The plan was good but I bit off more than I could chew. I envisioned myself having all the time in the world to photograph the amazing caves in Central Vietnam. But what I hadn't realized was that I had signed on for an expedition style caving experience including hiking up and over mountains, down eroded limestone trails through the jungle, river crossings, roping in to blackness with the sound of a fast flowing river beneath, throwing myself into pitch black rivers, swooped by bats, sleeping in a hammock, sleeping in a cave, getting cold, getting hot, getting nervous and loving every moment of it!

I booked my Tu Lan Adventure trip with Oxalis Caving in Phong Nha and i also tacked on one more day. I had a truly amazing adventure. However this kind of caving doesn't lend itself to photography. Stowing my gear in three dry bags made most photos an effort just to get the camera out. After the three days caving we made it back to Tan Hoa village where we started trekking from and I spent some time wandering around there before we drove back 70kms to the town of Phong Nha.

Caves photographed: Phong Nha Cave, Porcupine Cave, Tu Lan Cave

Caves visited: Phong Nha cave, Porcupine, Kim, Tu Lan, Ken & "No Name" Cave

Village photographs: Tan Hoa Village, Nguon Minority

Oxalis Caving: Guide - Thanh, Porters - Trung & Nam

2nd Dec - 5th Dec 2013