Pu Luong Nature Retreat 3 Days 2 Nights: Rice Terraces, Water Wheels & Village Walks
Three days from Hanoi in Pu Luong Nature Reserve: short walks around Bản Đôn, Kho Mường and Bản Hiêu, with terraced fields and two nights in a lodge, homestay or bungalow.
Hanoi – Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Bản Đôn – Kho Mường – Hiêu Village – Chàm Stream
Overview
A stay in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, not a tour that rushes between sights. You leave Hanoi, settle into a lodge, homestay or bungalow, and spend the days on short walks around Bản Đôn, Kho Mường and Bản Hiêu. Bamboo rafting and water wheels are included when the season and water level allow.
Bản Đôn Paths, Kho Mường Terraces, Valley Evenings
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a mountain area in Thanh Hóa province, reached by road from Hanoi. This trip keeps the pace slow: two nights in the valley, light walks and time at your accommodation.
You walk village paths around Bản Đôn, Kho Mường and Bản Hiêu, past terraced rice fields. Bamboo rafting or a visit to the water wheels is part of the programme when your package includes it and the water allows.
Three Parts of the Stay
Rice Terraces at Kho Mường
Walk through terraced fields. How they look depends on the rice season.
Bản Hiêu and the Chàm Stream
Short walks to Bản Hiêu village, with bamboo rafting on the stream when the package includes it and conditions allow.
Water Wheels in Bản Đôn
Bamboo water wheels used for irrigation, visited on the walk when the water level allows.
Rice Season, Rain and Weak Signal in the Reserve
The rice fields change with the season. The golden weeks are also the busiest, and rooms cost the most then. Village paths can be slippery after rain, so bring shoes you can walk in, a light rain jacket, sun cream and insect repellent. Mobile signal and internet are weak in some parts of the reserve.
Ask before photographing residents, children or private homes. Report vegetarian diets, food allergies, pork-free requests and other special needs in advance so the kitchen and guide can prepare.
Highlights
Round-trip transfer between Hanoi and Pu Luong as part of the chosen package.
Two nights in Pu Luong, with the room category set by the package you pick.
Program meals: two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners.
Trekking or walking along the route you choose, kept at a light or moderate level.
Bamboo rafting or a water wheel visit when the package includes it and conditions allow.
From 436 USD per person.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Hanoi – Pu Luong – Bản Đôn – Valley sunset
- Transfer from Hanoi to Pu Luong
- Local lunch
- Check-in at the lodge, homestay or bungalow
- Light walk around Bản Đôn or a nearby village
- Valley sunset when conditions allow
- Local dinner
- Overnight in Pu Luong
Day 2
Kho Mường / Bản Hiêu – Terraced fields – Bamboo rafting / Water wheels
- Breakfast
- Explore Pu Luong along a route suited to the day
- Walk through Kho Mường or Bản Hiêu
- Terraced rice fields
- Bamboo rafting or water wheel visit if included and conditions allow
Included / Not Included
Included
- Round-trip transfer Hanoi – Pu Luong – Hanoi according to the chosen package
- English- or Vietnamese-speaking guide on request
- Two nights' accommodation in Pu Luong, room category according to the package
- Meals as per the program: two breakfasts, three lunches, two dinners
- Trekking or walking along the chosen route
- Bamboo rafting or a water wheel visit if included in the package and conditions allow
- Basic sightseeing tickets along the route where applicable
- Basic bottled water on the vehicle
- Operational support during the tour
Not included
- Drinks outside the program
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide, driver, local guide and homestay or lodge hosts
- Single room supplement or bungalow, lodge or resort upgrade
- Bamboo rafting, kayaking, cycling or activities outside the program if not already included
- Supplement for a Korean, Chinese or Japanese speaking guide if requested
- Weekend, holiday, Tet or high-season supplement
- Personal travel insurance
- Sights outside the program such as Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Hang Chieu, Go Lao waterfall or longer trekking