Vietnam · Walking Tours

2-Day Pu Luong Walking Tour with Villages and Bamboo Rafting

2 Days Round trip from Bản Đôn Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Pu Luong Nature Reserve scenery
02 Walks through rice fields and villages
03 Marvel at the suspension bridge and river views
04 Explore Don and Lan villages
05 Experience interaction with Thai ethnic people

Embark on this 2-day tour to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a serene countryside of unspoiled beauty. Leisurely walks are the best way to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature and local culture, from terraced fields and scenic villages to encounters with the Thai ethnic people. Along the way, enjoy river views, giant water wheels, and relaxing moments in one of northern Vietnam's most peaceful landscapes.

This area boasts a gentle road that winds through vast terraced fields.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Thanh Hoa, Hanoi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Pu Luong Arrival, Scenic Walks and Bamboo Rafting

07:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel in the Old Quarter area. Expect a 4-hour drive without heavy traffic.
10:00 AM: Stop for a 15-minute rest break halfway through the journey and enjoy picturesque village landscapes along the way.
12:00 PM: Arrive at Pu Luong Nature Reserve and have lunch at a local restaurant.
Check in to your reserved room (standard check-in time is 14:00) and relax at your own pace.
01:30 PM: Begin your afternoon leisurely walk.
Transfer to Ban Cong and start a 2.5 km walk. Cross a suspension bridge to reach one of Pu Luong's most scenic villages, where the largest stream flows through.
Along the river, admire stunning landscapes, rice fields, and village life. Look out for the giant water wheels, a remarkable creation of Vietnam's mountainous ethnic minorities. Difficulty level: 2/5.
Arrive at Chieu Lau dam and embark on a bamboo rafting experience. Paddle the raft upstream with locals and have fun.
03:00 PM: The raft lands on the other side of the river.
Embark on another 2 km trek through rice fields and villages, completing a loop trail. Meet the transfer at the main road and return to the hotel for relaxation by 05:00 PM.
Evening: Culinary exploration and leisure.
An optional cooking class is available for those interested. Enjoy a delicious dinner at 7:00 PM, followed by free time to relax. This concludes your first day in Pu Luong.

Day 02

Valley Walks Through Don, Uoi and Lan Village

07:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast and prepare for the day's activities. Be ready by 8:30 AM.
08:45 AM: Take a leisurely stroll down the valley to Don village, renowned as the epicenter of Pu Luong. This area boasts a gentle road that winds through vast terraced fields. With every step, you'll witness the captivating transformation of the scenery.
As you continue your walk, you'll come across Uoi hamlet. When viewed from above, this hamlet nestles humbly at the base of the towering mountain. This landscape is a visual delight and may even fill up your phone's memory card with its beauty.
Descend the hill to Lan Village, often referred to as the "Kingdom of Thai People in Pu Luong," home to around 100 Thai families. You can opt for a leisurely bicycle ride (optional) or take a relaxed stroll around.
Here, you'll encounter the soothing sights of cool streams, verdant farmlands, ducks joyfully paddling in ponds, and friendly locals going about their day.
You'll have the opportunity to observe their everyday activities, marked by simplicity and humility, with a special focus on their traditional brocade sewing. Take this time to engage with the locals and learn about their craft. After that, transfer back to check out of your room by 11:30 and have lunch.
01:00 PM: Prepare for the bus journey back to Hanoi. Expect to arrive at your hotel in Hanoi by 6:30 PM, barring heavy traffic.