Vietnam · Trekking

3-Day Pu Luong Trek from Hanoi with Thai Homestay Experience

3 Days Round trip from Hanoi Hard pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy a scenic drive from Hanoi to Mai Châu
02 Trek through the green trails of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve
03 Meet local people and learn about Thai culture
04 Stay in traditional Thai stilt homestays
05 Visit Hieu village and its beautiful nearby waterfall

Embark on this 3-day trek through one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam's northern mountains, Pu Luong. Enjoy scenic mountain views as you hike along gorgeous trails, meet local people, stay in homestays, eat traditional food, and learn about Thai culture and lifestyle.

Enjoy scenic mountain views as you hike along gorgeous trails, meet local people, stay in homestays, eat traditional food, and learn about Thai culture and lifestyle.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Hanoi, Mai Châu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hanoi to Mai Châu and Trek into Pu Luong

Depart from your Hanoi hotel at 8:00 am and transfer to Mai Châu on a spectacular 4-hour drive. Upon arrival at Poom Coom village in Mai Châu, take a short walk to visit the ethnic Thai people before lunch is served.
At 1:00 pm, take a short car ride of about 1 hour before setting off on your hike through the beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The trek is of intermediate level and requires some uphill walking, but the effort is well worth it for the spectacular views of villages and rice terraces.
Arrive at the Thai stilt homestay in the late afternoon. You will have free time to rest and shower, followed by a traditional dinner with your host family.

Driving Distance: about 230 km

Trekking Distance: about 9 km (3 hours)

Trail Difficulty: 3/5

Day 02

Hidden Trails and Villages of Pu Luong

Waking up early today is recommended for a chance to witness more local activities in the morning. After breakfast, say goodbye to your host at around 8:00 am and set out for the day's rewarding hike.
Today's trek through the hidden gems of Pu Luong includes views of beautiful valleys, lovely terraces, and peaceful villages.
Stop for a picnic lunch and then continue trekking through more villages to reach Hieu village in the afternoon.
Rest as you wish, and then enjoy free time to stroll around the village, interact with the locals, and visit the beautiful waterfall nearby.
Return to the homestay for dinner and an overnight stay. Contact us if you wish to stay at an ecolodge in Hieu village instead of a homestay.

Trekking Distance: about 12 km (5 - 6 hours)

Trail Difficulty: 3/5

Day 03

Hieu Village to Pho Doan and Return to Hanoi

This is your last day in this beautiful nature reserve. Spend time with the friendly villagers and take the chance to explore the area on your own or with a guide around the village.
Then take an easy walk of about 1.5 hours to the small town of the nature reserve, where your van will be waiting.
Lunch will be at one of the local restaurants, followed by a scenic drive back to Hanoi. The trip ends at your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.

Driving Distance: about 235 km

Trekking Distance: 8 km

Trail Difficulty: 2/5

Where this trip takes you

Mai Châu valleys, Pu Luong Nature Reserve trails, Hieu village waterfall

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Hanoi 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transfers
English-speaking Vietnamese tour guide
Meals as indicated
Entrance fees
Homestays and permits

What's Not Included

Visa
Insurance
Drinks
Personal expenses
Anything else not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips are welcome

What to bring

Passport
Change of clothes
Sunglasses & hat
Toiletries & sunblock
Insect repellent & flashlight
Proper hiking boots/trekking shoes
Personal first aid kit & medicines
Small VND notes for buying drinks
If needed, sleeping bags and cable locks for your bags are also recommended.
Camera with a zoom lens

Know before you go

ACCOMMODATION

Homestay conditions are fundamental to this experience. The homestay allows you to connect with the local culture, as you will stay with a family from an ethnic minority and receive your dinner from them.

TRANSPORT

Car/van quality: New air-conditioned cars or vans, depending on the group size.

FOOD

Vietnamese food: Meals will be served either at the homestay or at a local restaurant, depending on the activities. If you have any allergies, special requests, or follow a special diet, please let us know in advance and we will arrange it for you.

SUSTAINABILITY

Please travel responsibly. The small things you do will make a big difference.

TREKKING INFORMATION

Age: The minimum age accepted for this tour is 10 years, with no exception. The program is not recommended for seniors above 65 years who do not have good physical fitness.
Experience: The trek demands some experience in coordination, fitness, and stamina. The great effort will be rewarded with fantastic views. Clients should have previous trekking experience. Nevertheless, our guide will be flexible in suggesting the most suitable trekking route adapted to your physical fitness.
Route: The trekking route can be changed due to external circumstances such as weather. The rainy season between June and October can cause muddy paths, which may become dangerous.
Trekking time: Trekking times are approximate and depend on the weather and your walking speed.
Routes on Google Maps: Mai Chau & Pu Luong Hidden Trails 3 days (viewable on PC and smart devices).
Before your departure, please make sure you read our what to bring tips and other important notes for trekking trips and summer travel in Vietnam.
Seasonal preparation: The best time to travel is from November to May. There are also great photo opportunities during this period, and the rice cultivation seasons from March to May and July to October offer amazing views.
Heat and humidity during the rainy season (summer months from May to September) can make this tour very difficult. Please check with our travel consultant for more details before booking.
An ecolodge stay in Hieu village can be arranged instead of a homestay upon request.