Highlight
– Round trip transfer by comfortable Limousine bus with spectacular landscape of Red River Delta
– Trekking through ethnic village of black Thai tribes with stunning terrace fields
– Hiking to conquer Pu Luong Summit (1,600 meters) with full view of Pu Luong Reserve
– Visiting amazing Bat Cave (Kho Muong cave) by motorcycles
– Staying at homestay of black Thai people end enjoy their local food and culture
– Exploring the water wheels and bamboo raft through the river (optional)
Full description
Day 1: Hanoi – Pu Luong Loop by bus (meal: Lunch, Dinner)
From 6.30 – 7.15 am, Bus driver picks you up at meeting point/hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter to start the adventure to Pu Luong, on the way, have a short break to stretch your legs and have some snack/coffee.
About 12.00, Arriving Don village, Pu Luong Reserve, you will be welcomed by the host and have lunch cooked by them. After lunch, you check in homestay (different levels of room) and refresh.
About 14.00, Tour guide picks you up to start a long trekking through vast terraced fields. You keep walking across Uoi hamlet. This hamlet nestles humbly at the base of the towering mountain with palm forest. Descending the hill to Lan Village, often referred to as the “Kingdom of Thai People in Pu Luong” home to around 100 Thai families. Here, encounter the soothing sights of cool streams, verdant farmlands, ducks joyfully paddling in ponds, and friendly locals going about their day. Observe their everyday activities, marked by simplicity and humility, with a special focus on their traditional brocade sewing and engage with the locals and learn about their work, then trek back to your homestay to refresh.
About 19.00, Having dinner and enjoy night life in Don village.
Note: There is no guide on the bus and the trekking distance is 6 – 7 kms in the afternoon
Day 2: Pu Luong Loop full day exploring
Option 1: Hiking to conquer Pu Luong Peak (1,600 m high) (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner)
After sunrise breakfast, tour guide will take you to the trek to start a adventurous hiking to Pu Luong Summit, you will trek through terraced fields, rain forests and spectacular landscapes on the way, you also witness the rich Flora of Pu Luong Loop, even see wildlife there. About 12.00, you will reach the summit of 1,600 meters above the sea level. There, you can watch the whole Pu Luong Reserve with spectacular view if it is clear enough. The porter and guide will prepare your picnic lunch to enjoy on that height. You spend time there with nature then trek back to the foot of mountain.
About 17.00, you get back to homestay to refresh, dinner is served about 19.00 then you will spend free and easy time and overnight there.
Note: This is a difficult trek with total 16 kms up and down, on the way, you may see wild animals and reptiles…you are accompanied by a local guide and English-speaking guide to make sure that you are safe. You also need to sign into a form that you will be responsible for your own safety during the hiking.
Option 2: Exploring Huou Waterfall – Waterwheels – Trekking to Thai villages (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
About 8.30 am, motorbike/car driver and a local guide pick you up to Huou Waterfall. We’ll follow a small road, trail through rice fields, terraces, and jungle to reach Hieu Waterfall. You can swim in the waterfall and enjoy the cool water, or even climb the waterfall for a more adventurous experience. It’s an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the stunning scenery. You have lunch at the local restaurant with local specialties.
In the afternoon, take a walk to visit the beautiful Thai village, passing forest and mountain with stunning rice fields and you can see the giant waterwheels by the river to provide water to the rice fields.
Motorbike/car picks you up to go back to homestay where you can relax, have dinner and enjoy the second night.
Note: This is an easier trek (4 – 5 kms) for everyone, it doesn’t require much effort as you hike to Pu Luong Peak.
Day 3: Don Village – Bat cave (Kho Muong cave) by motorcycle/car (meal: Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast at homestay, motorcycle/car driver and tour guide pick you up to Kho Muong village where Bat cave is located – This is the biggest and wildest cave in Northern Vietnam with thousands of bats living inside. You will sit behind driver to enjoy the most exciting experience. Spending time to explore the cave with huge room deep inside with steps. For the locals, the cave is a sacred place. Then you will be back to homestay for lunch and check out.
About 13.30 – 13.45, Getting on the bus back to Hanoi on Ho Chi Minh trails. On the way, you will have a short break to stretch your legs and enjoy some local food.
About 18.30 – 18.45, you will be in Hanoi. Trip ends.
Note: There is no guide on the bus and you are not allowed to drive motorcycle for your safety. You also need to sign in the Responsibility Paper that you will bear all risks if you join Motorcycle ride and exploring Bat Cave. If you are not ready to attend Bat Cave, you can choose another option to visit Huou Waterfall with the same cost.
Inclusion
- Round trip transfer by Limousine bus with a complimentary bottle of water/person
- All meals and entrance tickets during the trip
- Local English-speaking guide as mentioned in itinerary
- Motorcycle/car with driver and 2-night homestay accommodation basing on 2-4 people sharing basis
Exclusion
- Travel insurance, drinks during the trip, single supplement
- Tips for guide and driver, personal expenses
- Surcharge on Public Holidays: 600,000 VND/person (pay directly on the trip).
Things to bring and care
- Umbrella, hat, sunglasses, insect repellents
- Please note that Pu Luong is a natural Loop, it is a tropical area so there are mosquitoes, flies, spiders, snakes…You should accept them as a part of the trip.
Children policy
- Child is from 4 – 8 years old is charged 75% of adult’s price; Child is from 9 years old is charged 100%.
Price: 3,500,000 d/person (minimum 2 people), minimum 2 people/booking; Solo Traveler: 4,900,000 d
Bigger Triple/Squad room with balcony and en-suite bathroom + 1,000,000 d/2-3 people; + 1,300,000d/4 people;
Solo Traveler: + 600,000 d.