Beneath the arch of Én Cave (Swallow Cave), the twittering of birds blends with the gentle murmur of flowing water, creating a mesmerizing symphony. Listed among the world’s largest caves, Swallow Cave is an attractive destination for adventurous tourists, attracting thousands of visitors from domestic and international circles yearly. The cave’s allure extends beyond nature enthusiasts, and it is recognized and celebrated by leading travel magazines such as National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and Lonely Planet. 

The discovery history of Én Cave

Én Cave is a significant and renowned cave in Quảng Bình. It is part of the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a World Natural Heritage Site that UNESCO has recognized twice. Situated 180m above sea level, Én Cave is one of the water catchment areas of the Phong Nha Cave system.

Residents have long been aware of Én Cave’s existence throughout history, but it wasn’t until 1994 that a British-Vietnamese caving expedition formally explored and surveyed the cave. The team undertook a three-day trek from Phong Nha along 20 Victory Road to reach the entrance.

Én Cave also served as a resting point for caving experts during their exploration and research endeavors at Sơn Đoòng Cave.

The origin of the name “Én Cave”

According to Mr. Ho Khanh, most caves are closely associated with their surrounding environments, such as forests, villages, or streams. Often, a cave’s name serves as a reminder of its most unique feature, allowing listeners to envision its distinctive characteristics.

Én Cave (Swallow Cave) is likely no exception. The origin of its name stems from the fact that it serves as a dwelling and nesting site for thousands of swallows during their nesting season. Therefore, when participating in Oxalis’ 2-day, 1-night Én Cave Expedition, it’s not uncommon to witness firsthand the spectacle of thousands of swallows returning to their nests or venturing out in search of food.

Furthermore, Én Cave boasts a high ceiling and a spacious floor, ideal conditions for swallows to build their nests. Consequently, the local community named the cave after these birds. The name Swallow Cave has since become widely recognized and is still used today.

Features of Én Cave

Lonely Planet describes Én Cave as follows: “This enormous cave is very close to Sơn Đoòng Cave, both of which were featured in a famous National Geographic photo. To reach this cave, visitors need to trek through dense jungle, valleys, and Bản Đoòng village.”

Surveys reveal that Én Cave is among the world’s largest caves, with an estimated age of 2 to 3 million years. Stretching nearly 1.6km in length, it comprises three chambers: the entrance chamber, the middle chamber, and the exit chamber. Én Cave has three entrances, the largest and most renowned of which measures 120m in height and 110m in width. The cave’s immense size is evident in sections where the ceiling soars to 145m and the width reaches almost 200m.

Nestled within the limestone mountains of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Én Cave was formed by the Rào Thương River flowing through the Hung Đoòng Valley. The cave’s formation was a gradual process, taking thousands, if not millions, of years to sculpt its present grandeur.

The rear entrance of Én Cave lies approximately 3km from Sơn Đoòng Cave, the world’s largest cave. Situated within the core zone of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Én Cave is significantly influenced by the local climate and weather patterns. Generally, the temperature inside the cave mirrors the outside conditions, ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Én Cave supports a diverse array of flora and fauna in its ecosystem. Near the cave entrance, visitors might encounter rock monkeys, gibbons, langurs, flying squirrels, swallows, bats, crickets, scorpions, and other creatures. Deeper within the cave, the lack of sunlight limits vegetation, with only certain species of moss, algae, and ferns growing near the entrance areas.

What the world says about Én Cave

Én Cave has garnered significant attention from international media and press. On March 8, 2011, National Geographic Magazine featured a captivating image of the cave. Captured by National Geographic photographer Carsten Peter, the photo depicts members of an expedition venturing into Én Cave. The Rào Thương River formed this remarkable cave. During the dry season, the river gradually recedes, leaving behind small pools. However, in the rainy season, the water level can rise to nearly 91m.

In 2011, Japan’s NHK filmed a 3D science documentary about Én Cave and Sơn Đoòng over five days, starting on May 10th. This documentary aired in 60 countries worldwide on June 25th, 2011, at 9 pm.

In 2014, Hollywood chose Én Cave as a filming location for scenes in the renowned movie Peter Pan: The Neverland. The film’s breathtaking imagery captivated audiences worldwide, leaving them in awe of the cave’s magnificence.

International media and press attention have significantly contributed to promoting Én Cave’s image globally. The widespread dissemination of images and information about the cave has sparked curiosity and a desire to explore this natural wonder. Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring beauty of Én Cave, solidifying its position as a must-see destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

How to get to Én Cave to join the Én Cave expedition tour

Oxalis Adventure, an adventure tourism company based in Quảng Bình, has been the sole operator authorized to operate tours to Hang Én since 2012. Therefore, independent travel is not permitted. To ensure safety and environmental conservation, visitors must join the 2-day, 1-night Hang En Cave Adventure by Oxalis Adventure. For this reason, Oxalis only operates tours to Hang Én from December to September each year.

Joining an Oxalis tour is an unforgettable journey filled with trekking, camping, and cave exploration. You’ll also contribute to forest conservation efforts and support the local economy. Since its inception, Oxalis has created employment opportunities for hundreds of residents and significantly boosted tourism in Quảng Bình province.

The Hang Én Expedition Tour costs 8,000,000 VND (US$333) per person. For bookings and more details, visitors can check out Hang En Cave Adventure • Oxalis Adventure or contact Oxalis through their official channels: 

• Website: https://oxalisadventure.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Hotline: +84-919900357
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/OxalisAdventure

What travel experiences await you at Én Cave?

Explore Đoòng Village and the culture of the Bru – Vân Kiều Peoples

Your journey to Én Cave begins with an exhilarating trek through the lush jungle, descending a steep slope, and following a tributary of the Rào Thương River. After approximately 1.5 hours of trekking and wading through streams, you’ll arrive at Bản Đoòng, a village inhabited by an ethnic minority community. Here, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch and gain insights into the villagers’ way of life before continuing your exploration of Én Cave.

Đoòng Village was established in 1992 by a group of Bru-Vân Kiều people who relocated after their village was devastated by floods. The village is nestled in the pristine rainforest within the core zone of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. Initially comprising only five individuals, it now consists of 12 households and has a population of 52 people. The villagers have preserved their rich cultural heritage and continue to practice their traditional customs.

Historically, this area was inhabited by the Arem people, a nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe. They lived in caves and hunted swallows for sustenance. Remnants of the rattan vines they used to climb the cliffs can still be observed today.

Overnight camping in one of the world’s largest caves

The campsite in Én Cave is one of the most unique campsites in the world, as it is located deep inside the cave and has a large cave entrance above. This cave entrance is the only source of natural light for the campsite. The campsite is very large, with white sand in front, a clear blue lake, and next to it is the Rào Thương stream.

From December to mid-March each year, when the weather is dry, Én Cave is illuminated by magnificent rays of sunlight that penetrate through the high entrance. These rays warmly glow the campsite and the turquoise lake, creating a truly magical and enchanting scene. Here, you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature, surrounded by the gentle sounds of flowing water and the sweet melodies of birdsong.

While Én Cave captivates with its immensity and the vibrant blue of its underground lake during the day, it transforms into a realm of mystery at night. Gazing up through the high entrance, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the night sky adorned with thousands of twinkling stars, forming a celestial canopy above the cave.

Swim in a natural pool

The natural pool in Én Cave is a highlight not to be missed. This stunning turquoise pool is fed by cool water flowing from deep within the cave. The water temperature ranges from a refreshing 17 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it pleasantly warm in winter and cool in summer.

A branch of the Rào Thương Stream flows alongside the pool, bringing warmer water from outside the valley into the cave. The pool’s cool, clear water offers a revitalizing escape after an exhilarating day of trekking.

Embark on a thrilling and rewarding journey as you explore Én Cave, a breathtaking natural wonder of Vietnam. Your expedition will lead you through pristine forests, over challenging slopes, and across refreshing streams before reaching the cave entrance. Step inside and be mesmerized by the magical beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. 

Experience the unique thrill of camping overnight within the cave, listening to the gentle symphony of swallows, sleeping under a star-studded sky visible through the cave opening, and enjoying moments of relaxation by the pool in front of the campsite. 

Don’t hesitate! Plan your Én Cave adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.