Tucked away in a relatively untouched area of Mai Chau, the roads stop when they reach Avana Retreat
Situated in the mountainous region of Mai Chau in northwestern Vietnam is Avana Retreat that was conceived over a decade ago when the wellness property’s founder discovered a majestic waterfall while trekking in the area. Seeing the area and its natural attractions led to the creation of the property, says a statement by the hotel.
It adds that understanding the importance of being in nature and with a desire to share the rich local heritage with those who ventured into the verdant countryside, the team at Avana, inspired by the owner’s first trip, have crafted trekking experiences that offer the same sense of awe and discovery that he first experienced there.
After climbing the peak, climbers make their way downhill to get another taste of local life with stops in ethnic Thai villages
Tucked away in a relatively untouched area of Mai Chau, the roads stop when they reach Avana Retreat. From here mountain paths traversed by the ethnic Hmong people who have made their home in the hills, weave through the landscape and form the core of the ‘Adventure Trek – View from the Top’ experience.
The statement adds that this journey, lasting for 8.5 hours, is ideal for more confident trekkers and takes in more than just incomparable views of the undulating mountains, terraced fields, misty valleys and grasslands. The hotel says that there are visits to local villages including that of the ethnic Hmong, indigenous to the region and whose earthen walls in their traditional homes influenced the design of the villas.
As part of the responsible tourism initiative of the hotel, the local Hmong are also connected to the property. They cultivate the rice fields that give the property its iconic design and local Hmong artisans, among other artists from different ethnic groups, lead cultural classes at the property’s Stilt House Museum, says the statement.
After climbing the peak, climbers make their way downhill to get another taste of local life with stops in ethnic Thai villages, one of the country’s more than 50 recognised ethnic groups that each have their own distinct culture, traditions, and language.
There’s also a gourmet picnic lunch included in the package ensuring guests are well-nourished for the full-day trip, it says.
The trekking is not just for the well-experienced trekkers, says the hotel, adding that more suitable for intermediate hikers is Avana’s ‘Hmong Village Trek’. The full-day journey includes the rich cultural elements of the Adventure Trek but covers less challenging terrain. The trip starts away from the property in the village of the Muong people, who live in the valley areas of Mai Chau. The walk takes in meadows dotted with Hmong houses, follows winding red dirt roads frequented by buffalo, and native forest. Like the Adventure Trek a picnic lunch, served amid nature is part of the experience.
The hotel says that the price for Adventure Trek starts from VND 1.35 million (INR 4800) for one guest and drops with each additional participant. It says that a group of 5-10 guests would be from VND 780,000 (INR 2735) per person. The price for the Hmong Village Trek starts from VND 1.5 million for one guest and drops down to rates from VND 780,000 per person for a group of 5-10 persons.
The hotel says that it provides local guides with basic English skills for all treks with guides more experienced in speaking English available for an additional fee and that reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for each trek.
