Phong Nha Day Trip Caving | Encounter Vietnam’s Most Mysterious Tribe, Explore a 3-Level Cave & Swim in a Calcium Lake

Trek, climb & swim to a hidden cave once home to the reclusive Ruc Tribe

5.0

|13 Reviews

DURATION

10 hours

Booking type

Join-in trip

MEET UP

Free pick-up

Group size

Up to 20 guests

Experience Highlights
Itinerary
Inclusions
More Info
Host
Reviews

Meet a secretive tribe & explore a sacred cave with fossilised serpents
This is the only cave adventure in Vietnam where you’ll get to meet the Ruc people — one of the country’s most mysterious tribes who only left cave life in 2007. Tucked near the Laos border, they still live in remote Hoa Son village and hold onto their spiritual traditions, untouched by modern tourism. You’ll be one of the rare few to step inside their homes for a cup of tea and a glimpse into a way of life that most travellers never hear about, let alone experience.From there, things get even more extraordinary. You’ll trek through jungle trails and rivers toward Ruc Mon Cave — a massive underground world once used as a shelter by the Ruc tribe. There’s no artificial lighting here, just your headlamp illuminating huge ancient formations, emerald pools and a surreal, otherworldly beauty. One of the most gripping highlights is the Snake Tomb Chamber—where the fossilised skeletons of giant serpents, believed to be the sacred guardians of the cave, lay undisturbed in a natural cathedral of stalactites. The largest snake rests nearly 3 metres long, tucked away 200 metres above the ground in possibly the most magical part of the cave.Perfect for curious, conscious travellers who prefer real, human stories over sightseeing and don’t mind getting a bit muddy in the process. This isn’t an easy detour – it’s an unforgettable journey into a hidden world, led by guides who grew up in these mountains and know every stone, tree and story.What to ExpectStep into the home of the Ruc people, one of Vietnam’s most reclusive tribes, and learn about their cultureBBQ lunch by the cave entrance prepared by local porters (vegetarian options available)Trek untouched jungle paths and follow a narrow riverside trail to reach Ruc Mon caveSwim 2km inside the cave’s underground river – guided and equipped with safety gearClimb massive limestone formations and explore three cave levels with incredible mineral layersEnter the Snake Tomb Chamber – a mesmerising resting place of sacred fossilised serpents set among towering stone columnsEnjoy coffee and local sweet treats after your cave adventureGood to KnowDifficulty level: 8/10Only accessible via guided tour – this cave is not on Google Maps and has no signs or trailsThis experience requires moderate to high fitness – expect trekking, climbing and swimmingHelmet, gloves, headlamp, life jacket, dry bag, sandals, and towel are providedPlease wear long sleeves and bring extra dry clothes for after the cave explorationPick-up and drop-off included for guests staying in Phong Nha

Experience highlights

Meet the remote mysterious Ruc tribe

Venture into cave they once called home

Exclusive access—permit-only cave trek

What You’ll be Doing

Cave swim, limestone formations, and cultural visit to Ruc village near Vietnam–Laos border

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What’s Included

English-speaking guide

Professional porter team

Pick up and drop off in Phong Nha

Transportation during the tour

Snacks

Long-sleeved shirt

Life jacket

Trekking sandals

Gloves

Towel

Helmet, headlamp

Drinking water

Dry bag

Socks

Medical equipment, medication

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Who you’re supporting

Community Champion

Women-led Wonder

Low Carbon Hero

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Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Free pick-up from Hotels in Phong Nha(Phong Nha, Vietnam)

15 mins before selected timeslot

End Point

End at Start Point(s)

Transport Add-ons

Add-on #1

Bus ticket Phong Nha - Da Nang(Price: 520.200đ for up to 1 guest)

Add-on #2

One-way pick up from Dong Hoi (airport/train station/city center)(Price: 780.300đ for up to 4 guests)

Add-on #3

One-way drop-off in Dong Hoi (airport/train station/city center)(Price: 780.300đ for up to 4 guests)

Start & ends

Daily

07:30AM - 05:30PM

Suitability / Accessibility

Vegetarian food available
Child Friendly (Recommended Age: 12+)

Cancellation & other policies

Cancellation
Cancel 7 days before activity for a full refund
Minimum Participants
If there are fewer than 2 participants, the host may reschedule or refund your booking.

What to Pack

Hat
Mosquito repellent spray
Quick-dry clothes
Shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Swimsuit

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Meet your host

Na grew up in the Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng region and knows the land like an old friend. She started her company to share the magic of the area’s caves, forests, and local cultures in a real and meaningful way. What stands out about Na is how much she cares – not just about the travellers who join the journeys, but also about the local communities. Thanks to her efforts, more than 500 local people now have steady jobs with the company, from porters and cooks to safety assistants and guides. Her work brings people closer to nature while supporting the place she calls home. It’s this mix of care, knowledge and local connection that makes travelling with her team feel so grounded.

Experience: 8 years

Speaks: Fluent English

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