Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Set Departure Tour on November, 2009 November 12, 2009

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Mai Chau - Hanoi
6-day tour with 5-day trekking
Trekking grade: Moderate
Group size: 10 persons
From US$ 279 per person

The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and high biodiversity value stretching from Mai Chau in the north west to Cuc Phuong National Park in the south east. 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 ethnic minorities and spend nights with friendly locals.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong

After breakfast we depart Hanoi for Pu Luong Natural Reserve via Mai Chau. This scenic drive takes around 4 hrs. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. We will reach Mai Chau valley by lunchtime. Following lunch in Pom Coong Village we drive 22km further into the reserve where we begin our trek. We trek for approximately 3 hrs before arriving at Hang Village, which is home to Thai ethnic minority. We spend the night with a local Thai family who will be our hosts in a traditional house built on stilts. Before dinner we can stroll around the village to observe daily life activities of the locals.

Summary
Transfer: 4 hrs
Trekking: 3 hrs/easy terrain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

Day 2: Trek to Kho Muong Village

This morning we have breakfast in the home stay before we begin the big trek of the day. Today we will be walking for around 6 hrs on a rocky path running through jungle. Lunch stop will be in a village along the way. After lunch we will pass through several Thai villages before arriving at the village of Kho Muong. As the name suggests this is a Muong minority village and we will be their guests for the night.

Summary
Trekking: 6 hrs/slightly uphill/rocky path
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

Day 3: Trek to Cao Hoong Village

Today we have a full day trek as we climb to the Pu Luong range. En route we pass through a number of small hamlets and minority villages. After 3 hr of light ascent we will we will descend to the village of Cao Hoong, a village of Thai ethnic minority people, where we spend the night in local home.

Summary
Trekking: 6 hrs/light climb followed by a gentle descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local house

Day 4: Trek to Cao Village

Our trek through the verdant countryside today will take around 6 hrs. The trek path runs uphill and downhill through forest, rice terraces and scenic villages. On the trek we may see farmers working on rice paddies and children going to school. Lunch break will be in a local village. We spend the night in the Thai village of Cao.

Summary
Trekking: 5 hrs/small climbs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local house

Day 5: Cao Village – Canh Nang Town – Mai Chau

After breakfast we trek toward Ma River. The trek is quite gentle since we descend a wide-open valley. After 2 hrs trek we will reach Pho Doan Town where we will visit to the local market. Following we trek Ma River, on the way we will see nice view of river, paddies and water wheel. We will be picked up and transferred to Mai Chau for a late lunch. Overnight in Pom Coong village.

Summary
Trekking: 4 hrs/long descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local house

Day 6: Mai Chau – Hanoi

Today is a relaxing day. We can take a stroll in Mai Chau Valley to observe daily life activities of the local. Lunch in local house before driving back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 5 pm. Trip concludes

Summary
Transfer: 4 hrs
Trekking: Optional 2-hr leisure walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

Official Website: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/