Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Ninh Binh 3 days 2 nights – The Escape

DAY 1: Hanoi – Pu Luong Nature Reserve (L, D)

Easy Trek to Chieng Lau, Yen, Ba villages, Bamboo rafting on Cham Stream:

07:00 – 07:30: Pick-up at Hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter to go to Pu Luong Nature Reserve by Limousine Bus.

09:00: Short break in Luong Son (Outside of Hanoi).

11:00: Stop at the local market of the Muong Ethnic Minority; enjoy the beautiful scenery of ThungKhe Pass (One of the 10 most beautiful passes in Vietnam).

12:00: Arrival in Mai Chau and transfer to a van to go to Pu Luong Reserve nature.

13:00: Check in and lunch at Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat.

14:30 – 17:30: Board the van to the starting point. Following the small road through the terrace rice and sugar cane fields, cross the Hanging Bridges to visit other remote rural villages of Thai Ethnic. Stop at the giant waterwheels, ducks farm to learn about the agriculture before getting on the Bamboo Raft for a relaxing cruise on Cham stream (cruise depending on weather conditions).

17:30: Pick up the van to go to the Eco Garden – Mountain Retreat. Enjoy swimming in the Infinity Pool.

19:00: BBQ Dinner at the lodge, enjoy some local rice wine. Have a quiet night in the middle of the Reserve.

*Sleeping options: Traditional dorm room in the house on stilts or Private Room no Air-con or Deluxe room with Air-con

Day 2: Explore Kho Muong village and Doi Cave – Ninh Binh (B,L,D):

07:00 – 08:00: Have breakfast in the lodge. Enjoying the breathtaking view from Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat.

08:30 – 12:00: Trek following the small roads through the terrace rice fields and cross the stream to visit remote hidden village of Kho Muong to learn about the local people in Pu Luong.(6kms) Explore Doi Cave (Bat cave), this is the largest cave in Pu Luong. (Depending on the weather condition)

12:00: Back to the Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat, check out.

13:00: Have lunch and have free time to relax in the Infinity pool or walking around the village before boarding the car to go to Ninh Binh at 14:30.

17:30: Arrive in NinhBinh Retreat, check in and have free time.

19:00: Have dinner at the retreat.

Sleeping options: Traditional dorm room in the house on stilts or bamboo bungalow (no Air-con) or Deluxe villa with Air-con

Day 3: Cycling to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and boat ride in Trang An (B,L):

7:30 – 8:30: Breakfast at the Retreat

8:30 to 12:00: Cycling through the limestone karsts to reach 2 temples of the first 2 Emperors in the 10 th Century in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital hike up the Ma Yen Mountain to visit the King’s tomb in 10^th century and enjoy the panorama view from the mountain. On the way back, stop in a local family to discover daily life and culture and share a tea with them.

12:00 -13:30: Check out and have lunch at the Retreat

13:30 -16:00: Go to TrangAn for a boat ride in between the karst pics and enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

16:00: Drop you off at Ninh Binh Railway station or bus station or board the bus to go to Hanoi.

19:00: Drop off in Hanoi old quarter. Tour ends.