Hang Én

I did this cave as part of the Son Doong expedition. It is certainly breathtaking and very recognisable from moves, documentaries, brochures etc. very beautiful and very big. The trek in and out is also enjoyable as it takes you through remote tropical rainforest with lots of wildlife. Great little adventure.

Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for the Hang En trek — and it turned out to be one of the wildest, most unforgettable experiences of my life. From river crossings to jungle climbs to reaching the jaw-dropping entrance of the cave, every part of the journey was intense but completely worth it. Camping inside Hang En felt like something out of a movie — waking up surrounded by towering cave walls and complete stillness. Massive thanks to the Oxalis team for guiding us through safely, feeding us ridiculously well, and keeping spirits high. I came out sore, muddy, and absolutely blown away.

Hang Son Doong isn’t just a cave; it’s an entirely different world. Walking into it feels like stepping into a place untouched by time. From the massive stalagmites to the jungle growing inside, it’s hard to believe such a place exists. The sheer size of the cave is mind-blowing—so big it has its own ecosystem, rivers, and even clouds. It’s not an easy journey. You’ll climb, crawl, wade through rivers, and camp in places that seem like they belong in a dream. It’s physically and mentally demanding, but every second is worth it. If you’re looking for an adventure that will change how you see the world, this is it. Hang Son Doong is more than a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. Or maybe even three lifetimes.

We booked the Oxalis 2 day trek to the Hang En cave about 10 days in advance. It turned out we were the first group of the season which started much earlier than usual. It usually doesn't open until January. It's an amazing experience to stay overnight and explore this spectacular cave system. The size of it is staggering. First day was fairly easy other than the super slippy downhill hike on the muddy trail with a few leaches. The water crossings are fun. The hike back through "leech kingdom" was a slog. It's a tough uphill jungle hike in the heat. That by itself was a good experience but the number of leeches takes the edge off. Prepare to be grossed out when you get back to the road and watch everyone start undressing and pulling off leaches. Even with that it was still an amazing experience. Just be aware of the hike back.

It’s the best experience ever in my life!!!!! Hang En cave is the third biggest cave in the world and it’s achievable for physical fit person in my opinion. It’s so unreal that we camp in the huge cave! The sun beam in the morning took everyone’s breath away. Its kinda fun climbing the big rocks in dark cave and the only light is your headlight. In the first day, the downhill is fairly easy but sometimes very slippery depends on the weather and full of leeches. Oxalis Adventure provides good trekking shoes and porters will bring your luggage straight to the campsite. All I need to do is do the easy trekking. Second day is a little bit tougher since we have to walk uphill all the way back. Oxalis team is very professional and the food is good. We booked the tour about 2 months ahead. It’s really worth it and I think it’s a must do if you come to Vietnam.

The most spectacular view I’ve ever seen! The tough hike crossing rivers and jungle (with the leeches included) is more than worth it to wonder at this cave, sleep, eat and swim on it. (Little thing nobody mentions, since it’s full of bats they poo all day and night and you will get poo’d on for sure, and you can hear them also all day. Still more than worth it). This one is ten times cheaper than Son Doong and it’s still the 3rd biggest cave in the world and in just couple of days. Do it of you can, you won’t regret it!

Extraordinary experiences with the nature in Phong Nha. I can’t believe in the beauty that nature created here. Wish I could spend more time in the back gate where we can swim in the stream.

One of the most beautiful acts of nature my wife and I have ever been lucky enough to enjoy personally. Everything about this cave...from the unique sand formations, huge ceilings, massive stalactites and stalagmites, mineral deposits, and the beach you'll camp on, it will blow your mind. The pictures do it some justice but like many wonders of the world, it's best experienced in person. Reaching Hang En is definitely not for the couch potato even with the guides and porters (who we're locals and amazing people) via the only way to get there legally, Oxalis Adventure Tours). It's a ~12 mile hike out/back hike through the dense mountain jungle of Vietnam. You'll cross many knee to chest high, fast moving streams. You'll be peeling blood sucking leeches off your legs that crawl through clothing/boots. Regardless of the time of year, it's basically 100% humidity and you're a pool of sweat. The only break is that once you climb down the initial hillside from the road, the terrain is mainly flat until you reach the cave. With all that said, I'd do it again and again (and explore other massive caves in the region) if I could. Go here for memories of a lifetime!