The Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek is the perfect journey for adventurers seeking an authentic jungle and cave experience in Vietnam. This unforgettable one-day tour takes you deep into the lush wilderness of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where you’ll explore a magnificent cave, trek through a pristine valley, and swim in a crystal-clear lake.
🗺️ What to Expect: A Day of Adventure
Your adventure begins at our headquarters in Phong Nha, where our expert team will provide a safety briefing and prepare you for the day. From there, we’ll travel deep into the national park, ready to plunge into the jungle and begin our trek.
Exploring the Magnificent Elephant Cave
The most challenging part of the trek is a rewarding 20-minute uphill climb. At the top, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of Elephant Cave, an enormous cavern standing 60 meters high and stretching 300 meters long. Our experienced guides will lead you into the cave’s depths, sharing its fascinating history.
Ma Da Crystal Lake: Lunch & Cliff Jumping
After exploring the cave, we’ll hike through the jungle, crossing rivers and balancing on fallen trees. This trail leads to the heavenly blue waters of Ma Da Crystal Lake. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim, try some cliff jumping, and enjoy a delicious Jungle BBQ lunch prepared by your porter. Vegan options are also available.
The Thrilling Swim into Tra Ang Cave
Feeling refreshed and full, we’ll continue our trek. A few kilometers down the trail and a couple more river crossings later, we will arrive at Tra Ang Cave. Here, we’ll get our gear on and begin the thrilling 600-meter swim into the cave’s deepest reaches.
A Perfect End to an Epic Day
Once the swim is complete, our guides will lead you back to the main road. Your driver will be waiting with a cold beer or soda to celebrate a perfect day of adventure and drive you back to our headquarters in Phong Nha.
🧭 Essential Tour Information
- Adventure Level: Medium.
- Duration: 1 Day (approximately 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM).
- Total Trek Distance: 9 km.
- Swimming Component: 600m swim in Tra Ang Cave and swimming in Ma Da Lake (optional).
- Minimum Age: 9+ years old.
- Departure Schedule: This tour departs Daily at 8:00 AM.
🧗 Why Book the Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek?
This is the perfect way to experience the highlights of Phong Nha-Ke Bang in a single day, offering an ideal balance between deep adventure and convenient logistics.
1. ⏱️ Time-Efficient Adventure Maxed Out
- Full Experience in One Day: This 1-day tour efficiently packs all the core activities – exploring the magnificent Elephant Cave, swimming at Ma Da Lake, and tackling the Tra Ang Cave swim – into a single, rewarding itinerary.
- Ideal for Tight Schedules: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their exposure to Vietnam’s pristine jungle.
2. 💪 The Ideal “Medium” Adventure Challenge
- Broad Accessibility: Rated as Medium (9km total trekking), this tour is ideal for active travelers, families (minimum age 9+), and those new to caving who want a genuine thrill without extreme physical exertion.
- High Reward, Manageable Effort: The day involves a serious but manageable 9km trek, ensuring you feel the satisfaction of a jungle conquest without undue strain.
3. 💎 The Core Three Natural Highlights
- Elephant Cave Exploration: Discover the enormous and historically fascinating Elephant Cave (60m high, 300m long) with your expert guide.
- Ma Da Crystal Lake Oasis: Relax, cool off, and swim in the heavenly, clear blue waters of Ma Da Crystal Lake.
- The 600m Cave Swim: Take on the signature challenge: a thrilling 600-meter swim into the depths of Tra Ang River Cave.
4. ⭐ Trusted, All-Inclusive Day Logistics
- Verified Excellence: We are highly experienced and Highly Recommended on TripAdvisor and other reputable platforms, giving you peace of mind throughout your challenging day trip.
- Expert Team: Benefit from a highly-trained support team, including professional local guides and porters who manage all gear and safety protocols.
- Zero Stress: The price is truly all-inclusive, covering your mandatory Entrance Fees (400,000 VND), high-quality safety gear, transportation, and a delicious Jungle BBQ Lunch.
🗺️ Detailed 1-Day Expedition Itinerary: Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley
- Morning Kickoff (8:00 AM – 8:45 AM): Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Phong Nha. Enjoy the scenic drive to our headquarters for a crucial safety briefing and gear check with the expert team.
- The Approach (8:45 AM – 10:00 AM): Depart by van for the trailhead. Arrive and immediately commence the exhilarating jungle trek into Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Cave Conquest (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Tackle the short uphill climb and explore the massive Elephant Cave, trekking through its vast chamber.
- Crystal Oasis & Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:45 PM): Reach the breathtaking Ma Da Crystal Lake. Take a refreshing swim and indulge in a delicious Jungle BBQ Lunch prepared by your porter team.
- Caving Challenge (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM): Continue the trek to Tra Ang River Cave. Arrive and begin the signature challenge: a thrilling 600-meter swim into the cave’s depths.
- The Exfil & Celebration (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Begin the final trek back to the Ho Chi Minh Road. Arrive at the road and celebrate your successful day with a cold, refreshing drink before the driver transfers you back to your hotel in Phong Nha.
Of course. Here is the final, uniquely formatted Pricing & Booking Details section in English:
💰 Pricing & Booking Details
- Expedition Price: $75 USD per person.
All-Inclusive Day Package
The tour price covers everything you need for a safe and exhilarating adventure:
- Expert Team: Professional Tour Guide, Safety Assistant, and dedicated Porter Team.
- Logistics & Fees: Transportation (within the Phong Nha area) and the Mandatory Entrance Fee (400,000 VND/pax).
- Gear Provided: Specialized Safety Equipment, Use of Trekking Shoes (Euro sizes 36–45), and Use of a Towel.
- Sustenance: All Food & Drink (including the highlight Jungle BBQ Lunch) and Snacks.
Important Logistics & What to Pack
Essential Packing List
You only need to carry a small daypack containing:
- Protection: Long trousers & long-sleeved shirt (highly recommended for jungle protection).
- Water Gear: Swimwear and long socks.
- Personal Kit: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a dry bag (optional).
- Note: We provide trekking shoes if needed.
Travel Note (Dong Hoi Guests)
- If staying in Dong Hoi, please arrange a taxi directly to our Phong Nha office by the 8:00 AM start time.
- A seamless private transfer from Dong Hoi can be organized upon request. Contact us via Phone/WhatsApp: +84913138096 or Email: chiduyencssh@gmail.com for pricing and arrangement.
❓ Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the adventure level of this 1-day trek?
A: This tour is rated Medium. It involves a manageable 9km trek over varied jungle terrain. It is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness who enjoys walking and is comfortable with heights and uneven ground.
Q2: Is the 600-meter cave swim mandatory?
A: The 600m swim into the Tra Ang Cave is the highlight and highly recommended, but it is optional. However, you must have basic water confidence to participate, and a life jacket is provided and required for all swimmers.
Q3: Is there a minimum age requirement for children?
A: Yes, the minimum age to participate is 9 years old (9+). This is due to the 9km trekking distance and the need for basic water confidence for the cave swim.
Q4: What should I expect for lunch?
A: You will enjoy a delicious Jungle BBQ Lunch prepared fresh by our porter team at the beautiful Ma Da Crystal Lake. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available upon request.
Q5: Do I need to carry my own heavy backpack?
A: Our professional porters carry all the communal gear, food, and safety equipment. You only need to carry a small backpack with your water, camera, and personal items.
Q6: Should I bring my own hiking shoes?
A: You may bring your own, but we provide trekking shoes (Euro sizes 36-45) and a clean towel as part of the tour inclusions. We recommend using the provided shoes as they are optimized for the wet, muddy jungle environment.
Q7: How do I get to the meeting point if I am staying in Dong Hoi?
A: The tour officially starts in Phong Nha. Guests staying in Dong Hoi need to arrange a taxi to our office in Phong Nha by 8:00 AM. A convenient private transfer service can also be arranged upon request directly with us.
🗺️ Other Exciting Phong Nha Cave Tours
Expand Your Adventure: Whether you’re ready for a bigger challenge or looking for a relaxing day underground, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers a range of unforgettable tours for all fitness levels.
- Hung Thoong Exploration (3D/2N): A strenuous adventure for fit explorers, featuring challenging treks, river crossings, and a 25m abseil.
- Phong Nha & Dark Cave Tour (1 Day): A classic day trip that combines a serene boat ride into Phong Nha Cave with a thrilling zipline and mud bath at Dark Cave.
- Ma Da Valley Jungle Camping (2D/1N): A moderate adventure that includes exploring Elephant Cave, camping by the crystal-clear Ma Da Lake, and swimming into Tra Ang River Cave.
✅ Secure Your 1-Day Jungle Adventure!
Tired of planning? Let Vietnam Shore Excursions handle the logistics while you focus on the thrill. Stop waiting and start exploring the magnificent Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley today.
Custom Tours: Have a unique request or need a private group itinerary? Reach out directly to craft an unforgettable experience tailored just for you.
Book Your Trek: Contact our adventure specialists today to secure your spot for the Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek.
