Mai Chau to Ninh Binh: Northern Vietnam's Hidden Gems

05 Days   View Prices  
  (03 Reviews)   
Mai Chau
Mai Chau - Lac Village
Mai Chau - Mai Hich Village
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Ninh Binh - Van Long
Overview
mai-chau-pu-luong-trekking.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
  • Duration: 05 Days
  • Travel style: Authentic, Active, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Italiano
Highlight

Discover the beautiful and exotic cultures of the North of Vietnam with an overnight visit to Mai Chau. Trek through rolling countryside and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Pu Luong nature reserve. Relax on a boat trip then cycle around the Van Long preservation zone. This package tour is crafted to show you the best of the North’s beauty. Requiring little travel time, it is the perfect escape from Hanoi or extension to a Vietnam tour.

  • Muong, Thai minority culture
  • Mountain landscape and nature reserve
  • Boat trip, biking & trekking
Notes
  • Perfect itinerary for traveller love medium trek, distance is flexible
  • Bring your trekking shoes
  • May to September is rice season
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Alluring landscapes in Mai Hich & Xam Khoe, learning Thai people’s culture

    8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

    Arrival to Mai Hich, have a rest and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon Explore Mai Hich by walking along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.

    Continue trekking, passing the rice field and small communities to Xam Khoe, a Thai villages that is still not touristic. Enjoy the harmony of nature's beauty and rich human culture. At the end, get a pick up by driver then transfer back to your accommodation.

    Walking distance: approx. 5-6 km

    Note: For more interacting with local people and get authentic experience, we invite you stay at homestay with basic equipment: clean mattress, pillow, mosquito net, blankets, outside WC and hot water shower but hotel service is also available, please contact us to get good advises.  Private traditional music and dancing show by local people is available with extra cost of $46/group. Please ask our guide to reserve if you are interested in.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L, D
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Tu Diep Bungalow(Bungalow Double ) *or similar hotel
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Travel to Pu Luong, discovering Eo Ken, Ban Hang, and Ban Don villages.

    Depart from Mai Hich and travel directly to Eo Ken, located 30 km away and home to the Muong ethnic group. Walk downhill through a stunning landscape overlooking the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, terraced rice fields, and surrounding mountains. Visit a local Muong family in Eo Ken Village and discover their authentic daily life. Continue walking through the beautiful countryside until meeting your driver again in Hang Village, then transfer to Pu Luong.

    Walking distance: approx. 4-5 km

    Our walk begins in Ban Don and leads us into a stunning valley lined with vibrant rice fields. We’ll follow narrow trails that meander through lush vegetation, guiding us to picturesque villages like Ngon and Leo. As we descend further into the valley, we’ll be surrounded by a rich tapestry of scenery - terraced rice paddies, traditional Thai villages, flourishing vegetable gardens, and peaceful fish ponds. Along the way, we’ll take time to meet warm and welcoming locals, listen to their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of their daily lives. It's a truly memorable experience that brings you closer to the soul of this remarkable region.

    Walking distance: approx. 3-4 km

    Note: Distance of trek is flexible
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Asia Tropical Resort & Spa(Tropical Paradise Premier) *or similar hotel
    Danh village, Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Full day trek to the Kho Muong village of Thai people, following Uoi, Lan Ngoai villages

    8:00 AM: Start your day with a short 5 km transfer from your hotel in Ban Don to Bang Village, where your hike begins. From there, descend to Kho Muong Village, nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by stunning limestone mountains and cascading rice terraces. Kho Muong is home to the Thai ethnic group and offers countless photo opportunities—so have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking scenery and encounters with friendly locals along the way.

    Once in Kho Muong, explore a nearby cave before enjoying a traditional lunch at a local homestay.

    In the afternoon, continue along forest trails and through manioc fields to reach Uoi Village, a charming community where another Thai ethnic group still preserves their thatched-roof houses and way of life. Then, continue walking to Chom Lan Village, renowned for its traditional textiles. Your driver will be waiting there to transfer you back to your hotel.

    Walking distance: approx. 15 km

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Pu Luong Home(Double Room (Shared bathroom)) *or similar hotel
    Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover bamboo water wheels and travel to Ninh Binh.

    Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Here, embark on a scenic walk, allowing you to engage with local residents and catch a glimpse of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.

    Walking distance: 3-4 km

    Transfer to Ninh Binh, a scenic drive that takes approximately 3 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through rural landscapes and peaceful villages, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Vietnamese countryside. The route is a blend of winding mountain roads and flat terrains, making for a picturesque journey.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room) *or similar hotel
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Biking & boat trip in Van Long nature reserve

    Enjoy breakfast and peaceful morning in the countryside. you can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

    Note: Travellers who prefer not to ride a bicycle can either ride as a passenger on a scooter or reach the temple by car.

    Continue to take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery workshop under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.

    Travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, enjoying the scenic views of the Red River Delta along the way. You can opt for a rest stop to stretch your legs or take photos of daily life. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

    Note: Available to cycle one or two way to Thung La Temple
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Van Long
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Leisure: Thung La temple music
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Video:
Prices
Group size
Sharing Twin/Double Room
Private Single Room

Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.

Group Size 9+
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Boat: Van Long
  • Transportation
  • Meal: Breakfast: 04, Lunch: 04, Dinner: 04
  • Bike: Ninh Binh
  • Leisure: Thung La temple music
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?
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Reviews

5.0
03 Reviews
  • Michel Puech
     

     | 

    Michel Puech
    bons moments
    Mai Chau et ses villages étaient super paisibles, rien à voir với Hanoï. J’ai adoré marcher à pu Luon : rizières, montagnes, l’air frais… ça fait du bien. La balade en barque à vanlong puis le tour en vélo étaient très relax, pas trop touristiques. Parfait pour s’échapper d’Hanoï quelques jours.

    Dec 6, 2025

  • Max Turner
     

     | 

    Max Turner
    Recommend this company
    Just came back from an awesome trip to Mai Chau and Ninh Binh! These places are like hidden treasures. Izitour planned everything perfectly. We just had to show up and enjoy. Definitely a must-do for the chill traveller!

    Apr 29, 2025

  • Emilia Schneider
     

     | 

    Emilia Schneider
    Off beat exploration
    If you're into exploring and really getting the vibe of a place, this tour hits the mark. We went through some amazing spots that are totally off the radar. Trekking through the landscapes and meeting locals was rad. Props to Izitour for keeping things spicy!

    Apr 26, 2025

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Good to know
  • Passeport & Visa

    Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.

    French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.

  • International flights

    International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.

  • Travel insurance

    Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:

    • Emergency medical expenses (including hospitalization and repatriation)
    • Trip cancellations or interruptions
    • Activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor excursions

    Before departure, please provide us with the following information:

    • The name of your insurance company
    • Your policy number
    • A 24/7 emergency assistance contact number

    Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

  • Weather & best time to visit Vietnam

    Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:

    • North: Cool winters (December to February), hot and humid summers.
    • Central: Rainy season from September to November.
    • South: Tropical climate, warm year-round, with frequent showers from May to October.

    Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.

  • Time zone

    Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.

  • Currency and Payments

    The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.

    • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops.
    • ATMs are widely available in major cities.
    • Currency exchange is possible at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices.

    Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.

  • Domestic flights

    If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.

    Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).

    Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.

    Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.

    Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.

  • Flight Connections

    If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:

    • Collect your checked luggage.
    • Proceed through immigration and customs.
    • Make your way to the domestic terminal (at some airports, this may require a walk or a shuttle transfer).

    Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

    Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
    This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.

    Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.

  • Vaccinations & Personal Medication

    No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.

    However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:

    • Hepatitis A and B
    • Typhoid fever
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster shots recommended)
    • Rabies (in case of prolonged stays in rural areas or possible contact with animals)

    If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
    Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.

  • Malaria & Mosquitoes

    The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.

    However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.

    Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites

    • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin containing DEET (30–50%), icaridin, or PMD (citriodiol).
    • Wear long, covering clothing, especially in the early evening and at night.
    • Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in simple accommodations, natural settings, or places without air conditioning.
    • Use electric diffusers or mosquito coils in the evening in non-air-conditioned areas.
    • Avoid stagnant water near your accommodation, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Airport Pick-up

    Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.

    Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
    +84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).

    Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.

    Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.

  • Small Group Tour

    Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.

    To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.

  • Shared and private room

    For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
    You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:

    • You prefer to have a single room.
    • No other traveler wishes to share a room.

    In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
    Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.

Select Date and Travelers

Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room
  • Adult in single room

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