Northern Vietnam Escape : 3- Day Trip to Mai Chau Valley & Ninh Binh

8:00 AM, our private car and guide will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic drive through majestic mountain landscapes en route to Mai Chau—a peaceful and picturesque valley that has long been home to the ethnic groups of Thai, Muong, Hmong, Tay, and Viet. This is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a chance to explore the area’s stunning natural beauty, tranquil villages, and the fascinating cultures of the local people

Green Mai Chau valley – the view from Thung Khe Pass

After a 3.5-hour drive, we will arrive in Mai Chau around noon. Our first stop is Poom Coong Village, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local dishes with a welcoming local family.

In the afternoon, we’ll hop on a leisurely bike ride through the valley, passing by various Thai ethnic villages. You’ll have the opportunity to observe their farming practices, admire traditional stilt houses, and interact with the villagers for a deeper understanding of their rich cultural heritage.

You’ll also have free time to shop in Poom Coong or Lac Village before we head to the less-visited Mai Hich Hamlet. This area is relatively new for homestays but offers excellent service and delicious local food.

After a delicious dinner at the homestay, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant cultural show featuring traditional dances and songs performed by the locals (optional). This is a wonderful chance for cultural exchange, where you can join in the dancing, singing, and enjoy local pipe wine (known as “Can” in Vietnamese) with the villagers.

Spend the night with a local host in Mai Hich Village.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Hanoi- Mai Chau, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (L- lunch, D-dinner), biking tour, homestay overnight in Thai Family

You can wake upearly to enjoy the serene atmosphere of a rural village, accompanied by the rooster’s crow, fresh air, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After breakfast, we’ll do a 2.5-hour trek through the valley, passing different hamlets in Mai Hich commune to delve deeper into local life. Enjoy lunch with a local family in Mai Hich village.

Trekking routes in Mai Chau valley & mountain view

Post-lunch, we’ll bid farewell to Mai Chau and drive to Ninh Binh (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, we’ll pay a visit to Van Long Nature Reserve, renowned as a filming location for the latest movie “Kong: Skull Island.” As the largest wetland area in Northern Vietnam, Van Long is known for its untouched landscapes featuring limestone outcrops and natural caves.

Board a private rowing boat ride to enjoy the tranquil scenery and observe diverse wildlife, including various bird species such as storks, silver pheasants, swampy herons, and occasionally the endangered Delacour’s langurs in their natural habitat.

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to the hotel for check-in & be free at your own leisure !

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Mai Chau – Ninh Binh, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch), hiking tour in Mai Chau, boat ride in Van Long, double/twin- shared room in the hotel

After breakfast, we’ll do a morning bike ride through breathtaking karst mountains, serene rivers, and peaceful villages. This journey offers a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents and the opportunity to interact with them along the way.

Our first stop is Mua Cave, where a challenging hike rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the Tam Coc and Trang An landscapes from the mountain’s peak. Be sure to bring your camera for some unforgettable photo opportunities.

The view at Mua cave’s peak

Next, we continue our bike ride to Bich Dong Pagoda, which dates back to the 15th century. Enjoy a scenic hike to explore the various temples and gain insight into local Buddhist practices in Vietnam.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, take a short drive to Tam Coc for a wonderful boat tour through hidden caves, limestone formations and natural scenery. This boat tour promises a thrilling and memorable experience

Afterward, you’ll meet our driver for a 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Hanoi, marking the end of your 3-day Mai Chau-Ninh Binh Tour.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Ninh Binh- Hanoi, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch), bike tour, boat ride in Tam Coc.