Pu Luong - Mai Chau - Da Bac | North Vietnam Off-The-Beaten Track

04 Days   View Prices  
    
Da Bac
Da Bac
Da Bac
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Mai Chau
Mai Chau
Overview
da-bac-3.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Pu Luong - Mai Chau - Da Bac
  • Duration: 04 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily Departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français
Highlight

Discover the hidden gems of North Vietnam on our "North Vietnam Off-The-Beaten-Track: Pu Luong, Mai Chau, Da Bac" journey. This adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences. From the bamboo water wheels of Pu Luong to trekking through the traditional Thai villages of Mai Chau, each day brings something unique. 

Cycle through the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, and sail from Suoi Lon to Tien Phong, where the landscapes resemble the stunning scenery of Halong Bay. You’ll also have the option to unwind with a day of relaxation or enjoy kayaking on Da Reservoir before returning to the vibrant city of Hanoi. Join us to uncover the untouched beauty of North Vietnam through authentic encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Transfer to Pu Luong: visit bamboo waterwheels and enjoy a bamboo raft ride.

    Our local team will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi, and we'll travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located approximately 200 kilometers from Hanoi. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic cultural experience.  

    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.

    To round off the day, enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the river. This experience offers a moment of relaxation and meditation after our walk.

    Walking distance: 3-4 km

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L
    Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Pu Luong Retreat(Deluxe Single Room) *or similar hotel
    Don village, Thanh Lam commune, Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Trekking Through Thai Villages and Rice Fields

    Enjoy a short drive to Bang village, where you will begin your walk, descending 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 local ethnic communities.

    Following lunch, we return to the main road. The path ascends on the final stretch until we meet our driver again for the transfer to Mai Chau.

    Walking distance: 7–8 km

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Chau Ecolodge(Superior Single Room) *or similar hotel
    Na Thia village, Na Phon commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Bike Ride in Mai Chau Valley and Boat Trip to Tien Phong, Da Bac.

    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)

    We will transfer to Suoi Lon boat pier, where we will embark on a boat trip to cross the Da River for Tien Phong. This area is also characterized by several mountains emerging from the lake, creating a landscape similar to Halong Bay.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: L
    Boat: Mai Da - Suoi Lon
    Transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Maida Lodge(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    Doan Ket, Tien Phong, Da Bac, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Free Time or Kayaking at Da Reservoir: Return to Hanoi

    You can choose to relax, take a dip in the refreshing infinity pool, go kayaking on Da Reservoir, or explore the nearby Muong village - Mo Hem with a leisurely walk.  

    Board a local boat for a short trip to Suoi Lon boat pier, where you'll navigate through the breathtaking landscapes of Da Reservoir, often referred to as the "Halong Bay in the mountains”.

    Our driver will wait for you at Suoi Lon boat pier and then bring you back to Hanoi.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Boat: Mai Da - Suoi Lon
    Transportation
    Kayak: Da Bia
    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
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Mai Da - Suoi Lon
  • Transportation
  • Meal: Lunch: 03
  • Bike: Mai Chau
  • Kayak: Da Bia
  • 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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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.

Select Date and Travelers

Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$642
  • Adult in single room $915

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