Embark on an exhilarating adventure journey by exploring the Tu Lan Cave System, located in a stunning karst region just outside the core Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park boundaries (but typically accessed via tours starting from Phong Nha). Tu Lan is renowned for its incredible multi-day caving expeditions that offer a thrilling combination of deep jungle trekking, navigating subterranean rivers, and exploring magnificent wet and dry caves. This system provides a raw, immersive caving experience distinct from the show caves within the main park.

Tours through the Tu Lan system, ranging from one to four days, involve trekking through picturesque valleys and dense jungle, wading across rivers, and, most excitingly, swimming directly into and through dark river cave passages (equipped with headlamps and safety gear). You'll explore multiple caves within the system, such as Hang Ken, Hang Chuot, and Hang Tu Lan itself, often discovering vast chambers, beautiful formations, and underground waterfalls. Many tours include camping overnight in spectacular jungle locations near cave entrances, adding to the adventure.

Accessing the Tu Lan Cave System requires booking a guided tour with a licensed operator, as permits and expert guidance are necessary. These tours demand a good level of fitness due to the trekking and swimming involved. For adventurous travellers seeking a challenging but immensely rewarding expedition that combines jungle exploration with the unique thrill of swimming through river caves, the Tu Lan system offers an unforgettable adventure near Phong Nha.