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Trade traffic for birdsong and skyscrapers for limestone peaks. This whirlwind escape drops you in the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve—Vietnam’s best-kept secret—where water wheels creak, orchids scent the air, and valleys glow emerald at dawn. Expect cave expeditions, 19 km of hidden trails, bamboo rafting, and meals cooked beside a jungle waterfall.
Conquer Kho Muong cave, trek rice-terrace backroads, swim beneath Hieu Waterfall, and glide downstream on a bamboo raft.
Accommodation? Done. Meals? We’ve got you covered. Guides? Always there. Activities? Endless options to explore!
You leave Hanoi just after sunrise, swapping the city’s motorbike buzz for winding mountain roads and mist-draped peaks. Four hours later Pu Luong opens up before you—deep valleys, terraced rice paddies, and the sweet smell of bamboo in the air.
After a quick local lunch, lace up for a 10 km off-road trek. Splash through cool streams, duck beneath jungle canopies, and emerge in Kho Muong: a hidden village cradling Pu Luong’s largest limestone cave. Lantern light flickers across ancient stalactites before you continue to Bang village, where stilt houses perch above glowing terraces. By dusk you’re sharing a family-style dinner and watching fireflies spark over the paddies—Vietnam’s wild north already feels like a dream.
Wake to rooster calls and mist rolling across the fields. Today’s 19 km loop stitches together the reserve’s most authentic villages. First stop: Don’s postcard-perfect paddies, then Quan and Uoi, where curious kids wave from bamboo balconies.
In Lan village the rhythmic clack of wooden looms draws you in—Thai women still weave every bolt of cloth by hand. Deeper in the forest, Long village’s free-range Co Lung ducks waddle past like little white guardians of the trail.
A short ride (or pedal, if you booked bikes) leads to Hieu Waterfall. Lunch is served beside jade pools; dive in, let the jungle soundtrack wash over you, and feel every tired muscle melt away. A final downhill stroll returns you to base for a soothing herbal foot soak and sunset happy hour.
After breakfast you cross a swaying suspension bridge into one of Pu Luong’s most photogenic valleys. Giant wooden water wheels creak rhythmically as they lift stream water to the rice terraces—a centuries-old engineering marvel.
Climb onto a hand-tied bamboo raft and glide downstream with a local boatman guiding the pole. The river mirrors lush slopes and distant karsts until you reach Chieu Lau dam. One last 2 km stroll through emerald fields brings you back to the waiting van. By early evening the Hanoi skyline reappears, but the scent of bamboo and the rush of jungle waterfalls stay with you long after you unpack.
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Love getting a little muddy for big rewards? Happy to hike 10–19 km a day on uneven paths? Then Pu Luong is your playground. We keep groups intimate (max 15) to preserve the wilderness feel—but can scale guides and support for private parties up to 40 if needed. Solo explorers, adventurous couples, and active families with teens all thrive here.
Traditional Stilt House (Shared) – Breezy open-air loft, thick mattresses, mosquito nets, Wi-Fi, and the soft hum of jungle nights.
Private Eco-Bungalow (Upgrade + $15) – Stand-alone wooden hut with ensuite, river-view deck, and that sunrise-coffee moment all to yourself.
Deluxe Balcony Room (Upgrade + $20) – Hotel-style comfort with king/twin beds, air-con, and a private balcony that frames Pu Luong’s rice-terrace panorama—perfect for sunset drinks.
📍 Starts in: Hanoi 🎯 Ends in: Hanoi
🗓 Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
🧭 Travel Style: Guided trekking, cultural immersion
👨👩👧 Group Size: 2 – 15 (public) / up to 40 (private)
💰 From: $259 USD p.p. (group 5+)
What’s Included:
✓ Hanoi–Pu Luong round-trip limousine van
✓ 2 nights stilt-house (or bungalow upgrade)
✓ All meals listed (B × 2, L × 3, D × 2)
✓ English-speaking local guide + porter support
✓ All entrance fees, cave tickets, rafting gear
✓ Bottled water & snacks on trek
Not Included
❌ International flights & Hanoi hotel before/after tour
❌ Personal drinks, laundry, bicycle rental
❌ Travel insurance (required)
❌ Tips for guide & driver
Day 1 – Hanoi ➜ Pu Luong
✓ Scenic mountain drive with photo stops✓ 10 km off-road trek to Kho Muong Cave
✓ Wander the terraced paddies of Bang Village
✓ Family-style dinner & storytelling in a traditional stilt house
Day 2 – Pu Luong Villages Loop
✓ 19 km trek through Don, Quan, Uoi & Lan villages
✓ Hand-loom weaving demo with Thai artisans
✓ Visit Co Lung duck farm & tasting session
✓ Picnic lunch + swim at Hieu Waterfall
✓ Sunset herbal foot-soak & happy-hour views
Day 3 – Pu Luong ➜ Hanoi
✓ Suspension-bridge walk into water-wheel valley✓ Glide downstream on a bamboo raft with local boatman✓ Final 2 km rice-field loop trek & village farewell✓ Scenic late-afternoon drive back to Hanoi
Do I need a visa for a 3-day trek?
Probably. Most nationalities either get a 45-day visa exemption or an e-visa that you apply for online in 2–3 days. If you’re already traveling inside Vietnam, you’re set. Flying in just for Pu Luong? Double-check the rules for your passport first and grab an e-visa to keep things smooth. We’ll point you to the right website if you need a hand.Most travelers do. Vietnam offers a 45-day visa exemption or Visa on Arrival for many nationalities, but we always recommend double-checking based on your passport. Some families prefer to secure an e-visa ahead of time to keep things simple. If you're unsure, we’re happy to help guide you through the process.Most visitors to Vietnam need some form of visa. Many nationalities can enjoy a simple 'Visa on Arrival' process that grants you 45 days in the country. If you need longer or don't qualify for this option, you can apply online or at your local Vietnamese embassy for up to a 3-month stay. We recommend securing your visa early to avoid any last-minute stress.
Any health precautions before we hit the trail?
Pu Luong sits at low altitude, so no acclimatization drama—but you’ll be walking 10-19 km a day on uneven paths. Make sure your tetanus and routine shots are current, pack strong insect repellent, and consider a quick chat with your doctor about preventive meds if you’re sensitive to mosquito bites. Wet-season trekkers (May–Oct) might want lightweight leech socks—our guides carry salt just in case.Vietnam is generally low-risk, but it's best to visit your family doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before departure. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Since this tour includes both rural and urban stops, your doctor might suggest specific precautions depending on your child’s age and health history.
Is travel insurance really mandatory?
Yes, 100 %. We’re deep in rural Vietnam where the nearest big hospital is a few hours away. Your policy should cover trekking activities and emergency evacuation. A quick screenshot of your certificate is all we need at orientation. Peace of mind sorted!Yes — and it’s non-negotiable. All families must show proof of travel insurance before the tour begins. Your policy should cover Vietnam and include emergency medical coverage for all travelers. It’s one of the best ways to protect your trip.
What should I pack for three days off-road?
- Footwear: Broken-in hiking shoes + flip-flops for evenings
- Clothing: 2 quick-dry sets, light fleece for cool nights, rain jacket (wet season)
- Extras: Small daypack, headlamp, swimsuit for Hieu Waterfall, microfiber towel, insect repellent, refillable water bottle, a few energy bars
Limit the big bag to 12–15 kg—you can store excess luggage in Hanoi.
How much cash should I bring?
Plan on 1–2 million VND (~ US $40–80) per person for drinks, souvenirs, and guide/driver tips. There are no ATMs in Pu Luong, so withdraw in Hanoi before departure. Card payments aren’t a thing in the villages.
Will I have phone signal or Wi-Fi?
Expect spotty service on the trails and decent 3G/4G in villages. The homestay has Wi-Fi strong enough for messages and the occasional Instagram story. We set up a WhatsApp group before the trip—your guide posts daily meet-up times there whenever coverage allows. If you go off-grid for a few hours, that’s part of the magic!
Feel free to shoot over any other questions—our team’s happy to help you prep like a pro.
When should we arrive on Day 1?
Plan to be in Hanoi no later than 06:00 AM on Day 1. Our van leaves the Old Quarter around 07:00 for the 4-hour ride to Pu Luong, and we don’t want you sprinting through the arrivals hall. Most guests fly in the night before, enjoy a hotel sleep-over, then meet us fresh and caffeinated in the morning.
Will someone pick us up at the airport?
Absolutely. Send us your flight details and one of our team members will be waiting at Noi Bai (HAN) with a Pai Dai sign. We’ll transfer you to your Hanoi hotel or straight to the trek meeting point—whatever fits your schedule best.
What happens on Day 1?
After pickup, we hit the road to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Expect a scenic coffee stop halfway, lunch in the hills, then your first 10 km off-road hike through Kho Muong cave and Bang rice terraces. We wrap up by sunset, followed by a family-style dinner and optional cooking class at the stilt house.
Can we arrive earlier or stay longer in Hanoi?
Definitely. Many travelers tag on a pre-night to shake off jet lag or explore the Old Quarter. Just let us know—we’ll book extra nights, airport transfers, and even a food-tasting walk if you’d like. Post-trek extensions are easy too: Sapa, Ha Long Bay, or a quick hop to Thailand.
Need more details?
Two weeks before departure you’ll get a final briefing with exact pickup times, packing tips, and WhatsApp contacts. Flight delayed? No stress—we track arrivals in real time and adjust pickups accordingly. Reach out any time; we’re here to make the logistics effortless so you can focus on the adventure.
When does the tour end?
Your adventure wraps up on Day 3 back in Hanoi. After the bamboo-raft finale and a final Vietnamese lunch, our limousine van reaches the Old Quarter around 6:30 PM (traffic willing). From there, you’re free to fly onward, check into a Hanoi hotel, or jump on a night train north.
What happens after the tour?
Plenty of travelers keep the momentum going—some team up for a Ha Long Bay cruise, others hop a train to Sapa or chill in Ninh Binh. Swapping plans over dinner on the last night is common; new trail buddies often become travel buddies.
Can I get help with airport transfers?
Absolutely. Just give us your flight details and we’ll arrange a private or shared ride to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
Staying longer?
We can also book hotel extensions, trains, or buses—whatever keeps your trip hassle-free.
When should I book my return flight?
To keep things relaxed, aim for a departure after 9:00 PM on Day 3. That leaves wiggle room for the drive from Pu Luong, dinner, and airport check-in. Early evening flight? We can shorten lunch and go direct.
Can we extend our stay?
Totally. Extra nights in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an eco-lodge in Ninh Binh, or even a beach dash to Da Nang—tell us your wish list and we’ll sort the logistics. Extensions aren’t in the base price, but our team does the legwork for you.
We’re visiting multiple countries. Any tips?
Lock in your Pu Luong dates first, then book onward flights to Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia. Remember: this trek starts and finishes in Hanoi; international connections aren’t included. Double-check visa requirements and keep a day’s buffer if you can.
Can you help with onward travel?
Definitely. Need a seat on the overnight train to Lao Cai, a Ha Long Bay cabin, or a quick flight south? We’ve got trusted partners and fair rates—just ask your guide or our Hanoi office.
Need more help?
We’re here 24/7. Drop us a line at sales@paidaitravel.com or message your guide / Ms. Sally any time you need a hand. Safe travels and see you on the trail!
Is there Wi-Fi in Pu Luong?
Your homestay / eco-lodge has solid Wi-Fi for emails and social updates. Once you hit the trails, signal drops out—part of the magic! Guides will flag the no-service zones so you can warn friends back home.
Can I join as a solo traveler (or just me and my child)?
Absolutely. We welcome solo trekkers, parent-and-child duos, and couples. Our small groups make it easy to bond and share the adventure.
What’s the typical group size?
Public departures run with 2 – 15 travelers, keeping the vibe friendly and low-impact on the reserve. Private treks for your own crew are easy to arrange too.
What fitness level do I need?
If you can comfortably walk 10–19 km on uneven ground with breaks, you’re good. We adjust the pace for the group and provide trekking poles on request.
What ages does this trek suit?
We’ve hosted hardy kids as young as 8 and spry grandparents in their 70s. Most guests fall between 18-55. Teens who like the outdoors love it!
What’s included in the price?
• Hanoi ↔ Pu Luong limousine van
• 2 nights stilt-house or eco-bungalow
• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• English-speaking Pu Luong guide + local porter support
• All activities: cave entry, rafting gear, village fees
• Bottled water and trail snacks
How are the meals?
Think farm-to-table Vietnamese: sticky-rice, garden veggies, mountain herbs, and Co Lung duck fresh from the valley. Vegetarian or other diets? Just tell us when booking.
What’s not included?
International flights, Vietnam visa, travel insurance, personal drinks, laundry, bicycle add-on, and guide/driver tips.
Where do we sleep?
Night 1 & 2 at a traditional Thai stilt-house (shared loft) or upgraded private bungalow with ensuite. Clean bedding, mosquito nets, and plenty of character.
Will I share a room with strangers?
Never—unless you select the communal loft on purpose. Couples, friends, or families stay together; solo travelers can choose a private room or opt to share the loft and save.
Can I tack this trek onto a longer Vietnam trip?
Definitely. Many guests add Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, or fly south to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Tell us your wish list and we’ll weave it together.
How do I book?
Message us for a free consultation. Secure your spot with a small deposit, pack those hiking shoes, and we’ll handle the rest.
Is Pai Dai reliable?
We’ve been guiding adventures across Vietnam & Thailand for 10+ years with stellar reviews. Safety, sustainability, and genuine local connections are our hallmarks—check our TripAdvisor to see for yourself.
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