From Hanoi to Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Hanoi: 3 Day Nature & Cultural Discovery

250 $

Duration

3 Days 2 Nights

Tour Type

Private Tour

Transports

Car

Overview Tour

Experience the beauty and cultural diversity of Northern Vietnam on a private 3-day, 2-night journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau, Pu Luong, and Ninh Binh. This tour combines peaceful mountain valleys, terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, traditional local culture, trekking, cycling, and some of the most spectacular landscapes in Northern Vietnam. Begin your journey in Mai Chau, where you will explore peaceful villages and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the White Thai ethnic community. Continue to Pu Luong Nature Reserve for trekking through terraced rice fields, visiting remote villages, and discovering the impressive Doi Cave and traditional bamboo water wheels.  The journey continues to Ninh Binh, where you will explore Mua Cave, cycle through the countryside, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and enjoy a traditional boat trip through Tam Coc or Trang An before returning to Hanoi.

Highlight

  • Explore the peaceful mountain landscapes of Mai Chau and Pu Luong.
  • Visit traditional villages and learn about the culture of the White Thai ethnic community.
  • Cycle through picturesque rice fields and rural villages.
  • Trek through the beautiful Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
  • Visit Kho Muong and Uoi Villages and experience authentic local life.
  • Discover Doi Cave, also known as Bat Cave.
  • See the traditional bamboo water wheels of Pu Luong.
  • Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views over the limestone mountains and rice fields of Ninh Binh.
  • Enjoy a traditional sampan boat trip through Tam Coc or Trang An.
  • Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam.
  • Experience Northern Vietnam through a combination of nature, culture, adventure, and local life.
  • Enjoy the flexibility and privacy of a private tour with your own vehicle and guide.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong

Day 2: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Mua Cave – Tam Coc/Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hanoi

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong
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07:00 – 07:30: Your private vehicle and English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or private address in Hanoi. Begin your journey to Mai Chau in Hoa Binh Province.

09:30 – 10:00: Arrive at Thung Khe Pass, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the region. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

11:00: Visit Mai Chau Flag Tower, located at the summit of Thung Khe Pass. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the Mai Chau Valley while learning about the significance of the Vietnamese national flag.

12:00 – 12:30: Enjoy lunch featuring local specialties prepared according to the traditional Vietnamese concept of balanced flavors and ingredients.

14:00: Begin a cycling tour through the peaceful countryside of Mai Chau. Ride through rice fields and visit traditional villages including Pom Coong, Lac, Nhot, and Na Phon.

Along the way, observe local farmers working in the fields and experience the peaceful rhythm of rural life.

15:30: Learn about the traditions and daily life of the White Thai ethnic community. Visit a local artisan’s home and discover traditional embroidery and weaving techniques.

16:00 – 16:30: Depart Mai Chau and transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The journey takes approximately one hour through scenic mountain roads and terraced rice fields.

17:00: Check in at your accommodation in Pu Luong and enjoy some free time to relax.

19:00: Enjoy dinner at the accommodation featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Overnight: Homestay in Pu Luong.

Day 2: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh
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07:00: Enjoy breakfast and check out.

08:00: Start a trekking journey through the peaceful villages of Kho Muong and Uoi. Walk along small village paths and terraced rice fields while discovering the daily life of local communities.

This relatively easy trek offers beautiful views of one of Pu Luong’s most scenic valleys.

10:00: Continue to Doi Cave, also known as Bat Cave, one of the most impressive caves in Pu Luong. Explore the cave and admire its natural limestone formations.

10:00 – 12:00: Continue exploring the countryside by bicycle, passing through rice fields, limestone mountains, and traditional villages.

12:30: Enjoy lunch featuring local specialties.

14:00: Depart Pu Luong for Ninh Binh. Along the way, stop to see the traditional bamboo water wheels used by local communities to transport water from the rivers to the fields.

17:30: Arrive in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Check in at your accommodation and enjoy free time to relax.

18:30 – 19:00: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Bungalow in Tam Coc.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Mua Cave – Tam Coc/Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hanoi
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07:00 – 08:00: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

09:00: Visit Mua Cave and climb approximately 500 steps to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain.

From the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Tam Coc, limestone mountains, and surrounding rice fields.

11:00 – 11:30: Explore the countryside by bicycle. Ride through peaceful rural roads and rice fields while observing traditional houses and local life.

12:30: Enjoy lunch featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

13:30: After lunch, take a traditional sampan boat operated by a local rower.

Option 1: Tam Coc

Enjoy approximately 1.5 hours cruising along the Ngo Dong River. Pass through limestone mountains, caves, and rice fields. Tam Coc is often known as “Ha Long Bay on Land.”

Option 2: Trang An

Enjoy approximately 2.5 hours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An by traditional rowing boat. Pass through spectacular limestone mountains, water caves, and ancient temples along the Sao Khe River.

15:30: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Explore the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le and learn about Vietnam’s early history.

17:00: Depart Ninh Binh and travel directly back to Hanoi.

19:00: Arrive in Hanoi. Drop off at your hotel or private address in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

End of service.

Continue the journey with us!

Inclusions

Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
English-speaking tour guide.
Hotel/homestay pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Accommodation: 1 night at a homestay in Pu Luong. 1 night at a bungalow in Tam Coc.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: 3 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 2 dinners.
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.
Boat trip in Tam Coc or Trang An.
Cycling activities.
Trekking activities in Pu Luong.
Two bottles of drinking water per person per day.

Exclusions

Drinks and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Tips for tour guide and driver.
Any services not clearly mentioned in the Inclusion section.

For Children

👶 Children under 5 years old: Free of charge when sharing meals, seats, and accommodation with parents.
👶 Children from 5 to 9 years old: Approximately 75% of the adult price.
👶 Children from 10 years old and above: Charged at the adult price.

Price

Number Of People 1 Pax 2 – 3 Pax 4 – 6 Pax 7++ Pax
Price 580$ 350$ 300$ 250$

Travel Tips

  • Wear comfortable walking or trekking shoes for the activities in Pu Luong and Mua Cave.
  • Bring light and comfortable clothing, especially during the warmer months.
  • Prepare a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Bring a light jacket during cooler months, especially for the mountain areas of Mai Chau and Pu Luong.
  • Carry a small backpack for trekking and cycling activities.
  • Bring a waterproof bag or phone protection for the boat trip.
  • Mua Cave involves climbing approximately 500 steps, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
  • The trekking route in Pu Luong can become slippery after rain. Exercise caution and follow your guide’s instructions.
  • Bring some cash for personal expenses, drinks, souvenirs, and tips.
  • The itinerary may be adjusted slightly depending on weather conditions, traffic, and local conditions while maintaining the main attractions and experiences.

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