Multi-day Hung Thoong cave trek in Phong Nha: Jungle camping

Four caves and a river camp in the wildest part of Phong Nha National Park

A 2-day jungle trek in Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park explores the Hung Thoong cave system (Hung, Tron, Thung and Nightmare Sharp caves) with two nights camping at Nuoc Lan basecamp and Ma Da crystal lake. The trek crosses difficult terrain, swims into caves, and reaches areas no regular tourists visit. Guide, porter team, camping gear, all meals and entrance fees are included. Minimum age is 15.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Trek to Hung Thoong and basecamp

• Pick up for briefing at Jungle Boss
• Depart for Hung Thoong Exploration
• Start trekking through dense jungle
• Trek to Hung cave
• Picnic lunch at Hung cave
• Explore Hung cave and trek to basecamp
• Swim 1.2km into Tron cave
• Prepare campsite by Nuoc Lan lake
• Enjoy jungle dinner at basecamp

Day 2: Explore Hung Thoong Spring and Thung cave

• Breakfast at basecamp
• Trek along Hung Thoong
• Relax, swim, and lunch at Hung Thoong Spring
• Explore Thung cave
• Trek back to Nuoc Lan basecamp
• Swim at Nuoc Lan lake
• Enjoy dinner with local team at campsite

Day 3: Trek to Ma Da lake and return

• Breakfast at Nuoc Lan basecamp
• Trek through jungle to Ma Da valley
• Lunch and swim at Ma Da lake
• Trek to Ho Chi Minh Road
• Bus transfer to Headquarters, end journey

The experience

The trek starts at 8 a.m. from Jungle Boss Headquarters with a briefing, then follows Road 20 Victory into dense jungle toward Hung Thoong. By mid-morning you reach Hung cave for a picnic lunch, spend the afternoon exploring it, then swim 1.2 kilometers into Tron cave before setting up camp at Nuoc Lan basecamp by evening. The first night includes a jungle dinner at the campsite.

Day two breaks from camp at 9 a.m. and treks along Hung Thoong to the spring, where you swim and eat lunch, then spend the afternoon inside Thung cave. The return to basecamp leaves time for an evening swim at Nuoc Lan lake before dinner with the local team. On the final morning, you trek through the jungle to Ma Da valley, swim at Ma Da crystal lake, eat lunch there, then trek to Ho Chi Minh Road where the bus picks you up and returns you to headquarters by 3 p.m.

The trek covers difficult terrain and river crossings. A porter team carries up to 3 kilograms of your gear. You get trekking shoes (Euro sizes 36–45), all camping equipment, safety gear and a safety assistant alongside your guide. Bring two sets of long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to guard against poison ivy and mosquitoes, swimwear, two pairs of long socks, a small backpack, sandals, and a hat with sunscreen and insect repellent. The operator suggests your own hiking shoes over waterproof boots, which take too long to dry in the jungle.

What’s included

• Safety equipment and camping gear.
• a live English-speaking guide, safety assistant and porter team.
• entrance fees.
• trekking shoes (Euro sizes 36–45).
• all meals and snacks.
• 3 kilograms of baggage carried by porters.
• hotel pickup and return transfer to headquarters.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (15 to 60 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Phong Nha Locals Travel & Transport

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you want to camp in the jungle and explore four caves in an area regular tourists do not reach. The two-night format lets you trek deeper into Phong Nha than a day trip allows, with time to swim at Hung Thoong Spring and Ma Da lake and rest at basecamp between cave explorations.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the four caves on this trek?

Hung cave, Tron cave, Thung cave, and Nightmare Sharp cave make up the Hung Thoong system. You explore Hung and Thung on foot, swim 1.2 kilometers into Tron, and pass through Nightmare Sharp on the approach.

Where do I sleep on this trek?

You camp at Nuoc Lan basecamp by the lake for both nights, with camping gear and a porter team setting up the site. Meals and a jungle dinner are provided at the campsite each evening.

How difficult is the terrain?

The trek crosses difficult terrain and rivers, so it suits adventurers comfortable with challenging hiking. It is suitable for all fitness levels, but the operator does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What time does the trek end?

The final day ends at 3 p.m. when the Jungle Boss bus picks you up at Ho Chi Minh Road and returns you to headquarters after the trek to Ma Da lake and lunch there.

What does the guide team include?

Your group has a live English-speaking guide, a safety assistant, and a porter team who carry your gear and help set up camp. The porters handle up to 3 kilograms of baggage per person.