Meeting the Thai & Muong Ethnic Groups

03 Days   View Departures  
    
Mai Chau - Mai Hich Village
Mai Hich Mai Chau
Mai Hich Mai Chau
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Overview
gr-maichau-puluong.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Mai Chau - Pu Luong
  • Duration: 03 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Group tour ( Max 7 Adults)
  • Tour schedule: Weekly departure
  • Tour guide in: Français
Highlight

Uncover the hidden gems of Northern Vietnam on this immersive 3-day journey from Hanoi. Travel in a small group tour (maximum 7 travelers) with a French-speaking local guide, ensuring a more personal and enriching experience. Connect with the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh, enjoy a leisurely walk through the tranquil villages of the White Thai people in Mai Chau, and experience their traditional dance performance. Stroll along the breathtaking rice terraces of Pu Luong and admire its iconic bamboo water wheels. With guaranteed departure, this thoughtfully paced itinerary strikes the perfect balance between cultural discovery and natural beauty—offering a truly memorable adventure off the beaten path.

    Itinerary
    Day by day itinerary Expand All
    • Journey to Mai Chau, visit Muong & Thai villages, enjoy local music and dance

      8:30: 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.

      Upon your arrival in Mai Hich village, enjoy lunch cooked by the host. 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

      In the evening, enjoy a traditional music and dance performance by local Thai villagers.

      Included:
      French speaking guide
      Meal: L, D
      Transportation
      Leisure: Ethnic dances show
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Tu Diep Bungalow(Bungalow) *or similar hotel
      Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Venture to Pu Luong, hike through lush forests, and admire breathtaking terraced rice fields.

      8:30: Depart from Mai Hich and go directly to Eo Ken, 30km away. Arrive in Eo Ken 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 Ken village and discover their authentic life.

      Continue your walk through this stunning landscape, cross a gentle stream, and arrive at another charming village - Hang Village, where your driver will be waiting to take you on a short transfer to your accommodation.

      Walking distance: approx. 5 km

      In the afternoon, we continue exploring the Pu Luong region. Starting from Ban Don village, walk through spectacular rice terraces and follow peaceful trails to Chom Lan village, renowned for its traditional Thai textiles. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes - lush rice paddies blending with quiet villages, vegetable gardens, and fish ponds.

      Walking distance: approx. 5-6km

      At the end of the day, meet your driver for a transfer to your accommodation.

      Included:
      French speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Pu Luong Home(Bungalow) *or similar hotel
      Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
      Video:
    • Enjoy a scenic walk, explore bamboo water wheels, and return to Hanoi.

      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

      Your driver will pick you up and transfer you back to Hanoi. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, with optional stops along the way for a break or restroom use. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

      Included:
      French speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Bamboo rafting
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Video:
    Extensions
    Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?

      Inclusions
      • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
      • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
      • Boat: Bamboo rafting
      • Transportation
      • Meal: Breakfast: 02, Lunch: 03, Dinner: 02
      • Leisure: Ethnic dances show
      • Service charges and Taxes
      Exclusions
      • International flight from/to your country
      • Travel insurance
      • Personal expenses
      • Tipping and Gratuities
      • Other not mentioned in the program
      Departures
      Starting
      Ending
      Price
      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 French-speaking 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.

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

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