HIGHLIGHTS
- Phong Nha has three types of caves. This tour shows you all three. Most tours in Phong Nha take you to one cave. This journey covers all three geological types within the same 2,000-hectare wilderness — a mixed cave still actively forming underground, a turquoise water cave fed by a natural spring, and a 3-million-year-old fossil cave with gold stalactites. No other tour in the region offers this in a single expedition.
- Dark Cave Exit — the cave most visitors never see The front entrance of Dark Cave is a popular activity park. The rear entrance — Dark Cave Exit — is something else entirely. Accessed only through Moc Nam’s exclusively operated Abandoned Valley, you enter through darkness, swim through underground pools, and climb over sharp rock formations with only your headlamp. The cave is still actively forming — the geology here is alive.
- No phone signal. No notifications. 2 days fully inside the jungle. From the moment you enter Abandoned Valley, the outside world disappears. No mobile signal, no crowds, no noise except the forest, the stream, and the caves. On Day 1 evening, the team prepares hot pot or BBQ at the E Cave campsite — after the hardest day of trekking, there is nothing better than a hot meal beside turquoise water under an open sky. Fall asleep to the sound of the stream. Wake up to the sounds of birds and gibbons before anyone else enters the valley.
- E Cave — wake up before everyone else, then go deeper inside Spend the night camped beside E Cave — the “Jade Heart” of Abandoned Valley. In the morning, you’re the first ones inside — paddling 1.2–1.5km into the cave by SUP, listening to echoes bounce off walls covered in 400-million-year-old fossilized coral reef, before the day begins.
- Golden Cave — the only gold stalactites in Phong Nha On Day 2, climb through karst terrain to reach Golden Cave — a fossil cave discovered by Moc Nam in 2022, still largely unknown to the outside world. Moss-covered stalactites at the entrance give way to cave pearls, flowstone terraces, and a hall filled with rare gold stalactites found nowhere else in Phong Nha.
- 15km. 3 caves. 1 night in the jungle. The most complete expedition in Abandoned Valley. Suitable for guests who exercise 3–5 times per week and have prior trekking experience on rough terrain. If you want to see everything Abandoned Valley has to offer — this is the one.
BASIC INFORMATION
- Total distance: 15Km
+ Trekking in the forest: 10Km
+ Climbing stairs: 70m
+ Exploring Dark Cave Exit: 2Km
+ Exploring E-Cave: 2-3Km
+ Exploring Golden Cave: 600m
- Total travel time: 12hours
- Elevation terrains: 406,9m
- Terrains includes:
+ Climbing rock slopes
+ Trekking karst terrains
+ Hiking in the primary
+ Climbing stairs
- Physical requirements: the itinerary is suitable for people who exercise regularly 3-5 time a week.
DETAILED ITINERARY
- Day 1:
+ Starting from Km17, the journey takes you deep into the evergreen tropical rainforest of Abandoned Valley — 8km through terrain that shifts from manageable to genuinely challenging. Ancient Dracontomelon trees so large it takes 8–10 people to embrace them line the path. The terrain becomes increasingly demanding: wooden ladders, 80-degree slopes, sharp limestone formations on both sides.
+ After around two hours of trekking, you reach the rear entrance of Dark Cave — Dark Cave Exit. The moss-covered rock field in front of the cave was formed when the cave ceiling collapsed during geological events 400 million years ago. On both sides, ferns grow year-round on ancient limestone formations. Here the real adventure begins: you enter through darkness, swim through underground pools, and navigate sharp rocky sections of the underground river with only your headlamp. The cave is a nesting ground for swifts and bats — you will hear them before you see them.
+ In the afternoon, the journey continues upstream along Trẹ Stream to the E Cave campsite. The water at E Cave entrance glows turquoise — fed by a natural spring deep within the mountain, completely clear, cold, and unlike anything you’ve seen before. Swim, snorkel, or simply float and let the afternoon pass slowly.
+ As night falls, the team prepares a hot pot meal or BBQ at the campsite. After the hardest day of trekking, there is nothing better than a hot meal beside the water under an open sky. In summer, the stars above Abandoned Valley are visible with no light pollution. Fall asleep to the sound of the stream.
- Day 2:
+ Wake up before the valley does. The morning at E Cave campsite is quiet in a way that is hard to describe — birdsong, the sound of water, and the distant call of white-cheeked gibbons echoing through the limestone mountains. Breakfast is served with a view.+ Then you go deeper. Paddle 1.2–1.5km into E Cave by SUP — walls covered in 400-million-year-old fossilized coral reef, stalactites reflected in still water, echoes bouncing off ancient rock in the misty atmosphere created by the temperature difference between inside and outside the cave. Strange, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
+ After SUP, the journey continues to Golden Cave — a fossil cave discovered by Moc Nam in 2022, still largely unknown to the outside world. Climb through karst terrain to reach the entrance, where moss-covered stalactites create a magical scene before giving way to sparkling cave pearls, flowstone terraces, and the golden hall filled with stalactites found nowhere else in Phong Nha.
+ Lunch is served back at the campsite — a final hot meal in the jungle before the long walk out. The final leg is the most physically demanding — a 2.5km uphill trek back to Km19 along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. From the heights, a panoramic view of the untouched valley opens up as the sun begins to set. Cold drinks wait at the road.
- 8:00–8:30 AM: Pick-up from your accommodation in Phong Nha. (If staying outside the Phong Nha area, please make your own way to the Moc Nam pick-up point — directions here.)
- 9:00 AM: Welcome to the Operations House. We’ll go over the itinerary, safety rules, and tour logistics.
- 9:30 AM: Warm-up and depart from Km17. Trek through dense primary forest, crossing mountain terrain, flat paths, slopes, and the sharp karst mountain range — approximately 4.5km.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at the rear entrance of Dark Cave Exit. Light snack, gear up, and prepare to enter the cave.
- 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Explore Dark Cave Exit — swim through underground pools, navigate sharp rocky sections, admire moss-covered stalactites and unique jade formations.
- 1:30 PM: Exit Dark Cave. Trek through the forest to the E Cave campsite.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at E Cave. Have lunch.
- 3:00 PM: Explore E Cave by SUP — 2–3km inside the cave.
- 4:00–6:00 PM: Free time at the E Cave entrance — swimming, snorkeling, inflatable floats.
- 6:00 PM: Hot pot at the campsite.
- 7:00–9:00 PM: Stargazing (weather permitting), hot ginger tea or coffee.
- 9:00 PM: Rest. End of Day 1.
- 6:30 AM: Wake up and watch the sunrise. Listen to the early morning sounds of the forest.
- 7:00–7:30 AM: Breakfast with local dishes.
- 8:00–9:30 AM: Explore E Cave by SUP — paddle 1.2–1.5km inside the cave, past walls of 400-million-year-old fossilized coral reef. Listen to echoes bouncing off ancient rock in the misty cave atmosphere.
- 9:30 AM: Return to campsite. Pack up belongings and check gear — clothes, camera, swimwear, water bottle, helmet, gloves.
- 10:00 AM: Depart for Golden Cave. Climb through karst terrain to the entrance.
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore 600m inside Golden Cave — moss-covered stalactites, cave pearls, flowstone terraces, and the 24K gold stalactite hall.
- 12:00 PM: Return to campsite. Have lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Begin the 2.5km trek back to Km19 along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at the pick-up point at Km19.
- 3:30 PM: Cold drinks to celebrate. Transport back to Phong Nha.
*Schedule may change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
MAP
MEAL
- Snack: Mixed nuts, yogurt, seasonal fruit
- Lunch day 1: Grilled chicken, grilled pork, boiled vegetables, soup, steamed rice, dessert
- 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 prawns, pork ribs, boiled vegetables, soup, steamed rice, dessert
- Filtered water served throughout the journey
If you have any dietary requirements, vegetarian requests, or food allergies, please let us know at least 1 day in advance.
WHAT TO PACK
Lightweight, breathable, quick-dry clothing. Long sleeves recommended to protect against insects.
• 2 set of trekking clothes (long sleeves and trousers recommended)
• 1 set of comfortable clothes for overnight stay
• 1–2 sets of bright-coloured swimwear
• 2 pairs of over-ankle socks (no ankle socks — they provide no protection)
• Backpack: phone, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, small towel)
• Personal camera / GoPro (optional)
• Power bank (no electricity at the campsite)
MOC NAM PREPARED
• National Park entrance fee, environmental protection fee & natural resource fee
• Shuttle vans/bus at homestays, hotels in Phong Nha area.
• Certified tour guide + safety assistants + chef
• Full camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, mattress, pillow
• Full exploration equipment: helmet, headlamp, gloves, life jacket, towel, first aid kit
• Jungle trekking sandals (size UK 5–13, for guests without suitable shoes)
• All meals across 2 days + drinks throughout
• 1 bottle of 500ml provided, with refills available at the basecamp
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park entrance fee.
• Tour guide + 3–4 safety assistants + 1–2 chefs per group of 10–15 guests.
• Return transport from Phong Nha to the trailhead and back.
• Full camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, mattress, pillow.
• Full exploration equipment: helmet, headlamp, gloves, life jacket, towel, first aid kit.
• Jungle trekking sandals (size UK 5–13, for guests without suitable shoes).
• All meals across 2 days: picnic lunch Day 1, hot pot dinner Day 1, breakfast Day 2, lunch Day 2, snacks & drinks throughout.
• Travel insurance up to VND 50,000,000 (approx. USD 2,000) per person.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Personal expenses.
• Transport from outside the Phong Nha area (surcharge applies — contact us)
• Tips for guides and staff (discretionary, always appreciated)
GIFTS COMBO
After completing the most demanding expedition in Abandoned Valley, every guest receives the full Conquering Abandoned Valley Gift Set — exclusively designed by Moc Nam Adventure:
Stickers & Bandana & Enamel Pin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sleep in the jungle? What are the sleeping arrangements?
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Completely safe. The E Cave campsite is within Moc Nam’s exclusively managed area and is set up and monitored by our team. Guides and safety assistants stay with the group overnight. All camping equipment is provided — tent, sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, and a small light. You don’t need to bring any camping gear.
How difficult is Dark Cave Exit? Do I need cave experience?
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No prior cave experience is required. Dark Cave Exit is challenging but fully guided — you will swim through underground pools and climb over rocky sections with your headlamp, supported by Moc Nam’s safety team throughout. This is the most adventurous section of the tour and the one most guests describe as the highlight. A reasonable fitness level and comfort with dark, enclosed spaces is recommended.
Is the drinking water safe?
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All drinking water throughout the journey is bottled water provided by Moc Nam. Water used for cooking at the campsite is drawn from the natural spring at E Cave and treated before use. If you have specific requirements, please let us know in advance.
What are the toilet facilities at the campsite?
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A proper toilet is set up at the E Cave campsite in a separate area. We recommend bringing hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) to use throughout the journey.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
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Yes — the tour operates year-round. The tents are waterproof and the E Cave campsite is naturally sheltered by the limestone walls and forest canopy. Some outdoor activities may be adjusted depending on conditions. If heavy rain causes flooding in the valley or poses a safety risk, Moc Nam will proactively contact you to reschedule or issue a full refund per our cancellation policy.
What does the price include — and how does it compare to other overnight tours?
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Included: National Park fees, certified tour guide + safety team, all camping and exploration equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, helmet, headlamp, life jacket), return transport from Phong Nha, all meals across 2 days, travel insurance up to USD 2,000 per person, full souvenir gift set (Stickers, Bandana & Enamel Pin).
Not included: Personal expenses, transport surcharge if staying outside Phong Nha, tips (discretionary).
At $226/person, this is the most complete overnight expedition in Abandoned Valley — 3 caves, 15km, 1 night in the jungle. While other overnight cave tours in Phong Nha typically cover one cave, this journey covers all three geological types in a single expedition. Everything from meals to travel insurance is covered.
What Our Guests Say
★★★★★ 5/5 · Hundreds of reviews on Google and Tripadvisor
“I did the Abandoned Valley 2D1N adventure — Golden Cave, E Cave, and Dark Cave. It ended up being just me and their team. A truly surreal experience. You are in the proper depths of the jungle, completely cut off from the outside world, and you see some remarkable caves. The food on this tour was remarkable. Duc, Ha and Su made the whole trip so much fun and safe.”
Alex D. · ★★★★★ · Google
“An unforgettable adventure through the jungle and caves. This is a level 3 tour, so be prepared — it can be quite challenging. But the breathtaking views and overall experience make it absolutely worth it. Our guides were fantastic — knowledgeable, supportive, and full of insights about the natural surroundings. They truly made the journey both safe and memorable.”
Sarah K. · ★★★★★ · Google
“The experience was awesome. My daughter and I loved all 3 caves, but especially E Cave. Our guide was super personable and lovely. I highly recommend — and be prepared for the workout you will get.”
Linda M. · ★★★★★ · Tripadvisor
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