Mai Chau Valley – Cycling – Trekking Local House – Rice fields – Cooking class – Buffalo Card Ride – Silk Village – Bamboo Rafting – Water Wheels – Thai Vi Temple – Bich Dong Pagoda – Thung Nham Bird Valley – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Mua Cave – Trang An.
Mai Chau is a picturesque rural district located in Hoa Binh province, about 140 kilometers from Hanoi. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, including lush green rice paddies, towering limestone mountains, and serene valleys. The area is home to several ethnic minority groups, primarily the White Thai people, who live in traditional stilt houses. Chieu Cave in Mai Chau is a stunning natural cave that is one of the highlights of the region’s rural and scenic beauty. Situated in the northern mountainous area of Vietnam, Chieu Cave is famous for its unique geological formations, lush surroundings, and cultural significance.
Discover the Charm of Pu Luong Nature Reserve on this immersive 2 days 1 night adventure. Wander through scenic terraced rice paddies and traditional villages, gaining insights into local life and craftsmanship. Engage with residents in their homes and gardens for a truly authentic experience. Enjoy a delightful lunch on the Boat and swim in the refreshing waters of Cham Stream during a bamboo rafting journey. Observe traditional farming practices in Chieng Lau Village and visit the picturesque Waterwheels. This tour offers a captivating blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration in rural Vietnam.
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley – Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
- 7:00 – Pick up the guests from hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and start the trip to Mai Chau. Expect 3 hours drive to Mai Chau.
- Arrive in Mai Chau which is considered the capital of the Thai people. Have lunch in the traditional house with specialties of the Northwest mountains. Take a small rest to relax or a quick walk in the narrow alleys to admire the local life.
- Start the Cycling tour to discover the beautiful Mai Chau valley. You will pass through fields and villages and get the opportunity to discover more about the unique cultural activities of the White Thai ethnic group. Take a break to visit brocade production facilities made by locals. You are welcome to visit the shops and to buy souvenirs from this unique place.
- Your next destination is Chieu Cave also known as the Thousand Steps Cave. From the foot of the mountain, you will climb to reach the mountain’s peak from where you can enjoy the fantastic view of Mai Chau valley.
- Back to homestay & have some tea-break
- 17:00 – Take the bus to Pu Luong.
- 18:30: Arrival at Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy Dinner and relax in the Hotel.
Including: Transfer from Ha Noi to Mai Chau to Pu Luong, Lunch, Dinner, Tour guide, Accommodation
Day 2: Cycling, Cooking Class, buffalo cart ride, Hieu Waterfall.
- 08:00 – 08:30: We’ll pick you up at your hotel and head to the Bamboo Bridge over the Ma River. Enjoy scenic views and see local artisans at work.
- Cross the bridge and cycle through Chieng Ai Village. Visit local families, learn about rice wine production, and taste homemade rice wine. Explore a traditional home, hear historical stories, and join a cooking class to enjoy a family-prepared meal.
- After lunch, relax before the natural BMW experience, the buffalo cart ride. The buffalo, a cherished member of the host family, will take you to where the car awaits, sharing the region’s culture and
- Next, Hieu Waterfall – Relax at this serene waterfall, a perfect retreat after hiking.
- Conclude your day exploring the local landscape, including rice paddies and streams, before returning to your lodge in Pu Luong Nature Reserve by 16:00
Including: Transfer in Pu Luong, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tour guide, Accommodation
Day 3: Pu Luong – Lan Village-Silk – Weaving- Rafting – Ninh Binh.
- 08:00 – 08:30: Check out of the Lodge, Your guide will pick you up and take you to Lan Village through rice fields and mountains. Visit a Thai household, see silk weaving from cocoon to textile, and try weaving your own silk.
- Next, Chieng Lau Village, where you’ll witness traditional farming practices and the ancient waterwheels in action.
- 10:00: Set out on a scenic 4km trek from Chieng Lau to Cham Stream. Along the way, stop at a traditional local house to experience genuine hospitality and immerse yourself in the region’s culture.
- 10:45: Arrive at Cham Stream for a bamboo rafting adventure and enjoy a delicious lunch on the boat. Relax as you float through lush forests, rice fields, and charming villages. (Bring a swimsuit and towel if the weather is warm.)
- 13:00 – 13:30: Say goodbye to the fabulous Pu Luong Nature Reserve and start the journey to reach Ninh Binh.
Including: Transfer Pu Luong to Ninh Binh, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tour guide, Accommodation.
Day 4:Thai Vi Temple – Bich Dong Pagoda – Thung Nham Bird Valley
- 8:30: Picked you up at your Hotel by our friendly guide then cycle to visit the Thai Vi temple and Bich Dong pagoda (the second most beautiful cave in Viet Nam)
- 11:30: Check out and have lunch in the restaurant.
- 13:00:Continue to Thung Nham Bird Valley. Get on a small sampan to discover Hang But (Buddhist Cave), about 500m in length, a magical view of the stalactites and stalagmites, and see a big Buddha-shaped stalactite sitting beside an underground river, as well as visit an orchard of tropical fruits in this area.
- The best time for the bird park in the afternoon, sit quietly on a boat and slowly paddle through Thung Chim (Thung Nham), discover the most features of this area with more than 4,000 birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day. Your best chance to take nice photos and immerse yourself in the wild and nature.
- 16:30: Get on the bus to take you back to your Hotel relax around the pool or on the terrace to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and have Dinner.
Including: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tour guide, Accommodation.
Day 5: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Mua Cave – Trang An – Ha Noi.
- 08:00 – 08:30: Get pick up by our friendly guide then visit Hoa Lu ancient capital of Viet- nam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le and Ly Dynasty.
- 09:30: Get back to Car then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here
- 12:00: Have a Buffet lunch in the restaurant with many local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice… Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch
- 13:30: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the New Version of Kong in 2016– “Skull Island”. With 2 hours for the boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here.
- 17:00: Finish the tour and get on the Bus to take you back to Ha Noi (19:00 – 19:30).
Including: Transfer to Ha Noi, Breakfast, Lunch, Tour guide
Discovery Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Tour Highlights.
- Trek through scenic terraced rice paddies and traditional villages.
- Engage with local residents and experience authentic village life.
- Learn and practice silk-weaving in Lan Village, guided by expert artisans.
- Visit iconic landmarks such as the Bamboo Bridge and ancient waterwheels.
- Enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure and lunch on Cham Stream.
- Swim in the refreshing waters of Cham Stream (weather permitting).
- Observe traditional farming and craftsmanship in Chieng Lau Village.
- Relax at a comfortable lodge with time to enjoy the pool.
- Convenient transfers between Hanoi and Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
- Visit 2 the most of beautiful areas of Northern Vietnam.
- Experience a large variety of activities
- Varied and sublime landscapes
- A gastronomic stay full of flavors
- A perfect combination between adventure and relaxation
- Dive into ancient Vietnamese history
- Visits to local houses, waterwheels, Hieu Waterfall and farms.
- Cooking class
- The buffalo cart ride
Accommodation: Resort, 4-stars hotel in Pu Luong and Ninh Binh with Private Deluxe room (If Fully Booked, Hotels of Similar Category will be provided)
INCLUDED:
- Private room with Wi-Fi and access to a shared swimming pool
- Pick-up/drop-off by Bus with an experienced driver.
- Lunch on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4, Day 5
- Dinner on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, Day 4
- Bamboo rafting experience with an onboard lunch included.
- Visits to local houses, waterwheels, and farms
- Guided tours with English-speaking local guides
- Trekking in the village
- Bottled water on tour
- Cooking class
- The buffalo cart ride
- Entry fees
EXCLUDED:
- 8% VAT (Government tax)
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses
- Insurance
CHILDREN’S RATES:
- 0 – 5 years old: One child in this age group can join the tour free of charge. Transportation costs $18 USD per way for a private seat on the Car transfer. This child will share a bed with their parents. For each additional child in this age group, the cost is 50% of the adult price, including transportation.
- 6 – 9 years old: 75% of the adult price, with an extra bed provided.
- 10 years and older: 100% of the adult price, with an extra bed provided.
Please note: For safety reasons, the itinerary may change due to force majeure, such as natural disasters, epidemics, or as required by local authorities or the tour operator.
