Hang Va Photography tour 2d1n

This is considered a high-adventure expedition, made all the more difficult with cameras and the additional provided equipment required to light the pitch-black passageways. Led by a professional caving guide and guide assistants, you’ll visit a range of viewpoints along with additional cave lighting to capture the best shots inside the cave and some spectacular overlooks in the jungle.

It is a demanding tour as each day is extended to give you the longest time possible to capture your shots. You’ll also have the chance to capture some incredible nighttime photographs around the campsite. This tour is intended for those who are serious about photography. You are responsible for your own camera and Oxalis does not provide lessons on how to use your camera, though some general guidance will be provided with regards to lighting the caves. Of course, our guides are always available to model for you in the caves if you need some perspective in your shots.

While not physically connected to Son Doong, Hang Nuoc Nut and Hang Va are part of the Son Doong cave system based on their shared water flow which fortunately creates beautiful and extraordinary formations which are unique to this world. Hang Va and Nuoc Nut caves were found recently in 2012. To be one of the first people to put human steps into these caves, you will have to hike, stoop through the entrance, use ropes and cross some rivers including the ones inside the caves. But don’t worry– we provide the very best in adventure experiences with every aspect of the trip carefully planned including delicious meals, the highest safety standards, and friendly and informative adventure guides.

Please note that drones are not allowed on our Photography tour unless it is a private tour and permission has been granted by the Ministry of Defense for special purposes. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Phong Nha – Hang Nuoc Nut – Hang Va Jungle camp

Va Cave

• For your convenience, we will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha between 8:00 – 8:30 am and drive you to Oxalis Headquarters. At Oxalis Headquarters, you will collect your gear, listen to a tour briefing, and please note that you need to sign our Release Form before driving 45 minutes through the National Park to the trailhead.
• From the trailhead, we will enter the jungle and hike to the entrance of Hang Nuoc Nut. Here we put on our Petzl helmets and Hope Technology 1500 lumen headlamps. Once inside the low opening, the cave enlarges dramatically and we will explore the high-level series with excellent photographic opportunities. We will have a picnic lunch with ice-cold drinks provided before setting off in the cave for around 2 km. Enjoy the beautiful formations, enormous passage, and underground river, again with many photographic opportunities.
• Leaving the cave you will trek on a jungle path which, though short, traverses over tough and difficult terrain. The jungle campsite is at the base of huge cliffs next to the entrance of Hang Va. Get to camp around 5:30 pm. After that, if we are early, there is a chance to swim in a downstream pool inside Hang Va. We will set up the camp and supply tea/coffee as well as a delicious dinner served by our local chef. This is a true jungle camp, where you will fall asleep listening to the sounds of nature surrounding you.

Hang Va – Phong Nha

• This day is the highlight of the expedition. Before experiencing this fantastic cave, Hang Va, you will have a delicious breakfast at around 8:00 am.
• First, you will have to climb down the steep entrance of Hang Va. It can be quite slippery, so move slowly and with care. To ensure your safety, we will have a rope for you to clip into with a harness which will be provided for you. You will continue to wear the harness at all times inside Hang Va Cave.
• You will walk most of the time in water flowing through the river passage, climb up and down, and squeeze between the rocks. The water level of the river passage can be as high as chest level, so be ready to be wet for about 4 hours.
• Continue to the end of the wet passage, where the water rises up through a clear pool. This is a good chance to see many small bats, but please be quiet and respect these cave dwellers. Continue the climb up to the high-level passage. You will need to use the harness again to ascend carefully. Enjoy the wonderful high-level area because of its stunning formations, which are really rare throughout the world. In this area, we will have a lot of time to take beautiful images with the support of Hope technology and extra lights prepared specifically for photography in Hang Va Cave.

Please respect our efforts to protect this passage and understand that you cannot leave the designated walkways.

• Finally, we will head back to the camp, enjoy lunch and at around 2:00 pm, walk back to the road by a different route to the pick-up point. Our driver will take you back to your hotel in Phong Nha by about 5:00 pm.

PRICE: 11,550,000 VND/Pax

• Operating: From Feb to Aug (closed from Sep to Jan)
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Adventure Level: Moderate-to-hard for physically active guests (basic trekking experience required)
• Availability: Twice per month
• Small-Group Tours: 2 – 8 pax
• Minimum Age: 16 years old
• Tour Starts: 8:00 – 8:30 AM, from any local hotel in Phong Nha
• Tour Ends: 5:00 – 5:30 PM, at any local hotel in Phong Nha