Discover Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems!
Join us for a fun and exciting 5-day adventure from Hanoi to Da Bac, Mai Chau, and Pu Luong. Explore remote Sung Village, home to the Dao Tien community, and the picturesque Mai Chau valley, where the Thai ethnic group resides. Enjoy stunning rural landscapes, terraced fields, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through this beautiful region!
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English, Français, Japanese and Korean
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Travel style: Authentic, Active, Nature & Discover
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Category: Private tour
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May to October
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Esay
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All meals during the tour
Overview
- Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
- Visit: Da Bac – Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Hanoi
- Duration: 05 Days
- Travel style: Authentic, Active, Nature & Discover
- Category: Private tour
- Tour schedule: Daily Departure
- Tour guide in: English, Français, Japanese and Korean
Enjoy:
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
- Cultural Encounters: Learn about the Dao, Muong, and Thai cultures.
- Nature Trek: Hike through a beautiful bamboo forest.
- Scenic Boat Trip: Enjoy a boat ride on Ngoi Hoa Bay, often called the “Halong Bay in the mountains.”
- Cycling Adventure: Explore the scenic Mai Chau valley by bike.
- Bamboo Rafting: Experience the thrill of bamboo rafting in Pu Luong.
- Local Cuisine: Savor delicious local food.
Itinerary
Morning:
◾Our friendly tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Vietnamese countryside to Da Bac, an off-the-beaten-path gem in Hoa Binh province.
Midday:
◾Arrive at Sung Village, home to the Dzao Tien minority people. This remote village, with around 78 households and 400 residents, is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by terraced rice fields and limestone mountains.
Early Afternoon:
◾Embark on a delightful 3 km walk to discover the village.
◾Visit Sung Cave and explore the surrounding forest.
◾Listen to fascinating stories from your local guide, who will share insights into identifying various plant varieties, including those with medicinal properties.
◾Stop at the community house where locals teach the traditional Dao language to the younger generations, preserving this crucial cultural aspect.
Late Afternoon:
◾Return to the village and visit a family workshop.
◾Learn the art of printing textures using beeswax, a traditional craft passed down through generations.
◾Uncover the indigo dyeing process, and see how these beautiful textiles are created, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Dao people.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Lunch and Dinner
◾Private transportation
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Begin your exciting 8 km trek from Sung to Da Bia.
◾The first 4 km will be on a small concrete road, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
◾Turn right onto a narrow trail that leads through the lush forest, providing a serene and immersive experience.
◾Descend from 530 m altitude to 400 m, then ascend to 500 m, before continuously descending to 120 m at the local boat pier.
Midday:
◾Upon reaching the boat pier, hop on a local boat and enjoy a short ride to Da Bia, taking in the picturesque views along the way.
Early Afternoon:
◾Embark on a thrilling kayaking adventure to explore Da Bia Lake, which is part of the expansive Da Reservoir.
◾Paddle through the calm waters and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.
◾Gain a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen as you observe their daily routines and fishing techniques.
Late Afternoon:
◾Arrive at Da Bia village and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Muong people.
◾Learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and practices.
◾Engage with the locals and experience their warm hospitality.
(Note: The final four kilometers of the trek can get slippery in case of rain. If needed, the trail might be adjusted, or an alternative route will be recommended to ensure safety.)
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾Private transportation
◾Kayak: Da Bia
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Begin your day with a leisurely 3 km stroll from your homestay to the boat pier.
◾Enjoy the fresh morning air and the peaceful surroundings as you make your way to the pier.
◾Board a local boat for a short trip to Suoi Lon Harbor.
◾Navigate through the breathtaking landscapes of Hoa Binh Lake, often referred to as the "Halong Bay in the mountains" for its stunning scenery.
Midday:
◾Arrive at Suoi Lon Harbor where our driver will be waiting to take you to Mai Chau.
◾Enjoy the scenic drive and take in the beautiful views of the countryside.
Early Afternoon:
◾Upon arrival in Mai Chau, choose to explore the charming area of Mai Hich by bike (optional) or enjoy a peaceful walk along the scenic trails and concrete roads.
◾Be captivated by the stunning landscapes where villages, rice fields, mountains, and streams are in perfect harmony.
◾Engage with the friendly local people, who are always eager to welcome you into their homes for a warm cup of tea.
Late Afternoon:
◾Continue to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions of the Thai ethnic community.
◾Learn about their way of life, customs, and practices as you interact with the villagers.
◾Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon, filled with wonderful memories of the day's adventures.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾Boat: Da Bia - Suoi Lon
◾Private transportation
◾Bike: Mai Chau
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Start your day with a short transfer to Thanh Son.
◾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 welcoming Thai ethnic group.
◾Along the way, admire the stunning beauty of the terraced rice fields and engage with the local ethnic communities.
Midday:
◾Arrive in Kho Muong and enjoy a delicious lunch served at a local family's home.
◾Experience the warm hospitality and traditional cuisine of the Thai people.
Early Afternoon:
◾Continue your adventure with a hike, following the trail used by villagers on their way to the fields for work.
◾Pass through lush forests and expansive cassava fields, soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
◾Reach the charming Thai village of Ui, where you can observe the daily life and traditions of the locals.
Late Afternoon:
◾Our driver will be ready to pick us up in Ui and bring us to our accommodation in Pu Luong.
◾Enjoy the scenic ride and reflect on the day's experiences and the breathtaking landscapes you’ve encountered.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾Private transportation
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Begin your day with a visit to Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and traditional bamboo water wheels.
◾Embark on a scenic walk, engaging with friendly local residents and catching glimpses of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.
◾Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the countryside and the ingenuity of these traditional water wheels.
Midday:
◾After exploring Chieng Lau, our driver will pick you up for the transfer back to Hanoi.
◾Along the way, stop at the sacred fish stream in Cam Luong.
◾This location is famous for a unique species of fish that inhabit the stream, often referred to as sacred due to the many mysterious tales surrounding them.
◾Take a moment to observe these special fish and learn about the legends associated with them.
Afternoon:
◾Continue your journey back to Hanoi, enjoying the scenic drive through the countryside.
◾Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon and check into your hotel, reflecting on the wonderful experiences and beautiful landscapes you've encountered throughout the day.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast and Lunch.
◾Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
◾Private transportation
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
What's Included
- English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking tour guide following the itinerary
- Selected accommodations with daily breakfast
- Boat trips: Da Bia to Suoi Lon, Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
- Private car following the itinerary
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Biking in Mai Chau
- Kayaking in Da Bia
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- International flights to/from your country
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tipping and gratuities
- Anything not mentioned in the program
What destinations are included in the tour?
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
- Cultural Encounters with Dao, Muong, and Thai cultures
- Nature Trek through a bamboo forest
- Scenic Boat Trip on Ngoi Hoa Bay
- Cycling Adventure in Mai Chau Valley
- Bamboo Rafting in Pu Luong
- Savoring local cuisine
Comfortable trekking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a camera, and cash for personal expenses and souvenirs.
The tour is designed for private groups, so there is no specific limit, but accommodations and activities are best suited for smaller groups.