Phong Nha full-day cave tour: Elephant, Ma Da, Tra Ang

Trek four caves and swim through two in a single day

A full-day guided tour in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park combines jungle trekking, cave exploration and swimming at four sites: Elephant Cave, Ma Da Lake, Tra Ang Cave and the surrounding rainforest. Hotel pickup in Phong Nha is included, along with an English-speaking guide, helmet and headlight, life jacket, BBQ lunch and cold drinks. The tour runs 8 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore caves and Ma Da Valley

• Pick up at hotel
• Team meeting at Headquarters
• Depart for Elephant Cave
• Trek to Elephant Cave
• Explore Elephant Cave
• Swim in Ma Da Crystal Lake
• Enjoy BBQ lunch
• Trek to Tra Ang Cave
• Explore Tra Ang Cave by swimming
• Trek back to Ho Chi Minh road
• Enjoy cold drink on the road
• Drive back to Phong Nha hotels

The experience

The day starts with an 8am hotel pickup and a team briefing at headquarters to cover park rules before heading out by van. You trek through jungle to Elephant Cave, spending an hour exploring the cave system before moving on to Ma Da Lake, where the water is clear enough to swim in. Lunch is a BBQ served on-site, then you trek again toward Tra Ang Cave, which takes about an hour to reach. The cave itself stretches 600 meters inland, and you swim into it to see the furthest reaches before trekking back out to the road.

The route crosses rivers and fallen trees, so balance and sure footing matter more than speed or strength. Local porters carry food, drinks and equipment, so you only carry yourself. You get a helmet, headlight, life jacket and gloves for the cave sections. The guide is English-speaking and trained to move at a pace that works for everyone, regardless of fitness level. The tour wraps by 5:30pm with a cold drink on the road before the drive back to your hotel in Phong Nha.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in Phong Nha.
• English-speaking guide and trained safety assistants.
• helmet, headlight, life jacket and gloves for each person.
• local porters to carry food and equipment.
• BBQ lunch and cold drinks throughout the day.
• PVI insurance coverage.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (14 to 70 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Authentic Adventures

Is this one for you?This tour works for anyone who wants to see multiple caves and swim inside them without spending days in the jungle. The fixed 8-hour schedule fits a single day in Phong Nha, and the mix of trekking, exploring and swimming means you're not just walking or just watching. You're doing all three.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Elephant Cave actually like to explore?

Elephant Cave is reached by a short jungle trek and takes about an hour to walk through. It's named by local people for its shape, not for animals. The cave is used for trekking and has no wildlife inside. You'll have a headlight and helmet for the exploration.

Can I swim in Ma Da Lake and Tra Ang Cave?

Yes. Ma Da Lake has crystal-clear blue water and you swim in it after the first trek. Tra Ang Cave also has water deep enough to swim in, and you swim 600 meters into the cave to explore its furthest sections. A life jacket is provided.

How much of the day is actual hiking versus sitting or traveling?

The itinerary includes three separate jungle treks: to Elephant Cave (about an hour), to Ma Da Lake (roughly 2 hours total with swimming), and to Tra Ang Cave (about an hour each way). You also spend time exploring inside each cave. Travel by van takes up the rest, plus a BBQ lunch break.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Hotel pickup, all transport in Phong Nha, guide, helmet, headlight, life jacket, gloves, BBQ lunch, cold drinks and insurance are included. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a change of clothes for after swimming. Tips for guides, porters and safety assistants are not included.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit or haven't hiked before?

The operator states the tour suits all fitness levels. The pace is set by the group, and porters carry the heavy gear. If you can walk for stretches and are comfortable in water, you can do this tour. The minimum age is 14.