Trekking in Pu Luong nature reserve - North Vietnam

A LITTLE JEWEL IN NORTHERN VIETNAM

Presentation

Covering an area of more than 17,000 hectares of jungle, terraced rice fields, valleys, waterfalls,... the Pu Luong nature reserve is revealed by a varied facet that seduces trekking enthusiasts. It is a destination for travellers who want to get away from the beaten track when travelling to Vietnam, discover a still well-preserved nature and try the experience of staying with a local.

Hanoi > Pu Luong

Detailed program day by day

Hanoi, Pu Luong

We leave the capital for the beautiful Pu Luong reserve. This true natural setting located only four hours drive from Hanoi. By forking about thirty kilometers before Hoa Binh in the Kim Boi Valley the landscape becomes beautiful and we drive between hills, valleys and rice fields then we pass a pass before going down to the Mai Chau Valley.

Stop for lunch at the Thai village of Pom Coong, surrounded by rice fields and mountains.

Arrival in Pu Luong and walk three hours to the Thai village of Ban Kho Muong.

Overnight in a house on stilts. This is an opportunity to discover the culture and lifestyles of the Thai minority.

Day 1: Hanoi, Pu Luong

Ban Kho Muong, Ban Hieu

After an early morning awakening, a trek offers the opportunity to discover a natural sanctuary housing several plant and animal species, many of which are rare.

As we descend into the main valley of the reserve, through a bucolic landscape of villages and rice fields, we can observe the locals in their daily tasks and the bamboo irrigation wheels typical of the Thai villages of the region, especially between Pho Doan and Ban Hieu which is certainly one of the most beautiful areas in this valley.

After about 6h30 of walking we arrive close to the goal. A half-hour ascent awaits us before the view opens onto the terraced rice fields of the small village of Ban Hieu.

Depending on your motivation, it is possible to swim in the river which descends from the summit in several small waterfalls.

Overnight at the Thai inhabitant's house.

Day 2: Ban Kho Muong, Ban Hieu

Ban Hieu, Pho Doan, Hanoi

Breakfast at our hosts'. We leave the heights of Ban Hieu to reach the southern part of the reserve. Leaving the hill, we can enjoy the magnificent view of the terraced rice fields and the Pu Luong mountains.

2h30 walk before reaching the Pho Doan market: beautiful rice fields, small typical villages and women in traditional clothes, rivers and many bamboo water wheels. Immersion in the typical atmosphere of the countryside by meeting locals.

Lunch at the local restaurant and return to the capital after this very enriching break from your trip to Vietnam.

Day 3: Ban Hieu, Pho Doan, Hanoi