Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley – Pu Luong

Mai Chau District - Arrive in Mai Chau, known as the heart of the Thai community. Enjoy a delightful lunch in a traditional house featuring specialties from the Northwest mountains. Take a brief rest or stroll through the narrow alleys to appreciate the local lifestyle.
• Embark on a cycling tour to explore the picturesque Mai Chau valley. Ride through fields and villages, gaining insight into the unique cultural practices of the White Thai ethnic group. Pause to visit local brocade production facilities. Feel free to explore the shops and purchase souvenirs from this distinctive area.

Chieu Cave - The next stop is Chieu Cave, also referred to as the Thousand Steps Cave. Begin your ascent from the mountain’s base to reach the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mai Chau valley. Return to the homestay for a tea break.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - • 17:00 – Board the bus to Pu Luong.
• 18:30 Arrive at Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Check into the hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax.

Pu Luong – Silk Weaving, Waterwheels, Bamboo Rafting

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Attraction: Lan Village (2 hours)
Visit Thai families, learn the process of silk weaving from cocoon to textile, and try weaving your own silk.
Attraction: Chieng Lau Village & Waterwheels (1 hour)
Explore traditional farming methods and observe unique bamboo waterwheels.
Attraction: Cham Stream & Bamboo Rafting (2 hours)
Enjoy a bamboo raft ride through rice fields, with lunch served on board.

Hieu Waterfall - Relax and swim in the waterfall, surrounded by lush forest scenery.

Pu Luong – Cultural Experiences: Cooking Class, Buffalo Cart Ride – Ninh Binh

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - • 08:00 -08:30: Check out of the lodge and head to the Bamboo Bridge over the Ma River. Enjoy scenic views and observe local artisans at work.
• Cross the bridge and cycle through Chieng Ai Village. Visit local families, learn about rice wine production, and sample homemade rice wine. Explore a traditional home, listen to historical stories, and participate in a cooking class to enjoy a family-prepared meal.
• After lunch, unwind before experiencing the Natural BMW, the Buffalo cart ride. The buffalo, a valued member of the host family, will guide you to the car, sharing the region’s culture and hospitality.
• 12:30 End of the Tour.
• 13:00 – 13:30: Bid farewell to the wonderful Pu Luong Nature Reserve and begin the journey to Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh.
• 17:00: Arrive at the lodge and enjoy free time to relax by the pool or on the terrace, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Trang An – Ha Noi

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, and learn about Vietnam’s first feudal dynasties.

Mua Caves - Climb 500 steps to Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views of Tam Coc.

Trang An Landscape Complex - Explore Trang An, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An boasts a stunning tunnel cave system, chosen by Kong’s Movie Group for the 2016 “Skull Island” film. Spend 2 hours on a boat trip, captivated by the beauty of the area.

Cuc Phuong National Park - Van Long Wetland Reserve

Cuc Phuong National Park - • 08:00 – 08:30: Pick-up from your hotel in Ninh Binh.
• 09:40: Arrive at Cuc Phuong to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, a non-profit organization focused on the rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation of endangered primates, and the protection of their habitats. Visit the Monkey Conservation Center for 40 minutes, then explore Nguoi Xua Cave, the Cave of Prehistoric Man. In 1966, graves and tools dating back 7500 years were excavated here, making it one of the oldest sites of human habitation in Vietnam.
• 12:40: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• 13:40: Continue with a short trek into the National Park for sightseeing and to learn more about the fauna and flora in Vietnam’s oldest forest.

Van Long Nature Reserve - • 16:00: Arrive at Van Long wetland reserve. Take a rowing boat to explore the wetlands, and look for birds and primates.
• 17:30: End of tour, board the bus back to Ha Noi, arriving between 19:30 and 20:00.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Drinks, tips, personal expenses & insurance

This 5-day adventure provides an ideal mix of culture, excitement, and relaxation throughout Northern Vietnam. Unlike typical tours, it features genuine homestay experiences alongside comfortable eco-lodges, allowing travelers to engage deeply with local communities. Participants will cycle through rice fields, learn the art of traditional silk weaving, take part in cooking classes, and even enjoy a buffalo cart ride — experiences seldom found in a single itinerary.

The tour seamlessly combines famous landmarks with hidden treasures: ascend the 500 steps of Mua Cave for breathtaking views, raft along Cham Stream with an onboard lunch, and trek through Vietnam’s oldest rainforest. Each day brings new adventures — from UNESCO sites in Ninh Binh to the unique wildlife of Cuc Phuong and Van Long.

With small group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and a thoughtfully curated blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, this tour is an exceptional way to discover the essence of Northern Vietnam.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.