2D1N Va Cave and Nuoc Nut Cave Exploration

The 2-day-1-night Va Cave Expedition reveals the wonders of Nuoc Nut Cave and Va Cave, known as the world’s two most unique wet caves. Va Cave was featured in Planet Earth III – BBC’s famous documentary series, showcasing its exceptionally rare towering cones emerging from emerald-green waters. This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking mountain trekking, rope traversing, and overnight stays in a jungle campsite. The experience is particularly rewarding for photographers.

The 2-day Va Cave Expedition Tour will offer a unique experience with 1 night of camping in the forest. The Va Cave Expedition will take you to explore 2 caves: Nuoc Nut and Va Cave.

Located in the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, close to the exit of Son Doong Cave, Va Cave was discovered by Mr Ho Khanh in 1992 and surveyed by the British – Vietnam Cave Expedition team led by Howard Limbert in 2012.

Va Cave is considered a special cave in the world of cave formations, with a river passage below and a large high-level passage above with dozens of tower cone formations. There are cones of different sizes and shapes, with the tallest tower cones being around 2 meters high. Geologists yet cannot confirm how these cones have formed. They are located in giant gour pools behind huge gour dams.

Va Cave and Nuoc Nut Caves were introduced in the “Otherworldly landscapes: 7 of Vietnam’s best cave experiences” by CNN Travel. Va Cave was also featured as the coolest new adventure in Asia by Forbes.

On November 26, 2023, Son Doong Cave, En Cave and Va Cave were featured on Episode 6 – EXTREMES of the famous documentary series Planet Earth III made by BBC.

Expedition tour to explore the cave with the most unique cave formations in the world.
Explore Nuoc Nut Cave with fresh pools, large passages with sandbanks and many cave formations.
Explore the unique cone towers in Va Cave with the tallest ones being more than 2 meters.
Explore around 700 meters of Hang Va underground river passage with hip-deep water with little waterfalls from the cave ceiling.
Experience using safety equipment to cross some technical sections in Va Cave.
Trekking through a primaeval and dense jungle deep in the core zone of the national park.
Experience the jungle campsite with fresh air and the beauty of Mother Nature.
Having the opportunity to listen to the sound of wild animals such as monkeys, flying foxes, and woodpecker from the campsite.

OVERVIEW

TOUR PRICE: 346USD / 1 guest for group tour. Contact us for private tour

Duration: 2 days 1 night
Adventure Level: 3 – Moderate
Age limit: 16-70 years old
Number of guests: Maximum 10 guests
Activities: Crossing and climbing rocky terrain, hiking through the jungle, caving, swimming in the cave, and using rope and technical equipment with the support of guide and safety assistants
Operating time: From 1st January to 31st August ( closed from September to December)
Depart: 4 times/week

ITINERARY

Day 1: Phong Nha – Nuoc Nut Cave – Va Cave Campsite

Morning (8:00–8:30 A.M.): Pickup from your hotel in Phong Nha to Oxalis office for safety briefing and final preparations.
Trek Start: Short jungle hike (~30 minutes) to a stream, leading to the entrance of Nuoc Nut Cave.
Lunch: Served at the cave entrance.
Cave Exploration: Enter Nuoc Nut Cave with helmets, headlights, and gloves. View unique formations, sandbanks, and albino cave insects.
Cave Connection: Move from Nuoc Nut Cave through a narrow section to reach Va Cave. Enjoy swimming in the stream passage.
Climb & Camp: Use a safety harness to climb out to the jungle campsite. Dinner is served at camp.

Day 2: Va Cave – Phong Nha

Morning Exploration: Trek through narrow rock sections and a scenic stream inside Va Cave. Observe water spouts and rock formations.
Tower Cone Passage: Climb using harnesses to reach this unique zone of stalactites, stalagmites, and tower cones via a protected footpath.
Cave History: Learn about Mr. Ho Khanh’s discovery and the efforts to explore and promote Va Cave, as well as its connection to the world-famous Son Doong Cave.
Return Journey: After exploring, return to the campsite for lunch.
Exit: Trek back over a rocky pass to the pick-up point. Bus returns to Phong Nha around 5:00 PM.

WE WILL PROVIDE

Camping equipment: tent, mattresses, pillow, sleeping bags
Caving and safety gears: helmet, headlight, gloves, …
1 PVC backpack (25L) to carry helmet, dry box, water and things you need during the trek.
Basic jungle boots (EU size 36–44); if using Oxalis shoes, bring thick, long socks and 2 insoles to ensure comfort.
Dry box for electronic devices
Water bottle (1L)
Water purifier
Compost toilet, toilet paper, hand cleaner
Semi-dry bag (15L) for campsite clothing sets and personal items
First-aid kit and medical rescue equipment
Satellite phone

YOU NEED TO PREPARE

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING:

Trekking clothes:
– 1-2 quick-dry, bright, long-sleeved shirts
– 1-2 pairs of long trekking pants (quick-dry)
– 1 waterproof jacket (winter months January to March)
Campsite clothing sets:
– Warm clothes for winter from January to March
– Shorts and T-shirts for summer from April to August
1 pair of good gripping trekking shoes (drainable)
*Waterproof/Gore Tex shoes are not recommended.
2 pairs of calf-length, thick socks
1 pair of sandals/slides for campsite

PERSONAL ITEMS:

Mosquito repellent
Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
Hand fan for summer (April to August)
1 medium towel
Underwear
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, nature-friendly shampoo & soap, …)
Power banks
Personal medication
Antifungal foot powder
Passport

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Arm cover if wearing short-sleeved T-shirts
Camera & Tripod
Ear plugs
Bandana or headband
Rehydration tablets
Blister prevention tape

TOUR INCLUDED

This cost includes VAT, sightseeing, environmental and national park fees. The cost also includes the following services:

Logistics team: Each 10-guest tour will have 1 tour guide, 3 safety assistants, 1 chef, 4 porters carrying luggage, food, and camping equipment, and 1 park ranger. The number of team members may vary depending on the group’s physical condition.

Food: Oxalis provides food, drinking water, tea, and coffee during the journey (not including extra requirements). Dishes are based on fixed menus, vegetarian and vegan menus will be provided if ordered. Please inform us of any food allergies.
Safety equipment: Oxalis will provide safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, headlights, gloves etc.
Travel insurance: Oxalis provides travel insurance for all guests participating in the tours with a maximum compensation of VND 10,000,000. Visitors are asked to buy comprehensive travel insurance for themselves before joining the tour.