About Hang En Cave
Hang En Cave is the third largest cave in the world, located in Tan Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Tri Province (formerly Quang Binh). Known as Swallow Cave for the swifts nesting inside, it features a vast chamber with a sandy beach, turquoise lake and jungle openings. Access is only by regulated 2-day trekking tour and it lies near Son Doong Cave.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a strenuous guided jungle trek of about 22km through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, river crossings and forest trails leading to a massive cave chamber over 1.6km long. Inside is a beach camp, an emerald lake, dramatic stalactites, natural skylights and colonies of swifts. The experience is an overnight camping tour inside the cave with meals and safety equipment provided by the licensed operator; independent entry is not permitted.
Key highlights
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Third largest cave in the world by volume
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Massive chamber with natural beach and turquoise lake inside the cave
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Two large dolines with jungle and sunlight streaming into the cave
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Overnight camping on the sandy beach inside the cave
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Home to thousands of swifts (En swallows) nesting on cave walls
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Part of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site
History of Hang En Cave
Located within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long known to local Bru Van Kieu people and surveyed by the British Cave Research Association in 1994. Developed as regulated adventure tourism site with controlled access to preserve the cave system.
Culture & Context
Name 'En' means swallow/swift in Vietnamese, referring to the thousands of swifts that nest inside the cave. The cave is part of the cultural landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang and holds local significance for surrounding communities.
Route
| By air | Via Dong Hoi Airport (VDH), then road transfer to Phong Nha (approx 45 km) and guided trek |
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