The Tu Lan Cave system comprises more than twenty caves, lying outside Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. It is located in the primeval forest and limestone mountains with an area of more than 650 hectares. The area covers 8 different valleys and mountain ranges connected by an underground river and cave system.
The Tu Lan Cave system is vast, encompassing several caves: Hung Ton, Ken, Kim, Tu Lan, Rat, Tien, Uoi, Fun, Secret, Doi, and To Mo Cave. These caves are remarkable not only for their size but also for their unique characteristics and formation processes.
1. Where is the Tu Lan cave system?
The Tu Lan Cave system is a marvel formed along the Rao Nan River, located in Quang Binh Province. This entire limestone network is concentrated in Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, and Cao Quang commune, Tuyen Hoa district. Notably, the cave system lies roughly 70 kilometers northwest of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
When participating in the Tu Lan cave system tour, visitors will be picked up in the Phong Nha area and moved to the caves. Depending on the type of tour you choose to go to the corresponding caves. Whether you option for a shorter or longer tour based on your fitness level and budget, all options offer an unforgettable experience.
2. The cave name “Tu Lan”
Tu Lan pronounce Tú Làn
The name “Lan” likely symbolizes the Rao Nan flowing into the Tu Lan valley. This river branch, after flowing underground, flows into the mouth of Tu Lan Cave and the limestone mountains surrounding the valley, overlapping in the distance, creating a majestic scene.
The river branches all gather at the end of the Cave and there is a valley called Tu Lan, so this name is both given to the cave entrance with an underground river flowing through and to the entire system.
3. How is the Tu Lan cave system unique?
The caves in the Tu Lan system are of two types: wet caves (caves with an underground river) and dry caves. Normally wet caves will have dry cave branches where many unique stalactites are concentrated next to underground streams and waterfalls inside the cave.
Waterfalls inside the cave: Each valley is connected by an underground river flowing through the cave. Inside the cave there are many large and small waterfalls. All of the cave’s outlets form waterfalls pouring into a large lake surrounded by ancient forests and limestone mountains.
Most caves feature unique stalactite formations. For example, these stalactites are shaped like giant cone towers or resemble terraced fields.
The Tu Lan cave system boasts numerous caves with underground rivers such as Hung Ton Cave, Kim Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Ken Cave. Swimming activities inside unlit underground caves give visitors unique and unforgettable experiences.
4. When’s the best time to explore the Tu Lan Cave System?
The Tu Lan cave system is open for tours from January to September. Visitors can choose a date within this timeframe that best suits their schedule.
From January to March, the weather can be variable, with some days chilly and others offering sunshine and warmth. April and May offer warm, comfortable weather without being too hot. During this time, visitors are treated to a breathtaking display of wildflowers in bloom.
From June to August are hot summer months. However most of the time visitors move in the cave where the temperature is from 22 to 25 degrees so they do not feel hot. Visitors can comfortably swim in the streams and underground lakes inside the cave.
Read More: Weather in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park
5. What are the costs for exploring the Tu Lan cave system?
Unlike other caves in Phong Nha National Park such as Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave, and Paradise Cave, visitors cannot explore the Tu Lan cave system independently. Vietnam’s government aims to develop tourism while preserving nature, so Oxalis is the sole tour operator for this expedition. You must book in advance to explore these caves. And it is also easy book via agent Discover Phong Nha
Participants in the Tu Lan Cave Expedition Tour must not only consider the cost but also ensure they have the necessary physical strength, swimming ability, and trekking skills.
The Tu Lan Cave System offers a variety of tours to suit your preferences. Choose from a one-day family experience to a six-day, five-night expedition into the heart of the caves.
- The price: 96$ ( 2.300.000 vnd) – 750$ ( 18.000.000 vnd)
- For Children and old people, you should join 1 day trip to Tu Lan Cave
6. Significant Caves in the Tu Lan Cave System
The Tu Lan Cave System features numerous remarkable caves, including Hung Ton, Ken, Kim, Tu Lan, Rat, Tien, Uoi, Fun, Secret, Doi, and To Mo Cave. These caves are notable not only for their impressive size but also for their unique characteristics and formation processes.
- Hung Ton Cave
Hung Ton cave has a total length of nearly 500 meters. To go through the cave, visitors need to climb a 15 meter high staircase and experience exciting swimming activities.
- Ken Cave
Ken Cave has an impressive entrance, along with corridors up to 30m wide in some places. In addition, there is a small 5m high waterfall flowing from inside Ken Cave. Besides, Ken Cave also has many impressive stalactite columns.
- Kim Cave
Kim cave is more than 1.2 km long, a combination of a water corridor and a dry corridor up to 25m wide. Kim Cave is one of the caves with the most interesting activities in the Tu Lan Cave System such as swimming in the underground river about 450m and rock climbing to explore the dramatic cave.
- Tu Lan Cave
Tu Lan Cave was the largest cave in the system at that time. The cave has a floor up to 35m wide, stalactites at a height of 30m look like natural chandeliers and massive stalactite columns, making Tu Lan Cave look like a magnificent and impressive fortress.
- Rat Cave
With a total length of more than 280 meters and an average height of 15 to 20 meters, Rat Cave is one of the most impressive dry caves in the Tu Lan Cave System.
- Hang Song Cave
Hang Son cave has diverse terrain, width from 5 – 20m, height from 15 – 30 m and length of more than 600 m. The cave is receiving great attention from cave experts because of its extremely unique and lively stalactite system.
- Secret Cave
Although Secret Cave has a short length of less than 200m, the corridor is more than 15m wide, and some sections are only nearly 10m high, Secret Cave contains very unique stalactites, especially cave gems with extremely complex structures.
- Dry Ken Cave
Located on top of Hang Ken, with a length of more than 700m and a height ranging from 15 – 20m, Dry Ken Cave possesses a series of unique cave structures such as stalagmites, stalactites, coral towers,…
- Hang Tien Cave 1
Hang Tien 1 has a total length of more than 2km.The passage is up to 45m wide, with a very unique ceiling dome. The cave entrance is estimated to be up to 100m high. The geological layer and tectonic process are quite complex, causing Hang Tien 1 to have at least three different cave levels. To reach the second floor of Hang Tien, visitors must climb a 12m high staircase with some safety equipment.
- Hang Tien Cave 2
Hang Tien 2 is more than 2.5km long and may be connected to Hang Tien 1 by an underground stream. At the same time, at the time of discovering Hang Tien 2, Hang Tien was the largest and oldest cave in the Tu Lan Cave System.
7. Essential tips for exploring the Tu Lan Cave System
Nestled in the primeval forest, the Tu Lan cave system offers adventurers an unforgettable experience. To ensure a safe and memorable expedition, visitors should consider the following tips:
- The Tu Lan cave system owns many caves with different levels of difficulty. Visitors need to choose a tour that suits their health and exploration experience.
- You should wear comfortable, sweat absorbent clothing and bring a light jacket as it can be chilly inside the caves. Footwear should be non-slip and suitable for climbing and navigating cave terrain.
- To keep your phone, camera, and other valuables safe from water damage, use a waterproof bag. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about your belongings.
Exploring the Tu Lan cave system is an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure. With careful preparation, you can ensure a safe and rewarding expedition.