A Journey Exploring Son Doong Cave – The World’s Largest Cave

Pre-Tour Son Doong Cave Expedition

Day 1: Mar 8 Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Noi Bai airport and receive a warm welcome from our guide.
Private transfer to your hotel check-in.
Grand Mercure Hanoi Hotel/ Deluxe room

Day 2/ Mar 9 Hanoi Old Quarter
Today we start a tour visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century. Then, drive through the Hanoi French Quarter. Passing by the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, we visit Van Mieu, a famous historical and cultural site consisting of the Temple of Literature and Vietnam’s first university. Enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter We will also enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi. During the ride, we will stop to visit the Bach Ma Temple. This is a sacred temple in town that dates back to the 11th century. Lunch will be served the best choice at the local restaurant to taste Nem and Bun Cha. Nem is a special seafood spring roll that has been voted by CNN as a top culinary favorite. Bun Cha is grilled pork served with rice noodles and vegetables. We end our tour at a local coffee shop where enjoy sips of coffee dripping from the filter. Transfer back to your hotel.

Day 3/ Mar 10 Ha Noi – Lan Ha Bay – Mon Cheri Cruise (B,L,D)
We will pick you up at your hotel and take a scenic drive to Halong. You will be transferred by tender to the Cruise located on Tuan Chau Island. Onboard, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and given a safety briefing before we set sail towards Lan Ha Bay. During the cruise, passengers will enjoy a delicious lunch while enjoying the stunning views of Lan Ha Bay. Our first stop will be at Tra Bau, an open and sparsely populated area known for its unspoiled natural beauty and attractive seascape. Here, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming in the green emerald waters. Later, we’ll return to Cruises to admire the sunset on Ha Long Bay, which is perfect for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning moments. You can also join the cooking demonstration and enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant on Cruise. After dinner, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of the bay on the top deck while sipping drinks from the bar. Finally, you can join us for squid fishing or watch a movie before retiring for the night.
Mon Cheri Cruise/ Ocean Suite Balcony cabin

Day 4/ Mar 11 Mon Cheri – Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi (B)
To fully experience the beauty of the bay, it is advised to wake up early and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will travel by bus to Trung Trang cave, situated right in the heart of the Cat Ba National Park. The cave is a true marvel of nature, with its unique formations and intricate passageways. Upon returning to the cruise, proceed with the checkout process, while enjoying a delicious brunch. The cruise will then make its way back, providing us with ample time to relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Disembark at Tuan Chau at 11:45 am, feeling rejuvenated and enriched by this unforgettable journey. Transfer to your hotel in Hanoi and check in.
Grand Mercure Hanoi Hotel/ Deluxe room

Day 5/ Mar 12 Hanoi – Dong Hoi
Check out the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight to Dong Hoi.

Son Doong Cave Expedition

Day 5 – Mar 12: Arrive Dong Hoi – Son Doong Bungalow (B)
When you arrive in Dong Hoi, Oxalis staff will pick you up at the airport and take you to Son Doong Bungalow in Phong Nha.

Between 5:30 and 6:00 pm, a tour guide and driver will pick you up to attend a safety briefing at Oxalis’ Phong Nha office. At the briefing, you will meet a safety expert and other guests who will be joining the Son Doong Cave Expedition. It’s important to attend this briefing as it’s required for all guests to ensure that they understand the nature of the adventure expedition. If you don’t attend, you may be refused participation in the Son Doong tour without a refund. At the end of the briefing, guests must sign a release form and provide their medical declaration for the trip. Helmets will also be provided during the briefing.
Just a quick reminder to bring along your trekking shoes (trail running and non-Goretex shoes) and your personal backpack (standard backpack size) to the safety briefing. Our safety expert will be there to ensure the quality and suitability of your gear for the adventure.
Following the safety briefing, we’ll all gather for a warm, welcoming dinner at Oxalis Home. This will be a great opportunity to bond with your fellow travelers before the exciting journey ahead.
After dinner, we will head back to the hotel to get our belongings ready for the trek and to rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 6 – Mar 13:  Doong Village – En Cave (B,L,D)
Please ensure that you pack all the belongings you’ll need for the trek into the provided bag. The bag should not weigh more than 7 kg per guest. After packing, please bring the bag to the hotel reception before 7:00 am. Oxalis’ staff will then receive the bag and take it directly to the campsite. You won’t have access to these belongings until you reach the campsite, so make sure to carry anything you might need along the way. For the best preparation, guests can refer to the article “What Guests Should Prepare for Son Doong Expedition.”
Make sure you have breakfast and get ready at the reception area before your departure time of 09:00 a.m. Luggage and valuables will be stored at the Oxalis Office.
It will take around one hour to get to the drop-off point by Oxalis bus. The Son Doong Cave Expedition starts from here with a long steep descent of around 350 meters inside Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. After reaching the bottom of the mountain, you will go for about half an hour through the forest with a few stream crossings (knee deep) to come to Ban Doong – a small village of the Bru-Van Kieu ethnic minority.
After lunch at the house of the village elder and learning about living here. The group will continue trekking for about 3 hours to reach Hang En Cave for the first night’s camping – one of Vietnam’s best cave campsites. There will be more river crossings with stunning natural scenery. Entering Hang En Cave through a small entrance, crossing the underground river and climbing a small hill, you will see a spectacular campsite, full of light, underneath a large high entrance.
You will locate the tent with your name and enjoy swimming in the lake next to the campground. How relaxing after a long day of trekking. A delicious dinner will be served soon. You will have a good night and be ready to approach Son Doong tomorrow.

Important note: Any guest who is unable to complete the Son Doong Expedition on this day, struggles to complete the day with a lot of support from the safety assistant team, or fails to comply with safety and conservation regulations will be asked to return to Oxalis Phong Nha without a refund. The safety expert and tour guide will decide whether to allow them to continue or return. This is to ensure the safety of that guest and the whole group.

Day 7 – Mar 14: En Cave Exit – Son Doong Cave Entrance – “ Hand of Dog” – Campsite Doline 1 (B,L,D)
In the morning, when exploring Hang En Cave, you will gaze at the fantastic exit, where the movie Peter Pan – Pan and Neverland was filmed, and then carry on to the Son Doong Cave entrance. The journey from Hang En Exit to Son Doong follows the river with many more river crossings. A final steep hill will bring you to the entrance of Hang Son Doong.

After having lunch at the entrance, you will be provided with safety equipment for descending into the cave. A safety briefing will be conducted by the tour guide or safety expert to ensure that every guest understands how to use the safety harnesses and carabiners, and descend safely. The safety team will always be at the guest’s side to provide support. Approaching the entrance, you will usually feel the cold air flowing out due to the difference in temperature and pressure inside the cave. Illuminated by the large filming lights, the giant cave passages with enormous formations will slowly appear in front of your eyes.

After descending the entrance slopes, you will need to cross the river two times, as well as several sandbanks and rocky slopes. Eventually, you will encounter a massive stalagmite called the Hand of Dog. You should reach the first campsite of Son Doong, called the Level Playing Fields, just before Doline 1, around 16:00. At this site, there are toilets and changing tents available for your use.

One of the highlights not to be missed is the invigorating experience of swimming in a cold underground pool with temperatures ranging from 17 to 22 degrees. This unique activity offers excellent muscle relaxation and a refreshing way to unwind after a challenging day. To participate, it is essential to wear proper attire: trekking shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Additionally, a life jacket is necessary for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Following this exhilarating activity, prepare to indulge in yet another delightful dinner.

Day 8 – Mar 15: “Watch out for Dinosaurs” – “Garden Of Edam” – Campsite Doline 2 (B,L,D)
Experience thrilling steep climbs, navigate narrow passages through the cave, and conquer ropes and ladders to reach Doline 1, known as “Watch out for Dinosaurs” – a highlight of the Son Doong adventure.
Descending from “Watch out for Dinosaurs” leads you to the Green Gours on the other side of Doline 1. Revel in the stunning scenery that unfolds before your eyes. On sunny days, bask in the glorious sight of sunbeams penetrating the cave. Lunch will be served at this spectacular spot.
Following lunch, the group will continue along calcite paths to reach the Garden of Edam at Doline 2. This delicate area demands caution with each step. From here, embrace the panoramic view of the forest and marvel at the diverse array of trees and plants that thrive in this unique environment. A steep and slippery descent brings you to the campsite, the perfect place to rest and savor the awe-inspiring view. Please note that there are no bathing facilities at this campsite, so remember to pack wet wipes, dry shampoo, etc. Another scrumptious dinner will be served to satisfy your appetite.
Note: If available, it’s recommended to have a pair of dry socks for this day, especially if it’s not raining, as there won’t be any river crossings today.

Day 9 – Mar 16:  The Great Wall Of Vietnam – Son Doong Cave Exit – Chay Lap Farmstay (B,L,D)
Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you start your day with a refreshing cup of coffee, gearing up for an exciting adventure. Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing and don the necessary equipment before embarking on the exhilarating exploration of the Great Wall of Vietnam, known as one of the most spectacular caving experiences in the world. As you delve into the depths of the cave, marvel at the peculiar creatures that have thrived in the darkness for millions of years, from eyeless spiders and fish to woodlice and centipedes. Witness the captivating beauty of cave pearls, a rare and extraordinary formation found within the Son Doong Cave.

Each visit to the Wall offers a unique and unforgettable experience. On rainy days, a magnificent lake forms at the bottom of the Wall, allowing you to row a raft and discover the Wall from a different perspective. When the lake recedes, brace yourself for a muddy passage known as the “Passchendaele passage.” Climbing the Wall involves an 18-meter stainless steel ladder, an ascent with ropes and a 72-meter slope at a 45-degree angle. Don’t be nervous, as safety assistants will be there every step of the way to guide and support you, ensuring a safe and exhilarating expedition.

Unlike typical hiking trips, this is a challenging adventure that requires good physical fitness. With the assistance of the safety team, you can conquer the Wall and enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the top before bidding farewell to the cave. Your journey concludes with a trek through the forest and a return to the Ho Chi Minh Trail West, where you can unwind with cool beverages. The tour guide and driver will then accompany you back to the Chay Lap Farmstay, marking the end of an extraordinary Son Doong Cave Expedition.
Chay Lap Farmstay eagerly awaits your arrival and is ready to greet you with a glass of champagne and a farewell dinner. Your tour guide will ensure seamless transfers to the airport according to your schedule.

Day 10 – Mar 17: Chay Lap Farmstay – Dong Hoi – Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Dong Hoi City for a flight departure

Post-Tour Son Doong Cave Expedition

Day 10 – Mar 17: Chay Lap Farmstay – Dong Hoi – Saigon(B)
Arrive in Saigon, meet our guide and transfer to hotel check-in.
Caravelle Hotel/ Signature room/ 2 nights

Day 11 –  Mar 18: Saigon Highlights (B,L)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a captivating tour of the city’s colonial legacy. Explore iconic landmarks including the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Opera House, and Hotel de Ville. Savor a delightful cup of coffee at a local café and conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. After the tour, enjoy the freedom to relax and explore at your own pace.

Day 12 – Mar 19: Departure
Private transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Have a safe trip.

**B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner