3 days Perfume Pagoda to Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Day 1: Hanoi – Perfume Pagoda – Yen Mo

Embark on a journey to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most sacred religious sites.

Afternoon and Evening: Continue to the village of Yen Mo, nestled in the Red River Delta. Settle in with a welcoming local family for an immersive experience of their daily life. Participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration, learning to prepare traditional dishes such as fresh rice noodles and spring rolls. Spend the night in a comfortable local lodge. (Lunch and dinner included.)

Morning: Depart from Hanoi and travel through picturesque countryside to the pier at Duc. Board a local riverboat for a serene journey upstream along the Yen Stream, flanked by dramatic limestone karsts and lush farmlands.

Midday: Take a cable car ride to the Perfume Pagoda, a sacred site hidden within a cave atop the Huong Son mountain range. Admire the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. After exploring the pagoda, hike back to the boat while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

Experience the cultural and natural wonders of Ninh Binh before venturing to the pristine Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Afternoon and Evening: Arrive at Hang Village in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a serene valley surrounded by limestone forests and sculpted rice terraces. Take some free time to explore the nearby Black Thai villages, observing their traditional way of life. Enjoy a warm dinner with a local Black Thai family and spend the night in a traditional wooden stilt house. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.).

Morning: Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene three-tiered temple nestled amidst lush greenery and limestone cliffs. Ascend the stone steps to explore the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pagodas, each offering unique architectural details and stunning views.

Midday: Enjoy a tranquil rowing boat ride along the Nang River, gliding through a landscape of towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Explore the enchanting Thung Nang cave system, adorned with intricate stalactites.

Discover the untouched beauty of Pu Luong and its rich cultural heritage before returning to Hanoi.

• Morning: Embark on a scenic hike along local footpaths through splendid rice terraces, verdant hills, and tiny villages. Witness villagers tending to their crops, plowing fields with water buffaloes, or fishing in the rivers.
• Midday: Experience a peaceful bamboo raft ride along the Ma River, renowned for its scenic beauty as it winds through the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Son La.
• Afternoon: Conclude the journey with a scenic drive back to Hanoi, arriving around 6:00 pm. (Breakfast and lunch included.)

This three-day adventure offers a perfect blend of spiritual discovery, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, providing unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s heartland.