Embark on an unforgettable journey to uncover the beautiful and exotic cultures of Northern Vietnam. This carefully curated package tour offers minimal travel time, making it an ideal escape from Hanoi or an enriching extension to your Vietnam adventure.
Overview
Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
Visit: Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Duration: 05 Days
Travel style: Authentic, Active, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
Category: Private tour
Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano, Japanese, Korean
Highlights
- Overnight stay in the serene Mai Chau
- Trek through charming rural villages
- Explore the natural wonders of Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Muong and Thai minorities
Itinerary
Exploring Muong and Thai Culture in Mai Hich, Xam Khoe, and Buoc Villages
Morning: Meet your tour guide and driver, then set off for Mai Chau. Along the way, visit a Muong village and continue to Thung Khe pass, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the valley. Arrive in the charming town of Mai Chau, nestled 145 km from Hanoi, known for its harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces, and White Thai ethnic villages.
Late Morning: Arrive in Mai Hich, check into your accommodation, and enjoy a meal of authentic local cuisine.
Afternoon: Explore Mai Hich by walking along trails and concrete roads, where you'll be captivated by the gorgeous landscapes of villages, rice fields, mountains, and streams in perfect harmony. Take the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals who are always eager to welcome you into their homes for a cup of tea.
Late Afternoon: Continue trekking through rice fields and small communities to Xam Khoe, a non-touristy Thai village. Revel in the harmony of nature's beauty and the rich local culture. At the end of your trek, your driver will pick you up and transfer you back to your accommodation.
Note: A private traditional music and dance performance by local artists is available for an additional $35 per group. Please ask your guide to arrange this if you are interested.
Included:
Guide fluent in English
Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Trekking from Pa Co and Hang Kia Villages to Cun Pheo Valley, Immersing in the Blue H'mong Homeland
Morning: Depart from Mai Chau and head towards Pa Co. If it's a Sunday, you have the option to visit a local market. Pa Co, situated 35 km from Mai Chau near the Moc Chau plateau, is the homeland of the Hmong ethnic people who live in the hills.
Late Morning: Begin your trek from Pa Co to the Hang Kia commune, passing through the verdant Hmong villages. Historically, this ethnic group cultivated poppies, but now they grow maize, manioc, and groundnuts. Immerse yourself in the local life by visiting a family, school, and dispensary, all while being surrounded by plum hills, primitive forests, and rice terraces.
Midday: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery.
Afternoon: Continue your trek down the slopes to reach Cun Pheo Valley. Meet your driver and transfer to your accommodation.
Note: Trekking shoes and sun cream are recommended.
Included:
Guide fluent in English
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Exploring Eo Ken and Ban Hang Villages, and Discovering Chieng Lau
Morning: Depart from Mai Hich and travel directly to Eo Ken, 30 km away, where the Muong ethnic community resides. Descend the slope and take in the spectacular views of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with its rice terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong family in Eo Ken village to experience their authentic way of life. Continue walking through the beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach Hang Village.
Late Morning: Get picked up by car and transfer to Pu Luong. Check into your accommodation, take a break, and enjoy some local cuisine.
Afternoon: Head to Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Embark on a scenic walk, engage with local residents, and catch a glimpse of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.
Evening: Return by car and stay overnight in Pu Luong.
Note: Trekking distances can be adjusted to your preference. You may also want to swim during the bamboo rafting experience.
Included:
Guide fluent in English
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
Full-Day Trek to Kho Muong Village and Beyond: Discovering Uoi and Lan Ngoai Villages
Early Morning: Begin your trekking adventure to explore the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and its inhabitants. Travel 5 km from your accommodation along 15C road towards Kho Muong village.
Morning: Start trekking on the path to the most secluded village in Pu Luong, nestled in a valley surrounded by stunning limestone mountains and rice terraces. Kho Muong is home to the Thai ethnic group. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking scenery of rice terraces and interact with the locals along the way.
Midday: Enjoy lunch at a homestay in Kho Muong Village.
Afternoon: Continue trekking through forest trails and manioc fields to reach Uoi village, another picturesque Thai village known for its preserved thatched houses. Proceed to Lan Ngoai Village, soaking in the beautiful landscape, before being transferred back to your accommodation.
Note: Be sure to bring good trekking shoes and a camera.
Included:
Guide fluent in English
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Authentic Medium Hiking Route: Leo – Mo – Chu – Danh, Admiring the Peaceful Rural Landscape
Morning: Enjoy breakfast before bidding farewell to your host, then descend into the spectacular rice terrace valley. Hike along narrow paths to reach the picturesque villages of Leo, Mo, Chu, and Danh. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the unforgettable moments as you pass through changing landscapes of rice terraces, villages, wild fields, ponds, streams, and mountains.
Midday: Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Meet your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi. On the way, stop to explore the sacred fish stream in Cam Luong, known for its unique fish and the mysterious stories surrounding them. Continue your journey to Hanoi and check into your hotel.
Included:
Guide fluent in English
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Entrance fees
Cost Includes
- English-speaking tour guide as per the itinerary
- All entrance fees and tickets specified in the itinerary
- Selected accommodations with daily breakfast
- Private car according to the itinerary
- Meals: 4 breakfast, 5 lunches, 4 dinner
- Service charges and taxes included
- Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
Cost Excludes
- International flights to/from your home country
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tipping and gratuities
- Any other items not mentioned in the program
The tour package includes accommodations, meals, transportation, guided activities, entrance fees to attractions, and a professional tour guide.
Transportation is typically provided in the tour package. You will travel by car or minivan, which takes about 3-4 hours.
Yes, the tour can be tailored to accommodate families, including activities that are enjoyable for all ages.
Bring comfortable clothing for trekking, sturdy hiking shoes, a rain jacket, personal toiletries, a camera, and a reusable water bottle.
You can book the tour through our website or by contacting our customer service team for assistance.
Yes, the tour includes visits to local villages where you can learn about the culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities in the region.