exploration into the amazing Tu Lan and Ken caves was discovered and mapped in 2010. Each year, the caver team explores deeper into the jungle in looking for new caves. Between 2010 and 2020, they explored over 400 caves and mapped roughly 45 per cent of the area. Since then, the cave system has grown increasingly popular. It is unquestionably a must-see destination for anyone visiting Vietnam.

Source: The British Caving Research Association

Day 1: Chay Lap Farmstay - Secret Cave – Ken Cave - Tu Lan Campsite
Our journey begins at 7:30 a.m., when the guide picks up the rest of the team and drives us to the Tu Lan office, up along the spectacular Ho Chi Minh Highway. It takes us more than an hour to get from the hotel to the office, where we will have a tour safety briefing and have stuff provided by the company. You give the porter anything you need at camp. You will carry everything you need with you in the provided floating bag (We will explain why we need a floating bag next part). Before you begin your hike, make sure you have a cup of hot coffee or tea. We finished packing everything around 9 a.m. and cannot wait to do it.

Hiking on the path
The hike starts with a beautiful path through which you will see peanut fields, grazing buffalo, and cows. The Rao Nan River crossing leads to a short but steep and rocky uphill section, where Secret Cave awaits your exploration. Secret Cave is a small but spectacular cave with unique stalactites and cave pearls. It was formed many years ago but was only discovered in 2012 by a local farmer. Following the exploration, the team will return to the cave entrance for lunch.

Seeing buffalo on the path

Secret Cave - Photo by Oxalis

We have time after lunch to rest in the cave. The guides inform us that there will be two more hills and jungle trekking ahead of us. The journey was incredible. We climb the hills for 2 hours before dropping down to Tu Lan Valley, where you will camp for the first night.

Beautiful butterflies can be found right at the camp

Wow, wow, and wow!!! The view that appears in front of you is simply breathtaking. The breathtaking waterfall emerges from the cave. The tents are already set up for us. We have time to relax and enjoy hot coffee or tea at the camp before exploring the second cave, Ken Cave. Ken Cave is the system's longest cave, with both a river and a dry passage.
The cave was formed by water that flowed from Laken Valley, hence the name Ken cave. Entering the cave, we will swim for about an hour in the dark (of course, high lumen lights and caving helmets will be provided). We then turn to the right to explore the dry passage and see Carten Peter's National Geographic View Point. He is well-known as a photographer.
We returned to the camp by 5 p.m., smelling the food from the kitchen right at the camp, and anticipating a delicious dinner. Yes, the local chefs prepare and serve a big and delicious dinner. BBQ, beef, rice, eggs, soup, vegetables..., it just looks like a party and a nice gift for the first-day winners. It is absolutely amazing and should be one of the highlights of the expedition.

Swimming in the Ken cave
From the main camp, a view of the waterfall

National Geographic Viewpoint


Local chefs prepare a delectable dinner
After dinner, we stay around the campfire to enjoy nature and share what we enjoyed today. We occasionally hear the sound of insects or frogs. Before we go to bed, the guide will tell us about the day's plans for the next day.
We can't wait for the expedition's second day.

Thank you so much everyone, and have a wonderful weekend.
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