A Complete Comparison of 1-Day Adventure Tours in Phong Nha
Nicknamed the Kingdom of Caves and a haven for thrill-seekers, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park offers more than 400 discovered caves and spans over 123,000 hectares of dense jungle. It’s an untamed paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
But before you strap on your hiking boots—note this: trekking independently through the jungle is not allowed(except for the Phong Nha Botanic Garden). To truly explore the caves and forest trails of Phong Nha, you must join a guided tour with a licensed local operator.
In this guide, Endless Vietnam compares the most popular 1-day adventure tours in Phong Nha, helping you choose the one that best fits your interests, fitness level, and travel schedule.
At a Glance: Phong Nha 1-Day Adventure Tours
Criteria |
Tu Lan Experience |
Hang Tien Cave Day Trek |
Ruc Mon Adventure |
Elephant cave & Mada Valley |
Phong Nha cave4km Kayak |
Paradise cave 7km Adventure |
Abandon valley & E cave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator |
Oxalis adventure |
Oxalis Adventure |
Greenland |
JungleBoss |
Phong Nha Tourism centrer |
Truong Thinh |
Moc Nam Adventure |
Price (VND/pax) |
1,800,000 |
2,000,000 |
1,750,000 |
1,950,000 |
1,700,000 |
2,000,000 |
1,950,000 |
Age limit |
16-70 |
16-70 |
12-65 |
9 - 65 |
10-70 (or at least 1.3m tall) |
8-70 |
6 - 65 |
Difficulty |
Easy |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Easy |
Moderate |
Easy |
Moderate |
Trekking distance |
9km |
9.5km |
8km |
9km |
Kayaking 4,5km |
7km |
8km |
Expectedactivities |
Easy trailstrekking, some rocky sections, ladder climbing,underground river swimming |
Moderate trekking, Caving (1,5km), rocky terrain |
Rocky terrain, jungle trails, cave river, ladders in the cave |
Jungle trails, rocky parts before the cave, river crossing, short hill |
Boulderig Rocky cave, dark river |
Walking on rocky boulders and uneven and slippery ground Some scrambling over rocks. |
Trekking in the jungle, exploring E cave by SUP (1km) |
What to see |
Rat Cave, Hung Ton, To Mo valley |
Hang Tien 1 |
Ruc Mon |
Elephant cave Mada Valley Tra Ang Cave |
Phong Nha cave |
Paradise cave |
E cave Abandoned valley |
Swimming |
150m |
River crossing, swimming is optional |
Optional |
600m (Optional) |
Optional |
|
Optional |
Elevation |
120m |
150m |
80m |
60m |
|
150m(estimated) |
150m |
Group size |
Max 12 pax (Strictly) |
Max 12 pax (Strictly) |
Max 20 pax |
Max 16 |
Max 14 |
Max 10 |
Max 15 |
Start-End |
7am – 7pm |
7am – 7pm |
7:30am-6:30pm |
8am-5:30pm |
8am-3:30pm |
7:30am-5pm |
8am-5:30pm |
Shoe sizes |
36-44 |
36-44 |
37-47 |
37-45 |
38-43 |
38-43 |
36-43 |
Transfer time from your hotel to the trekking point |
1.5 hour |
1.5hour |
1.5hour |
1 hour |
15 mins |
[Pick-up not included] |
30 mins |
Cancellation policy |
Non-refund within 7 days before tour departure |
Non-refund within 7 days before tour departure |
50% refund within 7 days before tour. OR reschedule the tour within 7 days. |
100% refund at least 3 days before tour. 50% refund within 3 days before tour. No refund within 24 hours before tour. |
Flexible. However, remember to notice the tour operator as early as you can for their logistic operation. |
20% will be charged if you cancel in the morning of the tour date. |
300,000VND will be charged if you cancel 2 hours before the tour departure. |
(Notes: Difficulty and elevation are estimated based on personal trekking experience and data provided by the tour operators.)
Elephant cave & Mada Valley
Adventure in the Jungle: What to Expect
All of these tours immerse you in the untouched jungle, leading to breathtaking caves that leave even seasoned travelers in awe. Expect to get muddy, sweaty, and soaked—but in the best possible way. These aren’t just tours; they’re invitations to connect deeply with nature.
Gear tip: Most operators provide army shoes or sandals for trekking. However, sizes may be limited and they might not suit your comfort. Bring your own sturdy shoes if possible—and thick socks if you must use provided footwear to avoid blisters.
Swimming? Yes! Several tours involve cave swimming or river crossings. Even if you're a good swimmer, life jackets are mandatory and supplied by the operators for safety.
Phong Nha Kayak 4km
Safety First: Our Top Pick
For a first-time visitor or cautious adventurer, Oxalis Adventure stands out for its top-tier safety standards. Their guides and porters are highly trained, both physically and in emergency response. A trip with Oxalis is more than safe—it’s professionally managed and deeply memorable.
Planning a family trip? Oxalis also offers family-friendly tours suitable for children and teens.
If you're looking for wilder terrain or a unique experience, tours like Abandoned Valley or Ruc Mon can challenge and reward more energetic explorers.
Abandoned Valley & Golden Cave by Moc Nam Adventures
Hang Tien & Tu Lan 1- Day tour by Oxalis
How to Choose the Right ADVENTURE Tour for You?
Still unsure? Here’s a simple breakdown:
✅ Love hiking + swimming: Tu Lan, Ruc Mon, Elephant
✅ Obsessed with caves: Hang Tien, Paradise Cave
✅ Fan of kayaking/SUP: Phong Nha Kayak, Abandoned Valley
Paradise cave 7km Adventure
Final Thoughts
Phong Nha is not just a place you visit—it's a place you feel. Whether you’re swimming through an underground river, climbing jagged rocks, or quietly gazing at ancient cave formations, Phong Nha’s adventures leave a lasting imprint.
So why not stay a few extra days? Explore. Immerse. Respect. Adventure.
Got questions? Feel free to reach out to Endless Vietnam—we’d love to help you design your unforgettable journey!
