This article will introduce the various possibilities to enjoy a Pu Luong motorbike tour. The Reserve is known for its peaceful atmosphere and the multiple treks taking you in the middle of the beautiful and untouched nature.
Its recent development in the last years has brought more and more tourists and have increased the choices in how to enjoy the area. Riders, from beginners to experienced ones, have now the opportunity to discover this wonderful place on the back of a motorbike. Whether you are a newbie riding an automatic bike or an avid one willing to ride on a big bike motocross, everybody will find his happiness. This Pu Luong motorbike tour guide will enlighten your vision and answer most of the concerns you can have.
Why choose a Pu Luong motorbike tour?
There are many reasons to choose a Pu Luong motorbike tour. The main one is that when traveling, you often run out of time to see everything. While riding a bike, you will get the chance in a short time to visit most of the highlights in a short time. As Pu Luong benefits of a reasonable scale, it is pretty easy and comfortable to make a multi-site visit within a day.
Another reason that makes the Pu Luong motorbike tour a value for your journey is that the roads are in good conditions and the traffic is not dense. For example, the Ha Giang loop in the North of Vietnam is very famous for riders. While most of the tourists go on their own renting a bike in Ha Giang city, the heavy traffic on the main road by dangerous truck drivers causes many accidents. Pu Luong Nature Reserve remains a safe place to enjoy a ride.
Moreover, as mentioned above, the area is favorable for beginners or avid riders. If most of the people choose to stay on the asphalted roads to connect from villages to villages, the experienced ones have also the possibility to experience some dirt paths for a more adventurous Pu Luong motorbike tour.
Another benefit of the motorbike tour is that you can not only visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve, but you can also extend your trip for a day to Mai Chau, for example, which is only 40km away, passing through a wonderful mountain road. You can find details below in this article in the section our Pu Luong motorbike tour.
Our motorbikes’ selection
To satisfy and meet all requirements of our valued guests, we offer different options for our motorbike tours. Everybody can easily join our Pu Luong motorbike tour, whether you are a newbie or an experiencedrider.
- The easiest option is our automatic bikes. As simple as riding a bicycle, you can just jump on and enjoy. If you are not comfortable or inexperienced, our friendly and professional team will provide you with advice and basic information on how to ride.
- Our semi-automatic bikes are the best option for those who have ridden before. With no clutch, they are still very easy to ride. Perfect for experiencing the sensation of piloting while riding in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
- Our dirt bikes are ideal for avid riders looking to experience some dirt paths along the way and embark on a deeper and more exciting adventure.
Self-traveling or guided tour?
In the tourism industry, we have a famous quote saying “tourists come to see while travelers come to experience”.
During your Pu Luong motorbike tour, being accompanied by a guide is not to have a person to follow. It is someone who will take you deeper in the daily life and the customs of the area.
If you prefer to travel by yourself, Pu Luong Excursions will be glad to provide information of the highlights to see, roads to take. You can already collect them in our Pu Luong travel guide here.
From Don village, the epicenter of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, it is very easy to reach Hieu village, Son Ba Muoi or other villages following the main roads. It is a way to have a quick overview of the Reserve.
On the other side, if you choose to have a guided tour, you will have the chance to pass through small path, visit some traditional houses, have lunch in some local families or stop to join the farmers in their daily activities.
MOTORBIKE RENTAL OPTIONS
4-Hour Rental
199k per bike
For use by one person only
Semi-auto mortobike/ scooter
Helmet & FUEL provided
Bike delivery to your hotel
Emergency First Aid included
8-Hour Rental
250k per bike
For use by one person only
Semi-auto mortobike/ scooter
Helmet provided
Bike delivery to your hotel
Emergency First Aid included
24-Hour Rental
350k per bike
For use by one person only
Semi-auto mortobike/ scooter
Helmet provided
Bike delivery to your hotel
Emergency First Aid included
LIST OF PU LUONG MOTORBIKE TOUR
We have created some pre-defined tours that combine the highlights and must-see places in the Reserve. We can also customize our tours to meet your expectations if you prefer. You can choose between half-day and full-day options. Multiple days can also be organized upon request, with the possibility to combine visits to Pu Luong and Mai Chau for a full experience.
Half day Pu Luong motorbike tour
Waterwheels and waterfalls
Jump on the bike in the early morning or after lunch for this amazing tour. Pass through little bumpy roads to reach Lan village. You will discover the daily life of the Thai people through their handicraft techniques, creating products for their daily use. Continue the exploration of the Reserve in the direction of the wonderful Hieu village. On the way, make a stop to contemplate the ingenious irrigation system of the Thai people with their impressive bamboo waterwheels. They are aligned along the Cham river, singing as a natural orchestra in the peaceful valley. Once in Hieu village, walk in the village and along its multi-level waterfall. In summer, you can share a swim with the locals and water hike to the top of the village. Back to Don village before lunch.
Full day Pu Luong motorbike tour
Option 1: Kho Muong – Hieu – waterwheels > experience the jungle ride
This unique tour in Pu Luong offers a deeper exploration of the Reserve. The first ride in the early morning will take you to the hidden village of Kho Muong. Passing through the main road to Bang village, there are many viewpoints to capture amazing photos of the Reserve. After arriving at the Kho Muong gate on the top, you will begin to discover the valley where the village gradually appears second by second. (Ride carefully when going down, as the path is steep and can be slippery).
Once inside the village, you will visit this traditional village before entering the circular valley filled with beautiful rice fields until you reach the entrance of the “Bat cave” (Hang Doi), the biggest cave in the Reserve. It is possible to visit the cave depending on weather conditions, as it can be very muddy inside.
Afterward, you will jump back on the bike in the direction of Hieu village, passing through dirt paths in the jungle. The path is accessible to everybody who wants to enjoy and experience a special adventure. Once arrived in Hieu village, you will enjoy a local lunch in a house nearby the waterfall. After free time to enjoy the area, the way back will pass by the famous waterwheels before returning to Don village. See Tour Itinerary
Option 2: Hieu – Son Ba Muoi – Waterwheels
Let’s explore deeper in the Reserve with this special tour. After breakfast, meet the tour guide for an itinerary briefing. Then start the ride in the direction of Hieu village. If you are starting the tour on a Thursday or a Sunday, make a stop at the local market in Pho Doan village. It is not a touristy one, so you will mostly find local products for daily life.
Continue the route until you reach Hieu village. Take your time to walk around the village and along the waterfall, enjoy a fresh tea, and rest while enjoying the quietness of the area. Then, get back on the bike to reach the off beaten path of Son Ba Muoi. You can find more information about this place in this article.
Arriving in the village, you will share lunch with a local family before riding around. The place is not developed yet for tourism, making it a great location to enjoy local life and learn about the traditions of the Thai people in the mountainous area. It is also a place with nice roads and fantastic views, ideal for some photo shooting sessions.
On the way back, stop at the bamboo waterwheels and learn how they are used to irrigate the fields around. Exclusively used by the Thai people, the waterwheels can only be found in some areas in Vietnam. Pu Luong is one of the places with the most impressive ones. Return to Don village in the middle of the afternoon. End of the full-day Pu Luong motorbike tour.
Option 3: Pu Luong – Mai Chau tour
Get ready for an adventurous day! The journey from Pu Luong to Mai Chau is perfect for enjoying a longer ride while passing through beautiful viewpoints.
Meeting in the morning in Don village, you will start the day on the main road heading towards Bang Village. Just getting started, you will have some photo stops as some places are simply stunning. You will then ride the 40km downhill to reach Mai Chau valley. You will explore the surroundings (Go Lao waterfall, Black River, market) before stopping at a local restaurant to taste delicious food. In the afternoon, you will continue to explore the beautiful valley, observing farmers working in the fields and Thai women sewing in the traditional way. It is a good opportunity to bring back some souvenirs. Return to Pu Luong at the end of the afternoon.
For more Pu Luong – Mai Chau Tours, you can check this article.
Multi days Pu Luong motorbike tour (3days/2nights): Secret Pu Luong along the Ma River and Dan waterfall
How about discovering some hidden gems in Pu Luong Nature Reserve? This multi-day Pu Luong motorbike tour will take you where not many tourists go. First, starting after lunch, explore the jungle ride to reach the hidden Kho Muong village, passing through Bang Village. It’s an easy but adventurous ride. Stop to visit Hang Dơi (Bat cave), the largest in the Reserve.
The next day, after reaching Canh Nang town via the main road, you will start the off beaten trip by crossing the hanging bridge. Then, you will ride along the beautiful Ma River and its clean waters. The trip will take you to the amazing Dan waterfall, an impressive sight of this vertical waterfall. Take your time to relax, swim, and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature. After the good warm-up on the first day, you will be ready for a second exciting and adventurous day. You will embark on an 8-hour loop trail, crossing a bamboo floating bridge and riding through the jungle and along the Ma River. You will learn and discover the daily life of the inhabitants of the villages on the banks of the river. This is an unforgettable and unique experience that Pu Luong Excursions will provide you. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the ingenious techniques created by the Thai people to irrigate the fields with their bamboo waterwheels.
To peacefully end your 3-day Pu Luong motorbike tour, you will reach Hieu village and its multi-level waterfall. You will take a special route to reach the beautiful Uoi village. If you travel on Thursday or Sunday morning, you will have the opportunity to visit the local market of Pho Doan. You will have time for a village tour and a hike along the river (water hiking possible depending on the season). Enjoy lunch in a local house near the waterfall. Then, return to your homestay to check out and get ready to take the bus back to Hanoi. See Tour Itinerary
SAFETY MEASURES
As mentioned previously in this article, Pu Luong remains a very safe place for a motorbike tour compared to northern destinations such as Ha Giang or even Mu Cang Chai. The low traffic density and the asphalted roads between main locations allow us to accommodate and satisfy most of the explorers.
However, it is still important to be aware and acknowledge some important information about the possible dangers that you may face during a Pu Luong motorbike tour.
- If you’ve just arrived in Vietnam and are not yet familiar with the local riding customs, it’s important to know that the largest vehicles always have the right of way. For example, if you see a truck approaching, don’t expect it to give you priority.
- In areas with low traffic density, the most common encounters on the roads are animals. Always slow down when passing close to houses or when animals are spotted on the side of the road. They might unexpectedly cross the road.
- During rainy days, the roads can become slippery, which may pose a risk for inexperienced riders. Although Pu Luong is not as high in altitude as the far north of Vietnam (Pu Luong peak is only 1700m high), there are areas with steep drop roads, especially on the way to Kho Muong village and the roads around Son Ba Muoi.
- Ensure that you are legally covered by your insurance. Bring your international driving license and make sure you are riding the motorbike that corresponds to it.
- Each scooter should be for one person only. It’s not advisable to carry more than one person as the scooter’s engine may not be strong enough, especially on mountain routes.
- For the safety of children and the elderly, they should be driven by a local driver. Reach out to us for local driver services.