Da Bac - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh | North Vietnam Itinerary

05 Days   View Prices  
  (01 Reviews)   
Da Bac
Da Bac
Da Bac
Mai Chau - Lac Village
Mai Chau
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Ninh Binh - Van Long
Ninh Binh - Van Long embroidery
Thung La Temple
Overview
da-bac-reservoir-1.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Da Bac - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
  • Duration: 05 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily Departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français
Highlight

Embark on a captivating 5-day adventure through northern Vietnam, exploring both its famous landmarks and lesser-known treasures. From Hanoi, journey to the remote Sung Village, home to the Dao Tien people, and visit Da Bia, a peaceful riverside Muong village. Experience the stunning beauty of the Mai Chau valley, where the Thai community thrives. Along the way, discover vibrant ethnic cultures, cycle through terraced fields, enjoy a bamboo raft ride in Pu Luong, and savor local cuisine. Top it off with a boat trip on the serene Da Reservoir, known as the "Halong Bay of the mountains," and a sampan ride through the Van Long wetlands. Dive deep into Vietnam’s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable journey!

Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Explore Sung Village and Cave, Discover Dao Culture, and Travel to Da Bac and Da Bia

    At 8:30 AM, our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. We'll head to Da Bac, an off-the-beaten-path gem about 100 km southwest of Hanoi. Da Bac, nestled in the mountains of Hoa Binh province, is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and remote hill tribe villages. If you're seeking an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience, Da Bac is the perfect destination.

    After a scenic 4-hour drive through the north-western Vietnamese countryside, we'll arrive at Sung Village, home to the Dzao Tien minority people. The village, with around 78 households and 400 residents, mainly relies on farming and forest plantations for their livelihoods.

    We'll embark on a 3 km walk to discover the village. This walk will take you to various points of interest, such as the Sung Cave and the forest. Your local guide will spin tales, providing insights into identifying different plant varieties, some of which harbor medicinal secrets.

    We will also stop at the community house, where locals teach the traditional Dao language to younger generations, preserving this vital aspect of their culture. Back in the village, you will visit a local Dao family and may have the chance to observe the art of creating patterns using beeswax and discover the process of indigo dyeing.

    We'll hop back into our car for a short ride to Da Bia village, an ideal spot for travelers looking to delve into wild nature and experience genuine indigenous culture.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L, D
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Da Bac Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Da Bac, Hoa Binh, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Boat trip on Da Reservoir, transfer to Mai Chau, and biking or walking to explore local villages and Thai culture.

    Enjoy a leisurely 3 km walk to the boat pier, where we’ll board a local boat for a scenic trip to Suoi Lon pier. Along the way, soak in the breathtaking views of Hoa Binh Lake, often called the “Halong Bay of the mountains” for its stunning natural beauty.

    Our driver will be waiting for you at Suoi Lon boat pier to take you to Mai Chau.  

    explore Mai Hich village by bike (optional) or walk 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.

    Distance: approx. 6 km (walking) or 12 km (cycling)

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Da Bia - Suoi Lon
    Transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Explore Pu Luong: Hike through forests and enjoy stunning terraced fields.

    Enjoy a short transfer to Thanh Son, and from there, descend to Kho Muong village, the farthest village in Pu Luong. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by terraced rice fields and limestone mountains, Kho Muong village is home to the Thai ethnic group. Along the way, admire the beauty of the terraced rice fields and engage with the local ethnic communities.

    Following lunch, our trip continues as we follow the trail used by villagers on their way to the fields for work. The hike leads through the forest and cassava fields until you reach the charming village of Ui, where our driver will be ready to pick us up and bring us to our accommodation in Pu Luong.

    Walking distance: approx. 13-14 km

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Pu Luong Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Visit the Bamboo Water Wheels in 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
    Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
    Transportation
    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:
  • Explore Thung La Temple by bike, enjoy a rowing boat trip, take an embroidery course, and return to Hanoi.

    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.

    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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    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: Da Bia - Suoi Lon, Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Van Long
  • Transportation
  • Meal: Breakfast: 04, Lunch: 05, Dinner: 04
  • Bike: Mai Chau, 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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5.0
01 Review
  • Fatima Al nahyan
     

     | 

    Fatima Al nahyan
    Awsome tour package
    I wish I had known about this company earlier! They were fantastic for the second part of our 15-day trip to Vietnam. IziTour provided top-notch service and Huy did an amazing job organizing everything exactly how we wanted. Da Bac, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong were all so peaceful and beautiful. We chose a private tour with driver for our trip and we really do not regret it. Vietnam is an incredible country, and I can't wait to go back.

    Jan 13, 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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