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Depart from
: Hanoi
Stop off
: Hanoi
Duration
: 7 days 6 nighs
This trek explores an area four hours southwest of Hanoi. The scenery is similar to that of Halong Bay, with beautiful views of towering limestone karst populated mainly by Thai minority people, though black and White H’Mong minorities live on the hillsides of the Mau Chau Valley. While the trekking is not as dramatic as Sapa, it has the added charm of being off the beaten track. Pu Luong in particular is a newly-opened sustainable tourism project put together by Flora and Fauna International to help protect the forests of Pu Luong and the endangered Delacours Langur that live there. The trekking is moderate and all accommodation is in homestays similar in style to that of the Sapa region - ‘longhouses’, some on stilts.

Day 1: Hanoi (B)

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi, guides will greet you and take you by private coach to the city; trip briefing and, if time, a guided walk through the Old Quarter before dinner at Seasons of Hanoi Restaurant.

Day 2: Hanoi- Hoa Binh- Tan Lac- Ngo Luong- Xom Village (B,L,D)

Depart Hanoi early morning and transfer three hours to the trailhead in Hoa Binh Province, at Tan Lac; remote valley to Ngo Luong o­n a beautiful trail crisscrossed by local footpaths. From Ngo Luong, steep hill to Son Village high in the limestone hillside; nature reserve (warm clothing here). Overnight in Xom Village.
Trekking hours: 5 hours - Grade: Easy/Moderate

Day 3: Xom- Cao Hoong- Hin Village ( B,L,D)

Hike in undisturbed forest, plunge steeply into the heart of the reserve; minority Thai peoples; downhill may be challenging if it has rained recently; rice fields; idyllic farming villages; jeep trail to Hin and Nua villages for overnight. Optional: continue uphill into the limestone hills to Ban Cao Hoong. This is a there-and-back. Enjoy an evening of traditional music by the local villagers. Overnight in ecotourism homestay, Hin or Nua Village.
Trekking hours: (5 - 8 hours trekking)- Grade: Moderate

Day 4: Hin- Pa Kha- Kho Muong (B,L,D)

Start hiking early to the market (open o­n Thursday o­nly); three hours uphill to a hidden Kho Muong Village, the most remote. Trek to a recently discovered cave. Overnight in ecotourism homestay, Kho Muong.
Trekking hours: 6 hours- Grade: Moderate

Day 5: Kho Muong- Hang Village (B,L,D)

Hike is 50% o­n village paths 50% o­n an old unpaved French road, good descents and several more stream crossings. The trekking is remote; lunch before picturesque path to picturesque village. Stroll around, relax in eco homestay. Overnight - a stilt house in Hang Village.
Trekking hours: 5 hours- Grade: Moderate

Day 6: Hang- Sai- Mai Chau- Hanoi (B,L)

After a leisurely breakfast, hike through the narrow valley for two hours to the bus; transfer to Hanoi. Bring plastic sandals, as there are two more streams to cross. Drive to Lac village in Mai Chau for coffee and second breakfast before five-hour drive to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Trekking hours: 2 hours trekking- Grade: Moderate

Day 7: Departure. (B)

Transfer to airport for flight.

Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Experienced tour guide
- Air-condition bus or minivan
- All entrance fees, travel permit
- Meals as stated

Exclusions
- Personal expenses,
- Insurance, tips and other services