Time: 4 days, 3 nights
CODE: MCPLNB4D3N
Starting From: 249$ per pax

MAI CHAU – PU LUONG – NINH BINH

This tour provides a great combination of nature, culture, and history. We will take you to the newly established  Pu Luong Nature Reserve of Northern Vietnam – a village home of the White Thai, Black Thai, and Muong Ethnic Minority communities. The scenery is known for large rice terraces and a dreamlike quality similar to Sapa but with less tourist activity.

Ninh Binh Trip Guide for 2025
PU LUONG TOUR
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Mai Chau Trekking: An Authentic Trip To Rural Vietnam
mai chau trekker rice field

GRATUITY NOTE

Tipping is not customary in Vietnam though it is highly appreciated, mostly in our New Year and Tet holiday. In fact, if you do receive a service that completely exceeds your expectation, then a tip is welcome. Please consider our recommendations on when to tip in Vietnam.

  • Tour guide: Tipping Expected.
  • Tour driver: Tipping Expected.
  • Homestay/ Hotel: Tipping optional.
  • Taxi driver, restaurants: Tipping optional.

Stunning Scenery

Local Homestay

Wildlife

TRIP ITINERARY

day 1: HANOI – MAI CHAU – SHORT TREK

Our private car and guide will pick you up at your hotel at 8:00 AM then we head toward Mai Chau, which is 160 km from Hanoi. On our arrival, you will start the trek through the forest, towards open rice fields, passing tiny villages, and meeting local farmers at work.

Your adventure will continue until you reach a valley that is home to the White Thai community. Then, spend an overnight at a local homestay.

Day 2: BAN TE – PU LUONG – TREKKING IN PU LUONG

Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers you chances to explore the pristine and peaceful land of ethnic minority villages.

Hop in the car to Hieu Hamlet – the most beautiful and remote hamlet in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. From there you will continue trekking up along the captivating waterfall. Here, you will see water wheels, a unique cultural innovation of Thai and Muong people living in the nature reserve of Pu Luong to provide irrigation for their farming activities.

Overnight at bungalow/ homestay.

Day 3: PU LUONG – NINH BINH - TAM COC DISCOVERY – BICH DONG PAGODA

Continue your trip towards Ninh Binh – so-called ‘Ha Long Bay on land’. Arriving in Tam Coc, you will start your adventure by cycling around the Tam Coc area.

You’ll travel by bike to visit the breathtaking Bich Dong pagoda. Overnight at a local homestay.

Day 4: TRANG AN UNESCO BOAT RIDE – HOA LU TEMPLES – HANOI

You will travel about 3 hours by boat along the Ngo Dong River, stopping at Hoa Lu, an ancient 10th-century capital of early Vietnam, to visit the temples of historic dynastic royalty. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the rich and dynamic history of Vietnam before departing back to Hanoi.

End tour in Hanoi.

The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.

  • Included: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, activities & meals mentioned above.
  • Not included: Airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses & all other services not clearly mentioned above.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

READY TO EXPLORE MAI CHAU – PU LUONG – NINH BINH?

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