Mai Chau and Pu Luong in 3 days
Overview
Discovery of minority ethnic groups and terraced rice valleys through easy hikes in charming locations.
- Mai Chau and its natural beauty
- The vibrant landscapes of Pu Luong, with diverse and stunning terraced rice fields and exceptional karst peaks.
- Rich activities with highlights: Nature walks in the Pu Luong nature reserves
- Encounters with residents of Minority Ethnic Villages
- Traditional Thai ethnic dances and folk songs performances
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Hanoi - Mai Chau, Land Of White Thai People (L, D)
Drive to Mai Chau, explore the authentic life of the Thai ethnic group.
Depart for Mai Chau along a beautiful mountain road. While Mai Chau is often considered a heavily touristic destination, we suggest taking the road less traveled. Following a route to the Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant reservoir, you will witness beautiful landscapes forming what locals call the "Halong Bay in the mountains." Lunch at a local's home by the water.
Afternoon: Head to a village deep in the valley, away from the tourist crowds. Bicycle ride in the valley (5 km – 20 km), meet the locals: If your stay coincides with the planting or harvesting season, you can participate in agricultural activities with the locals, such as land preparation with a buffalo, rice planting, or harvesting.
Evening: Folk songs and dance performance. Taste traditional Thai rice wine sipped through a straw (known as "Can"). For accommodation, you can choose between a homestay in a dormitory or an Eco-lodge.
Day 2 Mai Chau - Pu Luong Terraced Rice Fields, Ethnic Villages (B, L, D)
Rice valley of Dong Dieng, Bang, Bam, exploration of local life, discovery of water wheels.
After breakfast, take a walk to explore the surroundings, then follow the path through Pu Luong National Park. You'll encounter a charming landscape with terraced rice fields and stilt houses adorned with vegetable gardens and areca palms, their stilts emerging from the water of a pond. Make stops along the way to enjoy panoramic views of small terraced valley villages: Dong Dieng, Duom, Bang, Bam... where you'll witness beautiful karst landscapes. Depending on your preference, you can take walks or go hiking. Lunch at a local homestay.
Afternoon: Transfer to the suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you will see superb water wheels (norias) installed on the banks of the stream, one of the iconic images of Pu Luong. These gigantic water wheels are a clever irrigation system that brings water from the stream to the rice fields. Approach each wheel and discover this original irrigation method of the Thai ethnic group, you will understand how water passes from a river to a handmade bamboo aqueduct via very simple installations of all sizes.
Bamboo rafting along the stream to fully enjoy the serenity of nature and the picturesque landscapes on both sides of the stream. You can try paddling and steering your bamboo raft yourself. Visit to a family that practices traditional brocade weaving.
Walk to visit an authentic Thai ethnic village. Pay a visit to a local family, and if you wish, you can explore traditional brocade weaving (visit not guaranteed).
Overnight in an Ecolodge in the village of Ban Don.
Day 3Pu Luong Terraced Rice Fields – Hanoi (B, L)
Discover the beautiful rice valley of Don Ngon Leo.
After breakfast, take a walk along the small trails lined with tropical vegetation and stilt houses with roofs covered in palm leaves. Discover the beautiful rice valley of Don, Ngon Leo. Immerse yourself in the tranquil nature and enjoy a stunning rural landscape: terraced rice fields, ponds, stilt houses of the Black Thai people nestled at the foot of the mountain. Observe the daily life of the villagers and their agricultural activities. Take this opportunity to interact with the local residents and take beautiful photos.
Lunch in Pu Luong.
Afternoon: On the way back to Hanoi.
Prices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- Accommodation
- Transfers according to the program in a private vehicle with a driver for your group ONLY
- Meals as mentioned in the program: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the sites to be visited
- Bicycle
- One liter of bottled water per day per person, Service fees
Excluded
- Travelers' personal insurance
- Bank fees
- Drinks, telephone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the section "This price includes,"
- Tips
- Gala dinner and additional charges during holidays (if any)
Useful Information
- It is hot in the North from April to November, so bring sunscreen, a raincoat, a hat, and insect repellent.
- Warm clothing is needed during winter (mid-November to early March). Bring a towel and toiletries for the night at the homestay.
- Out of respect for the places of worship to be visited, such as temples and pagodas, proper attire is required, and you must cover your knees and shoulders. Pu Luong's terraced rice fields have two harvest seasons: February - May and June - October.
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Excursion
- 1 night on a shared boat in Ha Long Bay
- Biking, kayaking. Rowing boat excursion in Trang An. Visit to the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh pagoda
- Encounters with the residents of the Red River Delta, exploring their culture
- Experience Pu Luong's vibrant landscapes, from stunning terraced rice fields to dramatic karst peaks. Enjoy off-the-beaten-path walking tours that offer unique encounters with ethnic minority communities and their preserved ancestral cultures.
- Cultural experiences with the Thai ethnic group
Mai Chau and Pu Luong in 5 days
Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong
Excursion
- Mai Chau and its natural beauty
- The vibrant landscapes of Pu Luong offer diverse beauty, featuring reliefs that will delight photographers: terraced rice fields and exceptional karst peaks.
- Rich activities with highlights: Nature walks in the natural reserves of Pu Luong
- Meetings with residents of Ethnic Minority Villages: Hmong, Thai
- Folk dances and songs performance by the Thai Ethnic Group
6 days trekking from Mai Chau to Pu Luong: Spectacular Landscapes and Rich Culture
Pu Luong
Trekking
- Vibrant Mai Chau and Pu Luong Landscapes: Delight in the captivating beauty of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, where diverse landscapes—including terraced rice fields and exceptional karst peaks—await photographers and nature lovers alike.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks: Embark on walks along lesser-known trails, fostering genuine connections with both Thai and Hmong villagers while immersing yourself in their rich cultures.
- Ethnic Pa Co Market: Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry at the weekly Pa Co market, where different ethnic groups converge.
- Hands-On Workshops: Participate in a workshop to create traditional crafts such as batik or indigo-dyed fabrics.
- Culinary Exploration: Learn the art of making "Com Lam," a dish where sticky rice is stuffed into young bamboo shoots.