The Abandoned Valley and E Cave 1 day Trek
Tour Overview
A Forest Trek to Golden Cave & E Cave
Travel from Phong Nha for a day of jungle walking and cave exploration in Abandoned Valley. After hotel pickup and an orientation on the route and park rules, trek through forest and rugged terrain toward Golden Cave. Explore its rocky passages and formations with your guide before continuing to E Cave, also called Aquarium Cave.
Tour Highlights
• Walk through the forest landscape of Abandoned Valley. • Explore Golden Cave’s rocky passages and stalactites. • Relax by the natural spring at E Cave. • Choose the optional swim of approximately 300 metres into E Cave. • Enjoy a BBQ lunch in the forest before the return trek.
E Cave Swim & BBQ Lunch
At E Cave, the itinerary allows time for swimming and an optional deeper swim of approximately 300 metres. Discuss swimming ability and conditions with the guide before entering. Lunch is described as a local BBQ with pork or chicken, rice or sticky rice, fruit and vegetables; advise the booking team of dietary needs in advance.
Departure & Fitness Notes
Pickup is scheduled for 8:00 AM in Phong Nha, followed by the briefing and a trek beginning around 9:00 AM. The outbound forest route is described as approximately 4 km, followed by a return walk toward the Ho Chi Minh Road. Hotel drop-off in Phong Nha is planned around 4:30 PM.
Expect uneven ground, rocks and forest walking. Confirm total walking distance, participation requirements, supplied equipment and current cave access with the booking team. Wear suitable trekking shoes and follow the guide’s advice around water and slippery surfaces.
Highlights
- All necessary forest and tourist permits
- Taxes and environmental protection fees according to government regulations.
- Guide and porter support during tour
- Water and picnic lunch
Contact & Booking Support
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Detailed Daily Itinerary
8:00 AM: Our guide and car will pick you up from your hotel in Phong Nha 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: We’ll gather for a brief orientation session to plan our journey, discuss National Park rules and regulations, and perform warm-up exercises before setting off on our trek. 9:00 AM: Our trek commences as we delve deep into the Abandoned Valley, navigating through a lush jungle and rugged terrain covering a distance of 4 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll be captivated by the natural beauty of towering mountains, meandering rivers, and pristine streams. This region also boasts a network of untouched caves, including Thuy Cung Cave and Vang Cave, adorned with magnificent stalactite formations. 10:00 AM: After an hour of trekking through the forest, we’ll arrive at the Golden Cave area. To explore this hidden gem, we’ll conquer rocky outcrops, venturing deep into the cave to marvel at its impressive stalactites. Prepare for an adventurous journey through the cave’s rugged and twisting passages. 11:30 AM: Our next destination is Aquarium Cave, affectionately known as E Cave. E Cave is renowned for its unspoiled natural environment, offering a unique river cave experience within Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to: Take a refreshing dip and swim in the crystal-clear natural springs. Discover E Cave’s enchanting interior, adorned with colorful stalactites of various shapes, creating an aura of mystery. For the adventurous souls, an optional 300-meter swim into the depths of E Cave awaits. 12:30 PM: It’s time to refuel with a delightful BBQ lunch. Enjoy a warm cup of tea after your swim, and savor a local BBQ feast featuring grilled pork or chicken, accompanied by special seasonings, rice or sticky rice, fresh fruits, and vegetables. You can also take a moment to relax amidst the tranquil forest surroundings. 2:00 PM: We’ll embark on our journey back towards the Ho Chi Minh road. 4:00 PM: As we reach the Ho Chi Minh road, take a moment to unwind with a cold beverage on the roadside. 4:30 PM: Finally, we’ll drive you back to Phong Nha and drop you off at your hotels in Phong Nha. Join us for this unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and natural wonders in the heart of Vietnam’s pristine wilderness.
Services Inclusion & Exclusion
Inclusions
- All necessary forest and tourist permits
- Taxes and environmental protection fees according to government regulations.
- Guide and porter support during tour
- Water and picnic lunch
- Caving and safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, gloves, life jacket.
- Basic canvas trekking sandal (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 – 43
- Shared dry bag for phones and small cameras (limited availability for larger cameras). Dry bag is prepared in case of high water level.
- First Aid Kit and Medical Rescue Equipment
Exclusions
- International airfare and travel visa fees.
- Tips for driver and local guides.
- Personal laundry and phone services.
Pricing
Published price: $70 / person
Request a quotation for your dates, group and requirements. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a price or booking.
Plan with Vietnam Travel Advisor
Discuss the itinerary, inclusions and arrangements with our local team before deciding.
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