See Puluong Nature Reserve’s beautiful landscape and hill tribe culture - cascading views of rice fields, surrounded by hidden villages, mountains and nature on this four day journey. Trek hidden paths of the picturesque valley with ever-changing scenery while actively supporting local communities.
Itinerary
📍 Hanoi to Pu Luong (160 km): 4hrs
Depart Hanoi at 0830 for the 4hour drive to Puluong located 160 km southwest of Hanoi.
Puluong Nature Reserve is located on the cusp of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces known for its stunning scenery, including cascading waterfalls, rice terraces, and lush forests. It is also home to a variety of hill tribe groups, including the Thai and Muong people.
Upon arrival, check in at local homestay, operated as part of a community-based tourism initiative that allows travellers an experience of daily life in the region while directly supporting local livelihoods.
In the afternoon, take part in agricultural activities alongside local farmers. Depending on the season, help with planting, harvesting, or caring for vegetables.
Dinner is served at the homestay, featuring home-cooked dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A shared meal with the host family is often accompanied by cultural exchanges, providing deeper insight into the community’s customs, stories, and way of life.
Overnight homestay in Kho Muong village
Inclusions:
🍗 Dinner
📍 Walking & sightseeing route: 8-10 km moderate walking – approx. 5 hrs
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast in the tranquil setting of fields and mountains.
After breakfast, trek to Bat Cave (8-10 km moderate walking – approx. 5 hours. Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels), navigating its intricate passages while admiring the striking rock formations and stalactites. The exploration offers both geological interest and an opportunity to connect with the natural heritage valued by local communities.
Return to the homestay to participate in the preparation of Cơm lam—sticky rice traditionally cooked in bamboo tubes over an open flame. This hands-on culinary experience, guided by local hosts, reflects the deep-rooted food traditions of the Thai and Muong people and highlights sustainable practices that utilize local resources. Lunch is then served, featuring regional dishes often made from homegrown ingredients.
In the early afternoon, bid farewell to the host family and begin a scenic trek along a mountain trail to Uoi and Lan Villages. The path winds through expansive rice terraces and leads into a dense bamboo and fern forest before arriving at the villages. Along the way, see traditional wooden stilt houses of the Thai and Muong hill tribe communities.
The trek concludes upon reaching the main road, where a transfer awaits for the return to the hotel.
Note: Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed.
Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels.
Overnight at Puluong Retreat
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch
📍 Walking & sightseeing route: 3-5 km easy walking – approx. 2-3 hrs. Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 08:30 for a guided walk to Don Village (walking & sightseeing route: 3-5 km easy walking – approx. 2-3 hours. Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels), venturing off the beaten path into the surrounding jungle. Along the way, learn about traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs, as local gatherers identify and explain the uses of up to 50 native species—a practice passed down through generations and integral to community health and wellbeing.
The walk continues along the scenic “S-shaped” road, winding through terraced fields and offering glimpses into daily village life.
In Leo Village, visit a traditional Thai stilt house to observe time-honored practices such as handwoven textile production, local rice wine fermentation, and the preparation of herbal ingredients for therapeutic foot baths. These activities reflect the cultural richness and self-sufficiency of the community, and their inclusion in the itinerary helps sustain local traditions through tourism. Return to the hotel on foot or by transfer (1 km).
Afternoon is free at leisure
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
📍 Puluong - Hanoi (160 km): 4hrs
Morning relaxing before the transfer back 4hours to Hanoi or the next destination.
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
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