Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park Discovery Tour – 7 Days/ 6 Nights

Itinerary

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve spans from Mai Chau valley in the North to Cuc Phuong national park in the South East, encompassing an area of remarkable beauty, cultural and customs intrigue, and high biodiversity. This region is adorned with lush forests, limestone vistas, picturesque rice paddies, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of the Thai and Muong ethnic minority groups, staying in charming hill tribe villages and traditional homestay accommodations.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers a range of trekking experiences, from easy to moderate and challenging, with visits lasting from one to several days. Green Discovery Indochina presents the opportunity to explore the bat cave at Kho Muong, engage in kayaking and rafting on the Ma River, venture to delightful Thai villages, or camp on the Pu Luong mountain for a breathtaking panorama.

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau (L, D)

7:15 a.m Meet our tour guide and driver from Green Discovery Indochina, then transfer to Mai Chau. Drive to Hoa Binh (about 2 hours). Take a short break at Thung Khe pass for 30 minutes.

Continue the journey from Thung Khe pass to Mai Chau with a few stops along the way for taking pictures and enjoying the stunning views. Lunch will be served in Mai Chau.

After lunch, take a one-hour rest and check-in at the homestay before exploring around Mai Chau valley. Have dinner at a stilt house in Poom Coong – a Thai minority village.

Overnight in the village. Clean and comfortable mattresses, blankets, and pillows are provided.

 

 

 

Day 2: Trek from Mai Chau to Pu Luong Nature Reserve (B, L, D)

Departing from Poom Coong village, continue the journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, exploring the Black River along Road 15C. Embark on a 2.5-hour trek to Duom and Hang villages, traversing breathtaking mountain landscapes, rice terraces, and water wheels. Engage in delightful conversations with the friendly local residents. Reach our homestay in Hang village in the afternoon, check in, and take a leisurely stroll around the village. Spend the night in Hang village and enjoy dinner with a Thai family.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Trek to Eo Ken & Kho Muong Villages (Continuing the Pu Luong Nature Reserve Hike) (B, L, D)

Rise early, savor a delicious breakfast, and bid farewell to our host’s home. Prepare for a full day of trekking, embarking on a 6-7 hour journey along a dirt road. The initial part of the hike presents some challenging sections with steep climbs and stream crossings, followed by a truly enchanting landscape offering stunning views of the valley, rice terraces, and lush rainforest. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route at Eo Ken village. Upon reaching Kho Muong village in the afternoon, discover the village nestled amidst steep karst mountains and terraces, showcasing some of the most picturesque scenery in Vietnam. Spend the second night in a stilt house in the charming Thai village of Kho Muong.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Trek to Nua and Hin Villages (Continuing Pu Luong National Park Trek) (B, L, D)

Following breakfast, bid farewell to the homestay host and resume trekking through the valley along unpaved roads, navigating steep climbs and stream crossings. Embark on a remarkable trek to the recently discovered cave in Kho Muong, now safeguarded by Forest Rangers. The trek takes you through remote landscapes within Pu Luong Nature Reserve, passing by villagers tending fields and steep limestone mountains. Lunch will be served along the route. Take a break from the midday heat before proceeding to Hin, the Thai village, in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner and spend another night in a local home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5: Hin Village to Son Village (B, L, D)

Depart Hin village and trek uphill, venturing deeper into Pu Luong Nature Reserve with its wild and lush tropical forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Continue trekking through Ba beautiful village to Son village. Take a leisure break at a Thai stilt house or explore the village, engaging with the hospitable locals. Dinner and overnight at Pu Luong Retreat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6: Trek to Pho Doan Market – Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park (B, L)

Embark on a pleasant and easier trek through rice paddies and jungle areas. After 2.5 hours, reach Pho Doan Market. Receive a car pickup and transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park. Explore the Botanic Garden, Endangered Primate Rescue Center, attend a seminar on primate rescue, and discover the Cave of Prehistoric Man and its surroundings. Stay overnight in Cuc Phuong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 7: Cuc Phuong National Park – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, visit the historic capital of Vietnam and the renowned ancient temples of The Le and The Dinh Dynasties. Enjoy a one-hour cycling tour on picturesque quiet roads through villages, rice fields, rivers, and rocky outcrops to Tam Coc (12km) for lunch. Afterward, take a sampan boat journey (1 hour) through the heart of “Inland Ha Long Bay,” marveling at the karst formations and passing through limestone-carved caves. Take a short rest near a small shrine before returning to the dock (1 hour). In total, enjoy 2 hours on the sampan boat. Following the boat trip, drive back to Hanoi, concluding the trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included:

• Admission Fees: Entrance to scenic spots mentioned in the itinerary.
• Meals: All specified meals featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
• Private Transfers: Transportation throughout the trip with drivers, as outlined in the itinerary.
• Excellent English-speaking Guide: Accompanying the trip in each region as per the itinerary.
• Hotels: Accommodation fees based on double/twin occupancy in rooms with air conditioning and private facilities. Daily breakfast provided in hotels listed in the itinerary.
• Entrance Fees and Permissions.
• Boat Trip: Enjoy a boat excursion on the Ma River and Tam Coc.
• Daily Mineral Water Bottle.
• Service Charge & Government Taxes.

Excluded:

• Excess Baggage Charges: Passengers with adult or half-fare tickets have a free baggage allowance of 20kg for economy class. Carry-on baggage should not exceed a total weight of 5kg and a size of 20x40x55cm.
• Personal Expenses: Costs related to personal activities such as laundry, beverages, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing, or meals not included in the tour itinerary.
• Tips.
• Visa.
• Single Room Supplement.

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Happy travels!