Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh 5 Days 4 Nights

Mai Chau · Pu Luong · Ninh Binh 5 Days 4 Nights

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Official itineraryfrom the supplied PDF

Listed inclusionsmatched to the programme

English-speaking guideas stated in the programme

Local supportbefore and during the tour

Overview

Mai Chau is a picturesque rural district located in Phu Tho province, about 140 kilometers from Hanoi. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, including lush green rice paddies, towering limestone mountains, and serene valleys. The area is home to several ethnic minority groups, primarily the White Thai people, who live in traditional stilt houses. Nhim Cave in Mai Chau is a stunning natural cave that is one of the highlights of the region’s rural and scenic beauty. Situated in the northern mountainous area of Vietnam, Nhim Cave is famous for its unique geological formations, lush surroundings, and cultural significance. Discover the Charm of Pu Luong Nature Reserve on this Wander through scenic terraced rice paddies and traditional villages, gaining insights into local life and craftsmanship. Engage with residents in their homes and gardens for a truly authentic experience. Enjoy a delightful lunch on the Boat and swim in the refreshing waters of Cham Stream during a bamboo rafting journey. Observe traditional farming practices in Chieng Lau Village and visit the picturesque Waterwheels. This tour offers a captivating blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration in rural Vietnam. Ninh Binh: Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” Ninh Binh is famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes, ancient temples, and serene rivers. Take a boat ride through the picturesque Trang An, through the countryside, and visit historical sites like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The panoramic views from Mua Cave are a must-see, offering a stunning vista of the surrounding area. Cuc Phuong National Park: As Vietnam’s first national park, Cuc Phuong is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and ancient primary rainforest. The park is home to many endangered species, including the Asian black bear and the Delacour’s langur. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and explore the Cave of Prehistoric Man. Van Long Wetland Reserve: Known as the “bay without waves,” Van Long is famous for its tranquil waters and towering limestone karsts. It’s a haven for wildlife, including the rare Delacour’s langur. A boat ride through the wetlands offers a chance to see birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Official package prices

Package	Price / person	Room	Single surcharge
Standard	$365	Homestay in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh	$20/ Night
Deluxe	$399	Eco Lodge in Pu Luong, Deluxe Hotel in Ninh Binh	$25/ Night
Premium	$416	Eco Resort in Pu Luong, Premium Hotel in Ninh Binh	$35/ Night

Children’s rates

0 – 5 years old: One child in this age group can join the tour free of charge. Transportation costs $18 USD per way for a private seat on the Car transfer. This child will share a bed with their parents. For each additional child in this age group, the cost is 50% of the adult price, including transportation.
6 – 9 years old: 75% of the adult price, with an extra bed provided.
10 years and older: 100% of the adult price, with an extra bed provided.

Please note: For safety reasons, the itinerary may change due to force majeure,
such as natural disasters, epidemics, or as required by local authorities or the tour
operator.

Package options

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Package

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Guide language

Guests

AdultAge 12+

$365

ChildrenAge 6–11 · see policy below

InfantsAge 0–5 · see policy below

Free

Children’s rates & policy

0 - 5 years old: One child in this age group can join the tour free of charge. Transportation costs $18 USD per way for a private seat on the Car transfer. This child will share a bed with their parents. For each additional child in this age group, the cost is 50% of the adult price, including transportation.
6 - 9 years old: 75% of the adult price, with an extra bed provided.
10 years and older: 100% of the adult price, with an extra bed provided.

Total $730

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Highlights

Cycling
Trekking Local House
Rice fields
Cooking class
Buffalo Card Ride
Silk Village
Bamboo Rafting
Water Wheels
Cuc Phuong National Park
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Mua Cave
Trang An

What to expect 5-day itinerary

1 Day 1 Ha Noi - Mai Chau Valley– Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

07:00 – Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter and depart for Mai Chau, with approximately 3.5 hours of driving.

10:30 – 13:30 – Arrive in Mai Chau, enjoy lunch at a traditional house, and take a short rest or walk through the local alleys to experience the daily life of the Thai community.

13:30 – 17:00 – Cycle through the beautiful Mai Chau Valley, passing through rice fields and traditional villages. Discover the culture of the White Thai people, visit local brocade production facilities, and explore Nhim Cave, climbing to the mountaintop for panoramic views of the valley.

17:00 – 18:30 – Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

18:30 – Arrive at Pu Luong, check in at the hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax.

2 Day 2 Silk-weaving, Waterwheels, Rafting, Floating Lunch, Hieu Waterfall (B,L,D).

08:00 – 10:00 – Pick up from the hotel and travel through rice fields and mountains to Lan Village. Visit a Thai household, learn about the traditional silk-weaving process from cocoon to textile, and try weaving your own silk. Continue to Chieng Lau Village to observe traditional farming practices and ancient waterwheels, then trek 1–2 km to Cham Stream, stopping at a traditional local house along the way.

10:00 – 10:45 – Trek from Chieng Lau Village to Cham Stream.

10:45 – 11:30 – Enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along Cham Stream, floating through lush forests, rice fields, and charming villages.

11:30 – 13:00 – Enjoy lunch on the bamboo raft amid the peaceful natural scenery.

13:00 – 16:00 – Depending on weather and seasonal conditions, relax at Hieu Waterfall or trek through Kho Muong Village and visit Bat Cave.

16:00 – Return to the lodge in Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

3 Day 3 Cycling, Cooking Class, Buffalo cart ride – Ninh Binh. (B,L,D)

08:00 – 12:30 – Check out and head to the Bamboo Bridge over the Ma River. Cross the bridge and cycle through Chieng Ai Village, visit local families, learn about traditional rice wine production and taste homemade rice wine, explore a traditional home, listen to local historical stories, and join a cooking class with a local family.

12:30 – 13:00 – Enjoy a traditional buffalo cart ride before departing from Pu Luong.

13:00 – 17:00 – Transfer to Ninh Binh

17:00 – Arrive at the lodge and enjoy free time to relax around the pool or on the terrace.

4 Day 4 Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Trang An – Ha Noi.

08:00 – 09:30 – Pick up from the hotel and visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010, while learning about the history of the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

09:30 – 12:00 – Continue to Mua Cave and climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views over Tam Coc.

12:00 – 13:30 – Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch featuring regional specialties, with vegetarian options available.

13:30 – 17:00 – Take a scenic boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, exploring peaceful waterways, towering limestone mountains, and spectacular tunnel caves.

17:00 – Return to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Pu Luong rice terraces and local village experience 6

5 Day 5 Cuc Phuong National Park - Van Long Wetland Reserve.

08:00 – 09:40 – Pick up from your hotel in Ninh Binh and transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park.

09:40 – 12:40 – Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, the Monkey Conservation Center, and Nguoi Xua Cave, also known as the Cave of Prehistoric Man. Then take a short trek through the national park to discover its rich flora and fauna.

12:40 – 13:40 – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

13:40 – 16:00 – Continue to Van Long Wetland Reserve.

16:00 – 17:30 – Take a peaceful rowing boat trip through the wetlands and observe birds, primates, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. 17:30–19:30/

20:00 – Depart from Van Long and transfer back to Hanoi.

19:30 – 20:00 – Arrive in Hanoi. Tour ends.

Pu Luong rice terraces and local village experience 3

What's included

Private room with Wi-Fi and access to a shared swimming pool.
Pick-up/drop-off by Bus with an experienced driver.
Lunch on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4, Day 5.
Dinner on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, Day 4.
Bamboo rafting experience with an onboard lunch included.
Visits to local houses, waterwheels, and farms.
Guided tours with English-speaking local guides.
Trekking in the village.
Bottled water on tour.
Cooking class.
The buffalo cart ride.
Entry fees.

8% VAT (Government tax).
Drinks, tips, personal expenses.
Insurance.

Good to know

Please noteFor safety reasons, the itinerary may change due to force majeure, such as natural disasters, epidemics, or as required by local authorities or the tour operator.
SourceOfficial tour programme supplied by the operator.

Traveller reviews

Verified on Google & TripAdvisor

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 47 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Helen Gemmell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was a brilliant trip. Was able to see the real Vietnam visiting the rice fields, water wheel, market, weaving and real house.
Guide was excellent - very friendly and informative.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mai Phạm 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 3-day trip to Pù Luông was amazing! Stunning rice terraces, peaceful villages, and friendly locals made it unforgettable. The homestay was cozy, and the food was delicious. Trekking through nature was refreshing. A perfect getaway!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alejandro Lopez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am really impressed with the way this tour operator works. I have traveled to many places in Vietnam and they supported me very well. Thank you for that. If you need a reputable place to travel, contact them. I highly recommend them :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   GAVIN WELCH 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a 3 day 2 night tour in November and Nga Lila was a great tour guide. She was caring and very knowledgeable and her English was excellent. Book a tour and you will be not disappointed. Thanks again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shirl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great tour in Pu Loung with Nga. She was super friendly, informative and just so nice. We had 2 days, walking through a farm, traditional village, cycling, lunch with a family, Buffalo ride, water wheels, rafting. A great experience, highly recommend the tour with Nga.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 326 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ivan S 
 
 
 
 Verified Maravillas de Pu Luong
La experiencia fue genial, sobre todo por la atención y simpatía de Hanna. Sin duda repetía.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Antoine B 
 
 
 
 Verified Une belle journée
Merci a Eddie pour cette super expérience !
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dorte P 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing
Amazing with a wonderful guide Eddie. We enjoyed it a lot.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Vladimir B 
 
 
 
 Verified Hana our tour Guide was outstanding
Hana Was my best guide while in North Vietnam . She had the best English overall, very knowledgeable and a true Nature lover . She went the extra mile to ensure an experimce of True Vietnam .
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sabrina R 
 
 
 
 Verified Lovely experience
My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Eddie who kindly took us around Pu Luong to visit the villages, learning about their history and artwork, followed by trekking, wonderful lunch on a raft and a lovely swim at the waterfall. We really enjoyed our time!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Boyd v 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic
Beautiful day! Saw beautiful things, when I come back I will definitely visit it again. Hana guided the day well!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Explore06226362858 
 
 
 
 Verified A Wonderful Day with an Excellent Guide
We had a wonderful day with our guide. He was extremely professional, kind, patient, and pleasant throughout the entire day. He was very knowledgeable, attentive to our needs, and made sure we felt comfortable and enjoyed every moment. We truly had a lovely day with him and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an excellent guide. Thank you for making our day so enjoyable and memorable!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Eve s 
 
 
 
 Verified Extraordinary
Hana was an extraordinary guide! Super attentive and friendly! The trip was super complete...from walking through the rice paddies to being able to enter a Thai house where the owners offered us tea...from seeing cotton weaving to having lunch on the raft with delicious food, it will be unforgettable! Thank you very much!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lea C 
 
 
 
 Verified Half day with Hana
Great experience, thanks to Hana for her good humor, her explanations about the culture of the places visited. The group was great, we had an excellent half day! I recommend it 100% 😁