Introduction

Hundreds of former Tu Lan Adventure Race participants have been expressing their excitement about the grand event coming back in 2020. One of the greatest achievements of the Tu Lan Adventure Race, so far, has been the construction of ‘floating houses’ for the local inhabitants of the Tan Hoa Village. The floating houses have come as a blessing for the locals during the harsh rainy seasons that the region faces every year. With over hundreds of aspiring adventure racers registering for the Tu Lan Adventure Race within minutes of the registration portal opening, a series of media channels and platforms play a significant role in conducting such a one of a kind race. Besides that, the participants and viewers from all over the world believe that there are many more special factors about the Tu Lan Adventure Race that led to 5 incredibly successful seasons.

The challenging Tu Lan Adventure Race is an extraordinary event for fitness enthusiasts, who are willing to demonstrate amazing team spirit by physically pushing themselves to the absolute limits and also making a very positive change in the local community’s life. This is an event in which participation requires teaming up, where they will be faced with all the challenges of the adventure race together, sharing the same roof and even standing a chance to enjoy triumph as a team.

The Tu Lan Adventure Race has seen tremendous improvement throughout the years in terms of professional conduct, participants’ preparation, challenging activities and much more! On the Tu Lan Adventure Race, a very meticulously designed combination of river kayaking, trail running, trekking and underground swimming takes place in the form of an adventure race. Exploring unbelievable caves and camping in the lap of mother nature also majorly adds to the charm of the event. Located in the Qunag Binh Province of Central Vietnam, the Tu Lan Cave System, made up of over 10 giant wet and dry underground caves, is the perfect base for the Tu Lan Adventure Race, as it provides the most ideal terrain conditions, conducive to raw adventure in the wild. Apart from surprising participants and giving them unique life experiences, safety issues are completely guaranteed by Oxalis Adventure - Asia's leading adventure tour company. All safety measures are carried out under the supervision of cave experts that are members of the British Cave Research Association.

The race has also contributed to spreading the most beautiful and unique images of Quang Binh’s nature to followers across the country and internationally. Besides, the hundreds of members that join this race, also get to make significant contribution to the local community in terms of charity activities. Generating widespread employment for the locals and improving their lifestyle is also something that the Tu Lan Adventure Race brings out, apart from the construction of ‘floating houses’.

The Organizers

The Organizer:

Main Sponsors:

Co-sponsors:

General Information

This is an adventurous competition between 10 teams comprising of 10 members each, making it a total of 100 participants. The race is divided into 2 rounds.

ROUND 1:

For this round, participants are required to make their team of 10 beforehand, follow the instructions from the organizers & register on the system to participate in the Tu Lan Adventure Race 2020.

ROUND 2:

Round 2 will be scored on the performance of each team day by day (2 racing days)

• 1st July, 2020: 10 teams need to be at Gathering Point in Phong Nha (Phong Nha bus station) before 1:00 PM for attendance check before transferring to Tan Hoa for safety briefing. There will be no mission today; teams will have a chance to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and peaceful life of the countryside.
• 2nd July, 2020: Rao Nan Voyage is the first racing day. Teams will take part in the 14-km upstream boat racing on Rao Nan River. This is a challenging journey for all teams since they will have to pull/carry the boat sometimes through shallow parts of the river or to prevent the boats from being damaged by sharp rocks. After finishing the boat racing, teams will participate in the second mission of the day – trail running for 9.5km to the finish point. End of Rao Nan Voyage day.
• 3rd July, 2020: Tu Lan Conquest is the second racing day. It will take participants on the journey into the wildlife of the Tu Lan Cave System. Teams, together, will be trekking through jungles, crossing rivers, climbing mountain and cave swimming with a total distance of 19km. At the end of the day, a Gala Dinner will be hosted at Oxalis office in Tan Hoa to celebrate.
• 4th July, 2020: Community Day is the day for teams to be with the community, hand-over the floating houses built by the race’s funds. End of Tu Lan Adventure Race 2020.

TIME:

From 01st July, 2020 to 4th July, 2020

PARTICIPANTS:

Anyone (either Vietnamese or foreigner) who is 18 years old or above; has great passion for adventurous outdoor activities & cave exploration are welcome.

REGISTRATION CONDITIONS:

It is obligatory that each team must have 10 members and must register in team. Companies can register for their staff in a group of ten people and name the group. Individual registration will be rejected.
Each team will need to gather member’s information (name, gender, DOB, ID number), leader’s name, contact number of leader & team’s name; book directly on website

REGISTRATION TIME & NOTES:

• Priority booking system opens for 3 teams, who commit to donate floating houses (each team needs to commit to donate 2 floating houses with VND 30,000,000/house for the race) after this announcement until 8AM 14th Dec, 2020. Only 3 teams are allowed for this priority.
• Direct booking system opens at 9AM, 14th Dec, 2020 at https://oxalisadventure.com/tu-lan-adventure-race-2020/. The booking system will automatically close after getting enough teams.

ENTRY FEE

Ten teams that join in Round 2 will need to pay an entry fee of VND 70,000,000/team (10 members).

• The entry fee includes tax, environmental fees, related fees & public insurance during the race.
• Support team & first-aid team throughout the race
• Camping gear (tents, mattresses, sleeping bag, pillow etc.)
• Logistics from Phong Nha to Tan Hoa (for the first day) & Tan Hoa back to Phong Nha (for the last day)
• Meals throughout the program (dinner day 1,2,3; breakfast day 2,3,4; lunch day 2,3,4)
• Donation to the funds of building floating house for local people of Tan Hoa, Quang Binh.

Get ready for the most thrilling adventure race of 2020. Team up, train hard and build strong spirit to overcome your own limits.

NOTE

One of the main purposes of the program is to raise funds to support struggling local community by building floating houses, saving lives and minimising human & material damage caused by annual flooding.  

Prizes
  • 1 WINNER: A vacation package of 4-day-3-night from Can Tho to Chau Doc on Victoria Cruise along Mekong River sponsored by do tập đoàn TMG for 10 people, total prizes is worth up to VND 140,000,000.
  • 1 First Runner-Up: 2D1N tour package at Mango Cruises - Ben Tre for a group of 10, total worth VND 50,000,000 from sponsor Mango Cruises.
  • 1 Second Runner-Up: Ta Nang tour for 10 people with a total value of VND 30,000,000 from the sponsor EpicTrek.
  • The First Determination Prize: The 2D1N 8 Nang Tien trekking route for 10 people with a total value of VND 34,000,000 from sponsor To Ong Adventure.
  • The Second Determination Prize: Trek & Kayak - Discover Ngoi Hoa Bay and Ho Hoa Tien Lake - 2 nights for 10 people with a total value of VND 26,500,000 from sponsor Umove Adventure.

* Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash

Detailed Program
Round 1

Each of the team will need to gather 10 members, register in teams, abiding by the instructions of the organizer to be participated in the Tu Lan Adventure Race 2020:

  • Priority booking system opens for 3 teams, who commit to donate floating houses (each team needs to commit to donate 2 floating houses with VND 30,000,000/house for the race) after this announcement until 8AM 14th Dec, 2020. Only 3 teams are allowed for this priority.
  • Direct booking system opens at 9AM, 14th Dec, 2020 at http://oxalisadventure.com/tu-lan-adventure-race-2020/. The booking system will automatically close after getting enough teams.
  • Teams that fail to register in due time, will be on the waiting list and wait for the further announcement from the organizer.

DAY 1: GATHERING

10 teams need to be at Gathering Point in Phong Nha (Phong Nha bus station) before 1:00 PM of the 01st July, 2020 for attendance check before transferring to Tan Hoa for safety briefing. There will be no mission today; teams will have chances to enjoy the fresh atmosphere and peaceful life of countryside.

  • Oxalis wil provide:
    • Transportations: Bus from Phong Nha to Tan Hoa
    • Necessary information related to logistics
    • Meals & accommodations at local resident’s house
    • Camping facilities at local resident’s house: tents, sleeping bag, pillow, locks for luggage’s tent (each team will be provided 5 tents in total including 3 tripled-tents, 2 single-tents)
    • Documents & related necessary information to assure all team members understand the rules & regulations of the program. 

  • Teams need to prepare:
    • Teams need to prepare their own transportation to the Gathering Point in Phong Nha
    • Teams need to prepare their own personal belongings for the race before arriving at the Gathering Point in Phong Nha.

DAY 2: RAO NAN VOYAGE

After breakfast on the second day, teams will gather at the Start Point & start the race by solving the classified letter. After successfully solving all quizzes, teams will receive wooden paddles and hike to Rat Cave’s entrance to take the boat and race from there to Kim Bang Bridge. The challenge for the day will be a 14km upstream-racing by boats; teams will also need to carry the boats through shallow parts of the river to avoid damaging the boats. With this mission, team spirit is the top decisive factor. The boat racing finishes at Kim Bang Bridge for the first stage, teams will keep running from the bridge back to Oxalis Tan Hoa office (9.5km in total) as the finish point. Teams that arrive later than 5PM will not be eligible to have their marks scored on the next day.
After the race, teams will have time to adore the rustic beauty of Tan Hoa & enjoy the dinner feasts prepared at local resident’s house. Teams will spend the night at Oxails Tan Hoa Campsite.

  • Itinerary:
    • 06:00 Breakfast at local resident’s house
    • 07:00 Teams gather in front of Oxalis Tan Hoa office & receive packed lunches
    • 08:00 Rule & regulation briefing of Rao Nan Voyage day
    • 09:45 Solve quizzes, receive wooden paddles then race to Rat Cave’s entrance to get the boats. Boat racing from there to Kim Bang Bridge. From the bridge, start the second stage by hiking 9.5km back to Finish Point to finish off the first day racing.
    • 17:00 Teams arriving later than 5PM will not be eligible to have their marks scored on the next day. Gather at Oxalis Tan Hoa office for campsite
    • 18:00 Teams will find their assigned local houses for dinner
    • 19:00 Free time around campsite

  • Oxalis will provide:
    Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillow (each team will be provided 5 tents including 3 tripled-tents & 2 single-tents; two locks to lock luggage tent)
    • One metal boat each team (with 10 paddles, 2 water scoops)
    • Life-vest for all participants
    • One waterproof dry-box on boat
    • One semi-dry bag, one plastic bag for lunch packs
    • One first-aid kit on boat
    • Secure storage for valuable belongings
    • Rescue and first-aid team along the race
    • Water-supply stopovers along the race
    • Lunch packs (‘banh mi’ & energy bar)
    • Dinners at local houses
    • Water bottles (Note: participants need to keep the water bottles for refilling/replacing at the stopovers)

DAY 3: TU LAN CONQUEST

Today’s race will be longer, more challenging & dangerous than the previous day. During the race, participants will not only race to achieve ultimate victory but also have the chance to explore the marvelous beauty of jungle & cave of Tu Lan Cave System. That will be a great help in overcoming the fears & challenges of ‘Tu Lan Conquest’ day.

  • Itinerary
    • 06:30 Breakfast at Oxalis Tan Hoa Campsite
    • 07:30 Rule & regulation briefing of Tu Lan Conquest day
    • 08:00 Start the race of trekking, caving, mountain climbing, cave swimming. Each team departs 5 minutes apart. Total distance is 19km including 300m cave swimming, 8km flat road trekking, 11km jungle & mountain trekking; 3 slopes with elevation change up to 250m; 4 mountain climbs).
    • 17:00 Teams arriving later than 5PM will not be eligible to have their marks scored on this day
    • 18:30 Gala Dinner & Prize Announcement. Spend the night at Oxalis Tan Hoa campsite

  • Oxalis will provide:
    • Breakfast at campsite
    • Packed lunches distributed to all teams in the morning (teams will carry by themselves)
    • Gala dinner with DJ
    • Rescue and first-aid team along the race
    • Water-supply stopovers along the race
    • One walkie-talkie for each team in case of emergency
    • Caving gear & safety equipment: helmets, headlights, gloves
    • Camping gear: campsite, tents, mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags (5 tents each team including 3 doubled tents, 2 single tents)
    • Water bottles (Note: participants need to keep the water bottle for refilling/replacing at the stopovers)

  • Teams need to prepare:
    • 1 long (easy to dry) pant and 1 long-sleeved shirt to wear during the race (can be purchased at Oxalis shop)
    • 1 pair of trekking boots
    • 1-2 pairs of calf length densely woven socks (not ankle socks)
    • Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hats, toiletries.
    • Snacks (optional)

DAY 4: COMMUNITY DAY

The last day of the race is the time for community support. After breakfast, teams will hand over the floating houses & a school library for local residents of Tan Hoa; enjoy the countryside before heading back to Phong Nha in the afternoon

  • Itinerary
    • 06:30 Breakfast at campsite
    • 08:00 Hand over floating houses & commune library for Tan Hoa residents
    • 10:00 Enjoy the landscapes
    • 11:00 Lunch at local restaurants
    • 12:30 Transfer back to Phong Nha
    • 14:30 End of Tu Lan Adventure Race 2020 program.

  • Oxalis will provide:
    • Breakfast at campsite
    • Lunch at local restaurant
    • Transportation from Tan Hoa back to Phong Nha
    • Construction of floating houses

  • Teams need to prepare:
    • Personal items: sunglasses, hats, camera..

Rules & Regulations of the program

Participants need to follow the rules/regulations of the program given below:
1. General rules/regulations of the race

Day 1 (1st July, 2020)
• Teams need to be in time at Gathering Point in Phong Nha before 1PM for attendance check.
• Late show-up teams may have their points deducted
Day 2 (2nd July, 2020)
• Each team will be provided with 1 metal boat, 10 wooden paddles and 2 water scoops. Teams are not allowed to use other paddles; any loss or damaged equipment will be charged.
Note: teams also need to carry the boats through shallow part of the river to avoid damaging the boats.
• Teams need to arrive at the destination before 5PM or will be eliminated and will not be scored for the next day. Team members has to support each other to complete this mission.
• Support & first-aid team will be your side along the race. However, participants are not allowed to have actions that might pose a threat to their own safety or that of others during the program.
Day 3 (3rd July, 2020)
• Each team will respectively depart 5 minutes apart. Departing order depends on result of the first day.
• Teams must follow the rules & regulations of the program; follow the Support Team’s instruction to secure safety.
• Keep track on clues marked along the way to avoid misplacement. Use the walkie-talkie to contact the organizers as soon as a problem occurs.
Day 4 (4th July, 2020)
• Teams need to follow the organizer’s instructions when handing over floating houses for local community.
• Show respect to the landlords & support team.

2. Other rules/regulations
• Only 10 people are allowed in one team. The organizer has the right to deny the extra team member from participating in the race.
• Eliminated teams during the race can keep participating in all activities as tourists (no score marked on this day and no disturbing racing teams)
• Teams must have attentive awareness in ensuring the safety of everyone together with environmental conservation throughout the race. No littering throughout the race; and damaging trees or cave formations is strictly prohibited.
• Respect local residents and culture.
• Respect members in the team and from other teams; this is one of your most wonderful opportunities to connect with others
• Be attentive; assure the safety of yourself & of everyone else.
• The organizer has the right to reject any team if they are not qualified for the program, without a refund.

You may like

Whether you prefer long treks, camping in a cave, sleeping under the stars in the jungle, swimming underground in river caves, explore the huge dry caves or just taking an exploratory day trip, Oxalis Adventure Tours can provide the right amount of adventure just for you.

Soft adventure

Overnight tours

Multi-day packages