Mai Chau - Pu Luong Discovery (4Ds/3Ns) by Ngoc Anh Hotel & Opentour

Tour Itinerary

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, culture and biology. Stretching from Cuc Phuong National Park to Pu Luong. The region is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. On this trip you can experience the everyday life and culture of Thai and Muong people and stay in scenic villages with traditional homestay accommodation.

Activities: Trekking and cultural experience

Day 1: Ninh Binh - Pu Luong (Kho Muong village)

After breakfast we depart Ninh Binh for Pu Luong Natural Reserve. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Following lunch in Kho Muong village we drive further into the reserve where we begin our trek. We trek for approximately three hours before arriving at the Thai village of Hieu. We spend the night with a local Thai family (swimming under the waterfall) who will be our hosts in a traditional house built on stilts. Whilst enjoying their hospitality we will discover a little more about their lives and culture.

Day 2: Pu Luong (Ban Hieu village - Ban Don village)

In the morning we have an excellent opportunity to stroll around Ban Hieu village before we start trekking. We will be walking for approximately six hours a day. Along the way we pass through several Thai villages and hamlets before arriving at the village of Ban Don. As the name suggests this is a Muong minority village and we will be their guests for the night.

Day 3 : Pu Luong (Ban Don Village - Pa Pan village)

In the morning we set out from Ban Don and trek for roughly three hours on an uphill gradient through a picturesque forest passing several villages along the way. We break for lunch in the village of Nua before setting off again for a further two hours, this time the trail is predominately downhill. Our final destination for today is Pa Pan village, another Thai community.

Day 4 : Pu Luong - Ninh Binh or Ha Noi

Leaving Pa Pan village where we will take you on our car to La Han ferry. Then will back to Ninh Binh or Ha Noi, where the trip ends.

Note: The price included tax, tour guide & local guide, car, hotel/ hostel pick up, breakfarst, lunch, dinner, homestay, etc.

TRAVELER REVIEWS

This journey is NOT for the faint hearted! All these in search of an adventure this tour is for you. Take a walk on the wild side if you dare and prepare to be amazed. Words can not describe the beauty that awaits you, nor can the describe the hospitality and warmth that will be lavished upon you.

To go on a car (4WD Vehicles) or on a motorbike is THE ONLY way to go, have your ACDC blazing on your ipod and enjoy the views.

BE A TRAVELER AND NOT A TOURIST! These parts are hardly touched upon by tourists so do not be bewildered by the stares, from the locals.

Swim in the gorgerous waterfalls and hike the mountains. Treked by the Ethnic farmers, dine with the people and hear their tales.

When it is time to say goodbye you will be saddened by the departures.

" NO PAIN NO GAIN "

I would recommend this journey to all those who have an adventurous heart and want to see real locals.

Julie Do Australia!! July 2009, rated 5 out of 5.