Hang En Cave: A Journey to the World’s Third-Largest Cave
Deep within the protected wilderness of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park lies a hidden marvel of nature: Hang En Cave, the third-largest cave in the world. More than just a destination, a visit here is an immersive journey that challenges the body and rewards the soul.
Where is Hang En Cave?
Hang En Cave, also known as Én Cave, is located deep within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam.
This immense cave, which is the third-largest in the world, is situated in a remote, core zone of the national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s part of the same geological system as the even larger Son Doong Cave.
Due to its remote and protected location, you cannot simply drive or walk to Hang En Cave on your own. Access is strictly controlled by the national park authorities, and you must join a guided tour with a licensed operator. The trek to the cave is an adventure in itself, typically involving a challenging journey through the jungle, crossing rivers, and hiking through steep terrain. The tours generally begin in Phong Nha town, which serves as the gateway to the national park.
What to experience at Hang En Cave?
Exploring Hang En Cave is not just about seeing a cave; it’s a full-on expedition that combines challenging trekking, unique cultural encounters, and an immersive natural experience. Because of its remote location in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the only way to experience it is through a multi-day guided tour with a licensed operator like Oxalis Adventure.
Here’s what you can expect to experience on a typical Hang En tour:
The Trek to the Cave
The journey to the cave is a significant part of the adventure. You’ll spend a full day hiking through the dense, pristine jungle of the national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek is considered moderately difficult and involves:
- Steep Trails: You’ll descend a steep hill into a valley and face an equally challenging climb on the way out.
- River Crossings: Be prepared to get your feet wet as you wade through numerous streams and rivers. The water can be as deep as your waist in some spots.
- A Local Village Visit: You’ll pass through Doong Village, a remote settlement of the Bru-Van Kieu ethnic minority group. This offers a rare glimpse into a traditional way of life, and you’ll often have a simple lunch with the villagers.
Inside the Cave
Hang En is the third-largest cave in the world by volume, and its immense scale is truly awe-inspiring. Once inside, you’ll experience:
- A Unique Ecosystem: The cave is so large that it has its own climate and ecosystem, complete with a jungle, a river, and a sandy beach.
- The World’s Most Unique Campsite: You’ll spend the night camping on a beautiful sandy beach inside the cave. The campsite is next to a large, emerald-colored natural pool, and the tents are set up beneath the cave’s high, cathedral-like ceiling.
- Stunning Sunbeams: If you visit during the cool, dry season (roughly December to March) and get up early, you might witness a spectacular natural phenomenon: giant shafts of sunlight piercing the cave’s entrance, illuminating the interior with a golden glow. This is a favorite among photographers.
- Swimming in the Cave: The natural lake at the campsite is perfect for a refreshing swim after a long day of trekking. The water is cool and clear, a welcome relief from the jungle heat.
- Observing Swifts: The name “Hang En” translates to “Swift Cave.” The cave’s high ceiling is home to thousands of swifts, and you can see them flying in and out of the cave at dawn and dusk, a breathtaking spectacle.
- Fossils and Formations: Deeper inside the cave, you’ll explore other chambers and discover impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as ancient fossils embedded in the rock.
Other Highlights
- Team of Guides and Porters: The experience is supported by a professional team of guides and porters who handle all the logistics, from carrying your gear to preparing delicious meals at the campsite.
- Safety and Gear: The tour operator provides all necessary safety equipment, including helmets, headlamps, and specialized trekking shoes if you need them.
Overall, a trip to Hang En Cave is a challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure for those who love trekking and exploring untouched nature. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines physical effort with the immense natural beauty of one of Vietnam’s greatest natural wonders.
See also: Top 10 Northern Vietnam destinations to go in 2025
Available service providers at Hang En Cave
What to expect when booking with Oxalis:
- Tour Type: The standard tour is a 2-day, 1-night adventure that includes trekking, caving, and camping inside the cave. Click here to see details.
- Booking: Tours must be booked well in advance, as spaces are limited and they fill up quickly, especially during peak season. You can check availability and book directly on the Oxalis Adventure website.
- Physical Requirements: The trek is considered moderately difficult. They require participants to be in good physical health and able to handle a challenging hike with steep terrain and multiple river crossings.
- What’s Included: The tour price is all-inclusive, covering:
- Professional, English-speaking guides and safety assistants.
- A team of local porters to carry all the camping gear and food.
- All necessary safety and caving equipment (helmets, headlamps, etc.).
- Meals, accommodation (tents, sleeping bags), and drinking water.
- Entrance and environmental fees.
The Hang En Cave tour season typically runs from December to September. The cave is closed during the rainy season (generally from mid-September to late November) due to high water levels, which can make the river crossings dangerous.
