ABANDONED VALLEY GOLDEN CAVE & E CAVE 1-DAY TOUR
Location
Phong Nha, Quảng Trị
BEST SEASON
Feb to Aug
AVAILABILITY
Every day
TOUR OPERATOR
Mộc Nam Adventure
LEVEL
Difficult
GROUP SIZE
2-15 guests
MEALS
Lunch, Snacks
AGE
12-60 yrs old
KAYAKING
≈3km
SWIMMING
optionalTREKKING
9kmMORE INFOMATION
OVERVIEW
ABANDONED VALLEY GOLDEN CAVE & E CAVE 1-DAY TOUR
For those who look at a map and crave the blank spaces, your next adventure waits here.
Ditch the crowded tourist hubs and challenge yourself with a raw wilderness expedition into Phong Nha’s forgotten valleys. The Exploration of Abandoned Valley, and E Cave is a full-throttle immersion into the region’s rugged topography. From demanding jungle treks over limestone terrain to exploring pristine, pitch-black cave systems, this itinerary delivers pure exploration.
The crown jewel of your day? Strapping on a life jacket and headlamp to float through the mesmerizing, emerald-tinted underground river of E Cave. If you are ready to sweat, swim, and explore a landscape few human eyes ever see, strap on your trekking boots—this paradise is calling.
HIGHLIGHT
- Trekking 8km through the primeval rain forest in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park with no crowds or phone signals.
- Trek across rugged karst terrain to reach Golden Cave, where you will discover its moss-draped entrance, sparkling cave pearls, cascading flowstone terraces, and a breathtaking chamber lined with rare golden stalactites.
- Paddle Stand-up Paddle boards (SUPs) to the turquoise water in the E Cave
- Visiting the valley that has been “abandoned” for years.
ITINERARY
ABANDONED VALLEY GOLDEN CAVE & E CAVE 1-DAY TOUR
8:00–8:30 AM
Pick-up from your accommodation in Phong Nha.
Please note that transfer services are not included for properties outside the main town area, specifically: Chay Lap Farmstay, Blue Diamond, Phong Nha Farmstay, or any accommodations in Dong Hoi.
9:00AM
Welcome to the Operations House. We’ll go over the itinerary, safety rules, and tour logistics.
9:30AM
Start at Km19 to start the hike 2.5 km across wild karst rock and dense primary forest into Abandoned Valley—where giant bamboo thickets, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pure jungle ambiance surround you.
11:00 AM
Snack break: seasonal fruit, mixed nuts, yogurt. Get energy to conquer the Golden Cave,
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Climb through the challenging karst terrain to reach the entrance of the Golden Cave. Step into the cave – 600m inside – where moss-covered stalactites, sparkling cave pearls, flowstone terraces, and rare gold stalactites await.
1:30PM
Short walk to the basecamp. BBQ Lunch.
1:45–3:30 PM:
Explore the E cave turquoise water by SUP. 1.2-1.5km into the cave. Immerse yourself in the complete darkness of the cave with the magical sounds from the water dripping.
Outdoor activities: swimming, snorkeling, or even volleyball if you feel enough with water.
3:30–5:00PM
Journey back: trek through dense forest and mountainous terrain, steep rocks for about 2.5km.
5:30 PM
Trekking completes. Cold drinks to celebrate, souvenir gift, transport back to Phong Nha.
6:00PM
Arrive at your hotel in Phong Nha.
PRICING
The Cost Includes
-
Pick-up and drop-off from Phong Nha town (Available for all hotels centrally located within Phong Nha town).
Please note that transfer services are not included for properties outside the main town area, specifically: Chay Lap Farmstay, Blue Diamond, Phong Nha Farmstay, or any accommodations in Dong Hoi. -
Drinking water -
Lunch. Vegan/ Vegetarian is upon request. -
Professional English-speaking tour guide, safety assistants and porters. -
Safety equipment: helmets, harnesses, headlights, gloves and other safety equipment. -
Travel Insurance: maximum compensation of VND 50,000,000/ case.
The Cost Excludes
-
Standard transfers between the meeting place and Chay Lap Farmstay/ Blue Diamond/ Phong Nha Farmstay or accommodations in Dong Hoi. -
Gratuities for the tour guide, driver and porter team. -
Personal expenses.
PACKING
Lightweight, breathable, quick-dry clothing. Long sleeves recommended to protect yourselves from insects.
- 1 set of trekking clothes (long sleeves and trousers)
- 1–2 sets of bright-coloured swimwear
- 1 change of clothes for after the tour
- 1 pair of over-ankle socks (no ankle socks — they provide no protection)
- Backpack: phone, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Personal camera / GoPro (optional)
FAQS
I can’t swim — can I still join?
Absolutely. You will paddle the SUP into the E Cave — no swimming required. At the entrance of the cave, you can swim optionally; life jackets and inflatable floats are provided. Our safety assistants are present throughout the entire tour to make sure you are safe.
I am nyctophobic (afraid of the dark). Can I still join the tour?
During the cave exploration segment of the Abandoned Valley 1-Day Adventure, there is an activity where the entire group switches off their headlamps to experience absolute stillness and "sitting in the darkness" for about 10 minutes inside a completely dark cave.
If you suffer from nyctophobia, please let our team know before booking or at the start of the tour.
👤 How we can support you: Our adventure guides are highly trained in safety and guest comfort. If you inform us in advance, we can arrange accommodations—such as keeping a light source on for you, positioning you directly next to a guide, or finding an alternative that ensures you feel secure and supported without missing out on the magic of the valley.
Does the tour run in the rain?
The tour departs in light to moderate rain. If heavy rain poses a safety risk on the karst climb to Golden Cave or makes the cave water too murky, Moc Nam will adjust the itinerary or reschedule. If the tour is cancelled entirely due to weather, you receive a full refund or free reschedule.
How far in advance should I book?
The tour departs daily. We recommend booking at least 1 day in advance so we can arrange logistics and purchase your travel insurance. During peak season (May–August and public holidays), book 3–5 days ahead — tours fill up fast.
What should I do if I stay at the hotels which pick-up & drop-off are not included?
We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off for accommodations inside Phong Nha town. If you are staying at further properties such as Chay Lap Farmstay, Blue Diamond, Phong Nha Farmstay, or in Dong Hoi city, please contact us to arrange an extra transfer with the following surcharge:
- Blue Diamond Retreat: 400,000VND/ pax
- Chay Lap Farmstay/ Doi De Eco Homestay: 250,000VND/ pax
- Phong Nha Farmstay/ Len Chua Ecostay: 200,000VND/ pax.
If you travel with group, you can ask your hotel or Endless Vietnam to arrange a private transfer.
If you stay in Dong Hoi, please make your way to Moc Nam Office by 9:00AM on the tour day.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park entrance fee, environmental protection fee & natural resource fee
- Certified tour guide + safety assistants + chef
- Full exploration equipment: helmet, headlamp, gloves, life jacket, towel, first aid kit
- Jungle trekking sandals (size UK 5–13, for guests without suitable shoes)
- Snack + lunch + afternoon snack + water
- 1 bottle of 500ml provided, with refills available at the basecamp
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
The basic physical fitness requirements for participating in the Abandoned Valley 1-day Adventure include:
- Trekking experience requirements: Having experience in trekking and camping in the forest is an advantage.
- Fitness preparation: Regularly participating in physical activities (such as yoga, swimming, hiking, running, stair climbing, gym, and some other sports) to maintain physical fitness. This ensures that they are able to:
-
- Total distance: 9km
- Trekking & Hiking: 5km of active jungle and valley trekking across the terrain.
- Terrain elevation: 494m
- Water activities: 3-4 km of active swimming/ wadding and Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) inside the cave system.

Abandoned Valley Golden cave & E cave
Most of the guests joining the Abandoned Valley Golden cave & E cave 1-day tour find it physically suitable: those with experience in mountain trekking and good physical health, as well as those who engage in regular sports training, could easily complete this tour.
Meanwhile, some others may encounter difficulties and require assistance from many safety assistants to complete the tour. If you are not sure about for your fitness level, please connect Endless Vietnam for further consult.
OUR TIPS
Footwear Note:
You will be provided with rubber sandals (UK sizes 5–13). While the local porters glide through any terrain in the effortlessly, most international travelers find them lacking arch support and comfort over long distances.
-
Endless Vietnam Tip: Bring your own sturdy trekking or hiking shoes—and make sure to break them in well before your trip!

Rubber sandals provided in the Abandoned Valley tour
Leech Warnings:
Leeches are very common encounters here. Keep yourself protected by following these simple tips:
-
Wear long pants (tuck them into your socks or wear gaiters for the best seal).
-
Wear a breathable, long-sleeved shirt to minimize exposed skin.
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Apply a DEET-based insect repellent to all exposed skin.
BOOK NOW
Hashtag
Adult
2.100.000₫ /person
Child
Free
Tour price: 2,100,000VND/ pax (US$68.25/ pax)
Age: 10-65 years old
Kids under 10: Not Applicable
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