Exploration of Abandoned Valley – Camping E Cave

HIGHLIGHT

Dubbed the “Jade Heart” of Abandoned Valley thanks to its one-of-a-kind turquoise waters—unmatched anywhere in Quang Tri—E Cave has long been a highly sought-after highlight on every caving adventure in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.

This 2 days 1night journey invites you to fully immerse yourself in every moment and breath of nature deep within the pristine tropical rainforest. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Trẹ Stream near the back entrance of Dark Cave, surrounded by birdsong and the gentle murmur of flowing water as it winds along the trail back to the E Cave campsite. As night falls, savor a cozy dinner beneath a star-filled sky, feel the awe of a 100-million-year-old natural wonder, and refresh yourself in its cool, crystal-clear waters. At the end of the journey, you’ll receive a special souvenir set, marking your successful conquest of E Cave.

BASIC INFORMATION

  • Total distance: 11Km
    + Trekking in the forest: 8Km
    + Climbing stairs: 70m
    + Exploring E-Cave: 2-3Km (total)
  • Total travel time: 8 hours
  • Elevation terrains: 324.5m
  • Terrains includes:
    + Climbing rock slopes
    + Trekking karst terrains
    + Hiking in the primary 
    + Climbing stairs
    + Swimming, SUP boarding
  • Physical requirements:
    + The itinerary requires good endurance and a solid physical foundation. Suitable for people who exercise 2-4 time a week and have experience hiking and climbing mountains terrains.

DETAIL ITINERARY

  • Day 1:
    + Starting from Km17, the journey takes you deep into the evergreen tropical rainforest, gently ascending to a mountain peak before gradually entering Abandoned Valley. you will encounter many large Dracontomelon Duperreanum trees that are 8-10 people can embrace. The terrain shifts from easy to more challenging, with sections requiring wooden ladders and steep climbs of up to 80 degrees slopes, flanked by sharp limestone formations. If you’re lucky, you may even spot wild boar or deer within this protected area.

    + After around two hours of trekking, you’ll reach the rear entrance of Dark Cave. The moss-covered rocky field in front of the cave was formed when sections of the cave ceiling collapsed during geological events 400 million years ago, creating the vast stone plain seen today. On both sides of the cave entrance, vascular plants such as ferns thrive, forming lush fern ecosystems that grow year-round on the limestone formations. Here, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the back entrance of Dark Cave while taking in the vibrant natural scenery.

    + In the afternoon, the journey continues upstream along Trẹ Stream, leading you to the E Cave campsite, where the spring originates. The entrance of E Cave is often likened to a stunning natural swimming pool, inviting you to take part in a variety of outdoor activities: swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters, paddling or floating on a stand-up paddleboard, and soaking in the surrounding beauty. You can also explore the lively underwater world through free diving and snorkeling, swimming alongside schools of stream fish, climbing fish, and freshwater prawns. With a bit of luck, you may encounter the giant marbled eel, a species protected in the Vietnam Red Book.

    + Dinner at the campsite is served hot with a fresh, nutritious hot pot menu. You’ll have a stunning view of E Cave under a starry night sky (in summer), enjoying a cozy evening with friends and resting after a long trek.

    Throughout the journey, capture unforgettable moments by striking a pose for photos, while the Moc Nam team freely documents your experience, ensuring lasting memories of this remarkable expedition.

  • Day 2:
    + You will explore deep inside E Cave by SUP for about 1.2-1.5 km, visiting fossil traces of four-rayed coral, stalactites, and flowstones. You’ll experience swimming and listen to echoes from the bottom of the cave. The echoes are strongly reflected in the misty atmosphere caused by the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the cave, creating a strange and mysterious sensation.

    + Take part in team sports like beach volleyball and create beautiful, personal memories through a nature-inspired art activity. Your painting can be auctioned to raise funds for local disadvantaged children and will be exhibited at the Moc Nam Operation House.
  • 8:00-8:30 AM: Pick up at your accommodation in Phong Nha.
  • 9:00 AM: Welcome to the Operation House. We will provide detailed information about the route, safety rules, a trip summary, and logistics preparation.
  • 9:15 AM: Warm-up before starting the journey at Km17. Trek through a dense forest, crossing mountain terrain, flat paths, slopes, and crossing the sharp stone mountain range about 4.5 km. Immerse yourself in the majestic natural scenery and the unique bamboo forest of Tre Valley.
  • 11:00 AM: Arrive at the rear entrance of Dark Cave.
  • 11:30 AM: Rest and have lunch in front of the rear entrance of Dark Cave.
  • 12:30 PM: Follow the stream to the E Cave area with the most beautiful turquoise water in Phong Nha.
  • 2:00 PM: Arrive at E Cave and receive your tent.
  • 2:30 PM: Free time to swim, and experience the “Fish Massage” at the E Cave entrance.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy a hot pot party at the campsite.
  • 6:30 PM: Observe wildlife.
  • 7:00 PM: Stargazing (weather permitting).
  • 8:00 PM: Rest to end the first day.
  • 6:30 AM: Wake up and watch the sunrise, harmonizing with the early morning sounds of the forest.
  • 7:10-7:30 AM: Enjoy a breakfast with prepared local dishes.
  • 8:00 AM: Explore and paddle 2-3 km on a SUP inside E Cave.
  • 9:30 AM: Participate in exciting sports like handball in front of E Cave and beach volleyball.
  • Engage in the creative activity of making a nature painting that expresses your personality. The paintings can be auctioned to raise funds for local disadvantaged children and will be exhibited at the Moc Nam Operation House.
  • 11:30 AM: Pack up your belongings, and enjoy tea and coffee.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch.
  • 1:15 PM: Begin the 2.5 km journey back to Km19.
  • 3:00 PM: Complete the trip.
  • 3:30 PM: Enjoy a celebratory drink to mark the end of your journey.
  • 4:00 PM: The bus will take the group back to Phong Nha, concluding the tour.

ROUTE

Map AB E2

MEAL

  • Snack: Nut mix, yogurt, fruit, coffee, ginger tea…
  • Picnic Lunch: Banana, baguette with meat, baguette with omelette.
  • Dinner day 1: Mushroom hot pot (with tofu skin, enoki mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, corn, carrots, sweet cabbage) and sour and spicy hot pot (with tomatoes, water spinach, fried fish balls, shrimp, beef), instant noodles, eggs, and fruit for dessert.
  • Breakfast day 2: Fruit, cereal, eggs, pho/instant noodles.
  • Lunch day 2: Grilled chicken, grilled pork, boiled vegetables, soup, steamed rice, and fruit for dessert.

*  Serving filtered water all day.

* IF YOU HAVE ANY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS/VEGATARIAN OR SPECIAL ALLERGIES, PLEASE INFORM US 1 DAY IN ADVANCE.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE?

Choose lightweight, breathable and quick-drying clothing. Long sleeved, light-colored clothing to avoid insect bites.

  • 1 set of clothes for trekking (recomended to wear long clothes)
  • 1 set of comfortable clothes for stay overnight.
  • 1-2 set of bright-colored swimwear.
  • 1 set of clothes to change after tour (if necessary)
  • 2 pair of socks over the ankle (do not use low-cut socks)
  • A backpack large enough to bring personal belonging: charge, mosquito spray (creams), hat, sunglasses, swimwear,…
  • Personal camera, phone, gopro,…

MOC NAM PREPARE FOR YOU!

  • The cost of admission to the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
  • The cost of tax, environmental protection fee, natural resource protection fee.
  • Shuttle vans/bus at homestays, hotels in Phong Nha area.
  • Tour guide and supporter team during the trip.
  • Cave exploration equipment: lights, helmets, gloves, aid box.
  • Vietnamese military sandals for customers who do not have prepare shoes (size from UK 7 to UK 14)
  • Water: 1 bottle of water 700ml, refills at basecamp.

TRIP PRICE INCLUDES

Service team : each group of guests from 10-15pax depends on the day, there will be 1 tour guide, 3-4 supporters, 1-2 chefs.

Meal : Moc Nam prepare snack, lunch, water, soft drinks after tour (If you have any dietary restrictions/vegetarian requirements, please let us know 01 day in advance)

Travel insurance : Moc Nam buys travel insurance for all tourists participating, compensation is up to 50.000.000vnd (2000USD). Please send Moc Nam a photo your passport or ID card before the trip. 

 

GIFTS COMBO

After the tour concludes, guests can choose one of two exclusive gift combos, specially designed by Mộc Nam Adventure:
+ Combo 1: Stickers & Bandana
+ Combo 2: Stickers & Enamel Pin

Price / person: $156.00
Quantity: 1
Total: $156.00

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE OTHER TRIP