| Trip code: VET.AD-02 Type of trip: Private Trip Duration: 6 Days Starting: Hanoi capital city, Vietnam Finishing: Hanoi, Vietnam Activities: Trekking, Culture expedition Trekking grade: Moderate Transport: AC vehicle, on foot Accommodation: 5 nights home stay Destinations: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong |
Description: 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.
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BRIEF ITINERARY:
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong |
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Day 2: Trek to Kho Muong Village | |
Day 3: Trek to Cao Hoong Village | |
Day 4: Trek to Cao Village | |
Day 5: Cao Village - Canh Nang Town - Mai Chau | |
Day 6: Mai Chau - Hanoi | |
Day 7: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong |
Food
All meals, which are indicated in the itinerary, are included in the price of this trip. The emphasis will be on healthy and nutritious local produce. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirement.
The home stay
Home stay in remote villages is simple in term of bedding condition and toilet. We may sleep on beds or floor with mattress, clean sheet, pillows and mosquito nets. Toilet is usually flush-style. There is no electricity and running water.
Vietnam Explorient Travel ’s guide
The tour will be guided by one of our tour guides who are experienced in guiding trekking tours in Vietnam. He has been carefully trained in this field and is fully licensed in tour guiding by the government. In addition, he has been trained in first-aid by SOS International and he knows how to deal with difficult situations. You will have a great time traveling with him.
The trekking day
A typical trekking day start at about 8.30 am after breakfast. Lunch times can vary depending on the terrain. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 pm or 5 pm. During the trek we will have short breaks for rest, snack and photographing.
What to bring
Trekking boot, sun block, hat, anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, sleeping bag (optional), rain coat, toiletries, and original passport.
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.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong (-/L/D)
8:00 Am, 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 by a lunch in Pom Coong Village. After lunch 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.
Transfer: 4 hrs
Trekking: 3 hrs/easy terrain
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay
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Day 2: Trek to Kho Muong Village (B/L/D)
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 (B/L/D)
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 (B/L/D)
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 (B/L/D)
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 (B/L/-)
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
PRICE & INCLUSION
This rate is quoted in USD per person, based on Double/Twin occupancy with 3-star hotel standard.
Valid until 31.December - 2013
| Group Size | 2 persons | 4 persons | 6 persons | Single Supp* |
| Price / pp | 647 | 466 | 393 | 60 |
Price Inclusions:
Price Exclusions:
Notes: Surcharge might be applied during November, December 2011 and February 2012 which will be advised at the time of booking.
