The tour will start in Don Village or start from your hotel or where you’ll meet your guide and get set up on your motorbike. You’ll then ride to Uoi Village, located at the foot of the mountain and one of the most beautiful valleys in Pu Luong. On the way, you’ll pass through scenic rice paddies and streams, and you’ll have the opportunity to stop and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Once you arrive at Uoi Village, you can explore the traditional stilt houses, learn about the daily life of the locals, and even talk, drink and make friends with the hospitable villagers. You’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful and serene nature of the village without pollution and modern devices. There’s a stream flowing through the terraced fields where tourists can freely enjoy playing and swimming. You can also visit the palm forest that locals have planted to use as roofing for their houses and create a green space for the village.
After that, you will take your motorbike to Lan Village, the home of the Thai ethnic group and one of the most famous silk villages in Vietnam. You will visit a local silk-weaving household to see the process of making traditional Thai silk from cocoon to finished product. You will have the opportunity to witness the silk being dyed, woven, and turned into beautiful scarves, bags, and other textiles, and even learn how to make silk yourself.
After the silk-weaving demonstration, you will have some time to explore the surrounding area, including the local rice paddies, streams, and traditional houses before riding to Cham Stream. On the way, you will head to Pho Doan Market, a bustling market located in Pu Luong. The market is only open three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, so it’s important to plan your visit accordingly. At the market, you can find a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional clothing. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts, as many of the items sold at the market are unique to the area. In addition to shopping, the market is also a great place to try local cuisine. You’ll find a wide variety of street food vendors selling everything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to snacks and desserts.
When you arrive at Cham Stream, you will transfer to a bamboo raft and start your rafting adventure. Your experienced guide will navigate the bamboo raft down the gentle stream while you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You’ll pass by lush forests, terraced rice fields, and traditional stilt houses. Afterward, indulge in a delicious lunch served on the bamboo raft, featuring local specialties and fresh ingredients. During your lunch, you’ll continue your scenic journey along the stream, passing by more beautiful scenery and local villages. You’ll have the opportunity to take some stunning photos and learn more about the local way of life.
After that, take your motorbike to the waterwheels in Chieng Lau Village.
Waterwheels in Pu Luong are an interesting cultural and historical attraction that you can visit. These waterwheels are used to irrigate the rice paddies in the area and are powered by the natural flow of water from the Cham River. They have been used for generations by local farmers and are an integral part of the agricultural landscape in Pu Luong. Visitors can witness the traditional way of farming and see how these waterwheels work. It’s a beautiful sight to see these ancient machines at work and to understand the importance of them for the local people.
Aside from visiting the waterwheels, tourists can also take a walk around the area and explore the peaceful countryside. The stunning scenery with terraced rice fields and limestone mountains is a great backdrop for taking photos. After that, you will journey through the beautiful Vietnamese countryside to reach the Bamboo Bridge. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit sugar cane farms, corn farms, rice paddies, and small villages, all while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
One of the highlights of the tour is seeing the tall, green sugar cane stalks swaying in the breeze. Sugar cane is an essential crop in Vietnam, and farmers in the area depend on it for their livelihoods. You may also come across fields of golden corn, which is used in a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
As you ride through small villages, you can catch a glimpse of local life and see children playing, chickens and ducks wandering around, and locals going about their daily business. You will also be surrounded by beautiful rice paddies, a staple food in Vietnam, and a breathtaking sight during the growing season. The natural beauty of the Vietnamese countryside is a highlight of the journey. You’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, fields of flowers, and peaceful streams, making it an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature.
When you arrive at the Bamboo Bridge, take your time to admire the structure of the bridge, which is made entirely of bamboo and spans across the Ma River. The Bamboo Bridge is a marvel of local craftsmanship and is rebuilt every year using traditional techniques and materials. It can even support small motorbikes, which adds to its unique charm.
Walking across the Bamboo Bridge offers a unique experience, allowing you to take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the tranquil Ma River and lush greenery. It’s also an important connection between local communities, used by locals to transport goods and attend local festivals and events.
Here are a few things you might see along the way:
Scenic countryside: The Ma River flows through some of the most picturesque areas of Vietnam, with lush green hills, fields of flowers, and peaceful streams. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Traditional fishing boats: The Ma River is an important source of fish for local communities, and you might see fishermen in traditional wooden boats using nets and other fishing techniques.
Local villages: There are many small villages along the banks of the Ma River, where you can catch a glimpse of daily life in rural Vietnam. You might see locals working in the fields, tending to livestock, or going about their daily business.
Wildlife: The Ma River is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and reptiles. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, kingfishers, and other bird species.
Please note: When it comes to boating on the Ma River, it is highly dependent on the water level and flood of the river. During the rainy season, the river can experience significant flooding, making it unsafe for boating. However, during the dry season, the water level can be too low for boats to navigate. Therefore, the best time for boating on the Ma River is typically during the transitional period between the rainy and dry seasons, when the water level is moderate and stable.
Overall, this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, rich culture, and daily life of the local people in Pu Luong, Vietnam. From exploring traditional villages and learning about silk weaving to rafting down a gentle stream and visiting historic waterwheels, there’s something for everyone on this tour. You’ll also have the chance to see stunning landscapes and enjoy delicious local cuisine along the way. This tour is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the serene countryside of Vietnam