5 days Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Hanoi, Na Mo, Hang, Kho Muong, Yen Mo, Trang An, Hanoi
 

Experience the nature and culture of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Yen Mo and Trang An. Head into the depths of scuplted rice terraces by foot and bicycle.


Take the opportunity to explore the spectacular limestone mountains and we are also guests of traditional wooden stilt-houses of White Thai and Muong people. A truly enriching experience!


Day 1 Hanoi / Na Mo
We depart from Hanoi and drive to Muong Khen, set amongst limestone formations, rice fields and tiny villages which are ideal for hiking around and interacting with the local people.


In the afternoon we hike along a footpath surrounded by terraces and picturesque hills. We reach Na Mo, a White Thai minority village. The next 2 km are rather steep but rewarding as we enjoy a hike along the trail used by local people.


The view below both sides of the trail becomes more and more impressive. When we have finished our hiking we see another White Thai village of Te village, home to White Thai people.


At night we settle in with them in a traditional wooden house to experience their way of life. (Lunch and dinner are included).

Day 2 Na Mo / Hang Village
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and high biodiversity value stretching from Mai Chau in the northwest to Cuc Phuong National Park in the south east.


The region is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. We depart from the Te village and hike along paths amid verdant hills and picturesque villages, before arriving at the reserve where we begin our hike to the Thai village of Hang.


We relax in the cool climate, enjoy their hospitality and culture over our dinner. We spend the night with a local Thai family. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).


Day 3 Hang Village / Kho Muong
This morning we have the opportunity to stroll around Hang village before we start hiking. The scenery is breathtaking. We hike through several Thai and Muong villages before arriving at the village of Kho Muong, a Muong minority village. We enjoy another warm welcome. 

Here, we absorb the atmosphere and savour the local chicken,
sticky rice and drink locally brewed ‘rice wine’ through long straw.


The night is spent in a traditional stilt house, giving us an opportunity
to experience their culture. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).


Day 4 Kho Muong / Yen Mo 
After breakfast we wander around corn fields, an amazing fish stream and rice terraces. We see the villages and local people going about their day.


Later in the morning we hike to our waiting vehicle and journey alongside the beautiful Ma river. We head out into the countryside to the very picturesque area around Yen Mo. 

Upon our arrival we have some free time to explore the area and build

an appetite for the fantastic local specialities.


Here, we spend the night in a local family to experience their way of life. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).


Day 5 Yen Mo / Trang An / Hanoi 
Trang An, home to magnificent twisted rock formations and Vietnam's ancient capital, is our destination today.

We enjoy a boat ride on a charming and peaceful canal. Cycling is one
of great ways to explore the serene villages of the area. 


We cycle along quiet countryside at an easy and leisurely pace to suit everybody, or hike around a beautiful valley to soak up the atmosphere and spirit of this area, before boarding our vehicle for our journey back to Hanoi, arriving there at around 5pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).


The facts….

Physical activities: 

Our itinerary includes walks, hikes and bicycle rides with:

- a 10-12 km hike on Day 1.

- a 9-11 km hike on Day 2.

- a 15-16 km hike on Day 3.

- a 9-11 km hike on Day 4.

- a 6-7 bicycle ride on Day 5.


Meals: 

- 4 breakfasts.

- 5 lunches.

- 4 dinners.

A wide variety of food is commonly available in local restaurants, markets and family homes, using fresh local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area. 

We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking. 


Transport: 

- bicycle.

- boat.

- vehicle.


Tour Guides: 

All of our experienced and friendly tour guides speak fluent English. 

They are knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.


Accommodation: 

- homestays (4 nights).

Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.


Trip cost: 

- $427USD per person for a group of 2 to 5 people. 

- $398USD per person for a group of 6 to 8 people.


The cost of the trip includes: 

- accommodation.

- transportation.

- meals listed on the itinerary.

- tour guides.

- entrance fees.

- two bottles of mineral water.

- permits during guided excursions.


The cost of the trip does not include: 

- travel insurance.

- drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water).

- other personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills.

- admission fees during free time.


What to take: 

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities. 

It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: small day pack, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat…


Have a great journey!!!