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Kong, the ruler of Skull Island, where majestic mountains, sacred forests, and lethal waters reign. But did you know within Kong's domain lies a mesmerizing labyrinthine cave?
Venture into the mystical depths of Tú Làn Cave - a marvel amidst Kong's realm.
The Tú Làn cave system, nestled 70 km away from Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park, near the ethnic village of Tân Hóa, Quảng Bình Province, boasts over 10 distinct caverns, each with its own unique features. To reach this wonder, one must traverse vast fields, trek through forests, ford streams, zip-line, and swim through dark subterranean chambers…
Conquer the verdant wilderness
Embark from Tân Hóa, a quaint village ensconced amidst lush mountainous terrain, marking the gateway to Kong's Skull Island. The journey commences with a 2.5 km trek to the Rào Nan River.
During this period, you'll encounter a completely different 'Skull Island': serene, tranquil, with vast stretches of green, reminiscent of illustrations from the book 'Where the Wild Things Are.' What you'll behold is a sprawling meadow reaching up to the foothills, where herds of cattle leisurely graze, amidst distant verdant cornfields winding along the river. All enveloped peacefully within the embrace of rocky mountains, creating a sea of green.
In the rainy season, as the floods return, water rises to engulf fields and rice paddies. The valleys disappear, leaving only jagged peaks, as if Halong Bay were suddenly transplanted from Quang Ninh to here.
Wandering through the grassy fields, past the cornfields, leaving behind clusters of purple wildflowers or maidenhair ferns, travelers will amble alongside the Rao Nan River. From here, you embark on a 30m ascent up a rugged hillside, then descend a 100m slope to reach the Hung Ton Valley, pausing for a midday rest at the eponymous cave entrance.
From the entrance of Hung Ton Cave, casting your gaze to the horizon reveals nothing but an endless expanse of green. This surely presents a peculiar sensation for city-dwellers accustomed to the sight of 'concrete jungles' atop skyscrapers.
As lunch concludes, your feet are challenged with a trek up Mango Mountain (approximately 150m), looping back to the valley (3km), and arriving at the campsite area. Here, you'll delve into the Tú Làn cave system, experiencing unforgettable moments in the 'underworld.'
Delve into the rocky labyrinth
To explore Tú Làn, you have various options: 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day tours. If you're new to trekking, opt for the easiest 2-day tour, visiting 4 out of the 10 caves in the Tú Làn system, including Tú Làn Cave, Ken Cave, Kim Cave, and Hùng Tôn Cave.
To traverse all these caves, you'll need to climb limestone mountains to reach the cave entrances, then proceed to accessible sections. The cave system, formed by underground streams, often requires swimming. These caves are devoid of any natural light. Everyone wears helmets with headlamps and life jackets.
The first cave is Ken Cave. The campsite is right outside its entrance. To reach the walking path from the entrance, you must swim through a section of the cave, under the cool, clear water. Be cautious while swimming, as there are submerged rocks occasionally. Just paddle slowly and steadily.
Experience the sensation of floating, gazing up at the cave ceiling while swimming, listening to the echoing sounds of moving water from all directions, feeling the gentle water lapping against you while the chill seeps into every crevice of your hands, captivated by the shimmering stalactites and heightened sensory perception.
Swim inward, following the limestone wall to enter a dry section of the cave, where the whole group will feel as if lost in a rocky labyrinth, immersed in layers upon layers of stalactites. These colossal stalactites, sometimes gleaming silver, sometimes sparkling gold.
Stalactites transform into every conceivable shape and size – sometimes appearing majestic like giant seashells with graceful wave patterns or intricate bone-like structures, sometimes resembling mushrooms or towering corn cobs of giants, sometimes forming massive pillars resembling houses, staircases with perfect curves sculpted by nature's craftsmanship.
After Ken Cave, the next day the group continues to explore the remaining three caves. The general itinerary remains the same: trek through the forest to the cave entrance, swim into the cave for exploration, traverse several steep and slippery rock walls, and at the final cave, ascend a nearly 60-step iron ladder.
Each cave has its own highlights, but when standing within a cavern tens of meters high, nestled amidst a labyrinth of limestone, stalactites, sand, and water; the only lingering sensation is that of awe – awe at the majestic nature, and awe at feeling so small in this vast world.
To embark on the Tú Làn journey, physical fitness is essential to:
Trek 9 km through mountainous terrain with uneven topography
Ascend approximately 150 m uphill (from the valley to the mountain peak)
Swim 100 m inside the cave
Navigate 1 km inside the cave
Have basic experience in jungle trekking and mountain climbing
Know how to swim
Some other tips
Best time: Tú Làn is considered most beautiful from mid-November to mid-September each year.
Transportation: The Tú Làn cave system is located in the limestone mountains, 70 km away from Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng National Park. You can travel by sleeper bus, train, or plane to Dong Hoi City, and then from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (45 km). From Hanoi, you can also purchase high-quality sleeper bus tickets directly to Phong Nha. From there, the tour company will pick you up.
Accommodation: Depending on the duration of the tour you choose to explore Tú Làn. You can opt for camping tours in the forest or day tours and return to Phong Nha for rest. Phong Nha also offers a diverse range of hotels and homestays at affordable prices for you to choose from according to your length of stay.
From Afamily
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMay 28, 2018
