🪔 Mai Chau To Pu Luong

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and high biodiversity stretching from Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong. My Account; Login; Trekking in Mai Chau - Pu Luong 3 days 2 nights; x Thank you for submitting an inquiry. We will get back to you as soon as we can. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Mai Chau to Pu Luong 3-Day Tour from Hanoi; Pu Luong Nature Reserve 2 Days 1 Night - Stay Overnight In Homestay; Explore Mai Chau - Pu Luong 3 days 2 nights; Pu Luong Discovery Garden Bungalow (From HK$533.79) Mai Chau Valley Retreat - A high quality of homestay & eco-travel experience based in Mai Chau, Vietnam. you can pay a visit to a local market on the pass to experience more customs and specialties in Mai Chau. Trekking around Pu Bin . Soak in nature, it's a must-do-thing to trek from this village to other villages. Mo Luong Cave is Ngày 1 : Hà Nội - Mai Châu (Bữa trưa, tối) 07:30-08:00 : Xe và hướng dẫn viên đón quý khách ở khu phố cổ khởi hành tour du lịch ghép Mai Châu Pù Luông 3 ngày. 10:00 : Dừng chân trên đèo Thung Khe để chụp ảnh và ngắm cảnh rừng núi hùng vỹ của Hòa Bình Hang Kia - Pà Cò là tên gọi của khu bảo tồn, nhưng mà đây cũng là tên của hai xã của huyện Mai Châu, chỗ này giáp ranh với Lóng Luông, Sơn La. Từ ngoài quốc lộ 6 đi vào khoảng chục km đường đồi núi, nhưng được cái cảnh đẹp thì thôi rồi. Hai bên đường là những cây Day 1: Take hike to the remote area of Pu Luong Nature Reserve The guide and driver will take you from Mai Chau to the center of Pu Luong. It takes about 40 minutes before you get off at Hang village to start the tour and explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Pu Luong est une destination que l'on peut combiner avec Mai Chau, en particulier si l'on ne dispose que de 3 jours devant soi pour une boucle dépaysante à partir d'Hanoï. Évidemment, si l'on dispose de plus de temps, on peut intégrer cette destination à un circuit Nord du Vietnam plus exhaustif ! 3/ TUYẾN: MAI CHÂU - MỘC CHÂU - PÙ LUÔNGĐơn giá:VND/kháchGROUP TOURGIÁ TOURHOẠT ĐỘNG THĂM QUANPHỤ THU ( NẾU CÓ )VPT25: THUNG LŨNG MAI CHÂU 1N (Hằng Ngày) 650.000Thăm quan các điểm: đèo Thung Khe, Bản Lác, thung lũng Mai Châu+ Xe đạp thăm Mai ChâuVPT26: THUNG LŨNG MAI CHÂU 2N1D (Hằng Ngày)Option 1: Ngủ nhà sàn tập thểOp Sau khi chia tay Bản Đôn, du khách sẽ cùng Lion Trip di chuyển đến Bản Lác - Mai Châu. Đến đây, bạn có thể thư thái hòa mình cùng thiên nhiên, ngắm nhìn những thửa ruộng của Bản Đôn từ xa. NGÀY 2: PÙ LUÔNG - BẢN LÁC ( MAI CHÂU ) - HÀ NỘI. 06h00: Toàn đoàn dùng bữa uTUiFeC. When to visit Mai Chau and Pu Luong? Climate and weatherMai Chau is located in Hoa Binh province, while Pu Luong only borders it and is situated in Quan Hóa and Bá Thước district of Thanh Hóa Province. However, the tropical monsoon climate in both places is affected by mountain ridges. In July temperatures reach 30°C 86°F in July and a minimum of 14°C 57°F in time to visit In our opinion, the best time to visit is when the weather is dry and there is a light breeze, from September to May. Moreover, you can see the rice turn from green to yellow in September, which is a sign for locals “time to harvest!”. February to May and September to November are great months to go trekking or cycling in Mai Chau and Pu Luong. Weather from October to November and February to May is still ok, just a tiny bit colder than previously mentioned period. June to September is hotter but also more humid, you can expect rainfall, sometimes floods and temperatures of 25°C 77°F to 35°C 95°F. From November to the end of February it can get chilly and it is the least popular period to visit with temperatures around 14 57°F -16°C 60°F Generally speaking, the best time to visit both locations falls between these highs and lows. However, as an old Scandinavian saying goes “there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing” How to get there?TransportSo now you have an idea about when to go. But how to get there? As we said, both places are about 4-5h ride from Hanoi, depending on the traffic. With that being said, if you head here, you can choose fromBUS… which is the cheapest way. Tickets go for about 8 – 13 dollars and buses depart either from the centre Hoan Kiem area or from My Dinh bus station. You can look for tickets on websites such as Baolau. Private car or a minivanSome companies leave straight from the Noi Bai Airport and some that leave from Old Quarter or can pick you up at your hotel. The price depends on if you book a car or a van for four, eight or twelve people. Price for a 4-seater is around 100-150 dollars MOTORBIKEMotorbike is a good way to go there and enjoy the scenery if you are an experienced driver and have insurance better safe than sorry, right? The best thing is that you can also make stops on the way. A popular stop on the way to Mai Chau is Hoa Binh Lake. If you pick this way of transport, bike rental costs about 12-17 dollars a day. In case you are “in for a long run”, you can also buy a bike, travel through Vietnam and then easily sell it. Price for a Honda is about 400-500 dollars, the price for a Minsk varies from 100-300 dollars. We recommend you to check a blog called Vietnam Coracle’ that offers first-hand tips for bikers PRO TIPIf you plan on trekking too, the best is to hire a local travel guide or a local agency specialising in tailor-made trips, that will plan everything for you, from transport to accommodation. You can check a sample itinerary including Mai Chau and Pu Luong here. BONUS Have you binh? If you are visiting Ninh Binh as well, there is a bus connection. By connecting 3 of them – Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, and Mai Chau you will get the full natural experience. We recommend asking your hotel for a timetable, though. Mai Chau and Pu Luong areas are still developing and there are not that many connections as Sapa for instance, so better plan ahead. How to get around?TransportGet a bike or get a guide!To be honest, this is the area where you can turn your mind and phone off and just walk around. This is the best way to explore those places. However, if you want to do more trekking than morning yoga and just chilling and sampling the food, and you won’t hire a guide, you will literally end up walking around between the villages, without “diving deeper.” There are many guides out there, we recommend checking Tripadvisor forums for recommendations or Facebook travel groups. Or just contact a local agency that has a long-lasting relationship with reputable drivers and guides and you will be all set. If you arrive on a bike, you can discover Mai Chau and Pu Luong that way too. Again, we recommend using the Vietnam Coracle’ blog as a reference. What to see in Mai Chau and Pu Luong? Top Attractions1. All things nature The pace of living is much slower here. Bike, walk or trek along Mai Chau’s or Pu Luong’s dirt roads and get amazed by the scenery changes, from villages with stilt houses, lush rice paddies, to the jungle, and caves. And in Pu Luong Nature reserve Khu bảo tồn Thiên nhiên Pù Luông, do not miss out on water wheels. This non-electrical invention made out of bamboo brings life to rice fields rice grown here needs to be submerged under the water and makes them amazingly green. source Vietnam Coracle2. Flora and fauna For example, we recommend tea plantations and fruit trees in and around Moc Chau town, located about 40 km from Mai Chau. Spring is your go-to time. If you will find yourself here between March and April, the Hoa Ban flower Bauhinia variegata – a typical tree of Northwest Vietnam, usually blooms. And in the winter, the town of Mai Chau is surrounded by blooming peach trees and marigold and mustard flowers. Look them up. Mai Chau flowery scene3. Authentic stilt houses and homestays Never stayed in a setting like this? Worry not. Stay in these wooden buildings on stilts, in rooms with reed mattings, dreaming on a thin futon. All safe and comfy and most importantly, authentic. Due to the house being on stilts – fresh breeze comes in and in the rainy season, there is no risk of flooding. Mosquito nets, double futons mattresses for couples, tasty home-made food are available everywhere. But bring mosquito repellent, if they are attracted to you. Most of the places already have western toilets as well. There is no AC, duh, but you will have at least one or two fans so all will be… FANtastic. Mai Chau typical stilt houses4. Ethnic minorities Mai Chau district has about 50 000 inhabitants, including seven ethnic minority groups — the Thai, Hmong, Zao Dao, Muong, Tay, Hoa and Viet. Thai referred to as White and Black Thai ethnic people occupy the with any ethnic, and especially their traditional dresses, crafts and dishes are a must-see and try. On Sunday, you can visit Mai Châu town’s morning market and see them dressed in their finest traditional clothing. You can also witness folk games, weaving, and dances look for Xoe performances. If you will fall in love with it all, we recommend Pom Coong village Pom means hill and Coong is the drum or one of the festivals Xen Muong Festival in August, Cau Mua April, Xen Xo Phon Festival April/May, Xec Bua Festival in Spring, during Tet… The exact dates depend on the Lunar calendar. Feel free to contact us for details! source Traditional weaving and silk brocade making Both Lac 1 and Poom Coong villages of Mai Chau are overflowing with shops selling textiles, paintings… Many of the goods are shipped in from China, but some of the textiles are made on-site and you can watch the locals weaving a scarf or a textile using a loom at some of the outlets. We recommend Ban Lac 2 and visit Hoa Ban+ shop. Hoa Ban+ is a social enterprise providing vocational training facilities and job creation for the disabled. Many people say that the Lac village is a tourist centre of Mai Chau district so do not miss it. We also recommend Pa Co Market, full of Hmong culture, lying between Mai Chau and Moc Chau, happening on Sunday mornings. TIP As there is a loom in each family in Mai Chau, we especially recommend these hand-made products, if you contemplate buying a souvenir because you will support the local community at the same time. source Local markets Sunday morning, wakey wakey eggs and bakey or… wakey wakey rise or rice and shine! See points 4 and 5. source Thung Khe Pass Also called White Stone Pass, it might look dangerous but it is very beautiful. It is located at Highway 6, Hoa Binh province, between Tan Lac and Mai Chau, with the peak at about 1000 meters above sea level. You will have Mai Chau valley at your feet. It is also a great place to stop for a break, breathe in some fresh air, buy snacks or souvenirs and snap a picture. Thung Khe Pass - a sight to behold8. Village life Want some action after hiking and breathing deep on a hike? Ethnic White Thai villages are a short walk from Mai Chau town Ban Poom Coong, Ban Lac 1 and Ban Lac 2. Ban Lac 1 is the most developed, with more gift shops and a busier nightlife. Pu Luong is still calmer, so in case you are not into souvenirs, stay there for more calm breathing and relaxation 🙂 source Gò Lào Waterfall & more Go Lao or Go Mu is located about 15 km from Mai Chau town. You can also visit Mo Luong Cave inside the Phu Ka Mountain or Chieu Cave. The entrance is quite magical, beside the ancient giant Xa Pung tree. There is always something to see in Hoa Binh province! Black River Da river is close too, so haggle with locals if you are up for a boat trip. It is also dammed and this dam is the biggest reservoir in Vietnam. 10. Doi Cave Bat Cave The largest cave in Pu Luong. It is located in Kho Muong village and there is a min. 5 species of bats living there. However, there are several caves in the area, if you are into this, ask your guide. source to do in Mai Chau and Pu Luong? Top 3 activities1. Trekking As mentioned, to dive deep into the wilderness and explore, trekking is the best. There are several routes and levels. Consult a travel agent, your accommodation or a guide. Most popular routes cover Mai Chau, Lac Village, Na Phon Village or Pom Coong village. If you have more than 3 days, you can move from Mai Chau valley to Pu Luong and this way you will see both Thanh Hoa province and Hoa Binh province. And if you fell in love, continue to Cuc Phuong National park, which is already located in a different province – Ninh Binh province. Find out more about Ninh Binh, called Halong Bay on land. Mai Chau Trekking2. Cycling Discover one of the most beautiful countrysides of Vietnam on two wheels, ecologically. Pedal around rice fields, limestone mountains, rugged scenery, farms, houses of locals, ponds with fish. Cycling is one of the "sporty" things to do here3. Wining and dining with a local family But be careful with the rice wine 🙂 From more exotic deep-fried cicadas to typical chicken or pork with rice, your tummy will be happy. Read more on what to try in Mai Chau and Pu Luong in the following section. Bored? As the famous saying says, only boring people are bored. There are many things to do and see, depending on your taste and time. But there is one thing every visitor does to protect and develop this beautiful place See some trash? Pick it up. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Respect the culture and nature. And make memories. See a smiling local? Does not matter if they do not speak English or only partially. Smile, try to say “Xin Chào” and enjoy your stay here. However, as a courtesy, always ask for permission or a smiley nod before taking a portrait pic of someone. You can download useful apps to help you with Vietnamese. Or find useful phrases and tips for Vietnam here. Do not know what to pack? Check our article or feel free to contact us. What to eat in Mai Chau and Pu Luong? Specialities1. Crickets or cicadas Ve sầu chiên Let’s start off with something unusual and crunchy, shall we? At some homestays, you can snack on these crispy, fried bugs. source Chicken The most famous being Ga Doi. The chicken here are not as big as the normal chicken max 1 kg, one would even say they are quite athletic as they run up and down the hill all the time but that makes the meat firm and delicious. And also as organic as it gets. We highly recommend the chicken legs. They are usually prepared on charcoal and have a natural earthy mouthwatering taste. source Buffalo If you want to try something new, Muong people cook buffalo too, usually with the “lom” leaves. Look up “Thit Trâu Lá Lồm”, however, it is only made on special occasions or festivals, Tet New Year or sold to visitors as gifts. source Pork Also cooked slowly and on the charcoal, you will love it. Look up a dish called “cham cheo”. Most of the pork here comes from Muong pigs, also called “Mán” pigs, a very special type of pigs in Vietnam – long body, thin legs, small ears, long and hard hair. Kind of a boar but it is not. And it is definitely not boaring. Apart from bbq, pork can be boiled or pickled as well. If you would like to try the pickled one, it is called “Thịt Lợn Muối Chua” source Mai Chau glutinous rice This is more of a festive dish but you might be lucky to find it. After 4-5 hours or rice being soaked so it softens and drained, it is boiled in a pot. You can even get it in 5 colours, just look for Xôi Ngũ Sắc. Green, yellow, white, orange, and black – you will want to come back 🙂 source Bamboo shoots Fried, boiled, stewed or grilled, shoot it in your mouth. There is even a speciality dish- Stir-Fried Wild Bees With Bamboo Shoots. Yes, bees. Do not “bee” afraid to try it! 7. Sour meat Thịt ướp chua Sour marinated meat is a delicacy here. Pork or buffalo are mixed with galangal sometimes mistaken for ginger source Rice wine “Rượu” or Can wine “Rượu Cần” First one you can get everywhere in Vietnam. But the latter is special for this part and kind of festive and a special drink. It is made from grains such as cassava, seeds, glutinous rice, and nuts. After adding herbs, ginger, fruits and many types of forest leaves it is put into a pot or jar and left to ferment, the longer the better. Fun fact no cups or bowls are used to drink it, but one-meter-long bamboo sticks pierced through the intestine and bent into the wine bottle. An unusual experience, right? Can wine9. Loong Soup A unique dish of Muong people is made from the wild banana tree, boiled meat water, bones and “lốt” leaf and crushed Doi nuts. 10. Rice cooked in bamboo – Com Lam We decided to end our list with a signature dish of Mai Chau. What are the spices and flavour like? Usual seasoning is salt, sesame, and peanuts. Since it is wrapped in a banana leaf and bamboo and cooked over charcoal, you can also feel that. It can be eaten hot, or cold. Just break the bamboo cover and enjoy the sweet-smelling rice, hot or cold. So… ready to head to the land of silk, ethnic minorities, yellow and green rice paddies, mountains covered in mysterious fog and authentic Thai homestays? Hungry for more?Discover more destinations A three-day in the Mai Chau & Pu Luong area gives us that added amount of time to get up close and personal with the Thai people and the natural wonders of the area. Take your time, learn, and explore as you feel. Day 1 Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong 170 km & 3hour walk L, D Depart from your Hanoi hotel at 800 am transferring to Mai Chau. Daydream as we drive a safe route with spectacular views around every bend. Upon arrival at Poom Coom village in Mai Chau, we will take a short walk to visit the ethnic Thai people, then lunch will be served at local home. By 200 pm, driving 20 km more to Pu Luong Natural Reserve then start a 2 to 3 hour walk through beautiful hill side villages, magnificent rice paddies, seeing hand crafted bamboo water wheels. The highlight on this walk is experiencing the beauty of Pu luong Nature Reserve, the everyday life and culture of the white Thai people. Become a part of local life when we are welcomed as honored guests at a traditional Thai home on stilts. Here in Hang village we will have a traditional dinner and stay the night. Day 2 Pu Luong trekking B, L, D It will be interesting for you to get up and observe, or even take part in their activities in the morning because the daily life here starts early, take an opportunity to stroll around Hang village before having breakfast served by Thai people, then at 8 start our trek. Today we will be walking approximately 5 to 6 hrs .The first hiking is hard with some steep climbs and yet more stream crossing, the next is really glorious with beautiful views of valley, rice terraces, rich rain forest, streams. Picnic lunch on the way at Eo Ken village, arrival in Kho Muong – the setting of the village is perhaps the most beautiful in Vietnam. It is recommended to stroll round the village and join in as villagers go about their daily lives, or relax in one of the three-eco homestays superbly set up by FFI Flora and Fauna International in conjunction with local villages. Please be soft and nice, nature is just very lovely here. Arrival in Kho Muong village in the afternoon. Here we will spend our second night in a typical Thai eco – stilt house. Day 3 Pu Luong – Thanh Hoa, drive back to Hanoi B, L TAfter having breakfast, start for an easy day trek. We will continue on through beautiful valley, unspoiled villages with nice view, sure with much impression. Relax from the heat of the day before continuing on to a village nestled between steep karts mountains and nice terraces. Arrive in a small town in Pho Doan market after 3-4 hrs trekking. Short break for lunch in a local food stall in the town. Our driver will bring us to Canh Nang, follow 217 road to Cam Thuy and back to Hanoi. Finish our trip at your hotel in Hanoi. TRIP ENDS

mai chau to pu luong