Known for its beaches, traumatic history, andbustling cities, Vietnam’s best kept secret may be its trekkingdestinations. The areas of Mai Chau and Pu Long are full of greathiking trails, stunning scenery, and local hilltribes which are waitingto be discovered.

From Hanoi travel southwest toward the Laosborder. The change in scenery is dramatic as you leave behind the flat,busy streets of the capital and reach the limestone karsts and rollinggreen hills of the Mai Chau area.

The trek is a fantastic mixof walking, village exploration, and local interaction. During thedaytime the fresh air and sweeping views are sure to delight, while atnight time, enjoy traditional dance performances, local food, andovernight stays in village homes or eco-lodges.

The terrainand scenery are varied, some days trekking steep ascents and descentsalong mountain ridges whilst other days see you crossing streams bywooden suspension bridges. Spend a day hiking along the Ho Chi MinhTrail, a historic walk along the path once used to transport goods tothe resistance fighters, to reach Pu Luong nature reserve.

Thepeople of the area are as diverse as the terrain. Trek through villagesinhabited by ethnic minorities such as H’mong and Thai and observetheir traditional way of living and unique customs. Stop at markets inremote locations where the area’s residents trek hours each week to buyand sell goods.

After five days of hard, but rewarding,trekking a trip to Halong Bay is the perfect reward. Enjoy a day tripaboard a wooden junk. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, swim in theclear waters, and feast on a seafood lunch.

For those wishingto explore the beauty of Northwest Vietnam, the ‘Mai Chau and Pu LongTrek’ is a perfect blend of cultural discovery and outdoor activity.