Overview

Escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich culture of Northwest Vietnam and Ninh Binh on this captivating 4-day tour. Discover three of the region’s most eco-friendly destinations: the tranquil Mai Chau Valley, the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and the unique landscapes of Ninh Binh. This itinerary is designed to provide a deeper exploration of Pu Luong’s natural wonders and offer more engaging experiences throughout your journey.

Highlights of this Eco-Friendly Escape:

1. Extended Exploration of Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Spend more time discovering the diverse landscapes of Pu Luong, from its charming villages and cascading waterfalls to its intricate rice terraces and the unique giant water wheels. Enjoy more opportunities for trekking and immerse yourself in the local way of life.
2. Authentic Cultural Encounters: Engage with the local White Thai community in Mai Chau with a homestay experience and a village walk. In Pu Luong, connect with the Black Thai minority and learn about their traditions during a captivating trek through their villages.
3. Sustainable and Scenic Adventures: Experience the natural beauty of the region through eco-conscious activities like trekking through forests and rice paddies, enjoying a peaceful bamboo raft ride on the river, and exploring the stunning karst landscapes of Tam Coc by traditional boat.

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Te Village  and Waterfall trekking (Scenic landscapes and White Thai culture).

Morning

• 7:00 AM: Your adventure begins! Our friendly guide and comfortable driver will greet you at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a picturesque transfer to Mai Chau.
• Enjoy the journey, including a stop at the breathtaking Thung Khe Pass, offering spectacular panoramic views of the stunning Mai Chau Valley below.

Midday

• 12:00 PM: Arrive in Mai Chau and savor a traditional lunch at a charming stilt house, the iconic dwelling of the welcoming Thai people.

Afternoon

• 1:30 PM: After a delicious meal, we’ll board our vehicle for a short transfer to the starting point of our trek.
• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Embark on a refreshing 2-hour walk through the verdant forests, alongside the vibrant green rice paddies, and into the heart of charming local villages. This immersive experience offers wonderful opportunities to connect with local farmers and the friendly White Thai community.
• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Arrive at your traditional homestay, your cozy accommodation for the night.
• 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM: After a brief settling in, we’ll continue our exploration with a delightful 30-40 minute trek through the beautiful terraced rice fields, leading us to a hidden, lesser-known waterfall nestled in the tranquil landscape. Take some time to enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters (optional).
• Enjoy a leisurely walk back to the homestay, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Evening

• 7:00 PM: In the evening, indulge in an authentic and delicious meal prepared with care by your welcoming host family at the homestay. Experience the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.

Day 2: Pu Luong – Hieu Village – Trekking – Bamboo Rafting (Untouched Nature And Unique Local Experiences)

Morning

• 7:30 AM: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the tranquil atmosphere of Mai Chau, breathing in the fresh morning air.
• Embark on a captivating 40km journey from Mai Chau to the breathtaking Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a haven of natural beauty.
• 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Begin our exploration with a scenic walk to Eo Ken Village (Bản Eo Kén), a secluded gem nestled in Thanh Son commune, Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa province. Accessible only by footpaths and challenging motorbike trails, this village on the edge of Pu Luong National Park retains its authentic charm.
• Continue our walk to Don Village, recognized as Pu Luong’s first beautiful tourism village, famous for its expansive and picturesque rice fields.
• We will then transfer by vehicle to Hieu Village, your gateway to the magnificent Hieu Waterfall. Immerse yourself in nature’s embrace and take the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the cool, invigorating waters of the falls.
• 2:00 PM: Enjoy a delightful lunch amidst the natural beauty of the waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of cascading water.

Afternoon

• We’ll drive to our trekking starting point and commence an enjoyable medium or easy trek through the stunning landscapes of Pu Luong. Follow winding paths and trails that meander through the vibrant rice fields, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
• Experience a traditional bamboo rafting adventure along the serene river, gliding through the peaceful waters and witnessing the impressive local giant water wheels in action, a testament to ingenious local engineering.

Evening

• 7:00 PM: Indulge in a delicious dinner at your comfortable lodge in Pu Luong, surrounded by the tranquility and sounds of nature. Spend your second night immersed in this peaceful environment.

Day 3: Pu Luong – Cave Exploration – Trekking – Ninh Binh (Hidden wonders and journey to ancient lands)

Morning

• 7:30 AM: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your homestay in Pu Luong, preparing for another day of exploration.
• 8:30 AM: Embark on a captivating 6-kilometer (approximately 3-hour) trek within the heart of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The well-maintained trails and paths are suitable for all fitness levels.
• Traverse the picturesque rice terraces, a signature landscape of the region, and reach the remote and culturally rich villages of the Black Thai minority. Gain fascinating insights into their unique way of life and traditions.
• Our trek culminates with the exploration of the remarkable Kho Muong Cave, the largest natural and unspoiled cave within Pu Luong. Prepare to be amazed by its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations and the sheer scale of this natural wonder.
• 12:00 PM: Check out of your accommodation in Pu Luong and savor a delicious lunch, followed by some free time to relax and unwind, reflecting on the beauty of Pu Luong.

Afternoon

• 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Bid farewell to the tranquility of Pu Luong as we depart for our scenic journey to Ninh Binh, a region steeped in history and natural beauty.

Evening

• 7:30 PM: Delight in a delicious dinner featuring new, delectable, and special local dishes at a restaurant in Ninh Binh. Afterwards, enjoy a restful night in your comfortable private room, ready to explore the wonders of Ninh Binh.

Day 4: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Boat Trip – Mua Cave – Hanoi (Ancient history and breathtaking karst landscapes)

Morning

• 8:00 AM: Your knowledgeable tour guide and comfortable van will pick you up from your hotel in Ninh Binh to begin your exploration of this fascinating region.
• 8:30 AM: We’ll visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. Explore the historical sites and learn about significant periods of Vietnamese history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties within the feudal system.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, featuring a delightful buffet of local specialties and vegetarian options, providing energy for the afternoon’s adventures.
• 1:30 PM: We’ll depart for the renowned Tam Coc boat tour. Board a traditional small boat and gently navigate the scenic Ngo Dong River, winding peacefully through lush green rice fields and dramatic limestone karst formations, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on Land.” We’ll make stops at the fascinating three caves that give Tam Coc its name: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. The scenery is particularly breathtaking during the rice harvest season when the fields turn a stunning golden hue.
• Following the serene boat trip, we’ll visit Mua Cave. This complex, often referred to as one of Ninh Binh’s “muses,” offers an incredible panoramic view of the Ninh Binh landscape from the top of the cave. Climb the steps to witness the vast expanse of rice fields, winding rivers, and striking karst scenery stretching out before you.

Late Afternoon

• 4:00 PM: We will depart from the captivating landscapes of Ninh Binh and drive directly back to Hanoi.

Evening

• 6:00 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi, where you will be comfortably dropped off at your hotel or private address. This concludes your memorable 4-day eco-adventure through Mai Chau, Pu Luong, and Ninh Binh. Thank you for exploring with us!

Included

• Private ground transportation

• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide

• Comfortable accommodation as per itinerary

• All activities and entrance fees mentioned

• Meals specified in the daily schedule

Excluded

• International and domestic airfares

• Visa fees

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks outside of meals, etc.)

• Any other services not explicitly stated in the itinerary