Terraced rice fields of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

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Pu Luong Tour: Highlights in 2 Days

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Overview

This 2-day Pu Luong tour from Hanoi is a perfect short escape into northern Vietnam’s peaceful countryside. You’ll explore hidden villages, walk along rice terraces, and experience the traditional life of the Thai ethnic group. From trekking and bamboo rafting to relaxing in a mountain retreat with an infinity pool, this tour blends soft adventure with comfort. It’s ideal if you want to get off the tourist trail without going too far from Hanoi — and still enjoy a well-organized, all-included trip.

Highlights

Trek through rice fields and traditional stilt-house villages
See the unique bamboo waterwheels of the Thai ethnic minority
Enjoy a peaceful bamboo boat ride on the Cham River
Relax at a scenic retreat with an infinity pool and eco-restaurant
Visit the remote Kho Muong village and its hidden bat cave

Price & Availability

Questions or Special Requests?

Not sure about something, or want to customize this tour? We’re happy to help—just reach out!

Vietnamese Travel Agency

Book directly with a local Vietnamese travel agency

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Local Support

Local team in Vietnam for questions and on-site assistance

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Itinerary

Day 1 :

Hanoi to Pu Luong – Local culture & scenic trekking

Lunch, Dinner

Homestay

Start :

Pick up in Hanoi

You’ll be picked up between 7:00 and 7:30 AM in Hanoi by limousine bus. Settle in for the ride as you leave the city behind and head into the green hills of northern Vietnam.

Stop 1 :

Viewpoint at Thung Khe Pass

Along the way, stop at the panoramic Thung Khe Pass, overlooking Mai Chau Valley. You’ll see local stalls selling snacks and regional products — a great place to stretch your legs and try cơm lam (sticky rice cooked in bamboo).

Stop 2 :

Arrival in Pu Luong

Arrive at your retreat in Pu Luong Nature Reserve just in time for lunch. Enjoy a peaceful meal with mountain views, then check into your room. Afterward, you’ll have time to relax — take a swim in the infinity pool or simply soak in the quiet.

Lunch, Dinner

Afternoon :

Trek through Ba village & waterwheels

Your guide will take you by car to the trailhead for your first trek. Cross a hanging bridge over the Cham River and walk through Ba village, home to traditional stilt houses of the Thai ethnic minority. Along the way, you’ll pass the iconic bamboo waterwheels — a clever local irrigation system and a signature feature of the area.

Late afternoon :

Bamboo boat ride on the Cham River

Wind down the day with a slow and relaxing bamboo boat ride on the river. These boats are still used by locals to travel or access their fields — now adapted for a quiet and scenic ride through the countryside.

Evening :

Dinner & leisure at the retreat

Return to your eco-retreat for dinner at the on-site restaurant. Spend your evening relaxing at the bar, dipping in the pool, or simply enjoying the peace of Pu Luong at night. Overnight at Inh La Home or similar.

Day 2 :

Trek to Kho Muong village & return to Hanoi

Board the bus back to Hanoi, concluding your journey.

Breakfast, Lunch

Morning :

Trek to Kho Muong & Bat Cave

After breakfast, lace up for a scenic trek to Kho Muong village. You’ll follow a small path near stilt houses, then climb gradually to reach panoramic views of the rice terraces below. From the hilltop, you’ll descend into the valley and discover the hidden village. Depending on the weather, you may also explore a nearby limestone cave — home to a small bat colony.

Late morning :

Return and lunch at the retreat

Trek back to your eco-retreat, take a shower, and enjoy a final lunch with mountain views.

Afternoon :

Relax or explore on your own

After lunch, you’ll have a bit of free time. You can relax by the infinity pool or take a short walk around the area before it’s time to leave.

End :

Transfer back to Hanoi

At 3:00 PM, board the limousine bus for the return journey to Hanoi. Expect to arrive in the evening — well-rested, recharged, and full of countryside memories.

Included / Excluded

Transportation as per the itinerary
Meals as mentioned (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
English-speaking local guides
Eco-friendly accommodations
Entrance tickets and activities

International flights
Drinks and personal expenses
Tips (optional) and travel insurance

Tour information

Total distance
The trekking routes on this tour are moderate and cover a few kilometers each day. The distances are short enough to enjoy at a relaxed pace and focus on the scenery.
Difficulty level
This tour involves light to moderate trekking, suitable for most travelers with average fitness. If you have concerns about the difficulty, let us know — we can adjust the experience to your comfort level.
Best time
This tour is enjoyable year-round, but the best months are from March to May and September to November, when the weather is cooler and the rice terraces are at their most scenic.
Required experience
No previous trekking experience is needed. This tour is suitable for beginners who want to explore nature and culture without anything too challenging.
What to wear
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, breathable clothes for the day, and a light jacket in case it gets chilly in the evening. A rain jacket is useful during the wet season.
Safety information
Your guide will accompany you throughout the tour. The trails are safe and commonly used, and the bamboo boat ride is calm and low-risk. Basic first aid support is available on-site.
Wifi and internet
Most retreats in Pu Luong offer basic Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow. We recommend using a Vietnamese SIM card with mobile data for more reliable internet during your trip.
Luggage details
You can bring a small suitcase or travel bag. For ease of travel, consider packing light — large suitcases are best left in Hanoi or at your previous hotel.
Dietary options
Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated. Just let us know your preferences in advance, and we’ll make sure your meals are adjusted accordingly.
Dishes included
Meals feature local Vietnamese dishes, including rice, vegetables, meat or tofu, and seasonal specialties. Expect warm, home-style cooking served at the retreat and during your day trips.
Equipment provided
No special equipment is needed for this tour. The bamboo boat ride is operated by locals, and the trek doesn’t require technical gear.
Weather considerations
This tour runs in all weather. Light rain or fog won’t stop the experience — and the Pu Luong landscape can be especially beautiful in misty conditions. In case of extreme weather, adjustments will be made for your safety.
What to bring
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a camera. A small backpack is handy for carrying essentials during the trek.
Accommodation options
You’ll stay at a peaceful mountain retreat like Inh La Home, offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. If you'd like a different style of stay, we can customize it for you.
Availability
This tour runs regularly and can start on most days of the week, subject to availability. Early booking is recommended, especially during the dry season and weekends.
Child Policy
Child prices apply to children from 5 to 8 years old. Participants older that 8 years old are charged the adult rate

FAQ

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Light rain will not stop the tour; we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and trekking shoes with good grip. For severe weather conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted, or the tour may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

What type of accommodations will be provided?

Accommodations include eco-friendly lodges or similar properties with comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. If the main property is fully booked, alternative accommodations of similar quality will be arranged.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome, but parents should assess their child’s fitness level and ability to participate in trekking activities.

Are English-speaking guides available?

Yes, the tour includes experienced English-speaking guides who provide insights into local culture and assist with any questions.

Can this tour be extended to 3 days or combined with another destination?

Yes, we can help customize this tour with an extra day in Pu Luong or combine it with nearby places like Ninh Binh or Mai Chau. Just contact us for options.

Pu Luong Tour: Highlights in 2 Days

Overview

Highlights

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