Abandoned Valley Phong Nha | Ho Chi Minh Trail Tour

Stumbling on Abandoned Valley felt like unearthing a Vietnam-war time capsule deep in the Annamite Range.
Hidden in a remote corner of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (inscribed in 2003), this valley once served as a covert stretch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where soldiers navigated dense jungle paths under cover of night. Not many people coming to Phong Nha know about this place and usually skip it!

Today, that same trail thrills adventurous trekkers with 8 to 12 km of raw, unspoiled terrain, culminating in three spectacular caves that showcase Vietnam's epic karst landscapes.
Honestly, if you ask me, I didn't know about this either and only came to know about it when digging about not so mainstream tour options in Phong Nha. It was absolutely worth it and not crowded like other self guided cave tours of Phong Nha!

Location and History

Remote Jungle Setting

The Abandoned Valley lies about 35 km northwest of Dong Hoi, located in the central block of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park's 123 326 ha of limestone plateaux and tropical forest. Accessible via a bumpy rural road, the trekhead sits just off the modern Ho Chi Minh Highway yet feels a world away from pavement.

Wartime Legacy

Trekking along the narrow, overgrown trail offers glimpses of wartime history-rusted ammo boxes, cannon fragments, and old foxholes hint at the valley's strategic role during the Vietnam-American conflict. Guides often point out remnants of makeshift shelters, transforming every footstep into a living history lesson.

The Adventure: What to Expect

Trekking Distance & Difficulty

Most one-day tours cover 8 km out-and-back, while some operators extend it to 12 km by looping through different trails. The route is rated moderate to high fitness: expect slippery roots, rocky ascents, and river crossings that demand sturdy shoes and a good head for heights.

Cave Highlights

Dark Cave Exit (Hang Toi back door): A challenging scramble over boulders leads 300-500 m inside the cave, where headlamps reveal moss-draped stalactites and underground streams.

Hang E (E Cave): A crystal-clear spring pool beckons for a swim; your echoing whispers will dance off the cavern walls in a surreal amphitheater of stone.

Golden Cave (Hang Vang): Less frequented, this intimate cave glows with warm sunlight filtering through fissures, illuminating golden stalactites-a hidden gem for photographers.

Itinerary for the hidden tour of Phong Nha!

Note: exact times vary by operator, but this is a typical schedule

07:30 AM: Hotel pick-up in Phong Nha or Dong Hoi (surcharge ~ 30 USD from Dong Ho charged by some tour operators).

08:00 AM: Safety briefing and gear fitting (helmet, headlamp, life jacket, boots). Many recommend packing blister band-aids, socks, and trekking poles for extra comfort.

08:30 AM: Depart by jeep or motorbike for the valley trailhead.

09:00 AM: Begin jungle trek along the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, spotting butterflies and freshwater streams along the way.

11:00 AM: Arrive at Dark Cave exit; explore the back-door passage (up to 500 m) or relax at the entrance if caves aren't your thing.

12:30 PM: Continue along the river channel to Hang E.

01:30 PM: Jungle barbecue lunch cooked by porters, followed by a dip in the emerald spring pool of Hang E.

03:30 PM: Trek out via a secondary trail past Golden Cave (optional stop).

05:00 PM: Celebrate your return with cold drinks on the Ho Chi Minh Highway.

05:45 PM: Transport back to your hotel, arriving around 06:15 PM.

Costs and Tickets

• Tour price: ~ 1 740 000 VND/person (~ 64 USD) for a group of 2-14, including transport, park fees, lunch, gear, and guides.

• Dong Hoi surcharge: ~ 30 USD per booking.

• Park entrance: 150 000 VND/adult, 75 000 VND/child; free under 1.3 m.

• Additional costs: Optional Gopro video at Hang E (~ 50 USD), tips for guides/porters, personal snacks.

Best Time to Visit

November-April marks the dry season, offering clear skies, firm trails, and safe cave water levels. For fewer crowds and emerald rice fields, target March-April's transitional spring when humidity dips and wildflowers bloom. Avoid September-November monsoon months, when trails can be impassable and caves flood.

Know before you go!

• Self-drive loop: Rent a bike (≈ 100 000 VND/day) and explore the area solo-stop at Paradise Cave (350 000 VND entrance) via an unmarked ticket booth for a peaceful visit.

• Botanical Garden detour: Quiet, low-cost (40 000 VND + 5 000 VND parking) oasis off the main trail, perfect for a midday break.

• Fish massage: At E Cave's entrance, small fish nibble at tired feet-bring quick-dry sandals to try it out.

• What to pack: Lightweight long sleeves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a dry bag for electronics, extra socks, and a sense of adventure.