Buzz
My introduction to Hang Én came through friends' enchanting descriptions, captivated by some beautiful pictures that deeply touched my heart, prompting me to plan my first-ever trekking adventure.
Hang Én – Gateway to Sơn Đoòng
Hang Én stands as the world's third-largest cave, nestled within the limestone landscapes of Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng (Quảng Bình). Beyond Hang Én, a journey of over 2 km leads to the 'First Cave Under the Sky' – Sơn Đoòng.
The 2-day, 1-night tour operates from mid-December to August, avoiding the rainy season. The best time to explore Hang Én is during winter, with cool weather in Quảng Bình ideal for trekking through the valleys. Currently, only a few companies are authorized to conduct Hang Én tours, and camping within the cave is not permitted for all.
The journey to Hang Én commences from the forestry checkpoint at Km 35 on the Hồ Chí Minh West Highway. Guides recommend switching phones to airplane mode to conserve battery (due to no signal). Communication with the civilized world will be almost entirely cut off, with only the satellite phones of the guides available for emergencies.
Our selected tour is highly professional at every stage, from booking to all related support throughout the entire journey, from pre-departure to post-trip. The chefs excel in preparing delicious meals, and there is substantial support staff (an average of 2 porters per guest). At any given time, only one camping group is allowed inside the cave, with a maximum of 16 guests.
The true adventure commences when we gather at the forest edge, receiving our personal safety gear. The group descends 1.5 km using various methods like walking, sliding, and crawling, encountering the first stream for a break and water refill. Continuing to Bản Đoòng, we stop for lunch along the way. Our guides share insights into the lives of the locals, the pristine forest, and the rich flora in the jungle.
The path after Bản Đoòng is relatively flat, quite easy to traverse, crossing dozens of streams.
Departing at 8 a.m., we reach the entrance of Hang Én around 2 p.m. Everyone must wear the provided helmets and carry lights to enter the cave. In the evening, the entire group gathers around a campfire, sharing meals with the porter team, forest rangers, and our guides.
The next morning, the group begins exploring Hang Én, examining fossils for about 2 hours, and then embarks on the journey out of the forest.
What to bring when venturing into the forest
- A long-sleeved shirt, water-resistant or quick-drying pants for stream crossing. Everyone will get wet, so no need to worry about avoiding splashes. When I went in December 2015, the water was waist-high.
- 2 pairs of long socks, the longer, the better to prevent leeches and vines in the jungle.
- If possible, invest in a pair of hiking boots with slip-resistant soles for added comfort. Alternatively, you can borrow military-style boots with high ankles from the tour company, available in sizes 36-45.
- A thin scarf to shield from the sun on the neck, face, and to cover the nose when exploring the cave due to bat droppings and swifts.
- Swimwear for exploring inside the cave.
- Compact and lightweight sleeping attire. You can make use of quick-drying forest-wear pants, eliminating the need to carry extra.
- If you're afraid of the cold, bring an ultra-light jacket for evening activities inside the cave. When sleeping, the tent is equipped with pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, and insulating pads, providing ample warmth.
- 1 towel and a toothbrush.
- Waterproof zip bags for tech items.
- Soap, detergent, facial cleanser, etc. Cosmetic products are unnecessary, as there are no bathing facilities, and it's not environmentally friendly.
- Camera: It's advisable to bring a good camera phone or a GoPro. When fatigue sets in (covering a distance of about 22 km), and your legs feel like they won't move, you have to use your wits to keep going; at that point, everything becomes expendable to lighten the load.
For me, exploring Hang Én isn't just a typical journey, nor is it about showing off. It requires careful consideration before embarking, especially for office folks unaccustomed to climbing and stream-crossing.
According to Zing News
***
Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourMay 28, 2018
