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.
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.
Depart from Mai Hich directly to Eo Ken, 30km away, where the Muong ethnics live. Walk down the slope and enjoy the spectacular view of Pu Luong Nature reserve, rice field terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong ethnic family in Eo Kenvillage and discover their authentic life. Continue walking through this beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach HangVillage.
Pick up by car then travel to Pu Luong to enjoy lunch. Later Head to 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.
Come back to your accommodation. Stay overnight in Pu Luong.
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
8:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast before saying good-bye to the host, then walk down to the spectacular rice terrace valley. Hike through small paths and to reach four picturesque villages, Leo, Mo, Chu and Danh. Don't forget your camera to capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will enjoy the changing landscapes of rice terraces, villages, wild fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
Apr 29, 2025
Apr 26, 2025