Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay 6 Days 5 Nights

Mai Chau · Pu Luong · Ninh Binh · Ha Long Bay 6 Days 5 Nights

Ha Long Bay limestone islands and cruise scenery 2

+46 photos

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. Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders, Ha Long Bay captivates visitors with emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the breathtaking seascape, explore the impressive Sung Sot Cave, relax or hike to the panoramic viewpoint on Titop Island, and kayak around Luon Cave’s peaceful waters. With its blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery, Ha Long Bay is truly an unforgettable highlight of Vietnam.

Official package prices

Package	Price / person	Room	Single surcharge
Standard	$558	Homestay in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh	$20/ Night
Deluxe	$612	Eco Lodge in Pu Luong, Deluxe Hotel in Ninh Binh	$25/ Night
Premium	$645	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

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 6-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 rice fields and traditional villages. Discover the unique culture of the White Thai people, visit local brocade production facilities, and continue to Nhim Cave to enjoy panoramic views of Mai Chau Valley.

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

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

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

08:00 – 10:45 – Pick up from the hotel and travel through rice fields and mountains to Lan Village. Visit a Thai household to learn about traditional silk weaving 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.

10:45 – 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 hands-on 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 by the pool or on the terrace.

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

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 two-hour 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 the hotel in Ninh Binh.

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

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

09:40 – 12:40 – Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and Monkey Conservation Centre, then explore Nguoi Xua Cave, one of Vietnam's oldest archaeological sites. Continue with a short trek through the national park to discover its diverse flora and fauna.

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

13:40 – 17:30 – Continue to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve and take a peaceful rowing boat trip through the wetlands while observing the surrounding landscapes, birds, and wildlife.

17:30 – Return to the hotel in Ninh Binh.

6 Day 6 Sung Sot Cave – Titop Island – Kayaking at Luon Cave.

07:00 – 11:30 – Pick up from the hotel in Ninh Binh and transfer to Ha Long Bay. Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor and board the luxury cruise.

11:30 – 12:30 – Enjoy a welcome drink and begin cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12:30 – 14:00 – Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch on board while admiring the breathtaking limestone islands and seascape of Ha Long Bay.

14:00 – 16:30 – Explore Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, and visit Titop Island for swimming or hiking to the viewpoint. Enjoy a sunset party while cruising back to the harbor.

18:00 – 18:15 – Arrive at the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi.

21:00 – Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends.

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, Day 6.
Dinner on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, Day 4, Day 5.
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.
Kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave, Sunset party.

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

Good to know

Children's rates0 - 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 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.

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