The Hang En Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the third-largest cave in the world and is renowned for its massive caverns, river inside the cave, and natural campsite, making it an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.
Introduction To Hang En Cave
The Hang En Cave, commonly referred to as the Swallow Cave, is among the most breathtaking natural wonders located at the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, within the Quang Binh Province of Vietnam. This cave is renowned for its enormous size and scenic location and is regarded as the world’s third-largest cave, measuring approximately 1,645 meters, with three enormous entrances that create this remarkable landscape that is quite rare compared to the other caves in Vietnam. This cave is situated above the Rao Thuong River and is surrounded by lush rainforest.
The main reason people visit Hang En is not only because it is one of the largest caves in the world, but because it provides an experience that involves jungle trekking, crossing rivers, and the option to camp inside the cave with an emerald lake inside. Whether it’s the vast cave, the animals around the entrances, or the surreal light from the sun that filters through the cave, Hang En provides an experience like no other.
History Of Hang En Cave
Located deep in the limestone mountains of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the Hang En Cave is not only a natural wonder but also has cultural and historical significance. The history of the cave is inextricably linked with the local people, traditions, and the process by which the world was introduced to this cave.
Origin Of The Name
With a high ceiling and a large cavern floor, Hang En has naturally served as a habitat to a large number of swifts. At dawn and dusk, Hang En is filled with breathtaking views of swifts flying out to look for food as they head to their nests. Since Hang En is an enormous cave that has served as a habitat to a large number of swifts over the years, it is not surprising that it was named Hang En, meaning Swallow Cave.
Early Human Connection And Discovery
Hang En has been known to the Arem tribe for ages, when their forefathers were nomads living within the confines of limestone caves. The Arem were seasonal dwellers, depending on their food sources, such as hunting and gathering. Deep within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park lies Hang En, known as one of the world’s largest caves, with thousands of swift nests perched on top of it. The Arem, being small, nimble, and expert climbers, have developed expert techniques on how to reach the nests using wood branches, forest vines, and rope ladders secured on minute crevices on the rocks.
Swifts had long been an important part of the diet of the Arem people, and the skill of climbing up the walls of the caves and swift hunting had long been considered a passage ritual to be undertaken by all young men before marriage, as it represented their power and capacity to support a family. In recent years, with the assistance of the local government, the Arem people are now residing in fixed villages and no longer engage in this hazardous activity. Nevertheless, every year in June, the Arem people venture into the caves to harvest swifts that have fallen out of their nests.
It was rediscovered by Ho Khanh in 1990 when he traveled to look for agarwood. It would take two more years, when the British-Vietnamese Cave Exploration Team measured and surveyed the cave, before Hang En received international attention as one of the world’s most remarkable caves.
4 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Hang En is more than just an enormous cave. What fascinates people about this place is its unspoiled natural beauty and the deep connection to nature and the people who live amidst it. An adventure to this destination offers unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Discover Local Life In Doong Village
Travelers traveling to Hang En Cave have an opportunity to visit Doong Village, which is home to members of the Bru-Van Kieu ethnic group. The village is located deep in the rainforest and is surrounded by limestone mountains, making it very difficult for people to live there because of the terrain’s inaccessibility until very recently.
Today, local communities have seen a gradual improvement in their lives through sustainable cave tourism while still maintaining the way they lived before this new development. By taking even a brief break at Doong Village, you will be able to interact with local community members and learn about their way of life, meet their customs and daily lives, and hear about the incredible stories of how they live in harmony with the forest.
Camp Overnight Inside Hang En Cave
After hiking for many days on various dirt trails, such as jungle trails over water crossings like rivers, and up rocky hills, you will feel a huge reward when you finally get to the campsite located within Hang En Cave. The trip provides the opportunity to spend a night inside one of the largest chambers of Hang En Cave.
This experience is definitely unforgettable in Quang Binh as you will be able to enjoy the company of fellow travellers while you eat a simple meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. When it gets dark outside, Hang En Cave is transformed into a peaceful setting where you can completely decompress from everyday life and experience the beauty of unspoiled nature.
Admire Million-Year-Old Stalactites And Cave Formations
You begin your day in the beauty of Hang En when you hear the swallows in the morning. When you continue to explore Hang En, you’ll experience the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites that have existed for millions of years and were formed from the water that has dripped on the ceiling of Hang En. You will also have a wonderful time walking along a 1.6-kilometer passage that leads you to the back entrance of Hang En. In addition to the beautiful features of Hang En, you will have seen many things in nature.
Witness Thousands Of Swifts Living Inside The Cave
A major highlight of any Hang En Cave exploration is the opportunity to observe swifts both nesting and in flight within the cave system. The sight of these birds gliding effortlessly through the great chambers creates an otherworldliness beyond anything experienced in other locations. The natural wonder of the swifts also lends itself to exceptional photographic opportunities, making Hang En Cave a standout destination during your exploration of Vietnam.
Entrance Fee
However, the Hang En Cave is not accessible to the general public, and therefore, the only means for people to visit the cave is by taking an adventure tour. The cost for the tour is estimated at 330-500 USD per person, which covers all the necessary logistics, including meals and cave camping.
Best Time To Visit Hang En Cave
The optimal time for exploring the cave of Hang En is between March and August every year, when the province of Quang Binh, where the cave resides, is in its dry season. This season helps to ensure that the climate remains clear with less rainfall, ensuring that the conditions are adequate for forest treks, wading through streams, and camping inside the cave. Additionally, the level of the river remains relatively lower.
The most suitable time of the year to explore Hang En cave is between March and August every year, during which the dry season in Quang Binh province is also witnessed, and the sky is clearer with fewer rains, making it ideal for forest trekking, stream wading, and camping inside the cave. Also, the level of the river is usually lower.
How To Get To Hang En Cave
Accessing Hang En Cave requires some planning, but that is also part of the journey. The common and easiest ways to reach the cave depend on your location. Some of the common routes include:
Traveling To Dong Hoi City (Quang Binh)
If you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, air travel will be your fastest transportation option to Dong Hoi Airport. There are approximately three to six flights daily, although your choices may be limited if you want to travel late at night. You may want to consider taking flights to Phu Bai International Airport or Da Nang International Airport, then taking transportation from there to Dong Hoi if you want greater flexibility in your travel schedule.
On the other hand, passengers can also ride the train to Dong Hoi Train Station or take the sleeper buses on the North-South Route. Although longer, these routes suit passengers who love overland transportation or have come from Hanoi. From Hanoi, passengers can ride the night buses that leave at 6:00 PM and arrive at Phong Nha by morning, ready for the day’s adventures.
From Dong Hoi To Phong Nha And Hang En Cave
After arriving in Dong Hoi, the next destination would be Phong Nha, which is approximately 45 kilometers away. Transportation options include a private car, taxi, or shuttle, many of which offer flexible pickup options. This also provides the opportunity to explore the area of Dong Hoi before venturing into the countryside.
From Phong Nha, tourists often embark on a guided tour to Hang En Cave because it is not possible to visit it alone. This is because there is assistance offered by tour companies that makes it very convenient to visit Hang En Cave. With proper planning, it is actually very exciting to visit Hang En Cave before embarking on an even more exciting adventure.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Hang En Cave
Hang En cave is an adventure site that needs proper preparation. It is important that you know some tips that would help you stay safe and enjoy your experience in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
- Visiting the Hang En Cave is only allowed through a recognized tour company. This is for safety and guidance.
- The trekking route requires walking through rugged terrain, crossing rivers, and thus requires basic fitness and confidence in outdoor activities.
- Quick-dry clothes, hiking shoes, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and personal items need to be brought, as all the luggage has to be carried during the trek.
- It is advised to protect cameras and mobile phones with waterproof bags because they are often exposed to water both inside and outside the cave.
- One should always follow the guides, especially when crossing slippery rocks, swimming holes, or going inside the cave.
- Do not litter, do not touch the stalactites, or disturb the wildlife, as you trek, and be careful as you meet up with the Bru-Van Kieu communities along the trekking route.
- It is best to avoid the rainy season, as the tours can be cancelled in the event that the water levels are high, and the best time to visit will be during the dry season.
Final Thoughts: Is Hang En Cave Worth Visiting?
Hang En is definitely worth visiting for those looking for an adventure that offers a unique combination of nature and scenic landscapes in the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang. By trekking through the forest and wading through the river, you will experience an adventure that is more immersive and genuine compared to most sightseeing activities. The massive chambers, green waters, and special ecosystem of the cave will give you an experience that is more than mere sightseeing. Let Seni World help you experience this adventure in Quang Binh.
