Pu Luong Trek 4 days ~ 'Explore diverse natural surroundings and charming cultures'
Routes: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Thanh Hoa – Hanoi
Duration: 4 days
Feature: Mai Chau, a townlet of the Thai people, has become a famous destination in Vietnam for its stunning scenery. Our journey to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve will start from this glorious place. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area with outstanding beauty and renouned biodiversity, having global importantance as a lowland limestone forest ecosystem covered by rich tropical forest, stunning panoramas, and beautiful rice paddies. Pu Luong opened a number of trekking routes under the support of organizations such as FFI, FPD, and Fundesco in 2004 and some successful community – based ecotourism projects.
On this trip you will have an opportunity to be with nature and experience the everyday life and culture of the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities while staying in their traditional homes. Challenge yourself, learn new things, meet some great people, travel your way.
Difficulty: (5/5)
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi-Mai Chau–Pu Luong, trek to Sai and Hang villages. Depart from your Hanoi hotel at 7:00 am transferring to Mai Chau. Daydream as we drive a safe route with spectacular views around every bend. Upon arrival at Poom Coom village in Mai Chau, we will take a short walk to visit the ethnic Thai people, then lunch will be served at local home. We will then leave Mai Chau for a short ride along the Ma River (22 km) to Sai village. Off the bus and off the beaten path, we begin our trek to Duom and Hang villages. For 2.5 hours we we will trek through outstanding mountain scenery and picturesque rice paddies, see hand-crafted bamboo water wheels, and talk with the lovely local people. Spend the night in a local Thai family's traditional home on stilts. They will be our hosts for the night and you will have the opportunity to share stories about your lives and cultures. Prepare a picnic lunch for the next day before falling asleep. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Pu Luong, trek to Eo Ken and Kho Muong villages (6 hours). The daily life here starts early, it will be interesting for you to get up at the first sign of day light and take part in the activities in the morning, or take a stroll around Hang village before having breakfast with our new Thai friends. Start trekking at 8:00 am. Today we will be walking for a approximately 5 to 6 hours. The first section is hard with some steep climbs and stream crossings. The second stage is glorious with beautiful views of the valley, rice terraces, rich rain forests, and meandering streams. Picnic lunch on the way at Eo Ken village. Arrival in Kho Muong village is always special as the setting of the village is perhaps the most beautiful in Vietnam, nestled between steep karst mountains with rice terraces in the afternoon sun. Spend our second night nearby in a typical Thai eco, stilt home in Kho Muong village. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Pu Luong, trek to Hin village (6 hours). The sounds of village life will tell you that morning has arrived. Breakfast then trek to Hin village (5-6 hours). On this route we will encounter some steep climbs and more stream crossings. Along the way we will visit an incredible cave, only recently discovered, now protected by the Forest Rangers. The trekking will become more and more remote although one is never that far from a villager tending their fields. Pass steep limestone mountains and curiosity conjuring caves, through the dense rain forests all inside the borders of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and onto Nua village.
After this tough trek, there is nothing more refreshing then dunking yourself in a cool stream. Surely you will not be the only one taking part in some of the fun of stream bathing! Our picnic lunch will be served here followed by a little relaxation from the heat of the day before continuing to Hin village of the Thai people. We will be welcomed as honored guests, then have dinner with the local people at their traditional home. Free time for you to learn more about the traditional customs and culture here. Prepare picnic lunch for the next day before falling asleep. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Pu Luong, trek to Ton village (7 hours), return to Hanoi. Get up early morning if you would like to observe or take part in daily life of the local people. Then breakfast is served by our Thai host family in preparation for a hard but pleasurable trek (6-7 hours) through rich and wild rain forests. This challenging hike wanders through the biodiversity of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We will have a picnic lunch inside the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, then continuing our trek to Ton village. The land cruiser picks us up here, and its back to Hanoi, exhausted and completely satisfied. Includes: (B),(L).
Trip Reminder
* Mekong Delta Extension
Why not add a visit to the beautiful Mekong Delta to the start of your Vietnam holiday? Experience the lively markets and delightful scenery of the delta on this two-night tour extension
* Kayaking on Halong Bay
At Halong Bay, we stay overnight on board our comfortable boat. Weather permitting, you may be able to try kayaking on the bay before watching the sun set over the spectacular limestone islands.
* M 19288 Community Trust
The M 19288 Community Trust, a division of M 19288 Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by M 19288, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by The Heritages Travel Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future
* Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period
Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland.).The official Tet holiday period for 2009 will be from Saturday 24th January till Friday 30th January
This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded.
* Local Tour Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community.Your tour leader’s friendship,humour,passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
* Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
* At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips).
* It is customary to tip your tour leader,at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
* Please be aware that flight times,trains,hotels and other services are subject to availability.Where flights/trains are cancelled or delayed Heritages Vietnam will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value,
* Hotels,flights,train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation)
* This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing.
* Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories.
* What to Bring: Passport, Change of clothes, Sun-glasses & hat, Towels, lot of Film,Toiletries, Sun-block, Insect repellent, Flashlight, Proper footwear, Sleeping bag, Camera, Raincoat or Umbrella, Cable locks for luggage, Personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks.
* Car/Van Quality: Using new AC car or van depending on your group size.
* Where: Trip starts & end in Hanoi
* When the trip could do: All year round;
**For other tour options in Sapa: go on longer treks, visit Sunday markets, conquer the summit of of Mt. Fansipan, or to tailor-make your own tour,
* Check–in: 14:00; out: 12:00 noon.Early check in if it is subject to availability.
* Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice.Please contact us for farther
*** Accommodation offering in this trip( O/N-Overnight)
Home Stay
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Includes:
-Meals as As indicated;(B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner)
-Local English/French speaking guides/leader
-All entrance and sightseeing fees
-Security home stay fees,
-Home stay fee
-Local jeep returning
-Two ways train tickets HAN- LCAI-HAN with air-cabinet shared ( Vitoria train need more contact )
Tour Excludes:
-International airfares & airport taxes in/out of Vietnam
-All drinks & other meals not mentioned
-Travel insurance
-Visa to Vietnam (We can arrange both visa approval letter and visa on arrival upon request)
-Personal expenses (laundry,telephone, shopping, etc.)
-Others not mentioned in details,Tipping and Gratuities are welcome!
Rate in USD Per person
-If 2-4 persons:Cost in USD420.00/Pax (Home stay hotel)
-If 5-7 persons:Cost in USD330.00/Pax
-If 8-10 : Cost in USD 290. 00/Pax
-Single Sup + N/A
* Upgrade Hotels is N/A
* Contact us for your arrivals dates
* Trip price valid unstil Dec.2009
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Farm Stay & Ranching
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