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 embark on an 8 km trek from Sung to Da Bia. We'll walk on a small concrete road for the first 4 km before turning right onto a narrow trail leading through the forest. The trail descends for about an hour from 530 m altitude to 400 m, then ascends a bit to 500 m before continuously descending to 120 m at the local boat pier, where we'll hop on a boat to reach Da Bia.

Note: The final four kilometers are on land and may get quite slippery in case of rain. Hence, the trail might be adjusted, or an alternative option will be recommended.  

Embark on a kayaking adventure to explore Da Bia Lake, a part of the Da Reservoir, and gain a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen.  

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 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 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.

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

In the afternoon, 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.

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.

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.

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.