Abandoned Valley Adventure – E Cave & Golden Cave – 1D

Abandoned Valley Adventure – E Cave & Golden Cave: A Comprehensive Review

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines trekking, caving, and water activities in Central Vietnam, the Abandoned Valley Adventure is worth considering. Priced at about $112 per person, this tour takes you through the lush landscapes of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, with visits to E Cave, Golden Cave, and the Dark Cave (though Dark Cave isn’t included in this specific tour).

We love how this experience blends physical activity with spectacular natural sights. You’ll get to trek through rugged jungle terrain, marvel at the 600-meter deep Golden Cave with its unique golden stalactites and galaxy-like cave pearls, and then swim or paddleboard inside E Cave’s beautiful turquoise waters.

One of the tour’s most appealing aspects is the combination of adventure and relaxation—from challenging climbs to leisurely water floating. However, it’s not for everyone: you need to be relatively fit and comfortable with water activities.

This tour suits travelers who want an active day out—those who enjoy nature, physical challenges, and discovering less-crowded caves. If you’re after a relaxed, less strenuous experience, this might feel a bit intense. Still, for the adventure seeker, it hits just the right spot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary that includes trekking, caving, swimming, and outdoor sports.
• Unique caves such as Golden Cave with its golden stalactites and galaxy cave pearls.
• Active experience requiring good fitness and comfort with water activities.
• Smaller group feel with knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics.
• All-inclusive price covering meals, gear, permits, and transfers.
• Flexible cancellation policy with 24-hour notice for full refund.

An In-Depth Look at the Abandoned Valley Adventure

Location and Overall Experience

The tour starts in Phong Nha, a hub for cave explorers, and takes you into Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its extraordinary karst landscapes and extensive cave systems. For about $112, you get a full day packed with activities that appeal to those craving adventure, nature, and a good workout.

What sets this tour apart from more commercialized offerings is its focus on less-visited caves and a hands-on, active approach. The guided group stays small enough to feel personal but large enough to keep the energy lively.

Morning Pickup and Travel

Your day begins early—between 8:00AM and 8:45AM—with a pick-up at your hotel in Phong Nha. The ride to the park involves a 30-minute limousine transfer, which is comfortable and efficient. After a brief meet-and-greet at the operations house, the guide will review safety rules and gear, setting the tone for a well-organized day.

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Trekking Through Abandoned Valley

The first major activity is a 3km trek through the jungle and rocky terrain. We loved the way this segment immerses you in nature, with lush greenery and rugged paths that demand a bit of effort but reward you with fresh air and stunning scenery. It’s an ideal warm-up for those looking to work up a sweat.

Exploring Golden Cave

Next comes the highlight—Golden Cave, a 600-meter deep cave filled with stellar stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also boasts a system of dry stalactites, cave pearls, and natural 24k gold formations—a rare sight in Quang Binh. According to one reviewer, “The caves are very new and not over-commercialized,” making this a fresh experience away from overly touristy sites.

Swimming and Water Activities in E Cave

After the cave exploration, it’s time for some water-based fun. Inside E Cave, you’ll swim or paddleboard for about 200 meters in the turquoise waters. The water is described as beautiful and refreshing, perfect for cooling down after the trek. Guides will assist with equipment, and dry boxes are available for your phones and small cameras. One reviewer called swimming there “incredible,” emphasizing how special this natural pool feels.

Lunch and Rest

A light snack is provided around noon, followed by a delicious lunch at the campsite—local dishes, fruits, and beverages. The tour organizers accommodate dietary restrictions if informed in advance, which adds to the overall value.

Outdoor Activities in E Cave

Post-lunch, the fun continues with SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), snorkeling, and water sports. You might also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply floating in the water, with squirt guns and water toys available to keep the mood light and playful.

Return Trek and Tour Wrap-up

The day concludes with a 3 km trek back to your starting point, wrapping up around 4:30PM. You’ll have plenty of time to reflect on your adventure and take photos of the stunning scenery.

The Significance of This Tour

This tour’s value lies in its combination of adventure, natural beauty, and manageable group size. The price covers all necessary permits, safety gear, meals, and transportation, making it straightforward and hassle-free.

The guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to keep everyone safe during the more challenging sections—something you’ll appreciate if you value well-organized, safe adventures.

What the Reviews Say

Both reviewers emphasize the challenging yet rewarding nature of the trek and water activities. Evie appreciated the “fun and worthwhile” challenge, especially loving paddleboarding and swimming. Keith highlights that it’s an intense journey—around 9 km in total—and requires good fitness, including some climbing and vertical navigation.

They also mention that guides are caring and helpful, making even tough sections manageable. One described the caves as “very new and not over-commercialized,” adding to the sense of discovery.

Practical Information and Tips

• What to Bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable water shoes or sandals for trekking and water activities.
• Who Should Consider This: Active travelers comfortable with water and physical exertion; not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.
• Duration: Full-day, approximately 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.
• Transportation: Included from Phong Nha; additional arrangements are needed for transport from Dong Hoi City.

Flexibility and Cancellation

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan ahead.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This adventure is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy physical activity, discovering new caves, and spending time outdoors. It suits those looking for a more authentic and less crowded experience, especially if you’re eager to see caves that aren’t overrun with travelers.

However, it’s important to be physically fit and comfortable with water activities—this isn’t a leisurely tour but a full-on outdoor adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Abandoned Valley Adventure offers a unique blend of trekking, caving, and water fun, all set within the stunning scenery of Quang Binh’s national park. With knowledgeable guides, well-organized logistics, and a focus on adventure and discovery, it provides excellent value for the price.

If you’re craving a challenging but rewarding experience that takes you off the beaten path, this tour is well worth considering. Just be prepared for some physical exertion and water-based activities—but rest assured, the views and the memories you’ll make are totally worth it.

This trip is best suited for active travelers with a sense of adventure and the fitness to handle some rugged terrain. It’s a great way to push your limits and see the natural wonders of Vietnam’s caves in an authentic, less commercialized setting.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really. It’s designed for those comfortable with trekking and water activities, so children under five might find it too challenging or unsafe.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and sturdy water shoes or sandals. The tour provides waterproof dry boxes for your phones and small cameras.

Is it necessary to be a good swimmer?
While swimming is part of the experience, guides help with equipment, and safety gear is provided. Basic swimming skills are recommended for comfort.

How physically demanding is this tour?
It’s quite active—about 9 km of trekking and climbing, with water activities. Good fitness levels will help you enjoy it without exhaustion.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, meals are provided, and you should inform the organizers in advance if you have dietary restrictions.

What is included in the price?
All fees, permits, safety gear, meals, beverages, transfer, and insurance are included in the $112 per person rate.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?
No, due to the physical and water activities involved, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those requiring wheelchair assistance.

Final Word

If you’re after a day that pushes your limits while rewarding you with stunning caves and water adventures, the Abandoned Valley Adventure is a solid pick. It offers authentic exploration, friendly guides, and a chance to experience Vietnam’s natural caves away from crowds. For the active, curious traveler, this tour provides a memorable, worthwhile journey into some of Quang Binh’s most captivating landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: