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Hiking Tour Northern Vietnam Mai Chau, Pu Luong 9 Days

  • CODE: GDT492
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 8 - 12 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: Vietnam - Ha Noi - Pu Luong - Mai Chau

Overview

Embark on an Unforgettable 9-Day Hiking Adventure through Northern Vietnam's Hidden Gems

 

Prepare for an extraordinary 9-day hiking expedition that plunges you deep into the heart of Northern Vietnam's most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures. This meticulously crafted Mai Chau - Pu Luong hiking tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature, while experiencing the authentic charm of remote Vietnamese villages.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Hanoi, leaving the bustling city behind as you venture into the tranquil Mai Chau Valley. Here, surrounded by picturesque rice paddies and verdant hills, you'll immediately feel the allure of rural Vietnam. Spend your days trekking through lush valleys, past traditional stilt houses, and along winding paths that lead to charming hamlets inhabited by the friendly White Thai and Muong ethnic minorities. Engage with local communities, learn about their customs, and savor delicious home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. The slower pace of life in Mai Chau allows for true immersion, offering insights into age-old agricultural practices and a deeper appreciation for simple living.

The adventure continues as you delve into the magnificent Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a true untouched paradise. This vast area, characterized by its dramatic limestone karsts, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling terraced rice fields, promises some of the most stunning trekking experiences in Vietnam. Hike through dense tropical rainforests, discover hidden caves, and witness the ingenious bamboo waterwheels that irrigate the rice paddies. Each day brings new vistas and challenges, from gentle strolls through valley floors to more invigorating ascents that reward you with panoramic views of the entire reserve. You'll stay in charming homestays within Pu Luong, offering a unique opportunity to live alongside local families, sharing their daily routines and learning about their rich heritage. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, enjoying breakfast with your hosts, and then setting out for a day of exploration, guided by the stunning scenery.

This 9-day Northern Vietnam hiking tour is more than just a trek; it's a cultural odyssey. You'll not only witness incredible natural beauty but also participate in authentic cultural exchanges. From sharing meals with local families to observing traditional crafts, every interaction enriches your understanding of Vietnam's diverse ethnic tapestry. Our expert local guides will lead you safely through diverse terrains, sharing their knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and cultural traditions. This tour is ideal for active travelers seeking an immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience, combining exhilarating hiking and trekking with genuine cultural encounters. Return to Hanoi refreshed, with unforgettable memories of Vietnam's stunning northern highlands and the warmth of its people.

Trip Map

Highlight

Your Journey Through Northern Vietnam's Best Hiking Trails

 

  • Scenic Drives from Hanoi: Begin your adventure with picturesque drives, transitioning from cityscapes to the serene rural landscapes of Mai Chau and Pu Luong. Witness the changing scenery, from bustling towns to tranquil villages surrounded by rice fields.

  • Immersive Mai Chau Valley Experience:

    • Gentle Valley Hikes: Explore the idyllic Mai Chau Valley with easy to moderate treks through verdant rice paddies and charming villages.

    • Authentic Homestays: Spend nights in traditional stilt houses with local White Thai families, experiencing their hospitality and daily life firsthand.

    • Cultural Exchange: Engage with local communities, learn about their customs, and observe traditional weaving or farming practices.

    • Delicious Local Cuisine: Savor authentic home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, regional ingredients, offering a true taste of Mai Chau.

  • Explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve's Wonders:

    • Diverse Trekking Trails: Challenge yourself with a variety of hiking routes, from valley walks to uphill climbs, revealing spectacular panoramic views of limestone karsts and terraced rice fields.

    • Lush Rainforest Exploration: Trek through dense tropical rainforest, discovering hidden paths and vibrant biodiversity.

    • Encounter Local Villages: Visit remote villages like Hieu, Kho Muong, and Don, observing the unique lifestyles of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups.

    • Waterwheel Discovery: Witness the traditional bamboo waterwheels, a testament to the ingenious agricultural practices of the local communities.

    • Cave Exploration (Optional): Discover fascinating caves within the reserve, adding an adventurous element to your journey.

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Venture away from tourist crowds to discover unspoiled natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences in lesser-known regions.

  • Expert Local Guides: Travel with knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the region's culture, history, and natural environment, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

  • Stunning Photography Opportunities: Capture breathtaking landscapes, vibrant local life, and unforgettable moments throughout your journey.

  • Physical Activity & Relaxation: A perfect blend of active hiking days balanced with opportunities for relaxation and immersion in peaceful rural settings.

Service

HOTELS
Homestay
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Your Perfect Trekking Adventure, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier trekking tour operator, we specialize in creating bespoke hiking experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team—comprising experienced trekking guides, knowledgeable local experts, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate mountain specialists—is committed to ensuring your adventure is seamless, safe, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian trekking tour. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream trekking adventure across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi – Hang Kia Village.
7:00 a.m you will be met up with Hiking Vietnam team at your hotel in Hanoi and transferred to Mai Chau. This scenic drive takes about three hours. En routes, you pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. After lunch in a traditional stilt house of the Thai people in Poom Coom village, you will enjoy one hour drive to Xa Linh village where you will begin 3 hrs trek through beautiful villages, the gravel tracks and small paths used by the locals. Dinner and overnight at a local home in Hang Kia village.
Day 2: Trekking Hang Kia – Van Village, Mai Chau.
After breakfast, you will get well and truly off the beaten track as you trek through tropical rain forest, using the local tracks and passing through corn fields as we descend in to Mai Chau Valley. The trek takes around 5 hours and is quite steep in places. Lunch will be provided at the local stall at the foot of the valley. From here, you will continue trekking and going through several ethnic minority villages, long spread out fields decorated with water wheels to make your way to Van village by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in a local stilt house (homestay).
Day 3: Trekking Van – Xam Khoe Village.
Today you will trek through several Thai hamlets. You walk on the valley floor and are surrounded by rice paddies and beautiful scenery. Picnic lunch will be provided en route. You will arrive in Xam Khoe village in the afternoon. Cook, then enjoy the dinner with the host. Spend another night homestay.
Day 4: Trekking Sam Khoe – Pom Coong Village.
Trek back to Mai Chau valley and Poom Coom village. You hike through beautiful rice terraces, inhale peaceful atmosphere in the morning. You will arrive back Poom Coong village around noon. Lunch will be served in a local stilt house. After lunch, free time for you to stroll around the village in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Poom Coom village.
Day 5: Pom Cong – Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Leaving the Poom Coom village, you travel on the paved road to the Ma river. Get off the bus to unbeaten trek to Duom and Hang village for approximately 2.5 hrs through spectacular mountain scenery, rice paddies, water wheels, talk with lovely local people on the way. You will arrive in the homestay in the afternoon. On this 5th day of this Hiking Tour Northern Vietnam we check into a local house for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Pu Luong Trekking.
It will be interesting for you to get up early and take part in their morning activities. Today you will be walking for a approximately 5 to 6 hour on a dirt road.The first hiking is hard with some steep climbs and yet more stream crossings, the next is really glorious with beautiful views of valley, rice terraces, rich rain forest. Picnic lunch on the way at Eo Ken village. Arrival in Hang village, the setting of the village is perhaps the most beautiful in Vietnam nestled between steep karst mountains and nice terraces in the afternoon. Spend our second night in a typical Thai stilt house in Kho Muong village.
Day 7: Puluong Trekking.
After breakfast, you will leave the homestay and continue trekking through the valley. There are some steep climbs and yet more stream crossings. Trek to an incredible cave, only recently discovered and now protected by the Forest rangers. The trekking becomes more remote yet one is never far from a villager tending fields, passing steep limestone mountain, rain forest inside the Pu Luong Nature Reserve to Nua village. Lunch will be provided en route. Relax from the heat of the day before continuing on to Hin – the village of Thai people in the afternoon. Have dinner and spend one more night at a local home.
Day 8: Pu Luong Trekking.
Leave Hin village, you will trek uphill. You will get in deeper inside the Pu luong Nature Reserve with wild and rich tropical forest. Lunch will be provided en route. After lunch, continue trekking through Ba beautiful village to Son village. Take a break and stretch your legs on the house on stilt of Thai people or strolling round this village and to be in contact with hospitable friendly local people here. Dinner and overnight in Son village.
Day 9: Pu Luong – Hanoi.
Today you will have a nice and easier trek, just a bit up and down through rice paddies, jungle fever. After 2.5 hours we get to Ton village. You will be picked up by your car and transferred back to Hanoi. Trip ends.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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