Hang Pygmy Tour Review – Sleeping in the World’s 4th Largest Cave

There are over 450 caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. Let’s be honest, in an ideal world, we would have explored Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. Unfortunately, we neither have the budget (3000$ per person) nor the planning skills (tours sell out over a year in advance.)

That’s why we went on the 2D/1N Pygmy Cave tour with Jungle Boss. This is a great more budget-friendly alternative for backpackers and other people who like to plan on the go. We’ll give you our honest review and answer some of the questions you might have.

• Pygmy Cave Tour – Review
  • Hang Pygmy Exploration – Our Honest Review
  • Hang Pygmy Exploration Itinerary
  • Who Should Book the Hang Pygmy Exploration?
  • Is the Hang Pygmy Exploration Worth it?
• Pygmy Cave Tour – FAQ
  • What Does the Hang Pygmy Exploration Include?
  • What to Bring on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?
  • What’s it like to Sleep in Hang Pygmy?
  • What Kind of Food Can You Expect on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?
  • What Is the Bathroom Situation on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?
  • WiFi and Power on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?

Pygmy Cave Tour – Review

Hang Pygmy Exploration – Our Honest Review

In short: We will absolutely recommend the Jungle Boss Hang Pygmy exploration to anyone who asks.

The Jungle Boss team is simply amazing – from the friendly guide who speaks amazing English over the porters to the cooks who prepare your amazing food.

The guide was always there to give explanations, help you across hard parts of the hike, and take amazing pictures.

The equipment was in good condition. The hiking boots were comfortable enough and the safety equipment for the abseiling and the hike with the safety rope seemed sturdy. Throughout the whole hike, we felt well taken care of.

The food was simply delicious and it was great fun to drink a cheeky happy water with the group at the end of the strenuous trek on day one.

Jungle Boss does not make a secret out of the fact that the hike is tough – and it was – but we knew what we were getting into. You have to expect 20 km (12.5 mi) of jungle hike over two days. On the hike, expect mud, leaches, and loads of scrambling.

The camp is super comfortable – as far as campsites go. But who can say of themselves that they slept in a cave – let alone the 4th largest cave in the world?

We loved trekking through Hang Over for a total of 3.5 km (2.1 mi) but what really blew us away was the sheer size of Hang Pygmy. We arrived in the dark so we had no idea how large the opening really was. We started to get a grasp in the morning but only realised the full extent while trekking out of the cave.

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Hang Pygmy Exploration Itinerary

Day 1 in Hang Pygmy

In the morning, you will be picked up at your accommodation and brought to the Jungle Boss headquarters. Here, you will get a briefing as well as your equipment.

You will trek through the jungle for a while until you reach Over Cave. On the way, you will be served a delicious lunch. On your first part of the caving adventure at Over Cave, you can admire unique stalactites, stalagmites, and the Massive Attack archway while carefully navigating calcium pools.

Next, you'll reach the back entrance of Pygmy Cave, where you'll follow a safety rope along the cliff face to the "Dinosaur Spine." With assistance, each group member will abseil 10 meters into the cave before trekking to the campsite at its main entrance.

In the evening, you can enjoy a basic shower and a delicious meal – happy water might be involved.

Day 2 in Hang Pygmy

After a hearty breakfast, you will have time to take some amazing photos around Pygmy Cave.

Your jungle trek today will mostly be an uphill adventure. After conquering Doc Gio (Windy Slope), enjoy lunch surrounded by nature before reaching the main road. A vehicle with refreshing drinks will be waiting to pick you up and take you back to Jungle Boss headquarters.

Who Should Book the Hang Pygmy Exploration?

You should only book this tour if you are reasonably fit and you don’t mind trekking through the hot and humid Vietnamese jungle for two days – there will be some scrambling and climbing involved.

You also shouldn’t mind camping including a quite basic level of hygiene – complete with a public hose shower and composting toilets in a tent.

Is the Hang Pygmy Exploration Worth it?

The very short answer is: if you like caves and adventure and you don’t mind trekking and roughing it (a bit), the Hang Pygmy Exploration is 100% worth it! We would do it again in a heartbeat.

Pygmy Cave Tour – FAQ

What Does the Hang Pygmy Exploration Include?

• English-speaking Vietnamese guides from Phong Nha
• Local porters to carry food, drinks, equipment...
• Safety assistants
• Food and drinks during the tour
• Transfers inside Phong Nha Town
• Equipment used during the tour: Helmet, headlight, life jacket, gloves...
• Military shoes (Euro sizes 37-45)
• Travel Insurance

It’s not listed on the website but we also got some insect repellent and a backpack.

What to Bring on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?

• Long trousers & long-sleeved-shirt to avoid poison ivies, mosquitoes, and leeches
• Swimwear
• Long socks
• Small backpack
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent

What’s it like to Sleep in Hang Pygmy?

The tents are regular single or double tents. They come with a mattress, a pillow, and a blanket. If you’re fine with camping, you’ll be ok.

What Kind of Food Can You Expect on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?

Honestly, we didn’t expect it but the food on this tour was among the best we had in Vietnam. All the meals were served in the traditional Vietnamese family style. There were always plenty of vegetarian and omnivore options.

Unless you’re a super picky eater, you will not go hungry.

What Is the Bathroom Situation on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?

In the camp, you can find composting toilets. They are set up in a toilet tent which does not provide loads of privacy but some. Toilet paper and hand sanitiser are provided.

On the way, you do your small business in nature.

There was a hose to rinse in the cave but it was just out in the open. Don’t bring any chemical soap to protect the ecosystem.

WiFi and Power on the Hang Pygmy Exploration?

No, you don’t have WiFi in the cave and there is also no outlet to charge your phone. There will be light though.