Mai Chau & Pu Luong Trek

Known for its beaches, traumatic history, and bustling cities, Vietnam’s best kept secret may be its trekking destinations. The areas of Mai Chau and Pu Long are full of great hiking trails, stunning scenery, and local hilltribes which are waiting to be discovered.

From Hanoi travel southwest toward the Laos border. The change in scenery is dramatic as you leave behind the flat, busy streets of the capital and reach the limestone karsts and rolling green hills of the Mai Chau area.

The trek is a fantastic mix of walking, village exploration, and local interaction. During the daytime the fresh air and sweeping views are sure to delight, while at night time, enjoy traditional dance performances, local food, and overnight stays in village homes or eco-lodges.

The terrain and scenery are varied, some days trekking steep ascents and descents along mountain ridges whilst other days see you crossing streams by wooden suspension bridges. Spend a day hiking along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a historic walk along the path once used to transport goods to the resistance fighters, to reach Pu Luong nature reserve.

The people of the area are as diverse as the terrain. Trek through villages inhabited by ethnic minorities such as H’mong and Thai and observe their traditional way of living and unique customs. Stop at markets in remote locations where the area’s residents trek hours each week to buy and sell goods.

After five days of hard, but rewarding, trekking a trip to Halong Bay is the perfect reward. Enjoy a day trip aboard a wooden junk. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, swim in the clear waters, and feast on a seafood lunch.

For those wishing to explore the beauty of Northwest Vietnam, the ‘Mai Chau and Pu Long Trek’ is a perfect blend of cultural discovery and outdoor activity.