Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley – Pu Luong

Mai Chau District - Arrive in Mai Chau, known as the capital of the Thai people. Enjoy lunch in a traditional house featuring specialties from the Northwest mountains. Take a brief rest or a quick stroll through the narrow alleys to appreciate the local lifestyle.
• Begin the cycling tour to explore the picturesque Mai Chau valley. Ride through fields and villages, gaining insight into the unique cultural activities 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 location.

Chieu Cave - The next stop is Chieu Cave, also called the Thousand Steps Cave. Climb from the mountain’s base to its peak to enjoy the stunning view 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 in at 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 silk weaving from cocoon to textile, and try weaving your own silk.
Attraction: Chieng Lau Village & Waterwheels (1 hour)
Discover traditional farming practices and observe unique bamboo waterwheels.
Attraction: Cham Stream & Bamboo Rafting (2 hours)
Take a bamboo raft ride, float through rice fields, and enjoy lunch served on board.

Hieu Waterfall - Relax and swim in the waterfall, surrounded by 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 taste homemade rice wine. Explore a traditional home, hear historical stories, and join a cooking class to enjoy a family-prepared meal.
• After lunch, relax before the Natural BMW experience, the Buffalo cart ride. The buffalo, a cherished member of the host family, will take you to where the car awaits, 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 reach 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 - Visit Trang An, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An boasts a magnificent tunnel cave system, which led Kong’s Movie Group to choose this location for the 2016 film “Skull Island.” 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 dedicated to the rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation of endangered primates, and to 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 were excavated here, dating back 7,500 years, 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 this ancient forest of Vietnam.

Van Long Nature Reserve - • 16:00: Arrive at Van Long wetland reserve. Take a rowing boat to explore the wetlands of Van Long and look for birds and primates.
• 17:30: End of the tour, board the bus, and return to Hanoi, 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.