Pu Luong Trek

Having spent NYE together around the year of Simon’s 40th birthday (Rob is the older one by a year or two - not more mature though for those that don’t know him) and over many drinks we discussed making our 5th decade one to remember and one that would push us physically and be memorable. Equally, both of us are fortunately in good jobs and good health so it was time to give something back and wanted to raise money for a cause that we were passionate about. We then got the email from Junior Achievement about their 2019 Trek and the rest is history....

The travel agent has this Trek categorised as Tough - should we do a tough Trek as our first one? Ask us in November! 

Now you might be like us and realise quickly as you read the itinerary that there are no 5 Star hotels mentioned nor luxurious bathrooms with posh toiletries. This is going to be rough living and life changing!  And we cant wait (we think)!!

Please support us and support Junior Achievement Isle of Man (“JA”). JA aims to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. All of the money raised is going to charity with us both covering our own trek and travel costs.

The mission of JA is to use hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, JA brings the real world to students and opens their minds to their potential with programmes designed for young people aged 5-19 and implemented through a partnership between local businesses and schools. We have seen the positive impact that Junior Achievement has on the lives of young people on the island and watching them flourish has been amazing - whether gaining the confidence to become an entrepreneur or learning about themselves to navigate through education and into their ideal careers. 

So the itinerary is:

Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley, 3hrs
After breakfast we transfer by coach approx. four hours to beautiful Hoa Binh Province. Hoa Binh is populated by Thai, Hmong, Muong and Dao ethnic people.
And the Trek begins....through many villages and lush paddy fields to the quaint Thai village of Van. Overnight in local villagers Thai houses on stilts. Sleeping arrangements unknown - own sleeping bag, pillow and toilet paper needed! 

Mai Chau to Ban Bouc, 9hrs
We have a tough 3hr ascent to the villages of Na Mo and Na meo, home to the white Thai minority people. We pass a number of small villages before descending into a beautiful valley and hiking through Ban Te village, where we will stop for lunch in a local house. From here, we continue hiking on narrow trails alongside a river and across rice terraces, bamboo gardens and a rickety suspension bridge (yes we are insured!). Overnight in Thai houses on stilts. Sleeping arrangements still unknown!

Ban Bouc – Pu Luong Nature Reserve , 8-9hrs
Trek along the valley for four hours which leads us to the Thai village of Van Mai. After a quick transfer to Co Luong we board a local longboat (mostly used to transport bamboo) down the majestic Ma River for approximately one hour (rest break?). From Sai, we will be entering the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Whilst breath-taking the area is a narrow and steep valley with a river running through it - with a long walk to our village for the night. Overnight in homestay in a small village set among coconut groves.

Kho Muong village, 8-9 hrs
Another long day of hiking, 50% on village paths and 50% on the old disused unpaved Ho Chi Minh Trail. We can look forward to  some steep climbs and more stream crossings (imagine constantly putting on and taking off your ski boots and you’ll get the feeling). The trek becomes ever more remote going via Pak Kha village heading to Kho Muong for another ‘rural’ nights sleep, nestled between steep Karst Mountains.

Pu Luong Market Trek, 8-9 hrs
A challenging downhill trek to Pu Luong market and then climbing over a small (?) mountain to Hin Village where we will stay overnight. Sleeping arrangements still unknown.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve to Hanoi, 3hrs
The last day of our incredible Vietnam challenge! Our morning trek leads us back through the valley of Ban Cao for approx. 3hrs to where we will meet our jeeps and begin our transfer back to Hanoi. 

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