Abandoned valley trek- Hang E (E Cave)

The Abandoned Valley and Hang E cave trek tour provides a specialized product designed for visitors who enjoy engulfing themselves entirely in nature. This tour highlights 12km of the Ho Chi Minh trail, through the Abandoned Valley, exploring the national park tropical forest, swimming, and experiencing the history of the Vietnam-American war as you trek along the diverse paths. Explore the other exit of the now famous Dark Cave, and explore primitive Hang E (also called the Water Palace) where you can swim in the sapphire blue natural spring. Hang E is one of the most pristine river caves in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park as it is situated in a completely unspoiled environment. This tour is allows you to support the growth of the local community whilst immersing yourself in the heart of the national park’s ancient jungle ecosystem, exploring two unspoilt caves, and experiencing a different side of Vietnam.

7:30 Our car and tour guide will pick up guests at Dong Hoi – OR- 8:30 in Phong Nha hotels.
You will then be taken to Ho Chi Minh Trail West at Km15. Your tour guide will accompany you through vast grass hills to the Dau Rai population. Here, you will immerse yourself among hundreds of massive trees, descend down narrow paths, shimmy around boulders and under low-hanging vines.
You will trek upstream to the rarely visited exit of the Dark cave. Equipped with your safety gear, you will then explore 500m into the mouth of the cave. After your eyes reajust to the sunlight upon coming back out of the cave, you will then trek 2km upstream to the Hang E cave (Water Paradise).
12:00 Upon returning to the jungle, the porter team will prepare you a savory barbecue lunch so you can regain your energy and rest up before the second half of your trekking day. You will enjoy salad, fish, pork meat, sticky rice etc.
1:00 You will then have time to swim in the cool crystal clear natural spring. Watch as bats swoop in and out of the cave top. Hang E is one of the most picturesque river caves in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Here you can relax and enjoy the nature.
3:30 Head back (5km) trekking through the Abandoned Valley. On this portion of the tour you will wade accross streams, cross over natural fallen tree bridges, and sing with the birds as they belt their tropical calls.
5:30 Tour ends. Depart for Dong Hoi or Phong Nha hotels

Activities:

• 8km of Primary Jungle Trekking
• Explore exit of the Dark Cave
• Swim in Hang E cave
• BBQ lunch in the jungle

Fitness Level:
A good level of fitness is required for the challenging terrain of the jungle hike. You will have to wade hip-high through streams, descend down slopes etc. Swimming is not a requirement. This tour is not suitable for children under 12 years.

Gear provided:
Certified trekking boots if required (we suggest bringing your own sturdy trekking shoes/sandals in the event our boots don’t suit you. If you use our shoes, please let us know your shoe size in advance) head torch, caving helmet, life jacket and grip-gloves.
***Please bring: swimwear, camera, trekking clothes, insect repellent, towel, and sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses etc.)

Price: VND1,750,000 per person