To Ong Adventure

Exploring Ta Dung Lake & Chu Bluk Volcanic Caves

Level - Nature Walking

Embark on a soul-stirring trek through Vietnam’s Central Highlands where Fire ignites in the Chư Bluk volcanic caves and Water flows endlessly across the mirror-like Tà Đùng Lake.
Feel the pulse of the gong culture in Krông Nô and the calm reflection of nature’s vastness.
This is more than a trek! It’s a journey to rediscover your inner balance.

Expert Guide

To Ong Adventure is one of Vietnam’s leading hiking and trekking organizers, with a professionally trained team in mountain skills, survival skills, and route safety.

Nguyễn Ngọc Nam

Adventure Guide

Nam’s enthusiasm and warm, calm voice help guests feel cared for throughout the journey.

Tour Summary

Overview chart for Exploring Ta Dung Lake & Chu Bluk Volcanic Caves

Best months:

All year round

Maximum group size:

25 people

Pick-up time:

22:45 PM - Every Friday evening

Pick-up location:

319 No Trang Long, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Meeting point:

Dak Nong

Duration:

2 days 1 night

Medical access time
2.5 hours
Route distance
10km
Peak elevation
850m
Elevation gain
220m
Active hours per day
5 hours

Detailed itinerary

Departure: HO CHI MINH CITY - TA DUNG

22:45 Pick-up at 319 No Trang Long Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Detailed pick-up information and schedule will be sent via email 3 days before departure (subject to change).
For guests coming from other provinces, please contact Tổ Ong Adventure’s travel consultant or hotline for personalized guidance on the itinerary.

Day 1: TA DUNG - KRONG NO
Accommodation::
Standard tents / Dormitory rooms
Distance & Duration::
5 km, approx. 4 hours of activity
Meals Included::
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Highlights::
Explore Tà Đùng, enjoy a boat ride on Tà Đùng Lake, and experience Central Highlands culture through local food and interactions with the local people

Morning:

Travel by sleeper bus to Tà Đùng Lake. Upon arrival, you’ll head to Tà Đùng Topview for freshening up and enjoy panoramic views of the lake from above. Breakfast will be served at this scenic spot.

After breakfast, embark on a 5 km hike, taking in the majestic scenery of Tà Đùng Lake from various vantage points until you reach the lakeshore.

Midday:

A boat will pick you up at the lake for a lake tour, drifting across the clear waters while admiring small islands and stunning natural landscapes. Lunch will be served on a floating platform, featuring local specialties from the Tà Đùng area.

Afternoon:

At the floating platform, you can swim in the lake or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), enjoying the fresh, cool air. Afterward, the boat will return you to shore, and a vehicle will transfer you to Buôn Choah for overnight accommodation.

Evening:

End the day with a cozy dinner, featuring locally prepared specialties served in an inviting setting.
Spend the night in a tent under the peaceful Dak Nong sky, where the crisp, cool air of the highlands promises a deep and refreshing sleep.

Day 2: CHU BLUK - HO CHI MINH CITY
Distance & Duration::
5 km, approx. 4 hours of activity — hiking through cornfields and exploring A1-C9-C8 Caves
Meals Included::
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Highlights::
Explore volcanic caves, challenge yourself with rope descent into sinkholes

Morning:

After breakfast, transfer to the technical training area near the caves. On the way, your guide will introduce the geological history and volcanic features of Chư Bluk.

Technical staff will provide detailed instruction on basic rope techniques and proper use of safety equipment. You’ll have the chance to practice key maneuvers before entering the caves.

With the support of the team, begin the rope descent from the sinkhole entrance into the depths of C9 Cave. Guides will stay close to capture the most impressive moments of your adventure.
Once at the bottom, you’ll have time to explore unique rock formations shaped by lava flows millions of years ago.

Midday:

Enjoy lunch amid the pristine volcanic landscape, surrounded by black lava rock formations. This is a perfect moment to rest, recharge, and admire the dramatic beauty of the natural surroundings.

Afternoon:

Depending on the group’s pace and energy, you may continue exploring other sections of the Chư Bluk cave system or spend time photographing and relaxing. Guides will share additional insights into geology and cave-dwelling wildlife.

Afterwards, return to the personal care area, enjoy dinner, and board the bus back to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the Journey of Fire and Water.

Cost structure

Included:

  • Transportation: Round-trip sleeper bus and shuttle (if applicable) for the entire journey.
  • Water activities equipment: Swimming gear, SUP/Kayak.
  • Meals: 6 main meals included (vegetarian menu available upon request).
  • Boat transfers between points on Tà Đùng Lake.
  • Drinking water: 1.5 L bottled water provided at the start (refills available throughout the trip).
  • Accommodation & Gear: Tent / stilt house, sleeping bag, pillow, insulated mat.
  • Professional guides: Experienced in Vietnamese hiking terrains, certified in first aid and rescue.
  • Climbing & hiking equipment: Trekking poles, raincoat, flashlight.
  • Local guides: Knowledgeable about routes and terrain, supporting the group during hikes.
  • Medical kit: Standard first-aid equipment.
  • Logistics & food safety: Well-organized meals with attention to hygiene.
  • Travel insurance.

Not included:

  • Personal expenses outside the program: flights, trains, extra meals, etc.
  • Tips for guides and porters.
  • Surcharge for public holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).

Packing list:

  • CLOTHING: Lightweight, stretchable, breathable, quick-drying
  • BACKPACK: Compact and lightweight, with a support strap.
  • SHOES: Opt for shoes with good grip and deep treads for slip resistance. Choose a size that fits well or is 0.5 size larger.
  • WARM JACKET
  • SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, hat, sun gloves, mittens
  • PERSONAL ITEMS AND NECESSARY ELECTRONICS
  • MEDICATION: Rehydration tablets, electrolyte supplements, insect repellent
  • SNACKS: Energy bars, chocolate, candy
  • SOCKS: Choose thick socks, bring at least 2 - 3 pairs as a backup
  • SLIPPERS: For using at the campsite
  • IDENTIFICATION: National ID or passport (required).

Notes:

  • 1. From April 2024, all participants will receive a CONQUEROR CARD upon completing the trek. Customers registering after Wednesday will not receive the Conqueror Card.
  • Rates are based on weekly scheduled group tours. For private tour inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
  • The package tour price will not be reduced if you do not use transportation, meals, or camping services. Extra charges may apply during holidays.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number of participants in each group?

If you go alone, you can still join the tours organized by To Ong Adventure. We always arrange groups of up to 20 members every weekend, so you can connect with new friends and enjoy an exciting journey!

Can I join the Walking Hon Ba tour if I'm traveling alone?

Even if you're traveling alone, you can still join the trails organized by Tổ Ong Adventure. We run group tours every weekend with a maximum of 20–25 participants, giving you the chance to connect with new friends and enjoy a memorable adventure!

Can I shorten the itinerary or explore on my own?

You’re free to arrive in Nha Trang before the tour or stay after it ends to enjoy your own experience.

What about hygiene and shower facilities?

You’re free to arrive in Nha Trang before the tour or stay after it ends to enjoy your own experience.

What are the health requirements to join the Walking Hon Ba tour?

Walking Hon Ba is classified as a Nature Walking route by To Ong Adventure. Each trail level has different health requirements, but for Nature Walking, as long as you don’t have cardiovascular or respiratory issues, you’re good to go.

Can To Ong Adventure help me book a flight ticket?

You’re free to arrive in Nha Trang before the tour or stay after it ends to enjoy your own experience.