The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and biodiversity. Stretching from Mai Chau in the northwest and to Cuc Phuong National Park in the southeast. The region is blessed with rich forest, limestone mountains, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. Biking in Pu Luong is one of the best ways to discover the natural beauty of the region and exotic culture of minority groups. On this biking tour we will ride on the first part of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail and spend 3 nights in villages of Thai people.

Highlights

• Biking on the first part of Ho Chi Minh Trail
• Home stay in villages of Thai people
• Stunning scenery
• Traditional foot massage

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Overland to Mai Chau/Biking to Pu Luong (Hang Village)
Day 2: Climbing mountain slopes to Hin Village
Day 3: Downhill ride to Canh Nang Town/Transfer to Mai Chau
Day 4: Drive back Hanoi

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Overland to Mai Chau/Biking to Pu Luong (Hang Village)
Leave Hanoi at 8 am. We drive southwest to Ma Chau, the gateway to the impressive mountainous area of northern Vietnam. The drive is very nice with stunning view of mountains, valleys, sugarcane farms and rice paddies. We would have a stop en route for refreshment. Upon arrival in Mai Chau we have a lunch stop in Pom Coong, a village of Thai ethnic minority. We will have lunch in a local house. After lunch we embark on a biking on village road to Hin, a village of Thai minority group which is located within Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We will first bike on beautiful tar road through Mai Chau valley before jumping into undulating dirt paths. We reach Hang Village around 5 pm. We will have dinner and overnight in a traditional stilt-house of a Thai family.

Summary
Biking: 40km - unpaved bumpy road - Moderate grade
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 2: Climbing mountain slopes to Hin Village
Today is a tough day with long climb on mix of dirt paths and village roads. In the morning we climb mainly. In the afternoon we enjoy easier ride slightly downhill to Hin, a village of Thai minority. Great mountain view and scenic villages. Lunch in local house en route. Dinner and overnight in Hin village.

Summary
Biking: 30km - unpaved bumpy road - Challenging grade
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 3: Downhill ride to Canh Nang Town/Transfer to Mai Chau
After breakfast we say good bye to the villagers and ride toward Ma River passing expansive maize fields. Near the river we would see many water wheels which used by the local to water their farms. We cross the river on bridge and have lunch in Canh Nang town. After lunch we can continue biking along Ma River or take the bus back to Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight in Pom Coong Village.

Summary
Biking: 25km - unpaved bumpy road - Moderate grade
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 4: Drive back Hanoi
Breakfast at the home-stay and drive back to Hanoi. We reach Hanoi around noon time. Trip concludes.

Summary
Transfer: 2 hrs
Meals: Breakfast

Inclusion:

• AC vehicle
• High-end mountain bike
• English or French speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Home-stay permission
• Support crew
• First-aid kit
• Water & Snacks
• Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees

Exclusion:

• Travel insurance
• Visa
• Tips
• Personal expenses

TRIP NOTES
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Group size: 08 persons
Depart from: Hanoi
End at: Hanoi
When: Oct - May
Activities: Biking, Home stay
Biking grade: Moderate to Challenge
Transportation: AC vehicle, high-end mountain bike
Accommodation: Home stay
Tour guide: English or French speaking guide

Meals:
- Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2-3: Breakfasts, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Breakfast

Food
All meals, which are indicated in the itinerary, are included in the price of this trip. We will have foods cooked by our chef with the emphasis on healthy and nutritious fresh local produce.

The home stay
Home stay in Mai Chau Area is basic in term of bedding condition and toilet. We will stay overnight in the traditional house-on-stilt of the Thai and Muong people and, as the locals do, we will sleep on bamboo floor with mattress, clean sheet, pillows and mosquito nets. Toilet is some steps away from the house.

The biking day
A typical biking day starts at about 8.30 am after breakfast. Lunch time can vary depending on the distance. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 or 5. During the biking we will have short breaks for rest, snack and photographing.
Depending on the distance and the terrain the biking day can be part-drive part-ride or riding the whole way.

The bike
On this tour we use 21-speed high-end mountain bike in different sizes. Our helmets of good quality are also provided.

FST tour guide
The tour will be led by one of our tour guides who are experienced in guiding trekking tours in Vietnam. He has been carefully trained in this field and is fully licensed in tour guiding by the government. In addition, he has been trained in first-aid by SOS International and he knows how to deal with difficult situations. You will have a great time traveling with him.

What to bring
Trekking boots, sun block, hat, anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, sleeping bag (optional), rain coat, flashlight, toiletries, original passport.

Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

* Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: info@easyvietnamtravel.com to get more information and assistance.