North Vietnam Itinerary | Da Bac, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh - 05 Days

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'll also make a stop at the community house where locals impart the traditional Dao language to younger generations, preserving this crucial cultural aspect. Upon returning to the village, visit a family workshop to learn the art of printing textures using beeswax and uncover the indigo dyeing process.

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.

Take a leisurely 3 km stroll from your homestay to the boat pier. Board a local boat for a short trip to Suoi Lon Harbor, where you'll navigate through the breathtaking landscapes of Hoa Binh Lake, often referred to as the "Halong Bay in the mountains”.

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

explore Mai Hich 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. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

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 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.

Lunch will be served at a local family's home in Kho Muong.

In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we take a hike, following the trail used by villagers on their way to the fields for work. Pass through the forest and cassava fields until you reach the charming Thai village of Ui, where our driver will be ready to pick us up and bring us to our accommodation in Pu Luong.

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.

Transfer to Ninh Binh. Along the way, take a break to explore the sacred fish stream in Cam Luong. This location is renowned for a unique species of fish that inhabit the stream, often referred to as sacred due to the numerous mysterious tales woven around this extraordinary creature. Continue the journey to Ninh Binh, and check into your accommodation.

Embark on a 15km bike ride along the dyke, showcasing stunning landscapes of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Numerous stops allow for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by heading to Thung La Temple, dating back to the 11th century. Don't miss the chance to experience traditional musical instruments integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

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 course 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.

Head from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and soak in the scenic beauty as you traverse the Red River Delta. Take advantage of plenty of photo opportunities amidst the lush rice fields and tranquil countryside along the way.