Quang Binh: Abandoned Valley Trek, Golden & E Cave Swim

Summary

Trek through jungle swim in cave golden stalactites quang binh

You’ll trek through Quang Binh’s tangled jungle with a local guide, explore glittering Golden Cave formations, swim in cool turquoise waters deep inside E Cave, and share simple food with new friends. The day is muddy, loud at times—and sometimes silent enough to make you stop and listen.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the pickup in Phong Nha because I’d left my boots at the last homestay (classic me). The guide, Hieu, just grinned and handed me a pair of canvas ones from their stash—“No worries, you’ll need these!” I was half awake but the bus was already buzzing with people swapping sunblock and snacks. Someone spilled fruit juice on their backpack and everyone laughed, so the ice broke before we even got to the start.

The trek into the Abandoned Valley is rougher than I thought—roots everywhere, rocks underfoot, and this thick green smell that sticks to your skin. Hieu kept stopping to point out tiny orchids or explain how locals used some plant for medicine. My shirt was soaked before we even reached Golden Cave. Inside it’s dark but gold stalactites catch your headlamp just right—like someone dusted everything with cinnamon. Hieu picked up a “galaxy pearl” from the floor and passed it around; it felt weirdly heavy and smooth, like holding a marble from another planet.

Lunch was simple—boiled eggs, cookies, yogurt—but after scrambling over rocks and ducking into caves it tasted like a feast. Swimming in E Cave…honestly? Colder than I expected but worth every goosebump. The water is this unreal turquoise that looks fake in photos but isn’t. We floated on our backs under the ceiling while someone tried (badly) to sing an echo; it sounded hilarious bouncing off the stone. Didn’t expect to laugh that much underground.

On the way back my legs were shaking a bit—guess 8km of rocky terrain sneaks up on you. But walking out of that valley with mud on my face and sunlight flickering through bamboo, I felt oddly proud. Still think about how quiet it got when we all switched off our headlights inside E Cave for a minute—just water dripping somewhere close by, nothing else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek and explore caves in Abandoned Valley

• 8:00AM - 8:45AM pick up at Phong Nha
• 9:00AM welcome and briefing at Operations House
• 9:30AM warm up and trek 2km in jungle
• 11:00AM explore 600m Golden Cave
• 12:00PM snack break
• 12:30PM swim 200m inside E Cave
• 1:00PM - 1:30PM lunch
• 1:30PM - 2:30PM outdoor sports in E Cave
• 3:00PM - 4:30PM trek back 2.5km
• 4:30PM complete the journey

Top questions

How long is the Abandoned Valley trek?

The trek covers about 8 kilometers through jungle and rocky terrain.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Phong Nha is included.

What do you do inside E Cave?

You swim about 200 meters inside E Cave’s turquoise water and can try SUP or snorkeling.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

A picnic lunch plus snacks like boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit juice, and cookies are included.

Do I need my own trekking boots?

No—you can borrow basic canvas trekking boots if you don’t have your own (sizes 36–46).

Is this day trip suitable for beginners?

You should have moderate fitness; rocky terrain can be challenging for some travelers.

What makes Golden Cave special?

Golden Cave features unique dry stalactites and “galaxy” cave pearls only found in Quang Binh.

Can I bring my camera into the caves?

You can store small cameras or phones in shared dry boxes provided by the operator.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Phong Nha, all forest permits and entry fees, caving safety gear (helmet, headlight, gloves), life jacket for swimming in E Cave’s turquoise water, picnic lunch with snacks and drinks along the way, secure storage for luggage at headquarters if needed, use of trekking boots if you forgot yours (like I did), plus first aid support throughout the adventure.