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 (approx. 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
- Minimum Age: 9+ years old
- Trek: 9km
- Swimming: 600m in Tra Ang & Crystal Lake (optional)
- Departure: This tour departs daily at 8:00 AM. Please book before 9:00 PM the day before.
Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek Itinerary
- 8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel in Phong Nha. Enjoy the scenic drive to our headquarters.
- 8:30 AM: Team meeting and safety briefing.
- 8:45 AM: Depart for Elephant Cave by van.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at the trailhead and begin the jungle trek.
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Explore Elephant Cave.
- 12:00 PM: Reach Ma Da Lake and take a swim.
- 12:45 PM: Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch.
- 2:00 PM: Continue the trek to Tra Ang Cave.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive and begin the 600m swim into Tra Ang Cave.
- 4:30 PM: Start trekking back to Ho Chi Minh road.
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at the road and enjoy a refreshing drink.
- 5:30 PM: Drive back to your hotel in Phong Nha.
Tour Price & Inclusions
Price
75 USD per person
Important Note: For customers staying in Dong Hoi, please arrange for a taxi to our office in Phong Nha to begin the tour. If you would prefer a private transfer from Dong Hoi, please contact us directly for arrangements and pricing.
Contact Us:
- Phone/WhatsApp: +84913138096
- Email: chiduyencssh@gmail.com
What to Bring
- Long trousers & long-sleeved shirt
- Swimwear
- Long socks
- Small backpack
- Dry bag (optional)
- Hiking shoes (we can provide a pair if needed)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent
What’s Included
- Professional Tour Guide & Porter Team
- Transportation in Phong Nha
- Entrance Fee (400,000 VND/pax)
- Safety Equipment
- All Food & Drink (including the Jungle BBQ)
- Snacks
- Use of trekking shoes (Euro sizes 36–45)
- Use of a towel
Why Book with Vietnam Shore Excursions?
With over 15 years of experience, we guarantee a local perspective and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We are highly recommended by customers on TripAdvisor, Viator, and Cruise Critic and offer:
- Experienced Local Guides: Our guides are reliable and have extensive knowledge of the area.
- Convenient Service: We provide hotel pick-up with high-quality transportation.
- Personalized Tours: We offer fully customizable itineraries to suit your pace and preferences.
- 24/7 Support: Our customer support team is available around the clock to assist you.
- Quality Food: All our food is carefully selected and prepared safely.
Other Exciting Phong Nha Cave Tours
Beyond the extreme Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers a range of unforgettable cave 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.
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Booking
To confirm your booking for the Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek, a 60% deposit is required upon receipt of your PayPal invoice. Your booking will be instantly confirmed once the deposit is paid.
The remaining balance can be paid on the day of your tour in cash (USD or Vietnamese Dong at the prevailing exchange rate) or online in advance via PayPal, credit card, or debit card.
Please note: A 3% fee will be charged for all payments made online via PayPal or credit/debit card to cover bank service fees.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy is based on the number of days before your scheduled tour. If you cancel your booking, the following fees will apply:
- 40 or more days before arrival: Full refund of your deposit.
- 39 – 30 days before arrival: You will lose 10% of the full payment.
- 29 – 15 days before arrival: You will lose 30% of the full payment.
- 14 – 7 days before arrival: You will lose 50% of the full payment.
- 6 – 2 days before arrival: You will lose 75% of the full payment.
- Less than 2 days before arrival: You will lose 100% of the full payment.
Ready to Explore the Jungle?
Are you tempted to explore the Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley Jungle? Let Vietnam Shore Excursions arrange your perfect adventure.
Contact us today to book your trip or customize a unique itinerary exclusively for your group.