Wonders of the Underground: Caving in Vietnam with Alex

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Mar 1 - 8, 2026
activity level
Strenuous
group size
15
transportation
Group vehicle, train
Your TourHero
tourhero
Alex Cantrell
bio

What's up, I'm Alex, a professional cave explorer who loves to share my underground adventures! I created this trip because I love to see the extremes of the underground world. Vietnam is home to one of the largest caves in the world and I want to see it with you! Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply curious about the wonders beneath our feet, this journey into Vietnam’s caves is one you won’t want to miss!

Vietnam > Wonders of the Underground: Caving in Vietnam with Alex

This journey throws you straight into the surreal, the untamed, and the unforgettable. Hanoi’s electric streets set the stage before you drift through the misty limestone giants of Ha Long Bay. Phong Nha cranks up the adventure, pulling you deep into jungles hiding caves the size of cathedrals, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient trails few ever get to walk. Nights shift between buzzing cities, a starlit cruise, and remote campsites where the only soundtrack is the crackle of a fire and the hum of the wild. Designed for travelers who crave something beyond the ordinary, this experience delivers raw beauty, unreal landscapes, and the kind of moments that feel straight out of a dream. Come along with us for the adventure of a lifetime!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · March 1, 2026 · Hanoi
Arrive in Vietnam at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check in at Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Free night OR optional street food tour (see add-ons)
Day 2 · March 2, 2026 · Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Drive to Ha Long Bay
Check in at Renea Cruise (or similar)
Lunch
Swimming and kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Free time & onboard activities
Dinner onboard
Day 3 · March 3, 2026 · Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, & Night Train
Sun deck Tai Chi
Light breakfast onboard
Free time
Lunch onboard
Disembark ship
Drive to Hanoi
Check into day use room to refresh
Free time for dinner (not included in price) and relaxation
Board overnight train to Dong Hoi
Day 4 · March 4, 2026 · Phong Nha National Park
Disembark train
Group transfer from train station to accommodation
Check in at Phong Nha Lake House Resort (or similar)
Free day
Day 5 · March 5, 2026 · Phong Nha National Park
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Phong Nha National Park trek - Hang Son Doong, Nuoc Lan Lake, and Tron Cave
Lunch during trek
Set up camp by lake
Dinner & free time at camp
Day 6 · March 6, 2026 · Phong Nha National Park
Breakfast and pack up camp
Continue Phong Nha National Park trek - Hung Thoong stream, Thung Cave sinkhole, Lung Chung passage, Lo Lung Lake, Nuoc Mooc Hung Thoong spring
Lunch during trek
Set up camp by lake
Dinner & free time at camp
Day 7 · March 7, 2026 · Phong Nha National Park
Breakfast and pack up camp
Complete Phong Nha National Park trek - Ma Da Lake, make our way to main road
Lunch during trek
Transfer from main road to hotel
Check in at Phong Nha Lake House Resort (or similar)
Farewell dinner
Free time
Day 8 · March 8, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Group transfer from accommodation to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH)
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · March 1, 2026
Touchdown and take off into the unknown

-Welcome to Vietnam, an amazing country that’s about to redefine adventure for you. You’ll land in Hanoi, a city that hums with a million motorbikes, neon lights, and centuries of history stacked between glassy skyscrapers and ancient temples.

-Connect with the group for the first time to catch our ride to the hotel, where we will check in and take some time to settle in. The night is yours to chill, recharge, or get to exploring. You might choose to join our street food tour – get ready for some serious flavor (see add ons)!

Day 2 · March 2, 2026
An unforgettable Ha Long Bay stay

-Wake up, fuel up, and say goodbye to the buzz of Hanoi as we drive to the picturesque Ha Long Bay. The road there is a memory-maker in and of itself – make sure your camera’s charged!

-Step aboard our cruise ship and floating home for the night. After check-in, lunch is served as the boat drifts deeper into the bay, where mist-shrouded islands create an alien skyline straight from another dimension.

-Then, it’s time to dive in (literally!) as we swim or kayak through the waters, exploring hidden caves and absorbing the million years worth of energy in this otherworldly spot.

-As the sun dips, take in the view from the deck, join onboard activities, or just vibe out. Dinner on the water caps off the night as the bay transforms under the moonlight.

Day 3 · March 3, 2026
Sunrise serenity and midnight motion

-Rise early and step onto the sun deck for a Tai Chi session. Slow, intentional movement as the sun rises will make you feel at one with the world around you. It’s a surreal, cinematic moment!

-After a light breakfast, soak in the last few hours aboard before a sendoff lunch and disembarkation.

-We’re heading back to Hanoi to refresh in our day use rooms and spend our time our way this evening before the final step of our day’s journey.

-The real journey begins when you board the overnight train to Dong Hoi. Picture this: the rhythmic hum of the tracks, the soft sway of the train, and the quiet anticipation of what’s coming next. Fall asleep to the sound of approaching our next adventure – what could be better?

Day 4 · March 4, 2026
Into the wild

-As the overnight train slows to a stop in Dong Hoi, you step into a world that feels untouched by time. A group transfer takes you deep into the countryside, where limestone mountains, misty rivers, and endless jungle signal that you’ve arrived in Phong Nha, home to some of the most spectacular caves on Earth.

-We’ll check into our tranquil escape tucked between mountains and water, the perfect place to recharge after the overnight journey.

-Today is yours. Take it slow, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the peacefulness of this hidden paradise. Lounge by the lake, explore the local village, or sip on Vietnamese coffee as you watch the mist roll over the water.

Day 5 · March 5, 2026
Enter the Earth

-Lace up your boots and dive into Phong Nha National Park, a prehistoric jungle hiding some of the world’s most mind-blowing caves. This isn’t just a trek; it’s a journey through time, where towering limestone cliffs, dense foliage, and winding rivers lead you into the Earth’s most mysterious corners.

-Hang Son Doong is the highlight of the day as it is the world’s largest cave, offering a difficult trek and completely captivating views that will leave you speechless.

-The trail winds past Nuoc Lan Lake, a still, glassy oasis that reflects the surrounding jungle like a dream. Then, it’s on to Tron Cave, an unearthly cavern where sunlight barely touches, and the echoes of dripping water create a soundscape unlike anything you've ever heard.

-After a day of trekking and exploring, you’ll set up camp by the lake, surrounded by nothing but nature and the hum of the wild. As night falls, enjoy a campfire dinner under a sky littered with stars. No WiFi, no distractions, just the raw, unfiltered beauty of Vietnam’s untouched wilderness.

Day 6 · March 6, 2026
Secrets beneath the canopy

-Wake up to the sound of the jungle coming alive, with birds calling, leaves rustling, and the distant murmur of a hidden river.

-After breakfast and packing up camp, the trek continues deeper into Phong Nha’s wilderness, unraveling new landscapes and untouched wonders. Today’s route takes you through Hung Thoong Stream, where the water carves a path through the dense greenery. Venture into the Thung Cave sinkhole, a massive natural crater swallowed by the jungle, then navigate the hidden Lung Chung passage, a winding trail that feels like stepping through a secret doorway into another dimension. The journey leads to Lo Lung Lake and Nuoc Mooc Hung Thoong Spring, too.

-The reward? Another night at a remote lakeside campsite, where the only sounds are crackling firewood and the occasional splash of something moving beneath the surface. A campfire dinner and time of tranquility closes out the night.

Day 7 · March 7, 2026
The final ascent

-Morning light filters through the jungle canopy as you wake up for one last breakfast in the wild. After packing up camp, it’s time for the final stretch of the trek. The path leads to Ma Da Lake, a hidden blue oasis in the heart of the jungle, its waters so still it feels like nature’s own mirror. Take one last deep breath, because this is the kind of place that stays in your soul.

-From here, the trail winds back toward civilization, slowly pulling you from the untouched world of Phong Nha National Park to the main road, where a transfer awaits to take us to our final accommodation.

-Tonight, the journey comes full circle with a farewell dinner, a time to swap stories, relive the wildest moments, and toast to the kind of experience that only a few get to have.

-The rest of the evening is yours, perhaps for a quiet moment by the lake or one last drink under the stars. Reality calls us back tomorrow, but for tonight, we’re still in the dream.

Day 8 · March 8, 2026
So long, Vietnam

-One last breakfast by the lake, one last deep breath of Vietnam’s wild air. After checking out, the group transfer will take you to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), marking the official end of this otherworldly adventure.

-Vietnam has woven itself into your story: the chaos of Hanoi, the alien landscapes of Ha Long Bay, the untouched jungles of Phong Nha, and the raw beauty of nights spent under the stars. This wasn’t just a trip, but something bigger. Safe travels, see you soon, and carry these memories with you wherever you head to next.

Tour Price
USD 3,000
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Hiking, nature, exploration, nature
Your local guide
Intrepid DMC, formerly Peak DMC, has been delivering destination management solutions for the world’s leading experiential travel brands for the last ten years. With 36 offices, 28 DMCs, and locations across five continents, Intrepid DMC, creates innovative products delivered by experienced local operators. Each year, they bring life-changing travel experiences to more than 170,000 people, and their relationships are built on trust and reliability and with their global network of established, secure and competitive businesses. For all things travel, Intrepid DMC has you covered.
Accommodation
Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar according to availability)

Hanoi Larosa Hotel sits in the heart of the city, just minutes from the historic Old Quarter and key cultural landmarks. The hotel offers modern comforts, including spacious rooms, a rooftop restaurant with city views, and easy access to Hanoi’s buzzing streets. Perfect for travelers looking to stay close to the action while enjoying a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 beds.

Renea Cruise (or similar according to availability)

Renea Cruise sails through the otherworldly waters of Ha Long Bay, gliding past towering limestone karsts and hidden caves. The traditional wooden junk boat offers cozy, well-appointed cabins, a sun deck for panoramic views, and activities like kayaking and swimming in the bay’s emerald waters. With delicious onboard dining and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to experience one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 beds.

Phong Nha Lake House Resort (or similar according to availability)

Phong Nha Lake House Resort is a peaceful retreat overlooking a serene lake, surrounded by the dramatic limestone mountains of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The resort features spacious bungalows, an infinity pool, and an open-air restaurant, offering a perfect balance of comfort and nature. Ideal for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike, it provides easy access to the area's famous caves and jungle trails. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: 2 beds.

Camping in Phong Nha National Park

Camp out during your trek through Phong Nha National Park.

Included
  • 1 night accommodation in Hanoi

  • 1 night accommodation onboard Ha Long Bay cruise

  • 1 night accommodation in night train car to Dong Hoi

  • 2 nights accommodation in Phong Nha (hotel)

  • 2 nights accommodation camping on Phong Nha National Park trek

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • Breakfast on days 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8

  • Lunch on days 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7

  • Dinner on days 2, 5, 6, and 7

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Local guides during activities

  • Entrance fees where applicable with included activities

Not included
  • Flights

  • International airport departure tax

  • Visas

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Sep 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +7), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Sep 2, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +7) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Sep 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +7), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single supplement

Upgrade to total privacy with a room of your own for the duration of our journey.

USD 341.25
2 spots left
Day 1 · March 1 · Hanoi
Hanoi street food tour

Get your first taste of Vietnam through tasting its best street food bites.

USD 34
15 spots left
Day 4 · March 4 · Phong Nha National Park
Phong Nha and Thien Duong cave exploration

Begin exploring the epic caves of Phong Nha National Park before our trek.

USD 53
15 spots left