Vietnam · Rural Experiences

Mai Chau Pu Luong Ninh Binh 4D3N from Hanoi (Overnight each area)

4 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 4-day journey through Mai Chau, Pu Luong, and Ninh Binh
  • 02 Cycle through the villages and rice fields of Mai Chau Valley
  • 03 Trek in Pu Luong Nature Reserve to Hieu Village and waterfall
  • 04 Visit Kho Muong Village and Bat Cave
  • 05 Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital by bike
  • 06 Enjoy a shared boat trip through the UNESCO site of Trang An
  • 07 Overnight stays in each area for a more relaxed pace
  • 08 Bus transfers, meals, accommodation, and entrance fees included

Discover northern Vietnam on a 4-day journey from Hanoi through the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau, the rice terraces and nature trails of Pu Luong, and the dramatic karst landscapes of Ninh Binh. This itinerary combines rural culture, light adventure, and scenic travel, with overnight stays in each area for a more relaxed experience.

Cycle through Mai Chau Valley and visit local villages, trek to waterfalls and caves in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and explore the historic setting of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. In Ninh Binh, enjoy a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed landscape of Trang An, where limestone peaks, caves, and temples create one of Vietnam’s most memorable natural settings.

Discover northern Vietnam on a 4-day journey from Hanoi through the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau, the rice terraces and nature trails of Pu Luong, and the dramatic karst landscapes of Ninh Binh.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Mai Châu, Hoa Lư
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

HANOI - MAI CHAU (L,D)

07.00 AM: Meet   at the Opera house in Hanoi Old   Quarter to board the bus and start the trip to Mai Chau. 

You will have a   stop in Thung Khe Pass for   a spectacular view of Mai Chau Valley.   

During the stop, you can see the local stands selling typical products. Take   a chance to try one of the local specialties, the “Com Lam”, sticky rice   cooked in bamboo. 

Arrival in Mai Chau  which is considered the capital of the Thai people. 

Check in and have lunch   in the traditional house on stilts with specialties of the Northwest   mountains. 

Take a small rest to relax   by the pool or a quick walk in the narrow alleys to admire the local life. 

Start the cycling tour to discover the beautiful Mai Chau valley. 

You will pass through fields and villages and get the opportunity to discover more about the unique cultural activities of the White Thai ethnic group. 

Take a break to visit brocade production facilities made by locals. You are welcome to visit the shops and to buy souvenirs from this unique place. 

Back to homestay & free time to relax, enjoy the swimming pool or walk around in the narrow alleys around the homestay. Diner and peaceful night in the homestay

2
Day 02

MAI CHAU – PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE (B/L/D)

Early breakfast to be ready for the amazing day coming. Board the car to reach the beautiful Pu Luong Reserve and stop at Pu Luong Eco Garden to drop your bags before starting the exciting day. 

You will board the van to reach the starting point of the trek. On Thursday and Sunday, you will have a stop at the local Pho Doan market.

You will then be dropped at the starting point. The trek will pass through a small dirt path, passing by an isolated hamlet and through the jungle. 

You will arrive at thehigher part of Hieu village contemplating some stunning views. While going down to reach the waterfall, you will see some local houses. 

Free time to enjoy the waterfall (swimming and water hiking depending on season). Time to join the local house for a Garden to Table Lunch at the homestay of ethnic minority people. 

After lunch, rest and relax in the village before boarding the car back to Pu Luong Eco Garden. Free time to relax in the hotel in the room or by the infinity pool or to explore an easy walk around Bang Village.

Dinner and overnight in the Retreat.

3
Day 03

PU LUONG - NINH BINH (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the Retreat. Then start the trek to Kho Muong Village & Bat Cave. 

The trekking will start by a small alley nearby traditional Thai stilt houses until reaching beautiful viewpoints of the infinity rice terraces. 

Arriving from the top of the hill, you will slowly see the village of Kho Muong and understand how special this place is. 

After walking around the village, you will walk to the entrance of the cave. Possibility to visit the cave (depending on weather conditions). 

Check out and lunch at Pu Luong. Say goodbye to the fabulous Pu Luong Nature Reserve and start the journey to reach Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh. 

Arrival at the lodge and free time to relax around the pool or on the terrace to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

Dinner and overnight at Trang An Ecolodge Resort.

4
Day 04

NINH BINH - HANOI (B,L)

Cycling to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Back to the X century, the ancient Vietnamese capital was the place of the emperors of the dynasty of Dinh, Tien Le and Ly. 

Travel out of time on this spectacular site.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is not only a valuable relic site but also a remarkable tourist attraction, offering tourists the chance to appreciate both stunning historical scenery and unique architectural values of a bygone era.

It will be time for a relaxing tour in the UNESCO site of Trang An. You will enjoy a boat tour in the wonderful landscape in between karst pics covered by jungle, passing through a cave and watching temples. It is a world apart and a unique destination in Vietnam.

A relaxing and serene boat trip with the most amazingly beautiful views and rich in history with perfectly preserved architecture.

Transfer back to Hanoi with an estimated arrival time around 6.30pm.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Comfortable Bus Transfer (Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Hanoi)
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing fpr all places in Itinenary
  • Local English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Private Deluxe Room stay at Mai Chau Pu Luong and Ninh Binh
  • Bamboo Rafting,Trekking and Exploring Nature Cave in Puluong
  • Share Boat Trip Trang An & Hiking up moutain Mua Cave in Ninh Binh
  • Biking Tour in Mai Chau Valley

What's Not Included

  • Beverages
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses & Tips

Know before you go

  • INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • We will pick up the guests at Hotels in Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House if outside.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Hanoi.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Hanoi.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Hanoi..

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