Trekking Vietnam’s Hidden Paradise: Mai Chau Valley & Pu Luong Nature Reserve

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

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

Start your day early to enjoy the tranquil life of a rural village, accompanied by the sound of roosters, fresh mountain air, and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

08:30 AM. Afterbreakfast, set out on a scenic hike through the peaceful Mai Hich area. Pass through lush rice fields, cross small streams, and wander through quaint villages where you’ll get a glimpse of the local way of life.

10:30 AM. We transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa province.The path winds through terraced fields and dense forests, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains

11:30 AM .Stop en route for a short hike to a local homestay in Hang village, where you can enjoy fresh, home-cooked dishes and interact with the villagers.

13:30 PM. After lunch, continue your trek to explore Hang village, a small and secluded village that offers a genuine experience of rural life in Vietnam. The path takes you through bamboo forests and across terraced fields, with opportunities to observe local farmers at work.

15:00 PM. Reach Eo Ken Village, known for its pristine beauty and traditional stilt houses. The trek between these villages is both scenic and culturally enriching, with chances to meet local families and learn about their customs.

16:30 PM. After some more hike up to the main road, you will meet driver & get transferred to Don village, where you will check-in the resort & be free at your relaxation.

Dinner on your own

Overnight at Pu Luong Retreat

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), double/twin shared room at Pu Luong retreat for similar

Today, we will have a full day trek through the mountains and valleys of Pu Luong Forest, where you’ll have the chance to admire stunning mountain scenery, explore rustic villages, and interact with the local Thai ethnic community.

After breakfast, check out of your room and set off on a scenic hike that will take you through Don village, Lan Trong and Lan Ngoai villages.

Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.

Continue your trek through Co Lung village, eventually arriving at Hieu village, a picturesque spot perched on a high mountain slope, where the tranquil Hieu waterfall flows day and night.

Settle into a local homestay with a Black Thai ethnic family, enjoy a cozy dinner with your hosts, and spend the night immersed in the warm hospitality of the village.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver in Pu Luong, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch, D-dinner), homestay overnight in Thai Family

After breakfast, we hike down to the main road, where our driver will be waiting to take you to Pho Doan town. From there, you’ll begin a trek from Uoi village, winding through the forest to reach Kho Muong hamlet, a picturesque village nestled in a remote valley at the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Surrounded by lush, green mountains and primeval jungles, Kho Muong is home to around 300 White Thai hill tribe residents, living in 60 traditional households.

After enjoying a lunch of local dishes with a host family in Kho Muong village, your guide will lead you on a walk through the village, including a visit to Kho Muong Cave. Then, continue trekking up to NR15C, where your driver will be waiting to take you on a 4-hour drive back to Hanoi.

The trip concludes when the driver drops you off at your hotel. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on another adventure with GHT!

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Pu Luong – Hanoi, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch).