This 10-day adventure takes you through the picturesque valleys of Mai Chau and the pristine beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Immerse yourself in local cultures, hike through lush landscapes, and experience Vietnam’s traditional hospitality with homestays in ethnic villages.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, where your guide will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Hotel check-in available from 2 PM. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau
Drive through a mountainous route to Mai Chau, home to the White Thai ethnic group. En route, see terraced rice fields, stilt houses, and local markets. Enjoy lunch at a local house, followed by a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque valley, passing villages like Chieng Sai and Na Tang. Experience traditional Thai hospitality during dinner and an overnight stay at a local homestay.
Transfer: 3h30 / 150 km
Cycling: 2h / 15 km
Day 3: Mai Chau – Ban Hang
Start your day with a short transfer to Mai Ha, famous for rice and corn wine production. Begin your trek through Thai villages, bamboo forests, and lush scenery. After a picnic lunch, continue through tropical forests to Na Meo village, where your driver will transfer you to Ban Hang. Dinner and overnight at a homestay.
Trekking: 5h / 14 km (+600m/-600m elevation)
Transfer: 1h
Day 4: Ban Hang – Kho Muong – Ban Don
Trek through the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, crossing terraced fields, tropical forests, and remote Thai villages. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst nature before reaching Ban Don, offering panoramic views of the valley. Dinner and overnight at a homestay.
Trekking: 4-5h (+600m elevation)
Day 5: Ban Don – Ban Hieu
Today’s trek takes you deeper into Pu Luong’s serene landscapes, passing through villages and terraced rice fields. Interact with locals along the way and enjoy their warm smiles and stories. Arrive at Ban Hieu, a peaceful Thai village known for its stilt houses and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters before dinner and overnight at a homestay.
Trekking: 5h / 15 km (+900m elevation)
Day 6: Ban Hieu – Tam Coc
After breakfast, take a short walk to bid farewell to Ban Hieu before driving to Tam Coc, the “Halong Bay on Land.” Explore the area by bike, visiting Bich Dong Pagoda nestled against limestone hills. In the afternoon, embark on a sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s caves and rice fields. Overnight in Tam Coc.
Transfer: 3h / 130 km
Boating: 2h
Cycling: 1h
Day 7: Tam Coc – Lan Ha Bay
Drive to Lan Ha Bay, passing the Red River Delta and Vietnam’s rice basket, Thai Binh. Board a traditional junk boat and cruise through the bay’s limestone karsts and fishing villages. Enjoy fresh seafood meals and a restful night onboard in a private cabin.
Transfer: 3h / 180 km
Day 8: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi
After breakfast onboard, continue exploring Lan Ha Bay with stops at small beaches, hidden grottos, and floating fishing villages. Visit a cave filled with unique stalactites and stalagmites. Disembark and return to Hanoi in the afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.
Transfer: 3h / 140 km
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour
Discover Hanoi’s cultural treasures, including the Ethnographic Museum, the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple. Walk through the Old Quarter, ending at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake to savor a cup of egg coffee, Hanoi’s specialty. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure. Hotel check-out available until noon.
Why Choose This Tour?
Immersive Trekking: Explore untouched trails in Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Cultural Connection: Stay in traditional homestays and interact with ethnic communities.
Stunning Landscapes: From Mai Chau’s lush valleys to Tam Coc’s limestone peaks and Lan Ha Bay’s serene waters.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in hotels and local homestays.
- Daily breakfast and meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicles.
- Professional English-speaking guides.
- Entrance fees for listed attractions.
- Trekking and cycling support as specified.
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Vietnam.
- Visa fees for Vietnam.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Personal expenses, including drinks, tips, and optional activities.
