Hang En also known as Swallow Cave, is one of the largest natural caves in the world. It belongs to the cave system within Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province. At over 1.6 kilometers long, Hang En Cave stretches through the limestone massif into the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
The cave has three entrances, reaching a height of up to 110m. The ceiling itself reaches a maximum height of 145 meters in some areas, and the widest section of the corridor stretches to an impressive 200 meters. In addition inside the cave is a winding stream leading to Son Doong Cave.
1. Where is Hang En cave?
En cave is an extremely large cave located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, lies in Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. It’s roughly 65 kilometers from Dong Hoi City and about 25 kilometers from Phong Nha Cave.
To reach to Hang En, customers would have to takes a one-day hike, including passing over Ba Gian Hill and through Ban Doong, the home of the Bru – Van Kieu people.
2. How is En cave unique?
The cave is called En Cave because it has long been a shelter for hundreds of thousands of swallows during nesting season. Each evening or early morning, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds as thousands of swallows return or start to look for food.
Since the cave is a home and nesting place for thousands of swallows, the local people named the cave after this bird.
En Cave is recognized as the third largest natural cave in the world, this cave follows only Son Doong Cave in Vietnam and Deer Cave in Malaysia.
3. When is the best time to conquer Hang En
The best time to start the journey to explore Hang En cave in Quang Binh is from around April to August each year. During this period, En cave experiences stable weather with sunshine and minimal rain. At the same time, the water levels of the cave’s underground streams and rivers, creating ideal conditions for safe and thorough exploration.
4. How to get to Hang En cave?
Since independent trekking in Hang En is not allowed, joining a tour is mandatory. So:
If you’re staying near Phong Nha, your tour operator will pick you up at your hotel to start the journey to Hang En.
If you are staying in Dong Hoi, you must travel to Phong Nha by bus, motorbike, taxi or Phong Nha private car. You can book transfer from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for easy travel
5. How much does it cost to go to Hang en Cave?
The cost of the En Cave Adventure is 7.600.000 vnd/pax (~ 317 USD). Swallow cave Adventure is only open from December to mid-September every year.
Visiting Hang En Cave is seasonal. Tours typically operate from late December to mid-September. To ensure your spot and avoid missing out, consider booking your tour in advance.
|
|
Hang En cave tour brings you interesting experiences including trekking through the primeval forest, camping in one of the world’s most long locations, swimming in a natural pool, marveling at the beauty of the stalactites, and learning about culture migration of ethnic groups in Ban Doong. Book now to create unforgettable memories6. Activities and experiences when conquering Hang En cave
- Trekking in the primeval forest
You will spend most of your time trekking, crossing forests and wading streams, but what you get in return is completely worth it. A majestic cave, admiring beautiful stalactites
- Camping in the most unique place in the world
After a long walk and crossing rivers and slopes, visitors will reach the camping site to rest
Camping inside Hang En is an activity not to be missed. You will experience staying in the third longest cave in the world. The camping area is where the cave entrance is highest, below is a wide sandy beach with a pristine blue lake and next to it is Rao Thuong stream flowing through.
In the morning, a heavenly scene unfolds before your eyes at Hang En cave. Sunlight streams through the cave entrance, casting a radiant glow on the turquoise lake beside the campsite, creating a spectacle that’s both wondrous and strangely beautiful.
- Immersing yourself in a unique natural swimming pool
Don’t miss a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool next to the campsite before enjoying a delicious meal inside the cave. The water temperature ranges from 17 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing a welcome respite in the summer heat and a pleasant dip in the cooler months.
- Admiring the giant cave
Reaching nearly 1.6 kilometers in length, Hang En Cave serves as a water conduit, channeling water from Ban Doong to Son Doong Cave. Standing at its entrance, you’ll feel like a grain of sand dwarfed by the vastness of a blue ocean. The cave’s immense size is evident in its towering sections, reaching up to 140 meters high and nearly 200 meters wide.
- Admiring the beauty of unique stalactites
Visitors will walk about 1.6km to reach the back door of En Cave, and they will admire the stalactites that are millions of years old. The stalactites are formed from drops of water flowing down from the cave dome.
- Exploring Ban Doong
The journey, visitors will stop at Ban Doong of the Bru-Van Kieu people. Ban Doong is isolated in the middle of the primeval forest in the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
Here, visitors can learn about the culture, life, visit the village school, visit the stilt house and have lunch in one of the houses of the villagers.
- Admire the ecosystem inside the Hang En cave
The living environment inside the Swallow Cave is not only suitable for Swallows but also for some other creatures.
At the main entrance and the back entrance of the cave, visitors can see some species of rock monkeys, gibbons and langurs. Flying foxes also often forage in this area.
Above the ceiling of the cave section where the camping site is built and the high and wide back entrance of En Cave are where many swallows choose to build their nests.
In the middle of the cave is the habitat of bats because the light here is limited
Under the floor of the cave, there are many species of crickets, scorpions and some insects.
7. What to prepare when visiting Hang En cave
- When packing for your camping trip, remember to bring comfortable clothing, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shorts, and t-shirts.
- Bringing essential items such as hats, scarves, and sunscreen is also important. These will protect you from the sun and ensure that you stay comfortable throughout the day.
- For your Hang En adventures, the perfect footwear combination is climbing shoes for technical sections and sandals for comfort during breaks. Don’t forget to pack 1-2 pairs of thick, long socks for climbing.
- Finally, the backpack contains personal items such as water, expedition hat, glasses, camera, toiletries, etc. to ensure you have a memorable expedition.
8. Some important notes when conquering Hang En cave
- Understanding the instructions and procedures for exploring Hang En cave. At the same time, you will sign the tour company’s liability waiver and then receive safety equipment before starting the journey.
- Do not climb on stalactites and do not touch stalagmites.
- Do not break trees or touch natural creatures that live in the cave.
- Treating waste with rice husks to decompose and protect the environment.
- Do not use chemical products that affect water sources such as shower gel, shampoo, dishwashing liquid, etc.
- Resting in the tents prepared by the tour
- Do not leave trash behind after leaving Hang En cave.
- All eating activities, personal hygiene and sightseeing must comply with the regulations and instructions of the tour leader.
- Bringing waste outside the cave for destruction.
If you are an adventurer, exploring Hang En is truly one of the great adventures that you should not miss. You will have the opportunity to trek in the primeval forest, camp in the most unique place in the world, immerse yourself in a natural swimming pool, admire the beauty of stalactites, learn about the culture of ethnic minorities in Ban Doong and admire the diverse ecosystem inside the cave. Hang En cave is definitely a trip with unforgettable experiences for you