Mai Chau and Pu Luong in 5 days
Overview
Discovery of ethnic minorities and terraced rice valleys through easy hikes in charming locations. A journey close to nature that prioritizes authenticity and takes you through the karst landscapes and terraced rice fields of the Mai Chau and Pu Luong region. An excursion for the pleasure of the eyes and senses, you will witness green landscapes, wild nature, and the forest of the Pu Luong National Reserve. You will encounter kind and welcoming local residents.
- 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
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Hanoi - Mai Chau, Land Of The White Thai (L, D)
Drive to Mai Chau, exploration of the authentic life of the Thai ethnic group.
Depart for Mai Chau, taking a beautiful mountain road. If the Mai Chau area is often associated with a place heavily visited by tourists, we propose to venture off the beaten path. Following a route towards the reservoir of the Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant, you will see beautiful landscapes that locals refer to as "Halong Bay in the mountains."
Lunch with a local family by the water.
Afternoon: Head to a village deep in the valley, away from the tourist crowds. Bike ride in the valley (5 km – 20 km), interactions with the locals. In case your stay coincides with the planting or harvesting season, you can participate in agricultural activities with the locals, such as preparing the land with a buffalo, transplanting rice, or harvesting.
Evening: Folk music and dance performance. Tasting of straw-filtered rice alcohol, a typical Thai drink known as "Can." Overnight stay in a local dormitory.
Day 2Mai Chau – Pa Co - Hang Kia, Immersion In Hmong Culture (B, L, D)
Depart for Hang Kia, the land of the Hmong. If it's a Sunday, you will visit the weekly market in Pa Co. Walk through the Hmong village and its plum gardens.
Optional: Activities include batik drawing or discovering the technique of making handmade paper from bamboo (Additional fees apply).
Lunch with a Hmong family. Return to Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Day 3Mai Chau - Pu Luong Terraced Rice Fields (B, L, D)
Morning walk in the beautiful rice valley of Dong Dieng, Bang, Bam, discovering local life, exploring water wheels.
After breakfast, take a walk to explore the surroundings, then follow the path through Pu Luong National Park. A short transfer by local boat across the Ma River, visit the remote village of Ban En. Then hike from Ban En to Ban Pang. Upon arrival in Pu Luong, you will see a charming landscape with terraced rice fields and stilt houses – houses adorned with vegetable gardens and areca palms, with stilts emerging from the water of a pond. Stops along the way to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of small terraced rice valleys: in the villages of Dong Dieng, Duom, Bang, Bam…. You will also see beautiful karst landscapes. Depending on your preference, you can take walks or go hiking. On the way to Pu Luong. Overnight stay in Pu Luong.
Day 4Pu Luong, Pu Luong Terraced Rice Fields, Motorcycle Ride (B, L, D)
A day on a motorcycle through authentic villages of the Thai ethnic group.
You will visit a local family, and if you wish, you can explore traditional brocade weaving (visit not guaranteed). Lunch in Pu Luong. Afternoon: Continue the motorcycle ride, taking small paths lined with tropical vegetation and stilt houses with roofs covered with palm leaves. Discover the beautiful rice valley of Don, Ngon Leo. Immerse yourself in the quiet nature and appreciate a stunning rural landscape: terraced rice fields, ponds, stilt houses of the Black Thai 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 people and capture beautiful photos. Overnight stay in Pu Luong.
Day 5Pu Luong Terraced Rice Fields – Hanoi (B, L)
Morning walk in the beautiful rice valley of Don Ngon Leo.
After breakfast, 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 moves from a river to a bamboo aqueduct made by hand through 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. 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
- Transportation 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
- Visiting fees and entrance rights to the sites to visit
- Bicycle
- One liter of bottled water per day per person, Handling fees
Excluded
Traveler's personal insurance
Bank fees
Drinks, phone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the "This price includes" section
Tips
Gala dinner and extra charges for high season and holidays (if any)
Useful Information
- In Pu Luong, there are 2 rice seasons: from February to May and from June to September.
- Highly recommended safety equipment: insect repellent, hiking shoes.
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